PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS TRUST /MA/
485BPOS, 2000-04-13
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                                                         File No. 33-84546
                                                         File No. 811-8786

As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on  April 13, 2000



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933    /_X__/
         Pre-Effective Amendment No.  ___                  /_ __/
         Post-Effective Amendment No. _13_                 /_X__/

                                     and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT     _____
OF 1940                                                    /_X__/

         Amendment No. 14                                  /_X__/

                           (Check appropriate box or boxes)

                       PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS TRUST
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

                  60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
                (Address of principal executive office) Zip Code

                                 (617) 742-7825
              (Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)

                  Joseph P. Barri, Hale and Dorr LLP, 60 State
                            Street, Boston, MA 02109
                     (Name and address of agent for service)

         It  is  proposed  that  this  filing  will  become effective (check
appropriate box):

         ___ immediately  upon filing  pursuant to paragraph (b)
         _X_ on May 1, 2000 pursuant to paragraph  (b)
         ___ 60 days after  filing  pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
         ___ on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
         ___ 75 days after  filing  pursuant to paragraph  (a)(2)
         ___ on [date]  pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485


<PAGE>

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust
Class I Shares Prospectus
May 1, 2000

Introduction

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust is an open-end management investment company
that currently consists of fifteen distinct portfolios. Pioneer Investment
Management, Inc. (Pioneer) is the investment adviser to each portfolio. Class I
shares of the portfolios are offered through this prospectus. Shares of the
portfolios are offered primarily to insurance companies to fund the benefits
under variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts (Variable
Contracts) issued by their companies. You may obtain certain tax benefits by
purchasing a Variable Contract.


Each portfolio has its own distinct investment objective and policies. In
striving to meet its objective, each portfolio will face the challenges of
changing business, economic and market conditions. Each portfolio offers
different levels of potential return and risks. These risks are discussed in the
description of each portfolio.

No single portfolio constitutes a complete investment plan. Each portfolio's
share price (except as described below for Money Market portfolio), yield and
total return will fluctuate and an investment in a portfolio may be worth more
or less than the original cost when shares are redeemed. Money Market portfolio
seeks to maintain a constant $1.00 share price although there can be no
assurance it will do so.

Each portfolio complies with various insurance regulations. Please read your
insurance company's separate account prospectus for more specific information
relating to insurance regulations and instructions on how to invest among the
portfolios through a Variable Contract.


<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
Contents
Basic information about the portfolios .........  2
Common portfolio investment policies ........... 64
Management ..................................... 64
Distributions and taxes ........................ 65
Shareholder information ........................ 65
</TABLE>

An investment in a portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.


Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency
has approved the portfolios' shares or determined whether this prospectus is
accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a crime.

Portfolios

Strategic focus


America Income invests for as high a level of current income as is consistent
with the preservation of capital. The portfolio invests in U.S. government
securities.

Balanced invests for capital growth and current income by actively managing
investments in a diversified portfolio of common stocks and bonds.

Emerging Markets invests in emerging market issuers for long-term growth of
capital.

Equity-Income invests in a portfolio of income producing equity securities of
U.S. corporations for current income and long-term capital growth.

Europe invests in European issuers for long-term growth of capital.

Growth Shares invests in equity securities for appreciation of capital.

High Yield invests in below investment grade debt securities and preferred
stocks to maximize total return.

International Growth invests primarily in non-U.S. equity securities for
long-term growth of capital.

Mid-Cap Value invests in a diversified portfolio of common stocks for capital
appreciation.

Money Market invests for current income consistent with preserving capital and
providing liquidity.

Pioneer Fund invests in a broad list of carefully selected, reasonably priced
securities for reasonable income and growth.

Real Estate Growth invests primarily in REITs and other real estate industry
companies for long-term growth of capital. Current income is the portfolio's
secondary investment objective.

Science & Technology invests for capital growth in common stock and other
equity securities of companies expected to benefit from the development,
advancement or use of science or technology.

Strategic Income invests in debt securities for a high level of current income.

Swiss Franc Bond invests to approximate the performance of the Swiss franc
relative to the U.S. dollar while earning a reasonable level of income.


                                       1
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer America Income VCT Portfolio

Investment objective
As high a level of current income as is consistent with preservation of
capital.


Principal investment strategies

Normally, the portfolio invests exclusively in U.S. government securities and
repurchase agreements and "when-issued" commitments with respect to these
securities. These securities include:

      - U.S. Treasury obligations, which differ only in their interest rates,
        maturities and times of issuance, including U.S. Treasury bills
        (maturities of one year or less), U.S. Treasury notes (maturities of one
        to 10 years), and U.S. Treasury bonds (generally maturities greater than
        10 years)

      - Obligations issued by or guaranteed as to payment of principal and
        interest by the U.S. Treasury and certain agencies and instrumentalities
        of the U.S. government, such as Government National Mortgage Association
        (GNMA) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

      - Securities issued by an agency or instrumentality that are not
        guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, such as securities issued by Student
        Loan Marketing Association (SLMA) and Federal National Mortgage
        Association (FNMA), which are supported by the right to borrow money
        from the U.S. Treasury under certain circumstances, or securities issued
        by the Federal Home Loan Bank which are supported solely by the credit
        of the agency

The portfolio's investments may have fixed or variable principal payments and
all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate,
adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction
rate features. The portfolio may invest in securities of any maturity. Although
the average dollar weighted maturity of the portfolio's assets may vary
significantly, it generally will not exceed 20 years.


Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, considers both broad economic and
issuer specific factors in selecting a portfolio designed to achieve the
portfolio's investment objective. In assessing the appropriate maturity and
sector weighting for the portfolio, Pioneer considers a variety of factors that
are expected to influence economic activity and interest rates. These factors
include fundamental economic indicators, such as the rates of economic growth
and inflation, Federal Reserve monetary policy and the relative value of the
U.S. dollar compared to other currencies. Once Pioneer determines the
preferable portfolio characteristics, Pioneer selects individual securities
based upon the terms of the securities (such as yields compared to U.S.
Treasuries or comparable issues), liquidity, sector and issuer diversification.
Pioneer also employs due diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of
the issuer based on its financial statements and operations, to assess an
issuer's credit quality.

In making portfolio decisions, Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and
judgment of its staff who have access to a wide variety of research.


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks a high level of current income and preservation
of capital, you could lose money on your investment or the portfolio could fail
to generate current income if:

      - Interest rates go up causing the value of the portfolio's investments to
        decline
      - During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a security may
        exercise its option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing
        the portfolio to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as
        call or prepayment risk
      - During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain
        types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected
        principal payments. This may lock in a below market interest rate,
        increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security.
        This is known as extension risk
      - Pioneer's judgment about the attractiveness, relative value or potential
        appreciation of a particular sector, security or investment strategy
        proves to be incorrect

To the extent the portfolio invests significantly in mortgage-backed
securities, its exposure to prepayment and extension risks may be greater than
other investments in fixed income securities. Mortgage derivatives held by the
portfolio may have especially volatile prices and may have a disproportionate
effect on the portfolio's share price.

Not all U.S. government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of
the United States. Some agencies and instrumentalities, such as SLMA and FNMA,
are only supported by the right to borrow money from the U.S. Treasury under
certain circumstances. Other agencies and instrumentalities, such as the
Federal Home Loan Bank, are supported solely by the credit of the agency. The
guarantee by the U.S. Treasury or agency or instrumentality of the U.S.
government applies only to payment of principal and interest and does not
extend to the market value of the security.

                                       2
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.


The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.



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

Portfolio performance
The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 1, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.


The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 4.75% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98)
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was 1.52% (3/31/99 to 6/30/99)


Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

[Begin Bar chart]

<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
'96          1.30
'97          8.44
'98          8.15
'99         -2.52
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]


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

Comparison with Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index
The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Lehman
Brothers Government Bond Index. This index is a measure of the performance of
U.S. Treasury debt, all publicly issued debt of U.S. government agencies and
quasi-federal corporations, and corporate debt guaranteed by the U.S.
government. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and does not incur
expenses. The table assumes:

- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- -----------------------------------------------------
                                 Since      Inception
                 1 Year      Inception           Date
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>             <C>          <C>
Class I           -2.52           4.26         3/1/95
- -----------------------------------------------------
LB Govt
Bond Index        -2.23           6.39             --
- -----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       3
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies
As discussed, the portfolio invests exclusively in U.S. government securities
and repurchase agreements and "when-issued" commitments with respect to these
securities.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Additional information about debt securities

The portfolio may invest in mortgage-backed securities issued by agencies or
instrumentalities of the U.S. government. These securities represent direct or
indirect participation in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage
loans secured by real estate. Certain debt instruments may only pay principal
at maturity or may only represent the right to receive payments of principal or
payments of interest on underlying pools of mortgage or government securities,
but not both. The value of these types of instruments may change more
drastically than debt securities that pay both principal and interest during
periods of changing interest rates. Principal only mortgage-backed securities
generally increase in value if interest rates decline, but are also subject to
the risk of prepayment. Interest only instruments generally increase in value
in a rising interest rate environment when fewer of the underlying mortgages
are prepaid. For mortgage derivatives and structured securities that have
imbedded leverage features, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may
cause large and sudden price movements. Mortgage derivatives can also become
illiquid and hard to value in declining markets.


Repurchase agreements
Repurchase agreements are arrangements under which the portfolio purchases
securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the securities within a specific
time and at a specific price. The repurchase price is generally higher than the
portfolio's purchase price, with the difference being income to the portfolio.
The other party's obligations under the repurchase agreement are collateralized
with U.S. Treasury and/or agency obligations with a market value of not less
than 100% of the obligations, valued daily. Repurchase agreements afford the
portfolio an opportunity to earn income on temporarily available cash at low
risk. However, in the event that the other party to the repurchase agreement
defaults on its obligations, the portfolio may encounter delay and incur costs
before being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve loss of
interest or a decline in price of the security. In addition, if the portfolio
is characterized by a court as an unsecured creditor, it would be at risk of
losing some or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction.

"When-Issued" securities
The portfolio may purchase and sell securities, including GNMA certificates, on
a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. These transactions arise when
securities are purchased or sold by the portfolio with payment and delivery
taking place at a fixed future date. The portfolio may engage in these
transactions when it believes they would result in a favorable price and yield
for the security being purchased or sold. The market value of when-issued or
delayed delivery transactions may increase or decrease as a result of changes
in interest rates. These transactions involve risk of loss if the value of the
underlying security changes unfavorably before the settlement date. There is
also a risk that the other party to the transaction will default on its
obligation to purchase or sell the security, which may result in the portfolio
missing the opportunity to obtain a favorable price or yield elsewhere.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of a team of fixed
income portfolio managers and analysts supervised by Sherman B. Russ and
Kenneth J. Taubes. Mr. Russ and Mr. Taubes are jointly responsible for
overseeing Pioneer's U.S. and global fixed income team. Mr. Russ is a senior
vice President of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1983 as an assistant portfolio
manager and has been an investment professional since 1962. Mr. Taubes joined
Pioneer as a senior vice president in September 1998 and has been an investment
professional since 1986. Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Taubes had served since
1991 as a senior vice president and senior portfolio manager for several Putnam
Investments institutional accounts and mutual funds.


                                       4
<PAGE>


Mr. Russ, Mr. Taubes and their team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.55% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. This fee is
normally computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all
or a portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to
limit the portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.25% of
the portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management
fee equal to 0.55% of the portfolio's average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio declares a dividend daily. The dividend consists of substantially
all of the portfolio's net income. Investors begin to earn dividends on the
first business day following receipt of payment for shares and continue to earn
dividends up to and including the date of sale. Dividends are normally paid on
the last business day of each month. The portfolio generally makes
distributions of any net short- and long-term capital gains in June. The
portfolio may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if
necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.







                                       5
<PAGE>

Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.

Pioneer America Income VCT Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             For the year ended December 31,                March 1,
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------      1995 through
                                                     1999          1998         1997         1996       December 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>              <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period               $ 10.29       $ 10.04      $  9.78       $10.18           $10.00
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                      $  0.56       $  0.55      $  0.54       $ 0.52           $ 0.38
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investments                                     (0.81)         0.25         0.26        (0.40)            0.18
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease)
   from investment operations                      $ (0.25)      $  0.80      $  0.80       $ 0.12           $ 0.56
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                               (0.56)        (0.55)       (0.54)       (0.52)           (0.38)
 Net realized gain                                   (0.01)           --           --           --                --
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value       $ (0.82)      $  0.25      $  0.26       $(0.40)          $ 0.18
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                     $  9.47       $ 10.29      $ 10.04       $ 9.78           $10.18
                                                   ======================================================================
Total return*                                        (2.52)%        8.15%        8.44%        1.30%            5.68%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+          0.81%         0.94%        1.26%        1.31%            1.12%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
 to average net assets+                               5.64%         5.35%        5.46%        5.25%            5.22%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                 41%           36%          11%          60%              96%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)           $29,779       $28,822      $14,519       $6,872           $3,514
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         0.81%         0.94%        1.43%        2.24%           11.86%**
 Net investment income (loss)                         5.64%         5.35%        5.29%        4.32%           (5.52)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         0.79%         0.93%        1.23%        1.25%            0.99%**
 Net investment income (loss)                         5.66%         5.36%        5.49%        5.31%            5.35%**
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.

                                       6
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Balanced VCT Portfolio

Investment objectives
Capital growth and current income by actively managing investments in a
diversified portfolio of equity securities and bonds.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Asset allocation


 Pioneer allocates the portfolio's assets between equity and debt securities
 based on its assessment of current business, economic and market conditions.
 Normally, equity and debt securities each represent 35% to 65% of the
 portfolio's assets.


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


Principal investment strategies

The portfolio's equity investments include common stocks, interests in real
estate investment trusts (REITs), and securities with common stock
characteristics, such as convertible bonds and preferred stocks. The portfolio's
investments in debt securities include U.S. government securities, corporate
debt securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities and commercial paper.
Debt securities in which the portfolio invests may have all types of interest
rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero
coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind and auction rate features.


The portfolio uses a "growth at a reasonable price" style of management in
selecting equity securities. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks to
invest in companies with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth
that are also trading at attractive market valuations. To select stocks, Pioneer
employs due diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer
based on its financial statements and operations. Factors Pioneer looks for in
selecting investments include:


      - Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk
      - Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash
        flow and sales
      - Increasing earnings forecast


Pioneer considers both broad economic and issuer specific factors in selecting
debt securities for the portfolio. In assessing the appropriate maturity and
sector weighting for the portfolio, Pioneer considers a variety of factors that
are expected to influence economic activity and interest rates. These factors
include fundamental economic indicators such as the rates of economic growth
and inflation, Federal Reserve monetary policy and the relative value of the
U.S. dollar compared to other currencies. Once Pioneer determines the
preferable portfolio characteristics, Pioneer selects individual securities
based upon the terms of the securities (such as yields compared to U.S.
Treasuries or comparable issues), liquidity, sector and issuer diversification.
Pioneer also employs due diligence and fundamental research to assess an
issuer's credit quality, taking into account financial condition and
profitability, future capital needs, potential for change in rating, industry
outlook, the competitive environment and management ability.

In making portfolio decisions, Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and
judgment of its staff who have access to a wide variety of research.


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks capital growth and current income, you could
lose money on your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere
if:

      - The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)
      - The portfolio's equity investments do not have the growth potential
        originally expected
      - Stocks selected for income do not achieve the same return as securities
        selected for capital growth

The portfolio also has risks associated with investing in bonds. The portfolio
could underperform other investments if:
      - Interest rates go up causing the value of the portfolio's investments to
        decline
      - The issuer of a debt security owned by the portfolio defaults on its
        obligation to pay principal or interest or has its credit rating
        downgraded
      - During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a security may
        exercise its option to prepay earlier than scheduled, forcing the
        portfolio to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as
        call or prepayment risk
      - During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain
        types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected
        principal payments. This may lock in a below market interest rate,
        increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security.
        This is known as extension risk.
      - Pioneer's judgment about the attractiveness, relative value or potential
        appreciation of a particular sector, security or investment strategy
        proves to be incorrect

                                       7
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risk of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may make or lose money on your
investment.



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

Portfolio performance
The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 1, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 10.05% (3/31/97 to
6/30/97).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -6.32% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).


Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

[Begin Bar chart]

<TABLE>
<S>          <C>
'96          14.25
'97          17.62
'98           2.64
'99           2.53
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]



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

Comparison with Standard & Poor's 500 Index and Lehman Brothers
Government/Corporate Bond Index
The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index and the Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Bond Index. Standard &
Poor's 500 Index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500
widely held common stocks. The Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Bond Index
is a composite index of the U.S. bond market. Unlike the portfolio, the indices
are not managed and do not incur expenses. The table assumes:
- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- --------------------------------------------------------
                                    Since      Inception
                    1 Year      Inception           Date
- --------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>        <C>         <C>
Class I               2.53          11.71         3/1/95
- --------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index        20.99          27.62             --
- --------------------------------------------------------
LB Govt/Corp
Bond Index           -2.15           6.92             --
- --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       8
<PAGE>

Other investment policies
As discussed, the portfolio primarily invests in equity securities and bonds to
seek capital growth and current income.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).


More on principal investments
The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in real estate investment trusts. Real estate investment trusts are
pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in real estate or real estate
related loans. Investing in real estate investment trusts involves unique
risks. They are significantly affected by the market for real estate and are
dependent upon management skills and cash flow.

The fund may invest in U.S. government securities. U.S. government securities
include obligations: directly issued by or supported by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. government, like Treasury bills, notes and bonds and
Government National Mortgage Association certificates; supported by the right
of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, like those of the Federal Home
Loan Banks; supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to
purchase the agency's securities, like those of the Federal National Mortgage
Association; or supported only by the credit of the issuer itself, like the
Tennessee Valley Authority.

The fund may invest in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.
Mortgage-related securities may be issued by private companies or by agencies
of the U.S. government and represent direct or indirect participation in, or
are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real
property. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured
by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts,
leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables.

Certain debt instruments may only pay principal at maturity or may only
represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of interest on
underlying pools of mortgage or government securities, but not both. The value
of these types of instruments may change more drastically than debt securities
that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing interest rates.
Principal only mortgage backed securities generally increase in value if
interest rates decline, but are also subject to the risk of prepayment.
Interest only instruments generally increase in value in a rising interest rate
environment when fewer of the underlying mortgages are prepaid.

For mortgage derivatives and structured securities that have imbedded leverage
features, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and
sudden price movements. Mortgage derivatives can also become illiquid and hard
to value in declining markets.

If a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more
of the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any,
are appropriate including selling the downgraded security or purchasing
additional investment grade securities as soon as it is prudent to do so.


Investments in lower rated debt securities
Up to 10% of the portfolio's total assets (at the time of purchase) may be
invested in debt securities rated below investment grade. A debt security is
investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four categories by a
nationally recognized securities rating organization or determined to be of
equivalent credit quality by Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment
grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative.
Below investment grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are
subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during
periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.


                                       9
<PAGE>


Investments other than U.S. equity securities

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in securities of non-U.S. issuers. The portfolio will not invest more
than 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in the securities of
emerging markets issuers. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique
risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include:


      - Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due
        to less rigorous disclosure and accounting standards or regulatory
        practices

      - Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a
        changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell the portfolio's
        investments in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable
      - Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of
        the portfolio's investments

      - Economic, political and social developments that adversely affect the
        securities markets
      - Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's return


Management


Portfolio manager
Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of a team of
portfolio managers and analysts supervised by Theresa A. Hamacher, chief
investment officer of Pioneer. This team manages and provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Tin Chan, vice president of Pioneer, is manager of the team focusing on
the equity portion of the portfolio.

Ms. Hamacher joined Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional
since 1984; most recently as chief investment officer at another investment
adviser. Mr. Chan joined Pioneer in August 1998 and has been an investment
professional since 1993. Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Chan was an Equity
Portfolio Manager with Allmerica Financial from 1995 to 1998 and was an Equity
Research Analyst with Key Corp. from 1993 to 1995.

The portfolio management team operates under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income quarterly during March, June, September and December. The
portfolio may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if
necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.




                                       10
<PAGE>

Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.

Pioneer Balanced VCT Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              For the year ended December 31                     March 1,
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------        1995 through
                                                     1999           1998          1997          1996        December 31, 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>                 <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period               $ 14.47        $ 14.99       $ 13.19       $ 11.87             $ 10.00
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                      $  0.51        $  0.42       $  0.36       $  0.29             $  0.20
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investments                                     (0.16)          0.00          1.94          1.39                1.87
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease)
   from investment operations                      $  0.35        $  0.42       $  2.30       $  1.68             $  2.07
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                               (0.51)         (0.42)        (0.36)        (0.29)              (0.20)
 Net realized gain                                      --          (0.52)        (0.14)        (0.07)                 --
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value       $ (0.16)       $ (0.52)      $  1.80       $  1.32             $  1.87
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                     $ 14.31        $ 14.47       $ 14.99       $ 13.19             $ 11.87
                                                   ==========================================================================
Total return*                                         2.53%          2.64%        17.62%        14.26%              20.84%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+          0.78%          0.80%         0.96%         1.20%               1.76%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
 to average net assets+                               3.58%          2.93%         2.63%         2.83%               2.99%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                 59%           104%           63%           74%                 --
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)           $72,669        $66,930       $44,008       $16,783             $ 2,661
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         0.78%          0.80%         0.96%         1.58%              14.77%**
 Net investment income (loss)                         3.58%          2.93%         2.63%         2.45%             (10.02)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         0.77%          0.80%         0.95%         1.15%               1.45%**
 Net investment income (loss)                         3.59%          2.93%         2.64%         2.88%               3.30%**
</TABLE>



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.

                                       11
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio

Investment objective
Long-term growth of capital.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Emerging market issuers

 An emerging market issuer:
 - Is organized under the laws of an emerging market country;
 - Has a principal office in an emerging market country; or
 - Derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or profits from goods or services
   produced in emerging markets or sales made in emerging markets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Principal investment strategies

The portfolio invests primarily in securities of emerging market issuers.
Although the portfolio invests in both equity and debt securities, it normally
emphasizes equity securities in its portfolio. Normally, the portfolio invests
at least 65% of its total assets in the securities of emerging market corporate
and government issuers.

The portfolio invests in at least six emerging markets. The portfolio considers
market that is not developed to be an emerging market. The portfolio does not
allocate more than 25% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) to any one
country but can invest more than 25% of its total assets in a particular
region.


The portfolio's equity investments include common stocks, preferred stocks,
depositary receipts, convertible debt securities, warrants, rights and other
equity interests. The portfolio may purchase forward foreign currency exchange
contracts in non-U.S. currencies in connection with its investments.

Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select
the portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks
securities selling at reasonable prices or substantial discounts to their
underlying values and then holds these securities until the market values
reflect their intrinsic values. Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value,
including the attractiveness of its market valuation, based on the company's
assets and prospects for long-term revenue, earnings and cash flow growth.
Pioneer employs qualitative analysis, quantitative techniques, and due
diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its
financial statements and operations. In addition to analyzing specific
securities, Pioneer determines the relative attractiveness of investing in
different emerging markets. In assessing the investment potential of each
country, Pioneer considers economic growth prospects, monetary conditions,
political risks, currency risk, capital flows and other factors. Factors
Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:

      - Issuers in countries expected to have economic and market environments
        that will be positive
      - Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk
      - Companies expected to benefit from long-term trends in the economy
      - Low market valuations relative to expected earnings, assets, cash flow
        and revenues
      - Turnaround potential for companies that have been through difficult
        periods
      - Management with demonstrated ability and commitment to the company
      - Issuer's industry has strong fundamentals, such as increasing or
        sustainable demand and barriers to entry


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
An investment in the portfolio involves a substantial degree of risk. Even
though the portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, you could lose money on
your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:


      - Stock markets of emerging market countries go down or perform poorly
        relative to other stock markets (this risk may be greater in the short
        term)

      - Securities of emerging market issuers or value stocks fall out of favor
        with investors

      - The portfolio's assets remain undervalued or do not have the potential
        value originally expected

Investing in emerging market issuers involves unique risks compared to
investing in securities of issuers in the U.S. and other developed countries.
These risks are more pronounced to the extent the portfolio invests in issuers
in the lesser developed emerging markets or in any one region. These risks may
include:

      - The U.S. dollar may appreciate against emerging market currencies or an
        emerging market government may impose restrictions on currency
        conversion or trading

      - Less information about emerging market issuers or markets may be
        available due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or
        regulatory practices

                                       12
<PAGE>

      - Many emerging markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than
        developed markets. In a changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell
        the portfolio's investments in amounts and at prices Pioneer considers
        reasonable

      - Economic, political or social instability in an emerging market country
        or region may significantly disrupt the principal financial markets in
        which the portfolio invests

      - The economies of emerging market countries may grow at slower rates than
        expected or may experience a downturn or recession

      - Emerging market countries may experience rising interest rates, or, more
        significantly, rapid inflation or hyperinflation

      - The portfolio could experience a loss from settlement and custody
        practices in some emerging markets


      - Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's return





                                       13
<PAGE>


The portfolio's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance will vary from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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


Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception in October 30, 1998. The chart
does not reflect any fees and expenses with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 52.07% (9/30/99 to
12/31/99).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -12.68% (6/30/99 to
9/30/99).



Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

[Begin Bar chart]

<TABLE>
<S>    <C>
'99    78.74
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]


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


Comparison with MSCI Index
The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Morgan
Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Free Index. This index is
a widely recognized measure of the performance of emerging market stocks.
Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and does not incur expenses. The
table assumes:

- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- -----------------------------------------------------
                                 Since      Inception
                 1 Year      Inception           Date
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>            <C>         <C>
Class I           78.74          71.13       10/30/98
- -----------------------------------------------------
MSCI Index        66.41          63.41             --
- -----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       14
<PAGE>


Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in securities of emerging market
issuers to seek long-term growth of capital.

This section and "Common portfolio investment practices" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Investments other than equity securities of emerging market issuers
The portfolio may invest up to 35% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in equity and debt securities of corporate or government issuers in
any developed country (other than the U.S.) and short-term debt securities for
cash management purposes. Short-term investments normally include high-quality
commercial paper, certificates of deposit and other bank-related investments,
U.S. and non-U.S. government obligations and repurchase agreements.


The portfolio may also invest in Brady bonds, which are restructured debt of
governmental issuers of emerging market countries. The portfolio may invest in
debt securities of any quality or maturity. The portfolio may not invest more
than 10% of its total assets in debt securities rated below investment grade or
in unrated securities of comparable quality. The portfolio invests in debt
securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the portfolio's
investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for greater liquidity.


Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Management

Portfolio manager
Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of Mark Madden.
Mr. Madden is a senior vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1990 as
an equity analyst, has managed the portfolio since its inception and has been
an investment professional since 1984.


Mr. Madden is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in international equity securities. This team provides research for
the portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives
or styles. Mr. Madden and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 1.15% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.75% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management
fee equal to 0.00% of average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income annually. The portfolio may pay additional distributions and
dividends at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


                                       15
<PAGE>

Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.

Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       For the             October 30,
                                                                      year ended          1998 through
                                                                  December 31, 1999     December 31, 1998
                                                                  -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                                                   <C>                    <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period                                  $ 10.49                $  10.00
                                                                      -------                --------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                                         $ (0.03)               $   0.00
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
  and foreign currency transactions                                      8.29                    0.49
                                                                      -------                --------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value                            $  8.26                $   0.49
                                                                      -------                --------
Net asset value, end of period                                        $ 18.75                $  10.49
                                                                      =======                ========
Total return*                                                           78.74%                   4.90%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets                              1.88%+                  1.75%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets            (0.74)%+                 (0.01)%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                                   144%                     60%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)                              $ 9,679                $    133
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees and assumption of
 expenses by Pioneer and no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                                            6.56%                 104.83%**
 Net investment income (loss)                                           (5.42)%               (103.09)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and assumption of
 expenses by Pioneer and reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                                            1.75%                   1.75%**
 Net investment income (loss)                                           (0.61)%                 (0.01)%**
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
   reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the investment
   at net asset value at the end of the period.
** Annualized.

+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly


                                       16
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Equity-Income VCT Portfolio


Investment objective

Current income and long-term growth of capital from a portfolio consisting
primarily of income producing equity securities of U.S. corporations.


Principal investment strategies

Normally, the portfolio invests at least 80% of its total assets in income
producing equity securities of U.S. companies. The income producing equity
securities in which the portfolio may invest include common stocks, preferred
stocks and interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs). The remainder of
the portfolio may be invested in debt securities, most of which are expected to
be convertible into common stocks.


Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select
the portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks
securities selling at substantial discounts to their underlying values and
holds these securities until the market values reflect their intrinsic values.
Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value, including the attractiveness of
its market valuation, based on the company's assets and prospects for earnings
growth. Pioneer also considers a security's potential to provide a reasonable
amount of income. In making these assessments, Pioneer employs due diligence
and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial
statements and operations, employing a bottom-up analytic style. Pioneer relies
on the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff who have access to a
wide variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of
individual issuers, not on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors
Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:


      - Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk
      - Management with demonstrated ability and commitment to the company
      - Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash
        flow and sales

      - Good prospects for dividend growth


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks current income and long-term growth of capital,
you could lose money on your investment or not make as much as if you invested
elsewhere if:

      - The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)
      - Value stocks fall out of favor with investors
      - The portfolio's assets remain undervalued or do not have the potential
        value originally expected
      - Stocks selected for income do not achieve the same return as securities
        selected for capital appreciation
      - Interest rates or inflation increases




                                       17
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.



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

Portfolio performance
The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 1, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.


The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 15.04% (9/30/98 to
12/31/98)
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -7.73% (6/30/99 to
9/30/99)


[Begin Bar chart]

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
'96      15.19
'97      35.23
'98      21.80
'99       1.21
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison with Standard & Poor's 500 Index
The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index. This index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500
widely held common stocks. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and
does not incur expenses. The table assumes:
- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- ------------------------------------------------------
                                  Since      Inception
                  1 Year      Inception           Date
- ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>            <C>           <C>
Class I             1.21          19.56         3/1/95
- ------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index      20.99          27.62             --
- ------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       18

<PAGE>

Other investment strategies
As discussed, the portfolio primarily invests in income producing equity
securities of U.S. corporations to seek current income and long-term capital
growth.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).


More on principal investments
The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in real estate investment trusts. Real estate investment trusts are
pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in real estate or real estate
related loans. Investing in real estate investment trusts involves unique
risks. They are significantly affected by the market for real estate and are
dependent upon management skills and cash flow.

Investments other than U.S. equity securities
The portion of the portfolio's assets not invested in equity securities may be
invested in debt securities of corporate and government issuers. Most of the
debt securities the portfolio acquires are expected to be securities
convertible into common stocks. Generally, the portfolio acquires debt
securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 10% of
its total assets (at the time of purchase) in below investment grade debt
securities including convertible debt securities. The portfolio invests in debt
securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the portfolio's
investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for greater liquidity.

Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or reduction in the perceived creditworthiness of
the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.


Management

Portfolio manager
Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of John A. Carey.
Mr. Carey is a senior vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1979 as an
analyst.

Mr. Carey is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in U.S. equity securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Carey and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly.


                                       19
<PAGE>

Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income quarterly during March, June, September and December. The
portfolio may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if
necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.

Pioneer Equity-Income VCT Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               For the year ended December 31                     March 1,
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------      1995 through
                                                     1999           1998           1997           1996        December 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>                  <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period               $  21.44       $  18.14       $  13.73      $ 12.17             10.00
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                      $   0.42       $   0.39       $   0.35      $  0.29              0.19
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investments                                      (0.15)          3.52           4.44         1.54              2.16
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease)
   from investment operations                      $   0.27       $   3.91       $   4.79      $  1.83              2.35
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                                (0.41)         (0.39)         (0.37)       (0.27)             0.18)
 Net realized gain                                    (0.58)         (0.22)         (0.01)          --                --
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value       $  (0.72)      $   3.30       $   4.41      $  1.56              2.17
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                     $  20.72       $  21.44       $  18.14      $ 13.73             12.17
                                                   ============================================================================
Total return*                                          1.21%         21.80%         35.23%       15.19%            23.62%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+           0.70%          0.71%          0.77%        0.96%             1.63%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
 to average net assets+                                1.97%          2.04%          2.31%        2.67%             2.89%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                  23%            19%            15%          18%               --
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)           $226,379       $203,976       $124,213      $46,871             6,914
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                          0.70%          0.71%          0.77%        0.98%             5.32%**
 Net investment income (loss)                          1.97%          2.04%          2.31%        2.65%            (0.80)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                          0.70%          0.71%          0.77%        0.95%             1.47%**
 Net investment income (loss)                          1.97%          2.04%          2.31%        2.68%             3.05%**
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.

                                       20
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Europe VCT Portfolio


Investment objective
Long-term growth of capital.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 European issuers

 A European issuer:
 - Is organized and has a principal business office in a European country;
 - Derives at least 50% of its total revenues from business transacted in
   Europe; or
 - Has equity securities that trade principally on a stock exchange in Europe.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Principal investment strategies
The portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of European issuers. For
purposes of the portfolio's investment policies, equity investments include
securities with common stock characteristics such as preferred stocks,
depositary receipts, warrants and debt securities convertible into common stock.
Normally, the fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities
of European issuers. The portfolio may also purchase forward foreign currency
exchange contracts in European currencies in connection with its investments.

The portfolio uses a "growth at a reasonable price" style of management. The
portfolio seeks to invest in companies with above average potential for earnings
and revenue growth that are also trading at attractive market valuations. To
select stocks, Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, employs due
diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its
financial statements and operations. Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience
and judgment of its own staff who have access to a wide variety of research.
Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:

      - Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk
      - Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash
        flow and sales
      - Issuer's industry has strong fundamentals, such as increasing or
        sustainable demand and barriers to entry
      - Increasing earnings forecast

Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, you could lose money
on your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:
      - European stock markets go down or perform poorly relative to U.S.
        markets (this risk may be greater in the short term)
      - Securities of European issuers or growth stocks fall out of favor with
        investors
      - The portfolio's investments do not have the growth potential originally
        expected

Investing in developed European issuers involves unique risks compared to
investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks may include:
      - Less information about some European issuers or markets may be available
        due to less rigorous disclosure and accounting standards or regulatory
        practices
      - Many European markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than
        the U.S. markets. In a changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell
        the portfolio's investments in amounts and at prices Pioneer considers
        reasonable
      - The economies of European countries may grow at slower rates than
        expected or suffer a downturn or recession
      - The U.S. dollar may appreciate against European currencies or European
        countries may impose restrictions on currency conversion or trading
      - Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the introduction of a single
        European currency may increase the volatility of European markets


                                       21
<PAGE>


The portfolio's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance will vary from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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



Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception in October 30, 1998. The chart
does not reflect any fees and expenses with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 47.16% (12/31/98 to
3/31/99).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was 1.34% (6/30/99 to
9/30/99).


Annual rerturn Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

[Begin Bar chart]
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
'99      28.47
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]



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


Comparison with MSCI Europe Index
The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Morgan
Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe Index. This index is a widely
recognized capitalization-weighted index of stocks traded in 15 individual
European countries. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and does not
incur expenses. The table assumes:

- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Since      Inception
                        1 Year      Inception           Date
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>         <C>
Class I                  28.47          30.21       10/30/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------
MSCI Europe Index        15.89          22.99             --
- ------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                       22
<PAGE>


Other investment strategies
As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of European
issuers to seek long-term capital growth.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Investment in other European issuers
The portfolio invests primarily in issuers domiciled in developed European
countries. However, the portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets (at
the time of purchase) in securities of European issuers domiciled in Eastern
European nations or emerging European markets.

The risks relating to investment in developed European issuers described above
are more pronounced to the extent the portfolio invests in issuers in Eastern
European nations or emerging European markets. Additional risks include:

      - Economic, political or social developments may adversely affect
        European securities markets
      - Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's return

Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)
On January 1, 1999, 11 European countries adopted a single currency--the Euro.
The conversion to the Euro is being phased in over a three-year period. During
this time, valuation, systems and other operational problems may occur in
connection with the portfolio's investments quoted in the Euro. For
participating countries, EMU will mean sharing a single currency and single
official interest rate and adhering to agreed upon limits on government
borrowing. Budgetary decisions will remain in the hands of each participating
country, but will be subject to each country's commitment to avoid "excessive
deficits" and other more specific budgetary criteria. A European Central Bank
is responsible for setting the official interest rate to maintain price
stability within the Euro zone.

EMU is driven by the expectation of a number of economic benefits, including
lower transaction costs, reduced exchange risk, greater competition and a
broadening and deepening of European financial markets. However, there are a
number of significant risks associated with EMU. Monetary and economic union on
this scale has never been attempted before. There is a significant degree of
uncertainty as to whether participating countries will remain committed to EMU
in the face of changing economic conditions. This uncertainty may increase the
volatility of European markets.

Investments other than in equity securities
The portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in debt securities of corporate and government issuers with less than
12 months to maturity. Generally the portfolio acquires debt securities that
are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 5% of its total assets
(at the time of purchase) in below investment grade convertible debt
securities. The portfolio invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes that
they are consistent with the portfolio's investment objective and offer the
potential for capital growth, to diversify the portfolio or for greater
liquidity.

Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Management

Portfolio manager
Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of Patrick M.
Smith. Mr. Smith is a senior vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in
1992 as an international securities analyst and has been an investment
professional since 1986.


                                       23
<PAGE>


Mr. Smith is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in international equity securities. This team provides research for
the portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives
or styles. Mr. Smith and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investmentofficer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.

Management fee
The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 1.00% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer as agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.50% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid a management fee
equal to 0.00% of its average daily net assets.

Distributions
The portfolio generally makes distributions of any net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income annually. The portfolio may pay additional distributions and
dividends at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


Financial highlights
The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.

Pioneer Europe VCT Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       For the             October 30,
                                                                      year ended          1998 through
                                                                  December 31, 1999     December 31, 1998
                                                                 -------------------   ------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                   <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period                                   $ 10.60               $ 10.00
                                                                       -------               -------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                                          $  0.05               $  0.00
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
  and foreign currency transactions                                       2.97                  0.60
                                                                       -------               -------
 Net increase from investment operations                               $  3.02               $  0.60
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net realized gain                                                      ( 0.01)                   --
                                                                       -------               -------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value                             $  3.01               $  0.60
                                                                       -------               -------
Net asset value, end of period                                         $ 13.61               $ 10.60
                                                                       =======               =======
Total return*                                                            28.47%                 6.00%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets                               1.53%+                1.50%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets               0.56%+                0.00%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                                     60%                    6%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)                               $12,735               $ 1,620
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees and assumption of
 expenses by Pioneer and no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                                             2.58%                16.56%**
 Net investment income (loss)                                            (0.49)%              (15.06)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and assumption of
 expenses by Pioneer and reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                                             1.50%                 1.50%**
 Net investment income (loss)                                             0.59%                 0.00%**
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
   reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the investment
   at net asset value at the end of the period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.


                                       24
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Growth Shares VCT Portfolio


Investment objective

Appreciation of capital.


Principal investment strategies

The portfolio invests primarily in common stocks and other equity securities of
U.S. companies. The portfolio considers securities that trade like common
stocks, such as convertible debt, warrants, interests in real estate investment
trusts (REITs) and preferred stocks, to be common stocks.


The portfolio uses a "growth" style of management and seeks to invest in
companies with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth. To
select growth stocks, Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, employs due
diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its
financial statements and operations. Pioneer relies on the knowledge,
experience and judgment of its staff who have access to a wide variety of
research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers, not
on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors Pioneer looks for in
selecting investments include:


      - Market leadership in a company's primary products and services
      - Companies expected to benefit from long-term trends in the economy and
        society

      - Issuer's industry has strong fundamentals, such as increasing or
        sustainable demand and barriers to entry
      - A sustainable competitive advantage, such as a brand name, customer
        base, proprietary technology or economies of scale


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks capital appreciation, you could lose money on
your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:

      - The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)
      - Growth stocks fall out of favor with investors
      - The portfolio's investments do not have the growth potential originally
        expected

Although the portfolio is diversified, its performance may be more closely tied
to the market values of a smaller number of stocks, and the portfolio's
performance could be more volatile than the performance of more diversified
funds.


                                       25
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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

Portfolio performance
The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception in October 31, 1997. The chart
does not reflect any fees and expenses with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 18.09% (9/30/98 to
12/31/98).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -11.53% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).

Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

[Begin Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
'98      32.60
'99       7.93
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison with Standard & Poor's 500 Index
The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index. This index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500
widely held common stocks. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and
does not incur expenses. The table assumes:
- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- ------------------------------------------------------
                                  Since      Inception
                  1 Year      Inception           Date
- ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>            <C>         <C>
Class I             7.93          19.19       10/31/97
- ------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index      20.99          26.20             --
- ------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                       26
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies
As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in common stocks of U.S.
companies.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).


More on principal investments
The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in real estate investment trusts. Real estate investment trusts are
pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in real estate or real estate
related loans. Investing in real estate investment trusts involves unique
risks. They are significantly affected by the market for real estate and are
dependent upon management skills and cash flow.


Investments other than U.S. common stocks
The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in equity and debt securities of non-U.S. issuers. The portfolio will
not invest more than 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in the
securities of emerging markets issuers. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may
involve unique risks compared to investing in the securities of U.S. issuers.

      - Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due
        to less rigorous disclosure and accounting standards or regulatory
        practices

      - Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than
        U.S. markets. In a changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell the
        portfolio's investments in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable


      - Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of
        the portfolio's investments

      - Economic, political and social developments that adversely affect the
        non-U.S. securities markets
      - Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's return

The portfolio may invest the balance of its assets in debt securities of U.S.
corporate and government issuers. Generally, the portfolio acquires debt
securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 5% of
its net assets (at the time of purchase) in lower quality debt securities
including below investment grade convertible debt securities. The portfolio
invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the
portfolio's investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for greater
liquidity.


Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the
portfolio's portfolio include rising interest rates or a reduction in the
perceived creditworthiness of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is
investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four categories by a
nationally recognized securities rating organization or determined to be of
equivalent credit quality by Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment
grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative.
Below investment grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are
subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during
periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.


Management

Portfolio manager
Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of Jeffrey B.
Poppenhagen, a senior vice president of Pioneer. Mr. Poppenhagen joined Pioneer
in 1996 and has been an investment professional since 1988. Prior to joining
Pioneer, Mr. Poppenhagen was a portfolio manager and analyst for Transamerica
Investment Services from 1991 to 1996.


Mr. Poppenhagen is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in U.S. equity securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Poppenhagen and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa
A. Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


                                       27
<PAGE>

Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.25% of
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management
fee equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income annually. The portfolio may pay additional distributions and
dividends at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pioneer Growth Shares VCT Portfolio                                                                     October 31,
                                                                 For the years ended December 31       1997 through
                                                                     1999             1998           December 31, 1997
                                                                 --------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>                   <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period                               $  20.34         $ 15.34               $15.00
                                                                   ---------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                                      $  (0.02)        $  0.00               $ 0.01
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments                1.64            5.00                 0.33
                                                                   ---------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) from investment operations               $   1.62         $  5.00               $ 0.34
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                                                (0.01)           0.00                   --
 Net realized gain                                                    (0.03)             --                   --
                                                                   ---------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value                       $   1.58         $  5.00               $ 0.34
                                                                   ---------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                                     $  21.92         $ 20.34               $15.34
                                                                   ===================================================
Total return*                                                          7.93%          32.60%                2.27%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets                            0.76%+          0.88%+               1.25%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets           (0.08)%+         0.08%+               0.60%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                                  47%             28%                  16%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)                           $162,730         $85,670               $4,646
Ratio assuming no waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and no reduction for
 fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                                          0.76%           0.92%                6.57%**
 Net investment income (loss)                                         (0.08)%          0.04%               (4.72)%**
Ratio assuming waiver of management fees and assumption
 of expenses by Pioneer and reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                                          0.76%           0.88%                1.25%**
 Net investment income (loss)                                         (0.08)%          0.08%                0.60%**
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.

                                       28
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer High Yield VCT Portfolio

Investment objective
Maximize total return through a combination of income and capital appreciation.



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Below investment grade debt securities

 A debt security is below investment grade if it is rated BB or lower by
 Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or the equivalent rating by a nationally
 recognized securities rating organization or, if unrated, determined to be of
 equivalent credit quality by Pioneer.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Principal investment strategies
Normally, the portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in below investment grade (high yield) debt securities and preferred
stocks. These high yield securities may be convertible into the equity
securities of the issuer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are
commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below
investment grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to
greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of
economic uncertainty or change, than higher rated debt securities.


The portfolio's investments may have fixed or variable principal payments and
all types of interest rate and dividend payment and reset terms, including fixed
rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and
auction Pioneer. rate features. The portfolio invests in securities with a broad
range of maturities.

Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select
the portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks
securities selling at reasonable prices or substantial discounts to their
underlying values and then holds these securities for their incremental yields
or until the market values reflect their intrinsic values. Pioneer evaluates a
security's potential value, including the attractiveness of its market
valuation, based on the company's assets and prospects for earnings growth. In
making that assessment, Pioneer employs due diligence and fundamental research,
an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and operations.
Pioneer also considers a security's potential to provide income. In assessing
the appropriate maturity, rating and sector weighting of the portfolio's
investments, Pioneer considers a variety of factors that are expected to
influence economic activity and interest rates. These factors include
fundamental economic indicators, such as the rates of economic growth and
inflation, Federal Reserve monetary policy and the relative value of the U.S.
dollar compared to other currencies. Pioneer adjusts sector weightings to
reflect its outlook of the market for high yield securities rather than using a
fixed sector allocation. In making these portfolio decisions, Pioneer relies on
the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff who have access to a wide
variety of research.


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks to maximize total return, you could lose money
on your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:
      - Interest rates go up, causing the value of debt securities in the
        portfolio to decline
      - The issuer of a security owned by the portfolio defaults on its
        obligation to pay principal and/or interest or has its credit rating
        downgraded
      - During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a security may
        exercise its option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing
        the portfolio to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as
        call or prepayment risk
      - During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain
        types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected
        principal payments. This may lock in a below market interest rate,
        increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security.
        This is known as extension risk
      - Pioneer's judgment about the attractiveness, relative value or potential
        appreciation of a particular sector, security or investment strategy
        proves to be incorrect
      - A downturn in equity markets causes the price of convertible securities
        to drop even when the prices of below investment grade bonds otherwise
        would not go down

Investment in high yield securities involves substantial risk of loss. These
securities are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's ability to
pay interest and principal and are susceptible to default or decline in market
value due to adverse economic and business developments. The market values for
high yield securities tend to be very volatile, and these securities are less
liquid than investment grade debt securities. For these reasons, your
investment in the portfolio is subject to the following specific risks:
      - Increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and
        deteriorating economic environment
      - Greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality

                                       29
<PAGE>

      - Adverse company specific events are more likely to render the issuer
        unable to make interest and/or principal payments

      - A negative perception of the high yield market develops, depressing the
        price and liquidity of high yield securities. This negative perception
        could last for a significant period of time

The portfolio is not diversified, which means that it can invest a higher
percentage of its assets in any one issuer than a diversified portfolio. Being
non-diversified may magnify the portfolio's losses from adverse events
affecting a particular issuer.

The portfolio's performance
Since the portfolio is newly organized, it does not disclose any performance
information. The portfolio's performance will vary from year to year. Past
performance does not necessarily indicate how a portfolio will perform in the
future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your investment.

Other investment strategies
As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in below investment grade debt
securities and preferred stocks to maximize total return.

This section and "Common portfolio investment practices" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).


More on principal investments

The portfolio may invest in convertible bonds and preferred stock that are
convertible into the equity securities of the issuer. Convertible securities
generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible
securities of similar quality. As with all fixed income securities, the market
values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase
and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. However, when the
market price of the common stock underlying a convertible security exceeds the
conversion price, the convertible security tends to reflect the market price of
the underlying common stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock
declines, the convertible security tends to trade increasingly on a yield basis
and thus may not decline in price to the same extent as the underlying common
stock. Convertible securities rank senior to common stocks in an issuer's
capital structure and consequently entail less risk than the issuer's common
stock.

The portfolio may invest in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private companies or by agencies of
the U.S. government and represent direct or indirect participation in, or are
collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property.
Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and
payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases,
credit card receivables and other categories of receivables.

To the extent the portfolio invests significantly in asset-backed and
mortgage-related securities, its exposure to prepayment and extension risks may
be greater than if it invested in other fixed income securities.


Certain debt instruments may only pay principal at maturity or may only
represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of interest on
underlying pools of mortgage or government securities, but not both. The value
of these types of instruments may change more drastically than debt securities
that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing interest rates.
Principal only mortgage-backed securities generally increase in value if
interest rates decline, but are also subject to the risk of prepayment.
Interest only instruments generally increase in value in a rising interest rate
environment when fewer of the underlying mortgages are prepaid.


The portfolio may invest in mortgage derivatives and structured securities.
Because these securities have imbedded leverage features, small changes in
interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements.
Mortgage derivatives can also become illiquid and hard to value in declining
markets.

                                       30
<PAGE>

Investments other than high yield or debt securities
Consistent with its objective, the portfolio may invest in equity securities,
including common stocks, depositary receipts, warrants, rights and other equity
interests. Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank
junior in a company's capital structure to debt securities and consequently may
entail greater risk of loss than fixed income securities. Although equity
securities may not pay dividends, the portfolio invests in equity securities
when Pioneer believes they offer the potential for capital gains or to
diversify the portfolio.

Investments in non-U.S. securities

The portfolio may invest in securities of Canadian issuers to the same extent
as securities of U.S. issuers. The portfolio may invest up to up to 15% of its
total assets (at the time of purchase) in securities of non-U.S. issuers,
including debt and equity securities of corporate issuers and debt securities
of government issuers in developed and emerging markets. Investing in Canadian
and non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in
securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced to the extent the
portfolio invests in issuers in emerging markets or focuses its non-U.S.
investments in any one region. These risks may include:

      - Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due
        to less rigorous disclosure and accounting standards or regulatory
        practices

      - Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a
        changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell the portfolio's
        investments in amounts and at prices Pioneer considers reasonable

      - Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of
        the portfolio's investments

      - Economic, political and social developments that adversely affect the
        securities markets

      - Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's
        return.

Management

Portfolio manager
Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of a team of fixed
income portfolio managers and analysts supervised by Sherman B. Russ and
Kenneth J. Taubes.

Mr. Russ and Mr. Taubes are jointly responsible for overseeing Pioneer's U.S.
and global fixed income team. Mr. Russ is a senior vice president of Pioneer.
He joined Pioneer in 1983 as an assistant portfolio manager and has been an
investment professional since 1962. Mr. Taubes joined Pioneer as a senior vice
president in September 1998 and has been an investment professional since 1986.
Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Taubes had served since 1991 as a senior vice
president and senior portfolio manager for several Putnam Investments
institutional accounts and mutual funds.

Mr. Russ, Mr. Taubes and their team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.

Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.25% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time.


Distributions

The portfolio declares a dividend daily. The dividend consists of substantially
all of the portfolio's net income. Investors begin to earn dividends on the
first business day following receipt of payment for shares and continue to earn
dividends up to and including the date of sale. Dividends are normally paid on
the last business day of each month. The portfolio generally pays any
distributions of net short- and long-term capital gains in June. The portfolio
may also pay dividends and capital gain distributions at other times if
necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


                                       31
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer International Growth VCT Portfolio

Investment objective
Long-term capital growth.


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

 International investing

 The fund invests in the securities of non-U.S. issuers. Non-U.S. issuers are
 issuers that are organized and have their principal offices outside the
 United States.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Principal investment strategies

The portfolio invests primarily in common stocks and other equity securities of
non-U.S. issuers. These companies may be located in both developed and emerging
markets. Normally, the portfolio invests at least 80% of its total assets in
these securities. Generally, the portfolio's investments in any country are
limited to 25% or less of its total assets (at the time of investment). However,
the portfolio may invest more than 25% of its assets in issuers organized in
Japan or the United Kingdom or in securities quoted or denominated in the
currencies of those countries. The portfolio may invest in other equity
securities including preferred stocks, depositary receipts, convertible debt
securities, warrants, rights and other equity interests. The portfolio may
purchase forward foreign currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. currencies in
connection with its investments.

Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select
the portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks
securities selling at reasonable prices or substantial discounts to their
underlying values and holds these securities until the market values reflect
their intrinsic values. Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value,
including the attractiveness of its market valuation, based on the company's
assets and prospects for earnings and revenue growth, employing a bottom-up
analytical style. In making that assessment, Pioneer employs due diligence and
fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial
statements and operations. Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and
judgment of its staff who have access to a wide variety of research. Pioneer
focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers, not on economic sector
or market-timing strategies. Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments
include:

      - Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk
      - Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash
        flow and sales
      - Turnaround potential for companies that have been through difficult
        periods

      - Issuer's industry has strong fundamentals, such as increasing or
        sustainable demand and barriers to entry

      - Management with demonstrated ability and commitment to the company

      - Low debt levels relative to equity


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, you could lose money
on your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:
      - The non-U.S. stock markets go down or perform poorly relative to U.S.
        stock markets (this risk may be greater in the short term)
      - Securities of non-U.S. issuers or value stocks fall out of favor with
        investors
      - The market continues to undervalue the securities in the portfolio or
        the securities in the portfolio turn out not to be undervalued

Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in
securities of U.S. issuers. Some of these risks do not apply to the larger more
developed markets. These risks are more pronounced to the extent the portfolio
invests in issuers in countries with emerging markets or if the portfolio
invests significantly in any one country. These risks may include:
      - Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due
        to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory
        practices
      - Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than
        U.S. markets. In a changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell the
        portfolio's investments in amounts and at prices Pioneer considers
        reasonable
      - The economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than
        expected or may experience a downturn or recession
      - The U.S. dollar appreciates against non-U.S. currencies or a non-U.S.
        government may impose restrictions on currency conversion or trading
      - Economic, political or social instability in non-U.S. countries may
        significantly disrupt the principal financial markets in which the
        portfolio invests

      - Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's return


                                       32
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.




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

Portfolio performance
The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 1, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.


The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 28.92% (9/30/99 to
12/31/99).

The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -21.44% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).


Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

[Begin Bar chart]

<TABLE>
<S>       <C>
'96       8.54
'97       4.87
'98      -3.32
'99      44.38
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]


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

Comparison with Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country (AC)
World Free ex USA Index
The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of the MSCI AC World
Free ex USA Index. This index is a widely recognized capitalization-weighted
index of stocks traded in securities markets outside of the U.S. The fund has
changed its benchmark index from the MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East)
Index because the MSCI AC World Index Free ex USA is a broader index. That
better reflects the fund's investments. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not
managed and does not incur expenses. The table assumes:

- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
                                      Since      Inception
                      1 Year      Inception           Date
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>              <C>         <C>
Class I                44.38          12.32         3/1/95
- ----------------------------------------------------------
MSCI EAFE Index        26.96          13.11             --
- ----------------------------------------------------------
MSCI AC World ex
USA Index              27.93          13.01
- ----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       33

<PAGE>

Other investment strategies
As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in non-U.S. equity securities to
seek long-term capital growth.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Investments other than equity securities

The portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in debt securities. The debt securities may be issued by U.S. or
non-U.S. corporate and government issuers. Generally, the portfolio acquires
debt securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to
5% of its net assets in below investment grade convertible debt securities. The
portfolio invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent
with the portfolio's investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for
greater liquidity.


Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

On January 1, 1999, 11 European countries adopted a single currency--the Euro.
The conversion to the Euro is being phased in over a three-year period. During
this time, valuation, systems and other operational problems may occur in
connection with the portfolio's investments quoted in the Euro. For
participating countries, EMU will mean sharing a single currency and single
official interest rate and adhering to agreed upon limits on government
borrowing. Budgetary decisions will remain in the hands of each participating
country, but will be subject to each country's commitment to avoid "excessive
deficits" and other more specific budgetary criteria. A European Central Bank
is responsible for setting the official interest rate to maintain price
stability within the Euro zone.


EMU is driven by the expectation of a number of economic benefits, including
lower transaction costs, reduced exchange risk, greater competition and a
broadening and deepening of European financial markets. However, there are a
number of significant risks associated with EMU. Monetary and economic union on
this scale has never been attempted before. There is a significant degree of
uncertainty as to whether participating countries will remain committed to EMU
in the face of changing economic conditions. This uncertainty may increase the
volatility of European markets.

Portfolio turnover

The portfolio's annual portfolio turnover rate has exceeded 100% in recent
years. A high portfolio turnover rate may result in high transaction costs that
are borne by the portfolio and its shareholders. See "Financial highlights" for
actual turnover rates.


Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of Pavlos M.
Alexandrakis. Mr. Alexandrakis is senior vice president of Pioneer. He joined
Pioneer in 1998 and has been an investment professional since 1984. Prior to
joining Pioneer, Mr. Alexandrakis was a portfolio manager at Salomon Smith
Barney from 1995 to 1998.

Mr. Alexandrakis is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in international securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Alexandrakis and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa
A. Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


                                       34
<PAGE>


Management fee
The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 1.00% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.50% of its
average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This agreement is
voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any time. For the
most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management fee equal to
1.00% of the portfolio's average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income annually. The portfolio may pay additional distributions and
dividends at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.



Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
International Growth Portfolio
                                                              For the year ended December 31                  March 1,
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------      1995 through
                                                     1999          1998        1997           1996        December 31, 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>               <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period               $ 10.79       $ 12.23      $ 11.83        $ 10.93           $ 10.00
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                      $  0.07       $  0.09      $  0.06        $  0.05           $    --
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investments and foreign currency
  transactions                                        4.67         (0.45)        0.53           0.88              1.04
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease)
   from investment operations                      $  4.74       $ (0.36)     $  0.59        $  0.93           $  1.04
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                              ( 0.15)        (0.19)       (0.03)           --                 --
 In excess of net investment income                     --            --           --            --              (0.02)
 Net realized gain                                      --         (0.89)       (0.16)         (0.03)            (0.09)
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value       $  4.59       $ (1.44)     $  0.40        $  0.90           $  0.93
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                     $ 15.38       $ 10.79      $ 12.23        $ 11.83           $ 10.93
                                                   ===========================================================================
Total return*                                        44.38%        (3.32)%       4.87%          8.54%            10.42%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+          1.22%         1.44%        1.49%          1.52%             2.10%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
 to average net assets+                               0.01%         1.00%        0.78%          0.78%            (0.25)%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                 90%          113%         133%           115%              139%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)           $69,192       $51,525      $49,412        $24,770           $ 2,967
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         1.22%         1.47%        1.71%          3.04%            17.22%**
 Net investment income (loss)                         0.01%         0.97%        0.56%         (0.74)%          (15.37)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         1.22%          1.43%       1.48%          1.50%             1.75%**
 Net investment income (loss)                         0.01%          1.01%       0.79%          0.80%             0.10%**
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.

                                       35
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio

Investment objective

Capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities
consisting primarily of common stocks.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Market value

 A company's market value or capitalization is calculated by multiplying the
 number of its outstanding shares by the current market price of a share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Principal investment strategies

Normally, the portfolio invests at least 80% of its total assets in common
stocks of companies. The portfolio focuses its investments in common stocks of
mid-size companies, that is companies with market values within the range of
market values of issuers included in Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index.
Normally, the portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets in the
securities of mid-size companies. On December 31, 1999, the market value of
companies in the index varied from approximately $165 million to over $37
billion. The portfolio considers securities that trade like common stocks, such
as convertible debt, depositary receipts, warrants, interests in real estate
investment trusts (REITs) and preferred stocks, to be common stocks.

Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select the
portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks securities
selling at substantial discounts to their underlying values and holds these
securities until the market values reflect their intrinsic values. Pioneer
evaluates a security's potential value, including the attractiveness of its
market valuation, based on the company's assets and prospects for earnings
growth. In making that assessment, Pioneer employs due diligence and fundamental
research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and
operations, employing a bottom-up analytic style. Pioneer relies on the
knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff who have access to a wide
variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of individual
issuers, not on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors Pioneer
looks for in selecting investments include:

      - Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk
      - Management with demonstrated ability and commitment to the company
      - Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash
        flow and sales
      - Turnaround potential for companies that have been through difficult
        periods

      - Estimated private market value in excess of current stock price.
        Private market value is the price an independent investor would pay to
        own the entire company
      - Issuer's industry has strong fundamentals such as increasing or
        sustainable demand and barriers to entry


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks capital appreciation, you could lose money on
your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:

      - The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)

      - Mid-size or value stocks fall out of favor with investors
      - The portfolio's assets remain undervalued or do not have the potential
        value originally expected

The fund also has risks associated with investing in mid-size companies.
Compared to large companies, mid-size companies, and the market for their
common stocks, are likely to:

      - Be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor
        expectations

      - Have more limited product lines and capital resources
      - Experience sharper swings in market values
      - Be harder to sell at the times and prices Pioneer thinks appropriate
      - Offer greater potential for gain and loss

                                       36
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.



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

Portfolio performance
The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 1, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.


The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 14.00% (3/31/99 to
6/30/99).

The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -20.94% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).


Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

[Begin Bar chart]

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
'96      15.03
'97      24.69
'98      -4.02
'99      13.13
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison with Standard & Poor's 500 Index
The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index. This index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500
widely held common stocks. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and
does not incur expenses. The table assumes:
- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- --------------------------------------------------------
                                    Since      Inception
                    1 Year      Inception           Date
- --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>            <C>           <C>
Class I              13.13          13.22         3/1/95
- --------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index        20.99          27.62             --
- --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       37

<PAGE>

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in common stocks of mid-cap
companies.


This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Investments other than U.S. common stocks
The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in equity and debt securities of non-U.S. issuers. The portfolio will
not invest more than 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in the
securities of emerging markets issuers. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may
involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These
risks may include:

      - Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due
        to less rigorous disclosure and accounting standards or regulatory
        practices
      - Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a
        changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell the portfolio's
        investments in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable
      - Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of
        the portfolio's investments

      - Economic, political and social developments that adversely affect the
        securities markets
      - Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's
        return.

The portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in debt securities of corporate and government issuers. Generally the
portfolio acquires debt securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio
may invest up to 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in below
investment grade convertible debt securities. The portfolio invests in debt
securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the portfolio's
investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for greater liquidity.


Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of J. Rodman
Wright. Mr. Wright is a vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1994 as
an analyst, was the portfolio's assistant portfolio manager from 1996 until
1997 and has been an investment professional since 1988.

Mr. Wright is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in U.S. equity securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Wright and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


                                       38
<PAGE>

Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income annually. The portfolio may pay additional distributions and
dividends at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio
                                                               For the year ended December 31                     March 1,
                                                  -----------------------------------------------------         1995 through
                                                     1999           1998           1997         1996          December 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>                 <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period               $  14.49       $  16.15       $  13.05      $11.57              $10.00
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                      $   0.13       $   0.12       $   0.12      $ 0.03              $ 0.02
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investments                                       1.77          (0.65)          3.09        1.71                1.69
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease)
   from investment operations                      $   1.90       $  (0.53)      $   3.21      $ 1.74              $ 1.71
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                                (0.13)         (0.10)            --       (0.03)              (0.02)
 Net realized gain                                       --          (1.03)         (0.11)      (0.23)              (0.12)
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value       $   1.77       $  (1.66)      $   3.10      $ 1.48              $ 1.57
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                     $  16.26       $  14.49       $  16.15      $13.05              $11.57
                                                   ============================================================================
Total return*                                         13.13%         (4.02)%        24.69%      15.03%              17.13%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+           0.76%          0.74%          0.80%       0.93%               1.56%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
 to average net assets+                                0.77%          0.90%          1.02%       0.37%               0.48%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                  91%            81%            50%         41%                 46%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)           $120,526       $113,359       $105,476     $48,572              $9,357
Ratio assuming no waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                          0.76%          0.74%          0.80%       0.95%               3.95%**
 Net investment income (loss)                          0.77%          0.90%          1.02%       0.35%              (1.91)%**
Ratio assuming waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                          0.76%          0.74%          0.79%       0.92%               1.49%**
 Net investment income (loss)                          0.77%          0.90%          1.03%       0.38%               0.55%**
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.

                                       39
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Money Market VCT Portfolio

Investment objective
Current income consistent with preservation of capital and providing liquidity.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Money market securities

 Money market securities include:
 - Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or
   instrumentalities
 - Corporate debt securities
 - Bank obligations
 - Commercial paper
 - Repurchase agreements
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Principal investment strategies


The portfolio seeks to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share by
investing in high quality money market securities. The portfolio may invest more
than 25% of its assets in U.S. government securities and bank obligations.

The portfolio invests in U.S. government obligations and securities rated (at
the time of purchase) in one of the two highest rating categories for short-term
debt by a nationally recognized rating organization or determined by Pioneer to
be of equivalent credit quality. If rating organizations differ in the rating
assigned to a security, the portfolio will only treat the security as having the
higher rating if at least two rating organizations assigned that rating.


The portfolio invests exclusively in securities with a maximum remaining
maturity of 397 days from the date of settlement of the purchase and maintains a
dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less. The portfolio's
investments may have fixed, floating or variable interest rates.


In selecting the portfolio's investments, Pioneer complies with the rating,
maturity and diversification requirements applicable to money market funds.
Within those limits, Pioneer's assessment of broad economic factors that are
expected to affect economic activity and interest rates influences its
securities selection. Pioneer also employs due diligence and fundamental
research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and
operations.


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Although the portfolio seeks to maintain a $1 share price, you could lose money
on your investment or the portfolio could fail to generate high current income
if:

      - Interest rates rise go up causing the value of the portfolio's
        investments to decline
      - The issuer of a security owned by the portfolio defaults on its
        obligation to pay principal and/or interest or has its credit rating
        downgraded
      - Pioneer's judgment about the credit quality, attractiveness or relative
        value of a particular security proves to be incorrect


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 An investment in the portfolio is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal
 Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the
 portfolio seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share,
 it is possible to lose money by investing in the portfolio.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       40
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.


The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.




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

Portfolio performance
The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 1, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.


The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 1.22% (9/30/99 to
12/31/99).

The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was 1.08% (12/31/96 to
3/31/97).


Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

[Begin Bar chart]

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
'96      4.51
'97      4.64
'98      4.68
'99      4.38
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison with 90-day Treasury Bills

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of the 90-day
Treasury bill. The table also provides the portfolio's 7-day yield for the
period December 24 to December 31, 1999. Please contact Pioneer at
1-800-225-6292 to obtain the portfolio's current 7-day yield. The table
assumes:

- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Since      Inception      7-day
                  1 Year      Inception           Date      Yield
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
Class I             4.38           4.66         3/1/95       4.99
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
90-day
Treasury bill       4.88                            --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       41
<PAGE>

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of a team of fixed
income portfolio managers and analysts supervised by Sherman B. Russ and Kenneth
J. Taubes. Mr. Russ and Mr. Taubes are jointly responsible for overseeing
Pioneer's U.S. and global fixed income team. Mr. Russ is a senior vice president
of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1983 as an assistant portfolio manager and has
been an investment professional since 1962. Mr. Taubes joined Pioneer as a
senior vice president in September 1998 and has been an investment professional
since 1986. Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Taubes had served since 1991 as a
senior vice president and senior portfolio manager for several Putnam
Investments institutional accounts and mutual funds.

Mr. Russ, Mr. Taubes and their team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.50% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.00% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management
fee equal to 0.50% of the portfolio's average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio declares a dividend daily. The dividend consists of substantially
all of the portfolio's net income. Investors begin to earn dividends on the
first business day following receipt of payment for shares and continue to earn
dividends up to and including the date of sale. Dividends are normally paid on
the last business day of each month. The portfolio generally pays any
distributions of net short- and long-term capital gains in June. The portfolio
may also pay dividends and capital gain distributions at other times if
necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


                                       42

Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.

Pioneer Money Market VCT Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             For the year ended December 31                    March 1,
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------       1995 through
                                                     1999          1998          1997          1996       December 31, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period               $  1.00       $  1.00       $  1.00       $  1.00           $ 1.00
                                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                      $  0.04       $  0.05       $  0.05       $  0.04           $ 0.04
                                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                               (0.04)        (0.05)       ( 0.05)       ( 0.04)           (0.04)
                                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                     $  1.00)      $  1.00       $  1.00       $  1.00           $ 1.00
                                                   ========================================================================
Total return*                                         4.38%         4.68%         4.64%         4.51%            4.35%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+          0.79%         0.92%         1.00%         0.97%            0.81%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
 to average net assets+                               4.34%         4.55%         4.55%         4.43%            5.00%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)           $37,347       $21,497       $13,739       $11,744           $3,416
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         0.79%         0.97%         1.17%         1.29%            8.34%**
 Net investment income (loss)                         4.34%         4.50%         4.38%         4.11%           (2.53)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         0.78%         0.92%         0.99%         0.96%            0.74%**
 Net investment income (loss)                         4.35%         4.55%         4.56%         4.44%            5.07%**
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.

                                        43
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Fund VCT Portfolio

Investment objective
Reasonable income and capital growth.


Principal investment strategies
The portfolio invests in a broad list of carefully selected, reasonably priced
securities rather than in securities whose prices reflect a premium resulting
from their current market popularity. The portfolio invests the major portion of
its assets in equity securities, primarily of U.S. issuers. For purposes of the
portfolio's investment policies, equity securities include common and preferred
stocks, depositary receipts, interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs)
and convertible debt securities. Although the portfolio focuses on securities
that have paid dividends in the preceding 12 months, it may purchase or hold
securities that do not provide income if the portfolio expects them to increase
in value.

Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select the
portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks securities
selling at reasonable prices or substantial discounts to their underlying values
and holds these securities until the market values reflect their intrinsic
values. Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value, including the
attractiveness of its market valuation, based on the company's assets and
prospects for earnings growth. In making that assessment, Pioneer employs due
diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its
financial statements and operations. Pioneer also considers a security's
potential to provide a reasonable amount of income. Pioneer relies on the
knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff who have access to a wide
variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of individual
issuers, not on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors Pioneer
looks for in selecting investments include:

      - Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk
      - Above average potential for earnings and revenue growth
      - Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash
        flow and sales
      - A sustainable competitive advantage, such as a brand name, customer
        base, proprietary technology or economies of scale

Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks reasonable income and capital growth, you could
lose money on your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere
if:

      - The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)


      - Value stocks fall out of favor with investors
      - The portfolio's assets remain undervalued or do not have the potential
        value originally expected
      - Stocks selected for income do not achieve the same return as securities
        selected for capital growth

                                       44
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.



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


Portfolio performance
The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on October 31, 1997. The chart
does not reflect any fees and expenses with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 21.71% (9/30/98 to
12/31/98).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -11.70% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).


Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

[Begin Bar chart]

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
'98      26.12
'99      15.91
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison with Standard & Poor's 500 Index
The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index. This index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500
widely held common stocks. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and
does not incur expenses. The table assumes:
- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- --------------------------------------------------------
                                    Since      Inception
                    1 Year      Inception           Date
- --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>            <C>         <C>
Class I              15.91          22.06       10/31/97
- --------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index        20.99          26.20             --
- --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       45
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies
As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in common stocks of U.S.
companies to seek reasonable income and capital growth.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's secondary
investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these investments and
risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional information (SAI).


Investments other than U.S. equity securities
The portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets (at the time of purchase)
in equity securities of non-U.S. corporate issuers and debt securities of
non-U.S. corporate and government issuers. The portfolio will not invest more
than 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in the securities of
emerging markets issuers. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks
compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers.


The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of purchase)
in real estate investment trusts. Real estate investment trusts are pooled
investment vehicles that invest primarily in real estate or real estate related
loans. Investing in real estate investment trusts involves unique risks. They
are significantly affected by the market for real estate and are dependent upon
management skills and cash flow.


The portfolio may invest the balance of its assets in debt securities of U.S.
corporate and government issuers. Generally the portfolio acquires debt
securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 5% of
its net assets (at the time of purchase) in lower quality debt securities
including below investment grade convertible debt securities. The portfolio
invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes that they are consistent with
the portfolio's investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for greater
liquidity.


Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the
portfolio's portfolio include rising interest rates or a reduction in the
perceived creditworthiness of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is
investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four categories by a
nationally recognized securities rating organization or determined to be of
equivalent credit quality by Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment
grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative.
Below investment grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are
subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during
periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of John A. Carey.
Mr. Carey is a senior vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1979 as an
analyst.

Mr. Carey is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in U.S. equity securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Carey and his team operates under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Mr. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.25% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may


                                       46
<PAGE>


be revised or terminated at any time. For the most recent fiscal year, the
portfolio paid Pioneer a management fee equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's
average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income quarterly during March, June, September and December. The
portfolio may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if
necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that
you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's annual report along
with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual report is available upon
request.

Pioneer Fund VCT Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             For the year ended December 31      October 31,
                                                                   1999           1998          1997 through
                                                             ------------------------------   December 31, 1997
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>               <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period                             $  19.76        $ 15.80           $15.00
                                                                 ----------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                                    $   0.16        $  0.15           $ 0.01
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments              2.97           3.96             0.80
                                                                 ----------------------------------------------
  Total increase (decrease) from investment operations           $   3.13        $  4.11           $ 0.81
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                                              (0.17)         (0.15)           (0.01)
 Net realized gain                                                  (0.02)            --               --
                                                                 ----------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value                     $   2.94        $  3.96           $ 0.80
                                                                 ----------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                                   $  22.70        $ 19.76           $15.80
                                                                 ==============================================
Total return*                                                       15.91%         26.12%            5.43%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets                          0.70%+         0.86%+           1.25%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets          0.82%+         0.97%+           1.07%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                                 8%             4%              --
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)                         $204,927        $89,860           $4,493
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and no reduction for
 fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                                        0.70%          0.87%            5.30%**
 Net investment income (loss)                                        0.82%          0.96%           (2.98)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and reduction for fees
 paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                                        0.70%          0.86%            1.25%**
 Net investment income (loss)                                        0.82%          0.97%            1.07%**
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.

                                       47
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Real Estate Growth VCT Portfolio


Investment objectives

Long-term growth of capital. Current income is a secondary objective.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Real estate industry companies

 A real estate industry company is a company that derives at least 50% of its
 gross revenues or net profits from either
 - the ownership, development, construction, financing, management or sale of
   commercial, industrial or residential real estate; or
 - products or services reated to the real estate industry like building
   supplies or mortgage servicing.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Principal investment strategies

The portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of real estate investment
trusts (REITs) and other real estate industry companies. Normally, the portfolio
invests at least 75% of its total assets in these securities. The portfolio's
equity investments include common stock, common stock equivalents such as
preferred stock and convertible debt securities and shares of REITs.

REITs are pooled investment vehicles that primarily invest in income producing
real estate or real estate related loans or interests. Some REITs invest
directly in real estate and derive their income from the collection of rents and
capital gains on the sale of properties. Other REITs invest primarily in
mortgages secured by real estate and derive their income from collection of
interest.


The portfolio uses a "growth at a reasonable price" style of management. Using
this investment style, Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, seeks to
invest in companies with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth
that are also trading at attractive market valuations. To select stocks, Pioneer
employs due diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer
based on its financial statements and operations. Pioneer focuses on the quality
and price of individual issuers, not on economic sector or market strategy.
Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:

      - Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk
      - Increasing cash flow or favorable prospects for cash flow growth
      - Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, net asset value
        and cash flow

      - Favorable prospects for dividend growth


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital, you could lose
money on your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:

      - The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)


      - REITs and other real estate industry companies fall out of favor with
        investors
      - The portfolio's investments do not have the growth potential originally
        expected

The portfolio also has risks associated with the real estate industry. Although
the portfolio does not invest directly in real estate, it does invest in REITs
and other equity securities of real estate industry companies and concentrates
its investments in the real estate industry. These risks include:

      - The U.S. or a local real estate market declines due to adverse economic
        conditions, overbuilding and high vacancy rates, reduced or regulated
        rents or other causes

      - Interest rates go up. Rising interest rates can adversely affect the
        availability and cost of financing for property acquisitions and other
        purposes and reduce the value of a REIT's fixed income investments
      - The values of properties owned by a REIT or the prospects of other real
        estate industry companies may be hurt by property tax increases, zoning
        changes, other governmental actions, environmental liabilities, natural
        disasters or increased operating expenses
      - A REIT owned by the portfolio is, or is perceived by the market to be,
        poorly managed

Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. REITs are dependent on
management skills, are not diversified and are subject to the risks of
financing projects. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by
borrowers, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for
certain tax and regulatory exemptions. REITs may have limited financial
resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be more
volatile than securities of larger issuers.

                                       48
<PAGE>

The portfolio is not diversified, which means that it can invest a higher
percentage of its assets in any one issuer than a diversified portfolio. Being
non-diversified may magnify the portfolio's losses from adverse events
affecting a particular issuer.

The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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

Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 31, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 17.17% (9/30/96 to
12/31/96).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -13.37% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).

Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

[Begin Bar chart]

<TABLE>
<S>          <C>
'96           35.73
'97           21.16
'98          -18.74
'99           -4.17
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison with Standard & Poor's
500 Index and Wilshire Real Estate
Securities Index

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index and the Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index. Standard & Poor's 500
index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500 widely held
common stocks. The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is a market-
capitalization weighted measure of the performance of REITs and real estate
operating companies. Unlike the portfolio, these indices are not managed and do
not incur expenses. The table assumes:

- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period

- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          Average annual total return (%)
       (for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- -------------------------------------------------------
                                  Since   Inception
                     1 Year   Inception        Date
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>         <C>       <C>
Class I               -4.17        8.70     3/31/95
- -------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index         20.99       27.62          --
- -------------------------------------------------------
Wilshire Real
Estate Securities
Index                 -3.19        4.95          --
- -------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                       49
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio primarily invests in the equity securities of REITs
and other real estate industry companies to seek long-term growth of capital.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Investments other than equity securities of REITs and other real estate
industry companies

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in debt securities of real estate industry companies, mortgage-backed
securities and short-term investments. Generally the portfolio may acquire debt
securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 5% of
its total assets (at the time of purchase) in below investment grade debt
securities. The portfolio invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes they
are consistent with the portfolio's investment objectives and offer the
potential for reasonable income or capital growth, to diversify the portfolio's
investments or for greater liquidity.

Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private companies or by agencies of
the U.S. government and represent direct or indirect participations in, or are
collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property.
Certain mortgage-backed securities may only pay principal at maturity or may
only represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of
interest on underlying pools of mortgages or government securities, but not
both. The value of these types of instruments may change more drastically than
debt securities that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing
interest rates. Principal only mortgage-backed securities generally increase in
value if interest rates decline, but are also subject to the risk of
prepayment. Interest only instruments generally increase in value in a rising
interest rate environment when fewer of the underlying mortgages are prepaid.

The fund may invest in mortgage derivatives and structured securities. Because
these securities have imbedded leverage features, small changes in interest or
prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements. Mortgage
derivatives can also become illiquid and hard to value in declining markets.

The portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in securities of non-U.S. issuers provided that the purchase of
Canadian securities are not subject to the non-U.S. issuer limitation. The
portfolio will not invest more than 5% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in the securities of emerging markets issuers. Investing in Canadian
and non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in
securities of U.S. issuers.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of Matthew L.
Ostrower. Mr. Ostrower is a vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in
1999 and has been an investment professional since 1996. Prior to joining
Pioneer, Mr. Ostrower was a real estate analyst for The Boston Financial Group
from 1995 to 1999.

Mr. Ostrower is supervised by Theresa A. Hamacher, chief investment officer of
Pioneer. She joined Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional
since 1984, most recently as chief investment officer at another investment
adviser.



                                       50
<PAGE>

Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.80% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. This fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.25% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and may be revised or terminated at any time. For the
most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management fee equal to
0.85% of the portfolio's average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income during March, June, September and December. The portfolio may
pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the
portfolio to avoid a federal tax.



                                       51
<PAGE>

Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.

Pioneer Real Estate Growth VCT Portfolio



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             For the year ended December 31                      March 31,
                                                   --------------------------------------------------          1995 through
                                                     1999          1998           1997           1996        December 31, 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>                <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period               $ 13.07        $ 16.90       $ 14.46       $ 11.23            $ 10.00
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                      $  0.66        $  0.60       $  0.47       $  0.54            $  0.12
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investments                                     (1.20)         (3.72)         2.54          3.34               1.55
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease)
   from investment operations                      $ (0.54)       $ (3.12)      $  3.01       $  3.88            $  1.67
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                               (0.60)         (0.56)        (0.45)        (0.53)             (0.23)
 Net realized gain                                   (0.12)         (0.15)        (0.12)        (0.12)             (0.03)
 Tax return of capital                               (0.08)            --            --            --              (0.18)
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value       $ (1.34)       $ (3.83)      $  2.44       $  3.23            $  1.23
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                     $ 11.73        $ 13.07       $ 16.90       $ 14.46            $ 11.23
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return*                                       (4.17)%        (18.74)%       21.16%        35.73%             16.96%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+          1.15%          1.19%         1.25%         1.34%              2.10%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
 to average net assets+                               5.07%          4.06%         3.16%         4.63%             2.68%* *
Portfolio turnover rate                                 54%            18%           28%           41%                 1%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)           $28,318        $35,579      $ 42,187       $11,115            $   512
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         1.30%          1.20%         1.37%         3.35%             45.96%* *
 Net investment income (loss)                         4.92%          4.05%         3.04%         2.62%            (41.18)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         1.14%          1.19%         1.24%         1.24%              1.57%* *
 Net investment income (loss)                         5.08%          4.06%         3.17%         4.73%              3.21%* *
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.


                                       52
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Science & Technology VCT Portfolio

Investment objective

Capital growth

Principal investment strategies

Normally, the portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets (at time of
purchase) in the common stock and other equity securities of companies Pioneer
expects to benefit from the development, advancement or use of science or
technology. The portfolio considers securities that trade like common stocks,
such as convertible debt, warrants, and preferred stocks, to be equity
securities.


The portfolio has the flexibility to invest in any company or industry that
Pioneer believes will benefit from the development, advancement or use of
science or technology. The portfolio's holdings are likely to include companies
from industries directly related to technological and scientific development
such as:
      - computer hardware or software, including related products, components
        and networking systems

      - internet and related services

      - telecommunications

      - media and information services

      - medical services, healthcare and biotechnology


The portfolio's holdings may include companies from industries outside the
technology and science industries if Pioneer believes such companies may
benefit from the use of scientific or technological discoveries and
developments.


The portfolio may invest in large capitalization companies with established
track records or less established mid- or small-capitalization companies.

The portfolio may invest in equity securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. The
portfolio will not invest more than 5% of its total assets (at time of
purchase) in the securities of emerging markets issuers.


The portfolio uses a "growth" style of management and seeks to invest in
companies with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth. To
select growth stocks, Pioneer employs due diligence and fundamental research,
an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and operations.
Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff who have
access to a wide variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price
of individual issuers and economic sector analysis, not on market timing
strategies. Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:

      - Issuer has strong fundamentals relative to its industry, such as
        increasing or sustainable demand for technological change

      - Issuers in countries expected to have economic and market environments
        that will support the development, advancement or use of science and
        technology

      - Market leadership in a company's primary products and services
      - Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk
      - A sustainable competitive advantage such as a brand name, customer
        base, proprietary technology or economies of scale

      - Estimated private market value in excess of current stock price.
        Private market value is the price an independent investor would pay to
        own the entire company


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio

Even though the portfolio seeks capital growth, you could lose money on your
investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:

      - The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)
      - Growth or science and technology stocks fall out of favor with
        investors

      - The portfolio's investments do not have the growth potential originally
        expected


                                       53
<PAGE>

The portfolio also has the risks associated with its focus on investing in
companies in the rapidly changing fields of science or technology. Compared to
companies in more developed market sectors, companies that focus on science and
technology, and the market for their common stocks, may:

      - Experience unusually high price volatility, both in terms of gains and
        losses and, as a result, have the potential for wide variations in
        performance due to the special risks associated with these stocks

      - Market products or services that at first appear promising but that do
        not prove commercially successful or that become obsolete more quickly
        than anticipated
      - Be adversely affected by developing government regulation and policies


An investment in the portfolio may also involve a high degree of risk to the
extent that the portfolio invests in non-U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S.
issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S.
issuers. These risks are more pronounced to the extent that the portfolio
invests in issuers in emerging markets or focuses its non-U.S. investments in
any one region. These risks may include:

      - Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due
        to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory
        practices
      - Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than
        U.S. markets. In a changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell the
        portfolio's securities in amounts and at prices Pioneer considers
        reasonable
      - Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of
        the portfolio's investments
      - Economic, political and social developments that adversely affect the
        securities markets
      - Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's
        return

To the extent that the portfolio invests in small- and mid-size companies, it
will also have the risks associated with investing in these companies. Compared
to large companies, smaller companies, and the market for their common stocks,
are likely to:
      - Be more sensitive to changes in the economy, earnings results and
        investor expectations
      - Have more limited product lines and capital resources
      - Experience sharper swings in market values
      - Be harder to sell at the times and prices Pioneer thinks appropriate

The portfolio is not diversified, which means that it can invest a higher
percentage of its assets in any one issuer than a diversified fund. Being
non-diversified may magnify the portfolio's losses from adverse events
affecting a particular issuer.

The portfolio's performance

Since the portfolio is newly organized, it does not disclose any performance
information. The portfolio's performance will vary from year to year. Past
performance does not necessarily indicate how a portfolio will perform in the
future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your investment.

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of companies
expected to benefit from the development, advancement or use of science and
technology.

This section and "Common portfolio investment practices" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Debt securities

The portfolio may invest the balance of its assets in debt securities of U.S.
corporate and governmental issuers. Generally, the portfolio may acquire debt
securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 5% of
its total assets (at the time of purchase) in lower quality debt securities
including below investment grade convertible debt securities. The portfolio
invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes that they are consistent with
the portfolio's investment objective, to diversify the portfolio's investments
or for greater liquidity.


Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of the portfolio's debt securities
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the security. A debt security is investment grade


                                       54
<PAGE>

if it is rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized
securities rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality
by Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred
to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve a greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
instability, than higher quality debt securities.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio's investments is the responsibility of
co-managers Thomas A. Crowley Kenneth G. Fuller and Robert C. Junkin. Mr.
Crowley is a vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1996 as an
analyst. Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Crowley was an electrical engineer for
GTE from 1989 to 1996. Mr. Fuller is a senior vice president of Pioneer. He
joined Pioneer in October 1999 and has been an investment professional since
1975. Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Fuller was a principal and analyst at
Manley Fuller Asset Management from 1994 to 1999. Mr. Junkin joined Pioneer in
1997 as an analyst and has been an investment professional since 1993. Prior to
joining Pioneer, Mr. Junkin was a vice president and analyst at ABN AMRO from
1995 to 1996.

Mr. Crowley, Mr. Fuller and Mr. Junkin are supported by a team of portfolio
managers and analysts focusing on the securities of companies Pioneer expects
to benefit from the development, advancement and use of science or technology.
This team manages and provides research for the portfolio and other Pioneer
mutual funds with similar investment objectives or styles.

Mr. Crowley, Mr. Fuller and Mr. Junkin and the portfolio management team
operate under the supervision of Theresa A. Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief
investment officer of Pioneer. She joined Pioneer in 1997 and has been an
investment professional since 1984, most recently as chief investment officer
at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.75% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.25% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income, annually. The portfolio may pay additional distributions and
dividends at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.



                                       55
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfolio

Investment objective

A high level of current income.


Principal investment strategies                 --------------------------------
                                                Below investment grade
Normally, the portfolio invests at least 80%    debt securities
of its total assets in debt securities. The
portfolio has the flexibility to invest in a    A debt security is below
broad range of issuers and segments of the      investment grade if it is rated
market for debt securities. Pioneer Investment  BB or lower by Standard &
Management, Inc., the portfolio's investment    Poor's Rating Group or the
adviser, normally allocates the portfolio's     equivalent rating by a
investments among the following three segments  nationally recognized securities
of the debt markets:                            rating organization or
                                                determined to be of equivalent
      - Below investment grade (high yield)     credit quality by Pioneer.
        securities of U.S. and non-U.S.         --------------------------------
        issuers
      - Investment grade securities of U.S.
        issuers
      - Investment grade securities of non-U.S.
        issuers


Pioneer's allocations among these segments of the debt markets depend upon its
outlook on economic, interest rate and political trends.

The portfolio invests primarily in:

      - Debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
        agencies or instrumentalities or non-U.S. governmental entities
      - Debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. corporate issuers
      - Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

The portfolio's investments may have fixed or variable principal payments and
all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate,
adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction
rate features. The portfolio invests in securities with a broad range of
maturities.


Depending upon Pioneer's allocation among market segments, up to 70% of the
portfolio's total assets may be in securities rated below investment grade at
the time of purchase or determined to be of equivalent quality by Pioneer. Up
to 20% of the portfolio's total assets (at the time of purchase) may be
invested in debt securities rated below CCC by Standard & Poor's Rating Group
or the equivalent by another nationally recognized securities rating
organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by Pioneer. Debt
securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk
bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt securities
involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are
less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than
higher rated debt securities.


Depending upon Pioneer's allocation among market segments, up to 85% of the
fund's total assets may be in debt securities of non-U.S. corporate and
governmental issuers, including debt securities of corporate and governmental
issuers in emerging markets. Non-U.S. investments include securities issued by
non-U.S. governments, banks or corporations and certain supranational
organizations, such as the World Bank and the European Union.

Pioneer considers both broad economic factors and issuer specific factors in
selecting a portfolio designed to achieve the portfolio's investment objective.
In assessing the appropriate maturity, rating, sector and country weighting of
the portfolio, Pioneer considers a variety of factors that are expected to
influence economic activity and interest rates. These factors include
fundamental economic indicators, such as the rates of economic growth and
inflation, Federal Reserve monetary policy and the relative value of the U.S.
dollar compared to other currencies. Once Pioneer determines the preferable
portfolio characteristics, Pioneer selects individual securities based upon the
terms of the securities (such as yields compared to U.S. Treasuries or
comparable issues), liquidity and rating, sector and issuer diversification.
Pioneer also employs due diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of
the issuer based on its financial statements and operations, to assess an
issuer's credit quality, taking into account financial condition and
profitability, future capital needs, potential for change in rating, industry
outlook, the competitive environment and management ability. In making these
portfolio decisions, Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and judgment
of its staff who have access to a wide variety of research.

Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks a high level of current income, you could lose
money on your investment, or the portfolio could fail to generate current
income, if:
      - Interest rates go up, causing the value of the portfolio's investments
        to decline


                                       56
<PAGE>

      - The issuer of a security owned by the portfolio defaults on its
        obligation to pay principal and/or interest or has its credit rating
        downgraded
      - During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a security
        may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled,
        forcing the portfolio to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is
        known as call or prepayment risk
      - During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain
        types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected
        principal payments. This may lock in a below market interest rate,
        increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security.
        This is known as extension risk
      - Pioneer's judgment about the attractiveness, relative value or
        potential appreciation of a particular sector, security or investment
        strategy proves to be incorrect


To the extent the portfolio invests significantly in asset-backed and
mortgage-related securities, its exposure to prepayment and extension risks may
be greater than if it invested in other fixed income securities.


Investment in high yield securities involves substantial risk of loss.

These securities are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's
ability to pay interest and principal and are susceptible to default or decline
in market value due to adverse economic and business developments. The market
values for high yield securities tends to be very volatile, and these
securities are less liquid than investment grade debt securities. For these
reasons, your investment in the portfolio is subject to the following specific
risks:

      - Increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and
        deteriorating economic environment
      - Greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality
      - Adverse company specific events are more likely to render the issuer
        unable to make interest and/or principal payments
      - A negative perception of the high yield market develops, depressing the
        price and liquidity of high yield securities. This negative perception
        could last for a significant period of time

Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in
securities of U.S. issuers. Some of these risks do not apply to larger more
developed countries. These risks are more pronounced to the extent the
portfolio invests in issuers in countries with emerging markets or if the
portfolio invests significantly in one country. These risks may include:

      - Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due
        to less rigorous disclosure and accounting standards or regulatory
        practices
      - Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than
        U.S. markets. In a changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell the
        portfolio's securities in amounts and at prices Pioneer considers
        reasonable
      - The U.S. dollar may appreciate against non-U.S. currencies or a
        non-U.S. government may impose restrictions on currency conversion or
        trading
      - The economy of non-U.S. countries may grow at a slower rate than
        expected or may experience a downturn or recession
      - Economic, political and social developments that adversely affect the
        securities markets
      - Non-U.S. governmental obligations involve the risk of debt moratorium,
        repudiation or renegotiation and the portfolio may be unable to enforce
        its rights against the issuers

The portfolio's performance

The portfolio commenced operations on July 29, 1999. Prospectuses published
after December 31, 2000 will include performance information. The portfolio's
performance will vary from year to year. Past performance does not necessarily
indicate how a portfolio will perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may
lose or make money on your investment.

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the fund invests primarily in a broad range of debt securities to
achieve a high level of current income.

This section describes additional investments that the fund may make or
strategies that it may pursue to a lesser degree to achieve the fund's goal.
Some of the fund's secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn
more about these investments and risks, you should obtain and read the
statement of additional information (SAI).


                                       57
<PAGE>

Investments other than debt securities

The portfolio may invest up to up to 20% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks,
warrants, convertible debt securities and depositary receipts. Equity
securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a
company's capital structure to debt securities and consequently may entail
greater risk of loss than fixed income securities. Although equity securities
may not pay dividends or contribute to achieving the portfolio's investment
objective of a high level of current income, the portfolio invests in equity
securities when Pioneer believes they offer the potential for capital gains or
to diversify the portfolio.

The portfolio may enter into mortgage dollar roll transactions to earn
additional income. In these transactions, the portfolio sells a U.S. agency
mortgage-backed security and simultaneously agrees to repurchase at a future
date another U.S. agency mortgage-backed security with the same interest rate
and maturity date, but generally backed by a different pool of mortgages. The
portfolio loses the right to receive interest and principal payments on the
security it sold. However, the portfolio benefits from the interest earned on
investing the proceeds of the sale and may receive a fee or a lower repurchase
price. The benefits from these transactions depend upon Pioneer's ability to
forecast mortgage prepayment patterns on different mortgage pools. The
portfolio may lose money if, during the period between the time it agrees to
the forward purchase of the mortgage securities and the settlement date, these
securities decline in value due to market conditions or prepayments on the
underlying mortgages.


Additional information about debt securities

The portfolio's investments in U.S. government securities may include U.S.
Treasury bills, notes and bonds as well as obligations of U.S. agencies,
instrumentalities and sponsored entities. Obligations of these entities may be
supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S., such as Government National
Mortgage Association, by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury,
such as the Federal Home Loan Banks, by the discretionary authority of the U.S.
to purchase the issuer's securities, like the Federal National Mortgage
Association, or only by the credit of the issuer, such as the Tennessee Valley
Authority.

The portfolio may invest in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private companies or by agencies of
the U.S. government and represent direct or indirect participation in, or are
collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property.
Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and
payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases,
credit card receivables and other categories of receivables.

Certain debt instruments may only pay principal at maturity or may only
represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of interest on
underlying pools of mortgage or government securities, but not both. The value
of these types of instruments may change more drastically than debt securities
that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing interest rates.
Principal only mortgage backed securities generally increase in value if
interest rates decline, but are also subject to the risk of prepayment.
Interest only instruments generally increase in value in a rising interest rate
environment when fewer of the underlying mortgages are prepaid.

The portfolio may invest in mortgage derivatives and structured securities.
Because these securities have imbedded leverage features, small changes in
interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements.
Mortgage derivatives can also become illiquid and hard to value in declining
markets.


For purposes of the fund's credit quality policies, if a security receives
different ratings from nationally recognized securities rating organizations,
the fund will use the highest rating assigned to that security. If a rating
organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of the
fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are
appropriate including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional
investment grade securities as soon as it is prudent to do so.


Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of a team of fixed
income portfolio managers and analysts supervised by Sherman B. Russ and
Kenneth J. Taubes.

Mr. Russ and Mr. Taubes are jointly responsible for overseeing Pioneer's U.S.
and global fixed income team. Mr. Russ is a senior vice president of Pioneer.
He joined Pioneer in 1983 as an assistant portfolio manager and has been an
investment professional since 1962. Mr. Taubes joined Pioneer as a senior vice
president in September 1998 and has


                                       58
<PAGE>

been an investment professional since 1986. Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Taubes
had served since 1991 as a senior vice president and senior portfolio manager
for several Putnam Investments institutional accounts and mutual funds.

Mr. Russ, Mr. Taubes and their team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment adviser at another investment adviser.

Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.25% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management
fee equal to 0.00% of average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio declares a dividend daily. The dividend consists of substantially
all of the portfolio's net income. Investors begin to earn dividends on the
first business day following receipt of payment for shares and continue to earn
dividends up to and including the date of sale. Dividends are normally paid on
the last business day of each month. The portfolio generally pays any
distributions of net short- and long-term capital gains in June. The portfolio
may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for
the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.



                                       59
<PAGE>

Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the fund's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you
would have earned on an investment in the fund (assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the fund's annual report along with
the fund's financial statements. The annual report is available upon request.

Pioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      July 29,
                                                                    1999 through
                                                                  December 31, 1999
                                                                 ------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period                                 $ 10.00
                                                                     -------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                                        $  0.28
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
  and foreign currency transactions                                    (0.21)
                                                                     -------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations                   $  0.07
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                                                 (0.28)
 Tax return of capital                                                 (0.04)
                                                                     -------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value                           $ (0.25)
                                                                     -------
Net asset value, end of period                                       $  9.75
                                                                     =======
Total return*                                                           0.70%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+                            1.54%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets+            6.46%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                                 0.49%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)                             $ 1,244
Ratio assuming no waiver of management fees and assumption of
 expenses by Pioneer and no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                                           8.68%**
 Net investment income (loss)                                          (0.68)%**
Ratio assuming waiver of management fees and assumption of
 expenses by Pioneer and reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                                           1.25%**
 Net investment income (loss)                                           6.75%**
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.


                                       60
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Swiss Franc Bond VCT Portfolio

Investment objective

To approximate the performance of the Swiss franc relative to the U.S. dollar
while earning a reasonable level of income.


Principal investment strategies

Normally, the portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets in 1)
government and corporate debt securities that are denominated in Swiss francs
and 2) combinations of forward foreign currency exchange contracts and debt
securities that are not denominated in Swiss francs. These combinations are
designed to link the value of the investment in the non-Swiss franc security to
the performance of the Swiss franc. The portfolio normally will not invest more
than 25% of its total assets in such combination transactions.

The portfolio may invest up to 35% of its total assets in investment grade
commercial paper, bank obligations and money market instruments which may be
denominated in Swiss francs or other currencies. Normally, at least 50% of the
portfolio's investments will be denominated in Swiss francs.

The portfolio's average weighted maturity normally will not exceed three years.
However, the average weighted maturity may be as long as five years if Pioneer
determines that a longer maturity is appropriate to respond to existing or
expected market conditions.


Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, considers both broad economic and
issuer specific factors in selecting a portfolio designed to achieve the
portfolio's investment objective. In assessing the appropriate maturity and
sector weighting for the portfolio, Pioneer considers a variety of factors that
are expected to influence economic activity and interest rates. These factors
include fundamental economic indicators, such as the rates of economic growth
and inflation, Federal Reserve monetary policy and the relative value of the
U.S. dollar compared to other currencies. Once Pioneer determines the
preferable portfolio characteristics, Pioneer selects individual securities
based upon the terms of the securities (such as yields compared to U.S.
Treasuries or comparable issues), liquidity, sector and issuer diversification.
Pioneer also employs due diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of
the issuer based on its financial statements and operations, to assess an
issuer's credit quality, taking into account financial condition and
profitability, future capital needs, potential for change in rating, industry
outlook, the competitive environment and management ability. In making these
portfolio decisions, Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and judgment
of its own staff who have access to a wide variety of research.


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio
Even though the portfolio seeks to approximate the performance of the Swiss
franc relative to the U.S. dollar while earning a reasonable level of income,
you could lose money on your investment or the portfolio could fail to generate
current income if:

      - Interest rates go up causing the value of the portfolio's investments
        to decline
      - The issuer of a debt security owned by the portfolio defaults on its
        obligation to pay principal and/or interest or has its credit rating
        downgraded

      - During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a security
        may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled,
        forcing the portfolio to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is
        known as call or prepayment risk
      - During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain
        types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected
        principal payments. This may lock in a below market interest rate,
        increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security.
        This is known as extension risk
      - Pioneer's judgment about the attractiveness, relative value or
        potential appreciation of a particular sector, security or investment
        strategy proves to be incorrect

Investing primarily in Swiss issuers may involve unique risks compared to the
securities of U.S. issuers. These risks may include:

      - The U.S. dollar may appreciate against the Swiss franc or Switzerland
        may impose restrictions on currency conversion or trading. The portfolio
        is particularly susceptible to this risk since Pioneer does not actively
        manage the currency exchange rate risk of the portfolio's investments
      - The Swiss market is smaller and may be less liquid and more volatile
        than the U.S. market
      - The Swiss economy may grow at a slower rate than expected or suffer a
        downturn or recession
      - Political, economic or social developments may adversely affect the
        Swiss securities market


                                       61
<PAGE>

      - Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the introduction of a single
        European currency may increase the volatility of European markets
      - Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's
        return

The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.


The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.


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

Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on November 1, 1995. The chart
does not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable
Contract. Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 11.12% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).

The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -6.13% (12/31/98 to
3/31/99).


Annual return Class I shares (%)
(Year ended December 31)


[Begin Bar chart]

<TABLE>
<S>          <C>
'96          -10.81
'97           -6.93
'98            9.48
'99          -13.59
</TABLE>

[End Bar chart]

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

Comparison with Merrill Lynch
Global Bond Index

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Merrill Lynch
Global Bond Index. This index is a measure of approximately 3,000 global
government securities and Eurobonds. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not
managed and does not incur expenses. The table assumes:
- - The sale of the shares at the end of the period
- - Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- -----------------------------------------------------
                                 Since      Inception
                 1 Year      Inception           Date
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>             <C>          <C>
Class I          -13.59          -5.54        11/1/95
- -----------------------------------------------------
ML Global
Bond Index        -3.50           4.15             --
- -----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       62
<PAGE>

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of Salvatore P.
Pramas. Mr. Pramas is a vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1994
after working for a number of investment management firms.


Mr. Pramas is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in fixed income securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Pramas and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.25% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management
fee equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income annually. The portfolio may also pay additional distributions
and dividends at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal
tax.



                                       63
<PAGE>

Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.

Pioneer Swiss Franc Bond VCT Portfolio



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               For the year ended December 31                     November 1,
                                                 ----------------------------------------------------------      1995 through
                                                      1999           1998           1997           1996        December 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period                $ 13.22         $ 12.50        $ 13.42        $ 15.06           $15.00
                                                    -------         -------        -------        -------           ------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                       $  0.38         $  0.36        $  0.30        $  0.14           $ 0.04
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investments and foreign currency
  transactions                                        (2.18)           0.82          (1.22)         (1.78)            0.02
                                                   --------        --------       --------       --------         --------
  Net increase (decrease)
   from investment operations                       $  1.80         $  1.18        $ (0.92)       $ (1.64)          $ 0.06
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                                   --           (0.46)            --             --               --
 Tax return of capital                                 0.07              --             --             --
                                                   --------        --------       --------       --------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value        $ (1.87)        $  0.72        $ (0.92)       $ (1.64)          $ 0.06
                                                   --------        --------       --------       --------         ---------
Net asset value, end of period                      $ 11.35         $ 13.22        $ 12.50        $ 13.42           $15.06
                                                   ========        ========       ========       ========         =========
Total return*                                        (13.59)%          9.48%         (6.92)%       (10.88)%           0.40%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+           0.88%           0.91%          1.23%          1.20%            2.25%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
 to average net assets+                                3.33%           3.41%          3.22%          3.37%            1.70%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                  12%             29%            17%            39%              --
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)            $43,668         $41,174        $22,088        $13,079           $  189
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                          0.88%           0.91%          1.25%          2.58%           69.22%**
 Net investment income (loss)                          3.33%           3.41%          3.20%          1.99%          (65.27)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                          0.87%           0.90%          1.22%          1.15%            1.25%**
 Net investment income (loss)                          3.34%           3.42%          3.23%          3.42%            2.70%**
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.


                                       64
<PAGE>


Common portfolio investment policies

Some policies of the portfolios are stated as a percentage of assets. These
percentages are applied at the time of purchase of a security and subsequently
may be exceeded because of changes in the value of a portfolio's investments. If
a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of
the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are
appropriate including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional
securities as soon as it is prudent to do so.


Temporary investments

Normally, each portfolio invests substantially all of its assets to meet its
investment objective. The Emerging Markets, Equity-Income, Europe, Growth
Shares, International Growth, Mid-Cap Value, Pioneer Fund, Real Estate Growth
and Science & Technology portfolios may invest the remainder of their assets in
securiteis with remaining maturities of less then one yaer or may hold cash or
cash equivalents. For temporary defensive purposes, a portfolio may depart from
its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in
these securities or may hold cash or cash equivalents. During such periods, the
portfolio may not be able to achieve its investment objective. Each portfolio
intends to adopt a defensive strategy only when Pioneer believes there to be
extraordinary risks in investing in the securities in which a portfolio normally
invests due to political or economic factors.


Short-term trading

The portfolios usually do not trade for short-term profits. Each portfolio will
sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if
it no longer meets the portfolio's investment criteria. If a portfolio does a
lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce
performance.

Derivatives

Each portfolio (other than Money Market portfolio) may use futures, options and
other derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is
determined by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more
securities, currencies, indices or other financial instruments. The portfolios
do not use derivatives as a primary investment technique and generally limit
their use to hedging. However, each portfolio may use derivatives for a variety
of non-principal purposes, including:


      - As a hedge against adverse changes in stock market prices, interest
        rates or currency exchange rates
      - As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities
      - To increase the portfolio's return as a non-hedging strategy that may
        be considered speculative

Even a small investment in derivatives can have a significant impact on the
portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates or currency
exchange rates. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes
in the value of the portfolio's other investments, the portfolio may not fully
benefit from or could lose money on the derivative position. In addition, some
derivatives involve risk of loss if the person who issued the derivative
defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid and more
difficult to value.

Management

Pioneer, the portfolios' investment adviser, selects each portfolio's
investments and oversees the portfolios' operations.

Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged in financial services
businesses in the United States and many foreign countries. As of December 31,
1999, the firm had more than $24 billion in assets under management worldwide
including more than $23 billion in U.S. mutual funds. The firm's U.S. mutual
fund investment history includes creating in 1928 of one of the first mutual
funds. John F. Cogan, chairman of the board and president of The Pioneer Group,
Inc., owns approximately 14% of the firm. He is also an officer and director of
each of the Pioneer mutual funds.


The investment adviser

Pioneer manages a family of U.S. and international stock funds, bond funds and
money market funds. Pioneer is a subsidiary of The Pioneer Group, Inc. Its main
office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.



                                       65
<PAGE>

Distributions and taxes

You should read the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract
for a discussion of the tax status of a Variable Contract, including the tax
consequences of withdrawals or other payments. You should keep all statements
you receive from the insurance company or the portfolios to assist in your
personal recordkeeping. Class I shares of the portfolios are held by life
insurance company separate accounts that fund Variable Contracts or by certain
qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans). Under the Internal
Revenue Code, a portfolio's dividends and distributions to those accounts of
net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss are
generally treated as ordinary income; distributions to those accounts of net
long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss are generally
treated as long-term capital gain. Dividends and capital gain distributions are
treated as received by the insurance company rather than the owner of the
qualified Variable Contract. Insurance companies should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the tax treatment of dividends or capital gain distributions
they receive from any portfolio.


Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes
and has elected or intends to elect to be treated, and intends to qualify each
year, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Each
portfolio must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders to qualify as a regulated investment company. As a regulated
investment company, each portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on
any net investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed
to its shareholders as required under the Code.

In addition to the above, each portfolio also follows certain portfolio
diversification requirements imposed by the Code on separate accounts of
insurance companies relating to the tax-deferred status of Variable Contracts.
More specific information on these diversification requirements is contained in
the insurance company's separate account prospectus and in the portfolios' SAI.

Shareholder information

Net asset values

Each portfolio's net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities
plus any other assets minus its operating expenses and any other liabilities.
Each portfolio calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day
the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00
p.m. Eastern time).

Each portfolio generally values its portfolio securities based on market prices
or quotations. When market prices are not available or are considered by
Pioneer to be unreliable, the portfolio may use an asset's fair value. Fair
value is determined in accordance with procedures approved by the portfolios'
trustees. International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S.
markets are closed. For this reason, the values of any international securities
- --------------------------     owned by a portfolio could change on a day when
 Share price                   insurance companies or Qualified Plans cannot buy
                               or sellshares of the portfolio.
 The net asset value per
 share calculated on the       Money Market portfolio's investments are valued
 day of a transaction, is      on the  basis of amortized cost. This means of
 often referred to as the      valuation assumes a steady rate of amortization
 share price.                  of any premium and discount from the date of
- --------------------------     purchase until maturity.


                                       66
<PAGE>

Investments in shares of the portfolios

Each portfolio may sell its shares directly to separate accounts established
and maintained by insurance companies for the purpose of funding Variable
Contracts and to Qualified Plans. Shares of the portfolios are sold at net
asset value. Variable Contracts may or may not allow you to allocate your
investments in the Variable Contracts to all the portfolios described in this
prospectus. Investments in each portfolio are expressed in terms of the full
- ----------------------------       and fractional shares of the portfolio
 Since you may not directly        purchased. Investments in a portfolio are
 purchase shares of the            credited to an insurance company's separate
 portfolios, you should            account immediately upon acceptance of the
 read the prospectus for           investment by the portfolio. Investments
 your insurance                    will be processed at the next net asset value
 company's Variable                calculated after an order is received and
 Contract to learn how to          accepted by a portfolio. The offering of
 purchase a Variable               shares of any portfolio may be suspended
 Contract based on the             for a period of time and each portfolio
 portfolios.                       reserves the right to reject any specific
- ----------------------------       purchase order. Purchase orders may be
refused if, in Pioneer's opinion, they are of a size that would disrupt the
management of a portfolio.

The interests of Variable Contracts and Qualified Plans investing in the
portfolios could conflict due to differences of tax treatment and other
considerations. The portfolios currently do not foresee any disadvantages to
investors arising out of the fact that each portfolio may offer its shares to
insurance company separate accounts that serve as the investment medium for
their Variable Contracts or that each portfolio may offer its shares to
Qualified Plans. Nevertheless, the portfolios' trustees intend to monitor events
in order to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly
arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to such
conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or more insurance companies'
separate accounts or Qualified Plans might be required to withdraw their
investments in one or more portfolios and shares of another portfolio may be
substituted. This might force a portfolio to sell securities at disadvantageous
prices. In addition, the trustees may refuse to sell shares of any portfolio to
any separate account or Qualified Plan or may suspend or terminate the offering
of shares of any portfolio if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of the shareholders of the portfolio.

Selling

Shares of a portfolio may be sold on any business day. Portfolio shares are
sold at net asset value next determined after receipt by the portfolio of a
redemption request in good order from the insurance company as described in the
prospectus of the insurance company's Variable Contract. Sale proceeds will
normally be forwarded by bank wire to the selling insurance company on the next
business day after receipt of the sales instructions by a portfolio but in no
event later than 7 days following receipt of instructions. Each portfolio may
suspend transactions in shares or postpone payment dates when trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, when an emergency exists that
makes it impracticable for the portfolio to sell or value its portfolio
securities or with the permission of the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                       67
<PAGE>

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust Class I Shares

You can obtain more free information about the portfolios by writing to
Pioneering Services Corporation, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
You may also call 1-800-225-6292.

Shareowner reports

Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners provide information about the
portfolios' investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected each portfolio's performance
during its last fiscal year.

Statement of additional information

The statement of additional information provides more detailed information
about the portfolio. It is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.


You can also review each portfolio's shareowner reports, prospectus and
statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-942-8090 for information.
The commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free
from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You
may also e-mail requests to [email protected] or make a request in writing to
the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.


(Investment Company Act file no. 811-08786)



















Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109

www.pioneerfunds.com


                                                                    8149-00-0500

                                              (C)Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE>

PIONEER MID-CAP VALUE VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER REAL ESTATE GROWTH VCT PORTFOLIO
Portfolio of Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust
Class I Shares Prospectus
May 1, 2000

Introduction

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust is an open-end management investment company
that currently consists of fifteen distinct portfolios. Pioneer Investment
Management, Inc. (Pioneer) is the investment adviser to each portfolio. Class I
shares of the Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT and Pioneer Real Estate Growth VCT
Portfolios are offered through this prospectus. Shares of the portfolios are
offered primarily to insurance companies to fund the benefits under variable
annuity and variable life insurance contracts (Variable Contracts) issued by
their companies. You may obtain certain tax benefits by purchasing a Variable
Contract.


Each portfolio has its own distinct investment objective and policies. In
striving to meet its objective, each portfolio will face the challenges of
changing business, economic and market conditions. Each portfolio offers
different levels of potential return and risks. These risks are discussed in
the description of each portfolio.


No single portfolio constitutes a complete investment plan. Each portfolio's
share price yield and total return will fluctuate and an investment in a
portfolio may be worth more or less than the original cost when shares are
redeemed.


Each portfolio complies with various insurance regulations. Please read your
insurance company's separate account prospectus for more specific information
relating to insurance regulations and instructions on how to invest among the
portfolios through a Variable Contract.

Portfolios

Strategic focus


Mid-Cap Value invests in a diversified portfolio of common stocks for capital
appreciation.


Real Estate Growth invests primarily in REITs and other real estate industry
companies for long-term growth of capital. Current income is the portfolio's
secondary investment objective.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contents
<S>                                                                       <C>
Basic information about the portfolios ..................................  1
Common portfolio investment policies .................................... 10
Management .............................................................. 10
Distributions and taxes ................................................. 11
Shareholder information ................................................. 11
</TABLE>


An investment in a portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency
has approved the portfolios' shares or determined whether this prospectus is
accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a crime.


<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio

Investment objective

Capital growth by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities consisting
primarily of common stock.


Principal investment strategies


Normally, the portfolio invests at least 80% of its total assets in common
stocks of companies. The portfolio focuses its investments in common stocks of
mid-size companies, that is companies with market values within the range of
market values of issuers included in Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index.
Normally, the portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets in the
securities of mid-size companies. On December 31, 1999, the market value of
companies in the index varied from approximately $165 million to over $37
billion. The portfolio considers securities that trade like common stocks, such
as convertible debt, depositary receipts, warrants, interests in real estate
investment trusts (REITs) and preferred stocks, to be common stocks.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market value

A company's market value or capitalization is calculated by multiplying the
number of its outstanding shares by the current market price of a share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select
the portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks
securities selling at substantial discounts to their underlying values and
holds these securities until the market values reflect their intrinsic values.
Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value, including the attractiveness of
its market valuation, based on the company's assets and prospects for earnings
growth. In making that assessment, Pioneer employs due diligence and
fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial
statements and operations, employing a bottom-up analytic style. Pioneer relies
on the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff who have access to a
wide variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of
individual issuers, not on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors
Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:

      o  Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk

      o  Management with demonstrated ability and commitment to the company

      o  Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash
         flow and sales

      o  Turnaround potential for companies that have been through difficult
         periods

      o  Estimated private market value in excess of current stock price.
         Private market value is the price an independent investor would pay to
         own the entire company

      o  Issuer's industry has strong fundamentals such as increasing or
         sustainable demand and barriers to entry


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio

Even though the portfolio seeks capital appreciation, you could lose money on
your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:

      o  The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)

      o  Mid-size or value stocks fall out of favor with investors

      o  The portfolio's assets remain undervalued or do not have the potential
         value originally expected

The fund also has risks associated with investing in mid-size companies.
Compared to large companies, mid-size companies, and the market for their
common stocks, are likely to:

      o  Be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor
         expectations

      o  Have more limited product lines and capital resources

      o  Experience sharper swings in market values

      o  Be harder to sell at the times and prices Pioneer thinks appropriate

      o Offer greater potential for gain and loss

                                       1
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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

Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 1, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 14.00% (3/31/99 to
6/30/99).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -20.94% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).

[BEGIN BAR CHART]

Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

1996   15.03%

1997   24.69%

1998   -4.02%

1999   13.13%

[END BAR CHART]

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

Comparison with Standard & Poor's
500 Index

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index. This index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500
widely held common stocks. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and
does not incur expenses. The table assumes:

o The sale of the shares at the end of the period

o Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Since       Inception
                         1 Year        Inception            Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>             <C>              <C>
Class I                  13.13           13.22            3/1/95
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index            20.99           27.62                --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in common stocks of mid-cap
companies.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Investments other than U.S. common stocks

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in equity and debt securities of non-U.S. issuers. The portfolio will
not invest more than 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in the
securities of emerging markets issuers. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may
involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These
risks may include:

      o  Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due
         to less rigorous disclosure and accounting standards or regulatory
         practices

      o  Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a
         changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell the portfolio's
         investments in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable

      o  Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of
         the portfolio's investments

      o  Economic, political and social developments that adversely affect the
         securities markets

      o  Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's
         return.


The portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in debt securities of corporate and government issuers. Generally the
portfolio acquires debt securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio
may invest up to 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in below
investment grade convertible debt securities. The portfolio invests in debt
securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the portfolio's
investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for greater liquidity.


Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of J. Rodman
Wright. Mr. Wright is a vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1994 as
an analyst, was the portfolio's assistant portfolio manager from 1996 until
1997 and has been an investment professional since 1988.

Mr. Wright is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in U.S. equity securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Wright and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.

                                       3
<PAGE>

Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly.

Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income annually. The portfolio may pay additional distributions and
dividends at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.

Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio
                                                               For the year ended December 31                   March 1,
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------     1995 through
                                                     1999           1998          1997          1996        December 31, 1995
<S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>                 <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period              $  14.49       $  16.15       $  13.05       $ 11.57             $10.00
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                     $   0.13       $   0.12       $   0.12       $  0.03             $ 0.02
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investments                                      1.77          (0.65)          3.09          1.71               1.69
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease)
   from investment operations                     $   1.90       $  (0.53)      $   3.21       $  1.74             $ 1.71
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                               (0.13)         (0.10)          --           (0.03)             (0.02)
 Net realized gain                                    --            (1.03)         (0.11)        (0.23)             (0.12)
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value      $   1.77       $  (1.66)      $   3.10       $  1.48             $ 1.57
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                    $  16.26       $  14.49       $  16.15       $ 13.05             $11.57
                                                  ===========================================================================
Total return*                                        13.13%         (4.02)%        24.69%        15.03%             17.13%

Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+          0.76%          0.74%          0.80%         0.93%              1.56%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
 to average net assets+                               0.77%          0.90%          1.02%         0.37%              0.48%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                 91%            81%            50%           41%                46%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)          $120,526       $113,359       $105,476       $48,572             $9,357
Ratio assuming no waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         0.76%          0.74%          0.80%         0.95%              3.95%**
 Net investment income (loss)                         0.77%          0.90%          1.02%         0.35%             (1.91)%**
Ratio assuming waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                         0.76%          0.74%          0.79%         0.92%              1.49%**
 Net investment income (loss)                         0.77%          0.90%          1.03%         0.38%              0.55%**
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.

                                       4
<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Real Estate Growth VCT Portfolio

Investment objectives

Long-term growth of capital. Current income is a secondary objective.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Real estate industry companies

A real estate industry company is a company that derives at least 50% of its
gross revenues or net profits from either
o  the ownership, development, construction, financing, management or sale of
   commercial, industrial or residential real estate; or
o  products or services related to the real estate industry like building
   supplies or mortgage servicing.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Principal investment strategies

The portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of real estate investment
trusts (REITs) and other real estate industry companies. Normally, the portfolio
invests at least 75% of its total assets in these securities. The portfolio's
equity investments include common stock, common stock equivalents such as
preferred stock and convertible debt securities and shares of REITs.

REITs are pooled investment vehicles that primarily invest in income producing
real estate or real estate related loans or interests. Some REITs invest
directly in real estate and derive their income from the collection of rents and
capital gains on the sale of properties. Other REITs invest primarily in
mortgages secured by real estate and derive their income from collection of
interest.

The portfolio uses a "growth at a reasonable price" style of management. Using
this investment style, Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, seeks to
invest in companies with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth
that are also trading at attractive market valuations. To select stocks, Pioneer
employs due diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer
based on its financial statements and operations. Pioneer focuses on the quality
and price of individual issuers, not on economic sector or market strategy.
Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:

      o Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk

      o Increasing cash flow or favorable prospects for cash flow growth

      o Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, net asset value
        and cash flow

      o Favorable prospects for dividend growth

Principal risks of investing in the portfolio

Even though the portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital, you could lose
money on your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:

      o  The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)

      o  REITs and other real estate industry companies fall out of favor with
         investors

      o  The portfolio's investments do not have the growth potential originally
         expected

The portfolio also has risks associated with the real estate industry. Although
the portfolio does not invest directly in real estate, it does invest in REITs
and other equity securities of real estate industry companies and concentrates
its investments in the real estate industry. These risks include:

      o  The U.S. or a local real estate market declines due to adverse economic
         conditions, overbuilding and high vacancy rates, reduced or regulated
         rents or other causes

      o  Interest rates go up. Rising interest rates can adversely affect the
         availability and cost of financing for property acquisitions and other
         purposes and reduce the value of a REIT's fixed income investments

      o  The values of properties owned by a REIT or the prospects of other real
         estate industry companies may be hurt by property tax increases, zoning
         changes, other governmental actions, environmental liabilities, natural
         disasters or increased operating expenses

      o  A REIT owned by the portfolio is, or is perceived by the market to be,
         poorly managed

Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. REITs are dependent on
management skills, are not diversified and are subject to the risks of
financing projects. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by
borrowers, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for
certain tax and regulatory exemptions. REITs may have limited financial
resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be more
volatile than securities of larger issuers.

                                       5
<PAGE>

The portfolio is not diversified, which means that it can invest a higher
percentage of its assets in any one issuer than a diversified portfolio. Being
non-diversified may magnify the portfolio's losses from adverse events
affecting a particular issuer.

The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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

Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 31, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 17.17% (9/30/96 to
12/31/96).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -13.37% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).

[BEGIN BAR CHART]

Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

1996    35.73%

1997    21.16%

1998   -18.74%

1999    -4.17%

[END BAR CHART]

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

Comparison with Standard & Poor's 500 Index and Wilshire Real Estate
Securities Index

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index and the Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index. Standard & Poor's 500
index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500 widely held
common stocks. The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is a market-
capitalization weighted measure of the performance of REITs and real estate
operating companies. Unlike the portfolio, these indices are not managed and do
not incur expenses. The table assumes:

o The sale of the shares at the end of the period

o Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Since       Inception
                            1 Year        Inception            Date
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>              <C>            <C>
Class I                      -4.17             8.70         3/31/95
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index                20.99            27.62              --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Wilshire Real
Estate Securities
Index                        -3.19             4.95              --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       6
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio primarily invests in the equity securities of REITs
and other real estate industry companies to seek long-term growth of capital.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Investments other than equity securities of REITs and other real estate
industry companies

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in debt securities of real estate industry companies, mortgage-backed
securities and short-term investments. Generally the portfolio may acquire debt
securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 5% of
its total assets (at the time of purchase) in below investment grade debt
securities. The portfolio invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes they
are consistent with the portfolio's investment objectives and offer the
potential for reasonable income or capital growth, to diversify the portfolio's
investments or for greater liquidity.

Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private companies or by agencies of
the U.S. government and represent direct or indirect participations in, or are
collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property.
Certain mortgage-backed securities may only pay principal at maturity or may
only represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of
interest on underlying pools of mortgages or government securities, but not
both. The value of these types of instruments may change more drastically than
debt securities that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing
interest rates. Principal only mortgage-backed securities generally increase in
value if interest rates decline, but are also subject to the risk of
prepayment. Interest only instruments generally increase in value in a rising
interest rate environment when fewer of the underlying mortgages are prepaid.

The fund may invest in mortgage derivatives and structured securities. Because
these securities have imbedded leverage features, small changes in interest or
prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements. Mortgage
derivatives can also become illiquid and hard to value in declining markets.

The portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in securities of non-U.S. issuers provided that the purchase of
Canadian securities are not subject to the non-U.S. issuer limitation. The
portfolio will not invest more than 5% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in the securities of emerging markets issuers. Investing in Canadian
and non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in
securities of U.S. issuers.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of Matthew L.
Ostrower. Mr. Ostrower is a vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in
1999 and has been an investment professional since 1996. Prior to joining
Pioneer, Mr. Ostrower was a real estate analyst for The Boston Financial Group
from 1995 to 1999.


Mr. Ostrower is supervised by Theresa A. Hamacher, chief investment officer of
Pioneer. She joined Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional
since 1984, most recently as chief investment officer at another investment
adviser.

                                      7
<PAGE>

Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.80% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. This fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.25% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. This
agreement is voluntary and may be revised or terminated at any time. For the
most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management fee equal to
0.85% of the portfolio's average daily net assets.

Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income during March, June, September and December. The portfolio may
pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the
portfolio to avoid a federal tax.

                                       8
<PAGE>

Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single portfolio share. The total returns in the table represent the rate
that you would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the portfolio's
annual report along with the portfolio's financial statements. The annual
report is available upon request.

Pioneer Real Estate Growth VCT Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              For the year ended December 31                     March 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------      1995 through
                                                     1999          1998           1997           1996        December 31, 1995
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period                $ 13.07         $ 16.90       $ 14.46       $ 11.23           $ 10.00
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss)                       $  0.66         $  0.60       $  0.47       $  0.54           $  0.12
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investments                                      (1.20)          (3.72)         2.54          3.34              1.55
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease)
   from investment operations                       $ (0.54)        $ (3.12)      $  3.01       $  3.88           $  1.67
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income                                (0.60)          (0.56)        (0.45)        (0.53)            (0.23)
 Net realized gain                                    (0.12)          (0.15)        (0.12)        (0.12)            (0.03)
 Tax return of capital                                (0.08)           --            --            --               (0.18)
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value        $ (1.34)        $ (3.83)      $  2.44       $  3.23           $  1.23
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period                      $ 11.73         $ 13.07       $ 16.90       $ 14.46           $ 11.23
                                                    =====================================================================
Total return*                                         (4.17)%        (18.74)  %     21.16%        35.73%            16.96%

Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+           1.15%           1.19%         1.25%         1.34%             2.10%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
 to average net assets+                                5.07%           4.06%         3.16%         4.63%             2.68%**
Portfolio turnover rate                                  54%             18%           28%           41%                1%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)            $28,318         $35,579       $42,187       $11,115           $   512
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees
 and assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                          1.30%           1.20%         1.37%         3.35%            45.96%**
 Net investment income (loss)                          4.92%           4.05%         3.04%         2.62%           (41.18)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
 assumption of expenses by Pioneer and
 reduction for fees paid indirectly:
 Net expenses                                          1.14%           1.19%         1.24%         1.24%             1.57%**
 Net investment income (loss)                          5.08%           4.06%         3.17%         4.73%             3.21%**
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
   period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
   investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
** Annualized.
+  Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.

                                       9
<PAGE>


Common portfolio investment policies

Some policies of the portfolios are stated as a percentage of assets. These
percentages are applied at the time of purchase of a security and subsequently
may be exceeded because of changes in the value of a portfolio's investments. If
a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of
the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are
appropriate including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional
securities as soon as it is prudent to do so.


Temporary investments

Normally, each portfolio invests substantially all of its assets to meet its
investment objective. Each portfolio may invest the remainder of its assets in
securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or may hold cash or
cash equivalents. For temporary defensive purposes, a portfolio may depart from
its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in
these securities or may hold cash. During such periods, the portfolio may not be
able to achieve its investment objective. Each portfolio intends to adopt a
defensive strategy only when Pioneer believes there to be extraordinary risks in
investing in the securities in which a portfolio normally invests due to
political or economic factors.


Short-term trading

The portfolios usually do not trade for short-term profits. Each portfolio will
sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if
it no longer meets the portfolio's investment criteria. If a portfolio does a
lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce
performance.

Derivatives

Each portfolio (other than Money Market portfolio) may use futures, options and
other derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is
determined by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more
securities, currencies, indices or other financial instruments. The portfolios
do not use derivatives as a primary investment technique and generally limit
their use to hedging. However, each portfolio may use derivatives for a variety
of non-principal purposes, including:


      - As a hedge against adverse changes in stock market prices, interest
        rates or currency exchange rates
      - As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities
      - To increase the portfolio's return as a non-hedging strategy that may
        be considered speculative

Even a small investment in derivatives can have a significant impact on the
portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates or currency
exchange rates. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes
in the value of the portfolio's other investments, the portfolio may not fully
benefit from or could lose money on the derivative position. In addition, some
derivatives involve risk of loss if the person who issued the derivative
defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid and more
difficult to value.

Management

Pioneer, the portfolios' investment adviser, selects each portfolio's
investments and oversees the portfolios' operations.

Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged in financial services
businesses in the United States and many foreign countries. As of December 31,
1999, the firm had more than $24 billion in assets under management worldwide
including more than $23 billion in U.S. mutual funds. The firm's U.S. mutual
fund investment history includes creating in 1928 of one of the first mutual
funds. John F. Cogan, chairman of the board and president of The Pioneer Group,
Inc., owns approximately 14% of the firm. He is also an officer and director of
each of the Pioneer mutual funds.


The investment adviser

Pioneer manages a family of U.S. and international stock funds, bond funds and
money market funds. Pioneer is a subsidiary of The Pioneer Group, Inc. Its main
office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.



                                       10
 Distributions and taxes

You should read the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract
for a discussion of the tax status of a Variable Contract, including the tax
consequences of withdrawals or other payments. You should keep all statements
you receive from the insurance company or the portfolios to assist in your
personal recordkeeping. Class I shares of the portfolios are held by life
insurance company separate accounts that fund Variable Contracts or by certain
qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans). Under the Internal
Revenue Code, a portfolio's dividends and distributions to those accounts of
net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss are
generally treated as ordinary income; distributions to those accounts of net
long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss are generally
treated as long-term capital gain. Dividends and capital gain distributions are
treated as received by the insurance company rather than the owner of the
qualified Variable Contract. Insurance companies should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the tax treatment of dividends or capital gain distributions
they receive from any portfolio.

Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes
and has elected or intends to elect to be treated, and intends to qualify each
year, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Each
portfolio must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders to qualify as a regulated investment company. As a regulated
investment company, each portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on
any net investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed
to its shareholders as required under the Code.

In addition to the above, each portfolio also follows certain portfolio
diversification requirements imposed by the Code on separate accounts of
insurance companies relating to the tax-deferred status of Variable Contracts.
More specific information on these diversification requirements is contained in
the insurance company's separate account prospectus and in the portfolios' SAI.

Shareholder information

Net asset values

Each portfolio's net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities
plus any other assets minus its operating expenses and any other liabilities.
Each portfolio calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day
the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00
p.m. Eastern time).

Each portfolio generally values its portfolio securities based on market prices
or quotations. When market prices are not available or are considered by Pioneer
to be unreliable, the portfolio may use an asset's fair value. Fair value is
determined in accordance with procedures approved by the portfolios' trustees.
International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are
closed. For this reason, the values of any international securities owned by a
portfolio could change on a day when insurance companies or Qualified Plans
cannot buy or sell shares of the portfolio.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price

The net asset value per share calculated on the day of a transaction, is often
referred to as the share price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       11
<PAGE>

Investments in shares of the portfolios

Each portfolio may sell its shares directly to separate accounts established and
maintained by insurance companies for the purpose of funding Variable Contracts
and to Qualified Plans. Shares of the portfolios are sold at net asset value.
Variable Contracts may or may not allow you to allocate your investments in the
Variable Contracts to all the portfolios described in this prospectus.
Investments in each portfolio are expressed in terms of the full and fractional
shares of the portfolio purchased. Investments in a portfolio are credited to an
insurance company's separate account immediately upon acceptance of the
investment by the portfolio. Investments will be processed at the next net asset
value calculated after an order is received and accepted by a portfolio. The
offering of shares of any portfolio may be suspended for a period of time and
each portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order.
Purchase orders may be refused if, in Pioneer's opinion, they are of a size that
would disrupt the management of a portfolio.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since you may not directly purchase shares of the portfolios, you should read
the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract to learn how to
purchase a Variable Contract based on the portfolios.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The interests of Variable Contracts and Qualified Plans investing in the
portfolios could conflict due to differences of tax treatment and other
considerations. The portfolios currently do not foresee any disadvantages to
investors arising out of the fact that each portfolio may offer its shares to
insurance company separate accounts that serve as the investment medium for
their Variable Contracts or that each portfolio may offer its shares to
Qualified Plans. Nevertheless, the portfolios' trustees intend to monitor events
in order to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly
arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to such
conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or more insurance companies'
separate accounts or Qualified Plans might be required to withdraw their
investments in one or more portfolios and shares of another portfolio may be
substituted. This might force a portfolio to sell securities at disadvantageous
prices. In addition, the trustees may refuse to sell shares of any portfolio to
any separate account or Qualified Plan or may suspend or terminate the offering
of shares of any portfolio if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of the shareholders of the portfolio.

Selling

Shares of a portfolio may be sold on any business day. Portfolio shares are
sold at net asset value next determined after receipt by the portfolio of a
redemption request in good order from the insurance company as described in the
prospectus of the insurance company's Variable Contract. Sale proceeds will
normally be forwarded by bank wire to the selling insurance company on the next
business day after receipt of the sales instructions by a portfolio but in no
event later than 7 days following receipt of instructions. Each portfolio may
suspend transactions in shares or postpone payment dates when trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, when an emergency exists that
makes it impracticable for the portfolio to sell or value its portfolio
securities or with the permission of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       12
<PAGE>

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust Class I Shares

You can obtain more free information about the portfolios by writing to
Pioneering Services Corporation, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
You may also call 1-800-225-6292.

Shareowner reports

Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners provide information about the
portfolios' investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected each portfolio's performance
during its last fiscal year.

Statement of additional information

The statement of additional information provides more detailed information
about the portfolio. It is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

You can also review each portfolio's shareowner reports, prospectus and
statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-942-8090 for information.
The commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free
from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You
may also e-mail requests to [email protected] or make a request in writing to
the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.

(Investment Company Act file no. 811-08786)


Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109

www.pioneerfunds.com


                                                                    8151-00-0500

                                              (C)Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE>

PIONEER EMERGING MARKETS VCT PORTFOLIO
A portfolio of Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust
Class II Shares Prospectus
May 1, 2000

Introduction

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust is an open-end management investment company
that currently consists of fifteen distinct portfolios. Pioneer Investment
Management, Inc. is the investment adviser to each portfolio. Class II shares
of the Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio are offered through this
prospectus. Shares of the portfolios are offered primarily to insurance
companies to fund the benefits under variable annuity and variable life
insurance contracts (Variable Contracts) issued by their companies. You may
obtain certain tax benefits by purchasing a Variable Contract.


Each portfolio has its own distinct investment objective and policies. In
striving to meet its objective, each portfolio will face the challenges of
changing business, economic and market conditions. Each portfolio offers
different levels of potential return and risks. These risks are discussed in
the description of each portfolio.

No single portfolio constitutes a complete investment plan. Each portfolio's
share price, yield and total return will fluctuate and an investment in a
portfolio may be worth more or less than the original cost when shares are
redeemed.


Each portfolio complies with various insurance regulations. Please read your
insurance company's separate account prospectus for more specific information
relating to insurance regulations and instructions on how to invest among the
portfolios through a Variable Contract.

Portfolio


Strategic focus


Emerging Markets invests in emerging market issuers for long-term growth of
capital.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contents
<S>                                                                     <C>
Basic information about the portfolio ................................. 1
Common portfolio investment policies .................................. 6
Management ............................................................ 6
Distributions and taxes ............................................... 7
Shareholder information ............................................... 7
</TABLE>



An investment in a portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency
has approved the portfolios' shares or determined whether this prospectus is
accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a crime.



<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio


Investment objective

Long-term growth of capital.

Principal investment strategies

The portfolio invests primarily in securities of emerging market issuers.
Although the portfolio invests in both equity and debt securities, it normally
emphasizes equity securities in its portfolio. Normally, the portfolio invests
at least 65% of its total assets in the securities of emerging market corporate
and government issuers.

The portfolio invests in at least six emerging markets. The portfolio considers
any market that is not developed to be an emerging market. The portfolio does
not allocate more than 25% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) to any
one country but can invest more than 25% of its total assets in a particular
region.

The portfolio's equity investments include common stocks, preferred stocks,
depository receipts, convertible debt securities, warrants, rights and other
equity interests. The portfolio may purchase forward foreign currency exchange
contracts in non-U.S. currencies in connection with its investments.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerging market issuers

An emerging market issuer:
o  Is organized under the laws of an emerging market country;
o  Has a principal office in an emerging market country; or
o  Derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or profits from goods or services
   produced in emerging markets or sales made in emerging markets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select
the portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks
securities selling at reasonable prices or substantial discounts to their
underlying values and then holds these securities until the market values
reflect their intrinsic values. Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value,
including the attractiveness of its market valuation, based on the company's
assets and prospects for long-term revenue, earnings and cash flow growth.
Pioneer employs qualitative analysis, quantitative techniques, due diligence
and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial
statements and operations. In addition to analyzing specific securities,
Pioneer determines the relative attractiveness of investing in different
emerging markets. In assessing the investment potential of each country,
Pioneer considers economic growth prospects, monetary conditions, political
risks, currency risk, capital flows and other factors.

Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:

      o  Issuers in countries expected to have economic and market environments
         that will be positive
      o  Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk
      o  Companies expected to benefit from long-term trends in the economy
      o  Low market valuations relative to expected earnings, assets, cash flow
         and revenues
      o  Management with demonstrated ability and commitment to the company
      o  Issuer's industry has strong fundamentals, such as increasing or
         sustainable demand and barriers to entry


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio

An investment in the portfolio involves a substantial degree of risk. Even
though the portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, you could lose money on
your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:

      o  Stock markets of emerging market countries go down or perform poorly
         relative to other stock markets (this risk may be greater in the short
         term)

      o  Securities of emerging market issuers or value stocks fall out of favor
         with investors

      o  The portfolio's assets remain undervalued or do not have the potential
         value originally expected


Investing in emerging market issuers involves unique risks compared to
investing in securities of issuers in the U.S. and other developed countries.
These risks are more pronounced to the extent the portfolio invests in issuers
in the lesser developed emerging markets or in any one region. These risks may
include:

      o  The U.S. dollar may appreciate against emerging market currencies or an
         emerging market government may impose restrictions on currency
         conversion or trading

      o  Less information about emerging market issuers or markets may be
         available due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or
         regulatory practices

                                       1
<PAGE>

      o  Many emerging markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than
         developed markets. In a changing market, Pioneer may not be able to
         sell the portfolio's investments in amounts and at prices Pioneer
         considers reasonable
      o  Economic, political or social instability in an emerging market country
         or region may significantly disrupt the principal financial markets in
         which the portfolio invests
      o  The economies of emerging market countries may grow at slower rates
         than expected or may experience a downturn or recession
      o  Emerging market countries may experience rising interest rates, or,
         more significantly, rapid inflation or hyperinflation
      o  The portfolio could experience a loss from settlement and custody
         practices in some emerging markets

      o  Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's
         return


                                       2
<PAGE>


The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.


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

Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception in October 30, 1998. The chart
does not reflect any fees and expenses with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return. Although Class II shares invest
in the same portfolio investments as Class I shares, Class II shares would have
the same investment results except for the difference in class expenses. Class
II shares are subject to a 0.25% distribution fee, which Class I shares do not
pay. Consequently, the performance of Class II shares will be lower.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 52.07% (9/30/99 to
12/31/99).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -12.68% (6/30/99 to
9/30/99).

[BEGIN BAR CHART]

Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

1999    78.74%

[END BAR CHART]

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

Comparison with MSCI Index

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Morgan
Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Free Index. This index is
a widely recognized measure of the performance of emerging market stocks.
Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and does not incur expenses.
The performance of Class II shares will be lower than the performance of Class I
shares as explained above. The table assumes:


o The sale of the shares at the end of the period
o Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- -------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Since       Inception
                      1 Year        Inception            Date
- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>             <C>              <C>
Class I               78.74           71.13          10/30/98
- -------------------------------------------------------------
MSCI Index            66.41           63.41                --
- -------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in securities of emerging market
issuers to seek long-term growth of capital.

This section and "Common portfolio investment practices" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Investments other than equity securities of emerging market issuers
The portfolio may invest up to 35% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in equity and debt securities of corporate or government issuers in
any developed country (other than the U.S.) and short-term debt securities for
cash management purposes. Short-term investments normally include high-quality
commercial paper, certificates of deposit and other bank-related investments,
U.S. and non-U.S. government obligations and repurchase agreements.

The portfolio may also invest in Brady bonds, which are restructured debt of
governmental issuers of emerging market countries. The portfolio may invest in
debt securities of any quality or maturity. The portfolio may not invest more
than 10% of its total assets in debt securities rated below investment grade or
in unrated securities of comparable quality. The portfolio invests in debt
securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the portfolio's
investment objective and offer the potential for capital growth, to diversify
the portfolio or for greater liquidity.

Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of Mark Madden.
Mr. Madden is a senior vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1990 as
an equity analyst, has managed the portfolio since its inception and has been
an investment professional since 1984.


Mr. Madden is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in international equity securities. This team provides research for
the portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives
or styles. Mr. Madden and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 1.15% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share of total operating expenses to 1.75% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. The
portion of portfolio expenses attributable to Class II shares will be reduced
only to the extent such expenses were reduced for the Class I shares of the
portfolio. This agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or
terminated at any time. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid
Pioneer a management fee equal to 0.00% of average daily net assets.


                                       4
<PAGE>

Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio pays dividends from any net investment
income annually. The portfolio may pay additional distributions and dividends
at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


Financial highlights

Class II shares are a new class of shares; financial highlights are not
currently available for Class II shares. Arthur Andersen LLP's report on the
portfolios' audited financial statements as of December 31, 1999, for Class I
shares appears in the portfolios' annual report which is incorporated by
reference into the SAI. The annual report includes more information about the
portfolios' performance and is available upon request.


                                       5
<PAGE>

Common portfolio investment policies

Some policies of the portfolios are stated as a percentage of assets. These
percentages are applied at the time of purchase of a security and subsequently
may be exceeded because of changes in the value of a portfolio's investments. If
a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of
the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are
appropriate including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional
securities as soon as it is prudent to do so.

Temporary investments

Normally, each portfolio invests substantially all of its assets to meet its
investment objective. Each portfolio may invest the remainder of its assets in
securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or may hold cash or
cash equivalents. For temporary defensive purposes, a portfolio may depart from
its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in
these securities or may hold cash. During such periods, the portfolio may not be
able to achieve its investment objective. Each portfolio intends to adopt a
defensive strategy only when Pioneer believes there to be extraordinary risks in
investing in the securities in which a portfolio normally invests due to
political or economic factors.


Short-term trading

The portfolios usually do not trade for short-term profits. Each portfolio will
sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if
it no longer meets the portfolio's investment criteria. If a portfolio does a
lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce
performance.

Derivatives

Each portfolio may use futures, options and other derivatives. A derivative is
a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or
the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other
financial instruments. The portfolios do not use derivatives as a primary
investment technique and generally limit their use to hedging. However, each
portfolio may use derivatives for a variety of non-principal purposes,
including:


      o  As a hedge against adverse changes in stock market prices, interest
         rates or currency exchange rates
      o  As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities
      o  To increase the portfolio's return as a non-hedging strategy that may
         be considered speculative

Even a small investment in derivatives can have a significant impact on the
portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates or currency
exchange rates. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes
in the value of the portfolio's other investments, the portfolio may not fully
benefit from or could lose money on the derivative position. In addition, some
derivatives involve risk of loss if the person who issued the derivative
defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid and more
difficult to value.

Management

Pioneer, the portfolios' investment adviser, selects each portfolio's
investments and oversees the portfolios' operations.

Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged in financial services
businesses in the United States and many foreign countries. As of December 31,
1999, the firm had more than $24 billion in assets under management worldwide
including more than $23 billion in U.S. mutual funds. The firm's U.S. mutual
fund investment history includes creating in 1928 of one of the first mutual
funds. John F. Cogan, chairman of the board and president of The Pioneer Group,
Inc., owns approximately 14% of the firm. He is also an officer and director of
each of the Pioneer mutual funds.


The investment adviser

Pioneer manages a family of U.S. and international stock funds, bond funds and
money market funds. Pioneer is a subsidiary of The Pioneer Group, Inc. Its main
office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

                                       6
<PAGE>


Distribution plan

The portfolios have adopted plans of distribution for Class II shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the
plans, each portfolio pays to Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. a distribution
fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.
Because these fees are an ongoing expense, over time they increase the cost of
an investment and the shares may cost more than shares that are subject to
other types of sales charges.


Distributions and taxes

You should read the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract
for a discussion of the tax status of a Variable Contract, including the tax
consequences of withdrawals or other payments. You should keep all statements
you receive from the insurance company or the portfolios to assist in your
personal recordkeeping. Class II shares of the portfolios are held by life
insurance company separate accounts that fund Variable Contracts or by certain
qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans). Under the Internal
Revenue Code, a portfolio's dividends and distributions to those accounts of
net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss are
generally treated as ordinary income; distributions to those accounts of net
long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss are generally
treated as long-term capital gain. Dividends and capital gain distributions are
treated as received by the insurance company rather than the owner of the
qualified Variable Contract. Insurance companies should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the tax treatment of dividends or capital gain distributions
they receive from any portfolio.


Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes
and has elected or intends to elect to be treated, and intends to qualify each
year, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Each
portfolio must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders to qualify as a regulated investment company. As a regulated
investment company, each portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on
any net investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed
to its shareholders as required under the Code.

In addition to the above, each portfolio also follows certain portfolio
diversification requirements imposed by the Code on separate accounts of
insurance companies relating to the tax-deferred status of Variable Contracts.
More specific information on these diversification requirements is contained in
the insurance company's separate account prospectus and in the portfolios' SAI.

Shareholder information

Net asset values

Each portfolio's net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities
plus any other assets minus its operating expenses and any other liabilities.
Each portfolio calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day
the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00
p.m. Eastern time).

Each portfolio generally values its portfolio securities based on market prices
or quotations. When market prices are not available or are considered by Pioneer
to be unreliable, the portfolio may use an asset's fair value. Fair value is
determined in accordance with procedures approved by the portfolios' trustees.
International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are
closed. For this reason, the values of any international securities owned by a
portfolio could change on a day when insurance companies or Qualified Plans
cannot buy or sell shares of the portfolio.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price

The net asset value per share calculated on the day of a transaction, is often
referred to as the share price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                       7
<PAGE>


Investments in shares of the portfolios


Each portfolio may sell its shares directly to separate accounts established and
maintained by insurance companies for the purpose of funding Variable Contracts
and to Qualified Plans. Shares of the portfolios are sold at net asset value.
Variable Contracts may or may not allow you to allocate your investments in the
Variable Contracts to all the portfolios described in this prospectus.
Investments in each portfolio are expressed in terms of the full and fractional
shares of the portfolio purchased. Investments in a portfolio are credited to an
insurance company's separate account immediately upon acceptance of the
investment by the portfolio. Investments will be processed at the next net asset
value calculated after an order is received and accepted by a portfolio. The
offering of shares of any portfolio may be suspended for a period of time and
each portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order.
Purchase orders may be refused if, in Pioneer's opinion, they are of a size that
would disrupt the management of a portfolio.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since you may not directly purchase shares of the portfolios, you should read
the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract to learn how to
purchase a Variable Contract based on the portfolios.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The interests of Variable Contracts and Qualified Plans investing in the
portfolios could conflict due to differences of tax treatment and other
considerations. The portfolios currently do not foresee any disadvantages to
investors arising out of the fact that each portfolio may offer its shares to
insurance company separate accounts that serve as the investment medium for
their Variable Contracts or that each portfolio may offer its shares to
Qualified Plans. Nevertheless, the portfolios' trustees intend to monitor events
in order to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly
arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to such
conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or more insurance companies'
separate accounts or Qualified Plans might be required to withdraw their
investments in one or more portfolios and shares of another portfolio may be
substituted. This might force a portfolio to sell securities at disadvantageous
prices. In addition, the trustees may refuse to sell shares of any portfolio to
any separate account or Qualified Plan or may suspend or terminate the offering
of shares of any portfolio if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of the shareholders of the portfolio.

Selling

Shares of a portfolio may be sold on any business day. Portfolio shares are
sold at net asset value next determined after receipt by the portfolio of a
redemption request in good order from the insurance company as described in the
prospectus of the insurance company's Variable Contract. Sale proceeds will
normally be forwarded by bank wire to the selling insurance company on the next
business day after receipt of the sales instructions by a portfolio but in no
event later than 7 days following receipt of instructions. Each portfolio may
suspend transactions in shares or postpone payment dates when trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, when an emergency exists that
makes it impracticable for the portfolio to sell or value its portfolio
securities or with the permission of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       8
<PAGE>

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust

Class II Shares

You can obtain more free information about the portfolios by writing to
Pioneering Services Corporation, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
You may also call 1-800-225-6292.

Shareowner reports

Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners provide information about the
portfolios' investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected each portfolio's performance
during its last fiscal year.

Statement of additional information

The statement of additional information provides more detailed information
about the portfolio. It is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.


You can also review each portfolio's shareowner reports, prospectus and
statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-942-8090 for information.
The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free
from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You
may also e-mail requests for these documents to [email protected] or make a
request in writing to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-0102.


(Investment Company Act file no. 811-08786)


Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109

www.pioneerfunds.com


                                                                   8195-00-0500

                                              (C)Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE>

PIONEER EQUITY-INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO
A portfolio of Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust
Class II Shares Prospectus
May 1, 2000

Introduction

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust is an open-end management investment company
that currently consists of fifteen distinct portfolios. Pioneer Investment
Management, Inc. is the investment adviser to each portfolio. Class II shares
of the Pioneer Equity-Income VCT Portfolio are offered through this prospectus.
Shares of the portfolios are offered primarily to insurance companies to fund
the benefits under variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts
(Variable Contracts) issued by their companies. You may obtain certain tax
benefits by purchasing a Variable Contract.


Each portfolio has its own distinct investment objective and policies. In
striving to meet its objective, each portfolio will face the challenges of
changing business, economic and market conditions. Each portfolio offers
different levels of potential return and risks. These risks are discussed in
the description of each portfolio.

No single portfolio constitutes a complete investment plan. Each portfolio's
share price, yield and total return will fluctuate and an investment in a
portfolio may be worth more or less than the original cost when shares are
redeemed.


Each portfolio complies with various insurance regulations. Please read your
insurance company's separate account prospectus for more specific information
relating to insurance regulations and instructions on how to invest among the
portfolios through a Variable Contract.

Portfolio


Strategic focus


Equity-Income invests in a portfolio of income producing equity securities of
U.S. corporations for current income and long-term capital growth.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contents
<S>                                                                          <C>
Basic information about the portfolio ......................................  1
Common portfolio investment policies .......................................  5
Management .................................................................  5
Distributions and taxes ....................................................  6
Shareholder information ....................................................  6
</TABLE>



An investment in a portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency
has approved the portfolios' shares or determined whether this prospectus is
accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a crime.



<PAGE>

Basic information about Equity-Income Portfolio

Investment objective

Current income and long-term growth of capital from a portfolio consisting
primarily of income producing equity securities of U.S. corporations.


Principal investment strategies

Normally, the portfolio invests at least 80% of its total assets in income
producing equity securities of U.S. companies. The income producing equity
securities in which the portfolio may invest include common stocks, preferred
stocks and interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs). The remainder of
the portfolio may be invested in debt securities, most of which are expected to
be convertible into common stocks.

Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select
the portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks
securities selling at substantial discounts to their underlying values and
holds these securities until the market values reflect their intrinsic values.
Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value based on the company's assets
and prospects for earnings growth. Pioneer also considers a security's
potential to provide a reasonable amount of income. In making these
assessments, Pioneer employs fundamental research and due diligence, employing
a bottom-up analytic style. Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and
judgment of its staff who have access to a wide variety of research. Factors
Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:

      o  Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk

      o  Management with demonstrated ability and commitment to the company

      o  Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash
         flow and sales

      o  Good prospects for dividend growth

Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers, not on economic
sector or market-timing strategies. The portfolio avoids concentrating in any
one sector or industry.

Principal risks of investing in the portfolio

Even though the portfolio seeks current income and long-term growth of capital,
you could lose money on your investment or not make as much as if you invested
elsewhere if:

      o  The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)

      o  Value stocks fall out of favor with investors

      o  The portfolio's assets remain undervalued or do not have the potential
         value originally expected

      o  Stocks selected for income do not achieve the same return as securities
         selected for capital appreciation

      o  Interest rates or inflation increases

                                       1
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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

Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 1, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return. Although Class II shares invest
in the same portfolio investments as Class I shares, Class II shares would have
the same investment results except for the difference in class expenses. Class
II shares are subject to a 0.25% distribution fee, which Class I shares do not
pay. Consequently, the performance of Class II shares will be lower.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 15.04% (9/30/98 to
12/31/98).

The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -7.73% (6/30/99 to
9/30/99).


[BEGIN BAR CHART]

Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

1996  =  15.19%

1997  =  35.23%

1998  =  21.80%

1999  =   1.21%

[END BAR CHART]

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison with Standard & Poor's
500 Index

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index. This index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500
widely held common stocks. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and
does not incur expenses. The performance of Class II shares will be lower than
the performance of Class I shares as explained above. The table assumes:

o The sale of the shares at the end of the period

o Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Since      Inception
                         1 Year       Inception           Date
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>             <C>
Class I                   1.21          19.56           3/1/95
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index            20.99          21.86               --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio primarily invests in income producing equity
securities of U.S. corporations to seek current income and long-term capital
growth.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).


More on principal investments

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in real estate investment trusts. Real estate investment trusts are
pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in real estate or real estate
related loans. Investing in real estate investment trusts involves unique
risks. They are significantly affected by the market for real estate and are
dependent upon management skills and cash flow.

Investments other than U.S. equity securities

The portion of the portfolio's assets not invested in equity securities may be
invested in debt securities of corporate and government issuers. Most of the
debt securities the portfolio acquires are expected to be securities
convertible into common stocks. Generally, the portfolio acquires debt
securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 10% of
its total assets (at the time of purchase) in below investment grade debt
securities including convertible debt securities. The portfolio invests in debt
securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the portfolio's
investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for greater liquidity.

Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or reduction in the perceived creditworthiness of
the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.


Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of John A. Carey.
Mr. Carey is a senior vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1979 as
an analyst.

Mr. Carey is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in U.S. equity securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Carey and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly.


                                       3
<PAGE>

Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income during March, June, September and December. The portfolio may
also pay dividends and capital gain distributions at other times if necessary
for the portfolio to avoid a federal income tax.


Financial highlights

The financial highlights table helps you understand the portfolio's financial
performance since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for
a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you
would have earned on an investment in the portfolio (assuming reinvestment of
all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, whose report is included in the fund's annual report along with
the fund's financial statements. The annual report is available upon request.

Pioneer Equity-Income VCT Portfolio



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         September 14, 1999
                                                                              through
                                                                         December 31, 1999
                                                                        -------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period ................................         $ 21.29
                                                                              -------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
 Net investment income (loss) .......................................         $  0.08
 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments .............           (0.43)
                                                                             --------
 Net increase (decrease) from investment operations .................         $ (0.35)
Distributions to shareholders:
 Net investment income ..............................................           (0.12)
  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value ........................         $ (0.47)
                                                                             --------
 Net asset value, end of period .....................................         $ 20.82
                                                                             ========
Total return* .......................................................           (1.65%)

Ratios/Supplemental Data
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets .........................            0.96%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets .........            1.90%*
Portfolio turnover rate .............................................            0.23%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ............................         $   178
</TABLE>


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

(a) Class II shares were first publicly offered on September 14, 1999.

 *  Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
    period, reinvestment of distributions and the complete redemption of the
    investment at net asset value at the end of each period.

**  Annualized.


                                       4
<PAGE>

Common portfolio investment policies

Some policies of the portfolios are stated as a percentage of assets. These
percentages are applied at the time of purchase of a security and subsequently
may be exceeded because of changes in the value of a portfolio's investments. If
a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of
the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are
appropriate including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional
securities as soon as it is prudent to do so.

Temporary investments

Normally, each portfolio invests substantially all of its assets to meet its
investment objective. Each portfolio may invest the remainder of its assets in
securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or may hold cash or
cash equivalents. For temporary defensive purposes, a portfolio may depart from
its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in
these securities or may hold cash. During such periods, the portfolio may not be
able to achieve its investment objective. Each portfolio intends to adopt a
defensive strategy only when Pioneer believes there to be extraordinary risks in
investing in the securities in which a portfolio normally invests due to
political or economic factors.


Short-term trading

The portfolios usually do not trade for short-term profits. Each portfolio will
sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if
it no longer meets the portfolio's investment criteria. If a portfolio does a
lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce
performance.

Derivatives

Each portfolio may use futures, options and other derivatives. A derivative is
a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or
the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other
financial instruments. The portfolios do not use derivatives as a primary
investment technique and generally limit their use to hedging. However, each
portfolio may use derivatives for a variety of non-principal purposes,
including:


      o  As a hedge against adverse changes in stock market prices, interest
         rates or currency exchange rates

      o  As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities

      o  To increase the portfolio's return as a non-hedging strategy that may
         be considered speculative

Even a small investment in derivatives can have a significant impact on the
portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates or currency
exchange rates. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes
in the value of the portfolio's other investments, the portfolio may not fully
benefit from or could lose money on the derivative position. In addition, some
derivatives involve risk of loss if the person who issued the derivative
defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid and more
difficult to value.

Management

Pioneer, the portfolios' investment adviser, selects each portfolio's
investments and oversees the portfolios' operations.

Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged in financial services
businesses in the United States and many foreign countries. As of December 31,
1999, the firm had more than $24 billion in assets under management worldwide
including more than $23 billion in U.S. mutual funds. The firm's U.S. mutual
fund investment history includes creating in 1928 of one of the first mutual
funds. John F. Cogan, chairman of the board and president of The Pioneer Group,
Inc., owns approximately 14% of the firm. He is also an officer and director of
each of the Pioneer mutual funds.


The investment adviser

Pioneer manages a family of U.S. and international stock funds, bond funds and
money market funds. Pioneer is a subsidiary of The Pioneer Group, Inc. Its main
office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

                                       5
<PAGE>


Distribution plan

The portfolios have adopted plans of distribution for Class II shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the
plans, each portfolio pays to Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. a distribution
fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.
Because these fees are an ongoing expense, over time they increase the cost of
an investment and the shares may cost more than shares that are subject to
other types of sales charges.


Distributions and taxes

You should read the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract
for a discussion of the tax status of a Variable Contract, including the tax
consequences of withdrawals or other payments. You should keep all statements
you receive from the insurance company or the portfolios to assist in your
personal recordkeeping. Class II shares of the portfolios are held by life
insurance company separate accounts that fund Variable Contracts or by certain
qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans). Under the Internal
Revenue Code, a portfolio's dividends and distributions to those accounts of
net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss are
generally treated as ordinary income; distributions to those accounts of net
long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss are generally
treated as long-term capital gain. Dividends and capital gain distributions are
treated as received by the insurance company rather than the owner of the
qualified Variable Contract. Insurance companies should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the tax treatment of dividends or capital gain distributions
they receive from any portfolio.


Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes
and has elected or intends to elect to be treated, and intends to qualify each
year, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Each
portfolio must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders to qualify as a regulated investment company. As a regulated
investment company, each portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on
any net investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed
to its shareholders as required under the Code.

In addition to the above, each portfolio also follows certain portfolio
diversification requirements imposed by the Code on separate accounts of
insurance companies relating to the tax-deferred status of Variable Contracts.
More specific information on these diversification requirements is contained in
the insurance company's separate account prospectus and in the portfolios' SAI.

Shareholder information

Net asset values

Each portfolio's net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities
plus any other assets minus its operating expenses and any other liabilities.
Each portfolio calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day
the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00
p.m. Eastern time).

Each portfolio generally values its portfolio securities based on market prices
or quotations. When market prices are not available or are considered by Pioneer
to be unreliable, the portfolio may use an asset's fair value. Fair value is
determined in accordance with procedures approved by the portfolios' trustees.
International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are
closed. For this reason, the values of any international securities owned by a
portfolio could change on a day when insurance companies or Qualified Plans
cannot buy or sell shares of the portfolio.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price

The net asset value per share calculated on the day of a transaction, is often
referred to as the share price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       6
<PAGE>

Investments in shares of the portfolios

Each portfolio may sell its shares directly to separate accounts established and
maintained by insurance companies for the purpose of funding Variable Contracts
and to Qualified Plans. Shares of the portfolios are sold at net asset value.
Variable Contracts may or may not allow you to allocate your investments in the
Variable Contracts to all the portfolios described in this prospectus.
Investments in each portfolio are expressed in terms of the full and fractional
shares of the portfolio purchased. Investments in a portfolio are credited to an
insurance company's separate account immediately upon acceptance of the
investment by the portfolio. Investments will be processed at the next net asset
value calculated after an order is received and accepted by a portfolio. The
offering of shares of any portfolio may be suspended for a period of time and
each portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order.
Purchase orders may be refused if, in Pioneer's opinion, they are of a size that
would disrupt the management of a portfolio.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since you may not directly purchase shares of the portfolios, you should read
the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract to learn how to
purchase a Variable Contract based on the portfolios.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The interests of Variable Contracts and Qualified Plans investing in the
portfolios could conflict due to differences of tax treatment and other
considerations. The portfolios currently do not foresee any disadvantages to
investors arising out of the fact that each portfolio may offer its shares to
insurance company separate accounts that serve as the investment medium for
their Variable Contracts or that each portfolio may offer its shares to
Qualified Plans. Nevertheless, the portfolios' trustees intend to monitor events
in order to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly
arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to such
conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or more insurance companies'
separate accounts or Qualified Plans might be required to withdraw their
investments in one or more portfolios and shares of another portfolio may be
substituted. This might force a portfolio to sell securities at disadvantageous
prices. In addition, the trustees may refuse to sell shares of any portfolio to
any separate account or Qualified Plan or may suspend or terminate the offering
of shares of any portfolio if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of the shareholders of the portfolio.

Selling

Shares of a portfolio may be sold on any business day. Portfolio shares are
sold at net asset value next determined after receipt by the portfolio of a
redemption request in good order from the insurance company as described in the
prospectus of the insurance company's Variable Contract. Sale proceeds will
normally be forwarded by bank wire to the selling insurance company on the next
business day after receipt of the sales instructions by a portfolio but in no
event later than 7 days following receipt of instructions. Each portfolio may
suspend transactions in shares or postpone payment dates when trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, when an emergency exists that
makes it impracticable for the portfolio to sell or value its portfolio
securities or with the permission of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       7
<PAGE>

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust

Class II Shares

You can obtain more free information about the portfolios by writing to
Pioneering Services Corporation, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
You may also call 1-800-225-6292.

Shareowner reports

Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners provide information about the
portfolios' investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected each portfolio's performance
during its last fiscal year.

Statement of additional information

The statement of additional information provides more detailed information
about the portfolio. It is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.


You can also review each portfolio's shareowner reports, prospectus and
statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-942-8090 for information.
The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free
from the Commission's EDGAR database on The Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You
may also e-mail requests for these documents to public [email protected] or make a
request in writing to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-0102.


(Investment Company Act file no. 811-08786)


Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109

www.pioneerfunds.com


                                                                    8150-00-0500

                                              (C)Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE>

PIONEER GROWTH SHARES VCT PORTFOLIO
A portfolio of Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust
Class II Shares Prospectus
May 1, 2000

Introduction

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust is an open-end management investment company
that currently consists of twelve distinct portfolios. Pioneer Investment
Management, Inc. is the investment adviser to each portfolio. Class II shares
of the Pioneer Growth Shares VCT Portfolio are offered through this prospectus.
Shares of the portfolios are offered primarily to insurance companies to fund
the benefits under variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts
(Variable Contracts) issued by their companies. You may obtain certain tax
benefits by purchasing a Variable Contract.


Each portfolio has its own distinct investment objective and policies. In
striving to meet its objective, each portfolio will face the challenges of
changing business, economic and market conditions. Each portfolio offers
different levels of potential return and risks. These risks are discussed in
the description of each portfolio.

No single portfolio constitutes a complete investment plan. Each portfolio's
share price, yield and total return will fluctuate and an investment in a
portfolio may be worth more or less than the original cost when shares are
redeemed.


Each portfolio complies with various insurance regulations. Please read your
insurance company's separate account prospectus for more specific information
relating to insurance regulations and instructions on how to invest among the
portfolios through a Variable Contract.


Portfolios

Strategic focus


Growth Shares invests in equity securities for appreciation of capital.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contents
<S>                                                                         <C>
Basic information about the portfolio .....................................  1
Common portfolio investment policies ......................................  5
Management ................................................................  5
Distributions and taxes ...................................................  6
Shareholder information ...................................................  6
</TABLE>


An investment in a portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.


Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency
has approved the portfolios' shares or determined whether this prospectus is
accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a crime.



<PAGE>


Basic information about Pioneer Growth Shares VCT Portfolio

Investment objective

Appreciation of capital.


Principal investment strategies

The portfolio invests primarily in common stocks and other equity securities of
U.S. companies. The portfolio considers securities that trade like common
stocks, such as convertible debt, warrants, interests in real estate investment
trusts (REITs) and preferred stocks, to be common stocks.


The portfolio uses a "growth" style of management and seeks to invest in
companies with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth. To
select growth stocks, Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, employs due
diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its
financial statements and operations. Pioneer relies on the knowledge,
experience and judgment of its staff who have access to a wide variety of
research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers, not
on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors Pioneer looks for in
selecting investments include:

      o Market leadership in a company's primary products and services

      o Companies expected to benefit from long-term trends in the economy and
        society

      o Issuer's industry has strong fundamentals, such as increasing or
        sustainable demand and barriers to entry

      o A sustainable competitive advantage, such as a brand name, customer
        base, proprietary technology or economies of scale


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio


Even though the portfolio seeks capital appreciation, you could lose money on
your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:

      o The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)

      o Growth stocks fall out of favor with investors

      o The portfolio's investments do not have the growth potential originally
        expected

Although the portfolio is diversified, its performance may be more closely tied
to the market values of a smaller number of stocks, and the portfolio's
performance could be more volatile than the performance of more diversified
funds.
                                       1
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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

Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception in October 31, 1997. The chart
does not reflect any fees and expenses with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return. Although Class II shares invest
in the same portfolio investments as Class I shares, Class II shares would have
the same investment results except for the difference in class expenses. Class
II shares are subject to a 0.25% distribution fee, which Class I shares do not
pay. Consequently, the performance of Class II shares will be lower.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 18.09% (9/30/98 to
12/31/98).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -11.53% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).

[BEGIN BAR CHART]

Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

1998  =  32.60%

1999  =  7.93%

[END BAR CHART]

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

Comparison with Standard & Poor's
500 Index

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index. This index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500
widely held common stocks. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and
does not incur expenses. The performance of Class II shares will be lower than
the performance of Class I shares as explained above. The table assumes:

o The sale of the shares at the end of the period

o Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1998)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
                                     Since      Inception
                    1 Year       Inception           Date
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>           <C>          <C>
Class I              7.93          19.19        10/31/97
- ----------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index       20.99          26.20              --
- ----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in common stocks of U.S.
companies.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).


More on principal investments

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in real estate investment trusts. Real estate investment trusts are
pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in real estate or real estate
related loans. Investing in real estate investment trusts involves unique
risks. They are significantly affected by the market for real estate and are
dependent upon management skills and cash flow.


Investments other than U.S. common stocks

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in equity and debt securities of non-U.S. issuers. The portfolio will
not invest more than 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in the
securities of emerging markets issuers. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may
involve unique risks compared to investing in the securities of U.S. issuers.

      o Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due
        to less rigorous disclosure and accounting standards or regulatory
        practices

      o Many non U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than
        U.S. markets. In a changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell the
        portfolio's investments in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable

      o Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of
        the portfolio's investments

      o Economic, political, and social developments that adversely affect the
        non-U.S. securities markets

      o Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's return


The portfolio may invest the balance of its assets in debt securities of U.S.
corporate and government issuers. Generally, the portfolio acquires debt
securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 5% of
its net assets (at the time of purchase) in lower quality debt securities
including below investment grade convertible debt securities. The portfolio
invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the
portfolio's investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for greater
liquidity.


Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the
portfolio's portfolio include rising interest rates or a reduction in the
perceived creditworthiness of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is
investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four categories by a
nationally recognized securities rating organization or determined to be of
equivalent credit quality by Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment
grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative.
Below investment grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are
subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during
periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of Jeffrey B.
Poppenhagen, a senior vice president of Pioneer. Mr. Poppenhagen joined Pioneer
in 1996 and has been an investment professional since 1988. Prior to joining
Pioneer, Mr. Poppenhagen was a portfolio manager and analyst for Transamerica
Investment Services from 1991 to 1996.


Mr. Poppenhagen is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in U.S. equity securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Poppenhagen and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa
A. Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


                                       3
<PAGE>

Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.70% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total operating expenses to 1.25% of portfolio's
average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. The portion of
portfolio expenses attributable to Class II shares will be reduced only to the
extent such expenses were reduced for the Class I shares of the portfolio. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management
fee equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income annually. The portfolio may pay additional distributions and
dividends at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


Financial highlights

Class II shares are a new class of shares; financial highlights are not
currently available for Class II shares. Arthur Andersen LLP's report on the
portfolios' audited financial statements as of December 31, 1999, for Class I
shares appears in the portfolios' annual report which is incorporated by
reference into the SAI. The annual report includes more information about the
portfolios' performance and is available upon request.


                                       4
<PAGE>

Common portfolio investment policies

Some policies of the portfolios are stated as a percentage of assets. These
percentages are applied at the time of purchase of a security and subsequently
may be exceeded because of changes in the value of a portfolio's investments. If
a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of
the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are
appropriate including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional
securities as soon as it is prudent to do so.

Temporary investments

Normally, each portfolio invests substantially all of its assets to meet its
investment objective. Each portfolio may invest the remainder of its assets in
securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or may hold cash or
cash equivalents. For temporary defensive purposes, a portfolio may depart from
its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in
these securities or may hold cash. During such periods, the portfolio may not be
able to achieve its investment objective. Each portfolio intends to adopt a
defensive strategy only when Pioneer believes there to be extraordinary risks in
investing in the securities in which a portfolio normally invests due to
political or economic factors.


Short-term trading

The portfolios usually do not trade for short-term profits. Each portfolio will
sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if
it no longer meets the portfolio's investment criteria. If a portfolio does a
lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce
performance.

Derivatives

Each portfolio may use futures, options and other derivatives. A derivative is
a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or
the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other
financial instruments. The portfolios do not use derivatives as a primary
investment technique and generally limit their use to hedging. However, each
portfolio may use derivatives for a variety of non-principal purposes,
including:


      o As a hedge against adverse changes in stock market prices, interest
        rates or currency exchange rates

      o As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities

      o To increase the portfolio's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be
        considered speculative

Even a small investment in derivatives can have a significant impact on the
portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates or currency
exchange rates. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes
in the value of the portfolio's other investments, the portfolio may not fully
benefit from or could lose money on the derivative position. In addition, some
derivatives involve risk of loss if the person who issued the derivative
defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid and more
difficult to value.

Management

Pioneer, the portfolios' investment adviser, selects each portfolio's
investments and oversees the portfolios' operations.

Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged in financial services
businesses in the United States and many foreign countries. As of December 31,
1999, the firm had more than $24 billion in assets under management worldwide
including more than $23 billion in U.S. mutual funds. The firm's U.S. mutual
fund investment history includes creating in 1928 of one of the first mutual
funds. John F. Cogan, chairman of the board and president of The Pioneer Group,
Inc., owns approximately 14% of the firm. He is also an officer and director of
each of the Pioneer mutual funds.


The investment adviser

Pioneer manages a family of U.S. and international stock funds, bond funds and
money market funds. Pioneer is a subsidiary of The Pioneer Group, Inc. Its main
office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

                                       5
<PAGE>


Distribution plan

The portfolios have adopted plans of distribution for Class II shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the
plans, each portfolio pays to Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. a distribution
fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.
Because these fees are an ongoing expense, over time they increase the cost of
an investment and the shares may cost more than shares that are subject to
other sales charges.

Distributions and taxes

You should read the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract
for a discussion of the tax status of a Variable Contract, including the tax
consequences of withdrawals or other payments. You should keep all statements
you receive from the insurance company or the portfolios to assist in your
personal recordkeeping. Class II shares of the portfolios are held by life
insurance company separate accounts that fund Variable Contracts or by certain
qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans). Under the Internal
Revenue Code, a portfolio's dividends and distributions to those accounts of
net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss are
generally treated as ordinary income; distributions to those accounts of net
long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss are generally
treated as long-term capital gain. Dividends and capital gain distributions are
treated as received by the insurance company rather than the owner of the
qualified Variable Contract. Insurance companies should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the tax treatment of dividends or capital gain distributions
they receive from any portfolio.


Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes
and has elected or intends to elect to be treated, and intends to qualify each
year, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Each
portfolio must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders to qualify as a regulated investment company. As a regulated
investment company, each portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on
any net investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed
to its shareholders as required under the Code.

In addition to the above, each portfolio also follows certain portfolio
diversification requirements imposed by the Code on separate accounts of
insurance companies relating to the tax-deferred status of Variable Contracts.
More specific information on these diversification requirements is contained in
the insurance company's separate account prospectus and in the portfolios' SAI.

Shareholder information

Net asset values

Each portfolio's net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities
plus any other assets minus its operating expenses and any other liabilities.
Each portfolio calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day
the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00
p.m. Eastern time).

Each portfolio generally values its portfolio securities based on market prices
or quotations. When market prices are not available or are considered by Pioneer
to be unreliable, the portfolio may use an asset's fair value. Fair value is
determined in accordance with procedures approved by the portfolios' trustees.
International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are
closed. For this reason, the values of any international securities owned by a
portfolio could change on a day when insurance companies or Qualified Plans
cannot buy or sell shares of the portfolio.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price

The net asset value per share calculated on the day of a transaction, is often
referred to as the share price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       6
<PAGE>

Investments in shares of the portfolios

Each portfolio may sell its shares directly to separate accounts established and
maintained by insurance companies for the purpose of funding Variable Contracts
and to Qualified Plans. Shares of the portfolios are sold at net asset value.
Variable Contracts may or may not allow you to allocate your investments in the
Variable Contracts to all the portfolios described in this prospectus.
Investments in each portfolio are expressed in terms of the full and fractional
shares of the portfolio purchased. Investments in a portfolio are credited to an
insurance company's separate account immediately upon acceptance of the
investment by the portfolio. Investments will be processed at the next net asset
value calculated after an order is received and accepted by a portfolio. The
offering of shares of any portfolio may be suspended for a period of time and
each portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order.
Purchase orders may be refused if, in Pioneer's opinion, they are of a size that
would disrupt the management of a portfolio.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since you may not directly purchase shares of the portfolios, you should read
the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract to learn how to
purchase a Variable Contract based on the portfolios.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The interests of Variable Contracts and Qualified Plans investing in the
portfolios could conflict due to differences of tax treatment and other
considerations. The portfolios currently do not foresee any disadvantages to
investors arising out of the fact that each portfolio may offer its shares to
insurance company separate accounts that serve as the investment medium for
their Variable Contracts or that each portfolio may offer its shares to
Qualified Plans. Nevertheless, the portfolios' trustees intend to monitor events
in order to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly
arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to such
conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or more insurance companies'
separate accounts or Qualified Plans might be required to withdraw their
investments in one or more portfolios and shares of another portfolio may be
substituted. This might force a portfolio to sell securities at disadvantageous
prices. In addition, the trustees may refuse to sell shares of any portfolio to
any separate account or Qualified Plan or may suspend or terminate the offering
of shares of any portfolio if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of the shareholders of the portfolio.

Selling

Shares of a portfolio may be sold on any business day. Portfolio shares are
sold at net asset value next determined after receipt by the portfolio of a
redemption request in good order from the insurance company as described in the
prospectus of the insurance company's Variable Contract. Sale proceeds will
normally be forwarded by bank wire to the selling insurance company on the next
business day after receipt of the sales instructions by a portfolio but in no
event later than 7 days following receipt of instructions. Each portfolio may
suspend transactions in shares or postpone payment dates when trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, when an emergency exists that
makes it impracticable for the portfolio to sell or value its portfolio
securities or with the permission of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       7
<PAGE>

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust Class II Shares

You can obtain more free information about the portfolios by writing to
Pioneering Services Corporation, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
You may also call 1-800-225-6292.

Shareowner reports

Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners provide information about the
portfolios' investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected each portfolio's performance
during its last fiscal year.

Statement of additional information

The statement of additional information provides more detailed information
about the portfolio. It is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.


You can also review each portfolio's shareowner reports, prospectus and
statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's
Public Reference room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-942-8090 for information.
The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free
from the commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You
may also e-mail requests for these documents to public [email protected] or make a
request in writing to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-0102.


(Investment Company Act file no. 811-08786)


Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109

www.pioneerfunds.com


                                                                    8196-00-0500

                                              (C)Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE>

PIONEER MID-CAP VALUE VCT PORTFOLIO
A portfolio of Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust
Class II Shares Prospectus
May 1, 2000

Introduction

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust is an open-end management investment company
that currently consists of fifteen distinct portfolios. Pioneer Investment
Management, Inc. is the investment adviser to each portfolio. Class II shares
of the Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio are offered through this prospectus.
Shares of the portfolios are offered primarily to insurance companies to fund
the benefits under variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts
(Variable Contracts) issued by their companies. You may obtain certain tax
benefits by purchasing a Variable Contract.


Each portfolio has its own distinct investment objective and policies. In
striving to meet its objective, each portfolio will face the challenges of
changing business, economic and market conditions. Each portfolio offers
different levels of potential return and risks. These risks are discussed in
the description of each portfolio.

No single portfolio constitutes a complete investment plan. Each portfolio's
share price, yield and total return will fluctuate and an investment in a
portfolio may be worth more or less than the original cost when shares are
redeemed.


Each portfolio complies with various insurance regulations. Please read your
insurance company's separate account prospectus for more specific information
relating to insurance regulations and instructions on how to invest among the
portfolios through a Variable Contract.


Portfolios

Strategic focus

Mid-Cap Value invests in a diversified portfolio of common stocks for capital
appreciation.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contents
<S>                                                                           <C>
Basic information about the portfolio ....................................... 1
Common portfolio investment policies ........................................ 5
Management .................................................................. 5
Distributions and taxes ..................................................... 6
Shareholder information ..................................................... 6
</TABLE>



An investment in a portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency
has approved the portfolios' shares or determined whether this prospectus is
accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a crime.



<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio


Investment objective

Capital growth by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities consisting
primarily of common stock.

Principal investment strategies


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market value

A company's market value or capitalization is calculated by multiplying the
number of its outstanding shares by the current market price of a share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Normally, the portfolio invests at least 80% of its total assets in common
stocks of U.S. companies. The portfolio focuses its investments in common stocks
of mid- size companies, that is companies with market values within the range of
market values of issuers included in Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index.
Normally, the portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets in the
securities of mid-size companies. On December 31, 1999, the market value of
companies in the index varied from approximately $165 million to over $37
billion. The portfolio considers securities that trade like common stocks, such
as convertible debt, depositary receipts, warrants, interests in real estate
investment trusts (REITS) and preferred stocks, to be common stocks.

Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select
the portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks
securities selling at substantial discounts to their underlying values and
holds these securities until the market values reflect their intrinsic values.
Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value, including the attractiveness of
its market valuation, based on the company's assets and prospects for earnings
growth. In making that assessment, Pioneer employs due diligence and
fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial
statements and operations, employing a bottom-up analytic style. Pioneer relies
on the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff who have access to a
wide variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of
individual issuers, not on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors
Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:


      o  Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk

      o  Management with demonstrated ability and commitment to the company

      o  Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash
         flow and sales

      o  Turnaround potential for companies that have been through difficult
         periods

      o  Estimated private market value in excess of current stock price.
         Private market value is the price an independent investor would pay to
         own the entire company

      o  Issuer's industry has strong fundamentals such as increasing or
         sustainable demand and barriers to entry.

The portfolio avoids concentrating in any one sector or industry.


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio

Even though the portfolio seeks capital appreciation, you could lose money on
your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:

      o  The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)

      o  Mid-size or value stocks fall out of favor with investors

      o  The portfolio's assets remain undervalued or do not have the potential
         value originally expected

The fund also has risks associated with investing in mid-size companies.
Compared to large companies, mid-size companies, and the market for their
common stocks, are likely to:

      o  Be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor
         expectations

      o  Have more limited product lines and capital resources

      o  Experience sharper swings in market values

      o  Be harder to sell at the times and prices Pioneer thinks appropriate

      o  Offer greater potential for gain and loss

                                       1
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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

Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 1, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return. Although Class II shares invest
in the same portfolio investments as Class I shares, Class II shares would have
the same investment results except for the difference in class expenses. Class
II shares are subject to a 0.25% distribution fee, which Class I shares do not
pay. Consequently, the performance of Class II shares will be lower.


The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 14.00% (3/31/99 to
6/30/99).

The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -20.94% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).

[BEGIN BAR CHART]

Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

1996  =  15.03%

1997  =  24.69%

1998  =  -4.02%

1999  =  13.13%

[END BAR CHART]

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

Comparison with Standard & Poor's
500 Index

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index. This index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500
widely held common stocks. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and
does not incur expenses. The performance of Class II shares will be lower than
the perfromance of Class I shares as explained above. The table assumes:

o The sale of the shares at the end of the period

o Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- -----------------------------------------------------------
                                      Since       Inception
                    1 Year        Inception            Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>             <C>              <C>
Class I             13.13           13.22            3/1/95
- -----------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index       20.99           27.62                --
- -----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in common stocks of mid-cap
companies.


This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).


More on prinicpal investments

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in real estate investment trusts. Real estate investment trusts are
pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in real estate or real estate
related loans. Investing in real estate investment trusts involves unique
risks. They are significantly affected by the market for real estate and are
dependent upon management skills and cash flow.


Investments other than U.S. common stocks

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in equity and debt securities of non-U.S. issuers. The portfolio will
not invest more than 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in the
securities of emerging markets issuers. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may
involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These
risks may include:

      o  Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due
         to less rigorous disclosure and accounting standards or regulatory
         practices

      o  Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a
         changing market, Pioneer may not be able to sell the portfolio's
         investments in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable

      o  Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of
         the portfolio's investments

      o  Economic, political and social developments that adversely affect the
         securities markets

      o  Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's
         return

The portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in debt securities of corporate and government issuers. Generally the
portfolio acquires debt securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio
may invest up to 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in below
investment grade convertible debt securities. The portfolio invests in debt
securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the portfolio's
investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for greater liquidity.


Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of J. Rodman
Wright. Mr. Wright is a vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1994 as
an analyst, was the portfolio's assistant portfolio manager from 1996 until
1997 and has been an investment professional since 1988.

Mr. Wright is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in U.S. equity securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Wright and his team operate under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Ms. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


                                       2
<PAGE>

Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio
paid Pioneer a management fee equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily
net assets.

Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio pays dividends from any net investment
income annually. The portfolio may pay additional distributions and dividends
at other times if necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


Financial highlights

Class II shares are a new class of shares; financial highlights are not
currently available for Class II shares. Arthur Andersen LLP's report on the
portfolios' audited financial statements as of December 31, 1999, for Class I
shares appears in the portfolios' annual report which is incorporated by
reference into the SAI. The annual report includes more information about the
portfolios' performance and is available upon request.


                                      3
<PAGE>

Common portfolio investment policies

Some policies of the portfolios are stated as a percentage of assets. These
percentages are applied at the time of purchase of a security and subsequently
may be exceeded because of changes in the value of a portfolio's investments. If
a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of
the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are
appropriate including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional
securities as soon as it is prudent to do so.

Temporary investments

Normally, each portfolio invests substantially all of its assets to meet its
investment objective. Each portfolio may invest the remainder of its assets in
securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or may hold cash or
cash equivalents. For temporary defensive purposes, a portfolio may depart from
its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in
these securities or may hold cash. During such periods, the portfolio may not be
able to achieve its investment objective. Each portfolio intends to adopt a
defensive strategy only when Pioneer believes there to be extraordinary risks in
investing in the securities in which a portfolio normally invests due to
political or economic factors.


Short-term trading

The portfolios usually do not trade for short-term profits. Each portfolio will
sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if
it no longer meets the portfolio's investment criteria. If a portfolio does a
lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce
performance.

Derivatives

Each portfolio may use futures, options and other derivatives. A derivative is
a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or
the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other
financial instruments. The portfolios do not use derivatives as a primary
investment technique and generally limit their use to hedging. However, each
portfolio may use derivatives for a variety of non-principal purposes,
including:


      o  As a hedge against adverse changes in stock market prices, interest
         rates or currency exchange rates

      o  As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities

      o  To increase the portfolio's return as a non-hedging strategy that may
         be considered speculative

Even a small investment in derivatives can have a significant impact on the
portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates or currency
exchange rates. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes
in the value of the portfolio's other investments, the portfolio may not fully
benefit from or could lose money on the derivative position. In addition, some
derivatives involve risk of loss if the person who issued the derivative
defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid and more
difficult to value.

Management

Pioneer, the portfolios' investment adviser, selects each portfolio's
investments and oversees the portfolios' operations.

Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged in financial services
businesses in the United States and many foreign countries. As of December 31,
1999, the firm had more than $24 billion in assets under management worldwide
including more than $23 billion in U.S. mutual funds. The firm's U.S. mutual
fund investment history includes creating in 1928 of one of the first mutual
funds. John F. Cogan, chairman of the board and president of The Pioneer Group,
Inc., owns approximately 14% of the firm. He is also an officer and director of
each of the Pioneer mutual funds.


The investment adviser

Pioneer manages a family of U.S. and international stock funds, bond funds and
money market funds. Pioneer is a subsidiary of The Pioneer Group, Inc. Its main
office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

                                       4
<PAGE>


Distribution plan

The portfolios have adopted plans of distribution for Class II shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the
plans, each portfolio pays to Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. a distribution
fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.
Because these fees are an ongoing expense, over time they increase the cost of
an investment and the shares may cost more than shares that are subject to
other types of sales charges.


Distributions and taxes

You should read the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract
for a discussion of the tax status of a Variable Contract, including the tax
consequences of withdrawals or other payments. You should keep all statements
you receive from the insurance company or the portfolios to assist in your
personal recordkeeping. Class II shares of the portfolios are held by life
insurance company separate accounts that fund Variable Contracts or by certain
qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans). Under the Internal
Revenue Code, a portfolio's dividends and distributions to those accounts of
net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss are
generally treated as ordinary income; distributions to those accounts of net
long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss are generally
treated as long-term capital gain. Dividends and capital gain distributions are
treated as received by the insurance company rather than the owner of the
qualified Variable Contract. Insurance companies should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the tax treatment of dividends or capital gain distributions
they receive from any portfolio.


Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes
and has elected or intends to elect to be treated, and intends to qualify each
year, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Each
portfolio must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders to qualify as a regulated investment company. As a regulated
investment company, each portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on
any net investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed
to its shareholders as required under the Code.

In addition to the above, each portfolio also follows certain portfolio
diversification requirements imposed by the Code on separate accounts of
insurance companies relating to the tax-deferred status of Variable Contracts.
More specific information on these diversification requirements is contained in
the insurance company's separate account prospectus and in the portfolios' SAI.

Shareholder information

Net asset values

Each portfolio's net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities
plus any other assets minus its operating expenses and any other liabilities.
Each portfolio calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day
the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00
p.m. Eastern time).

Each portfolio generally values its portfolio securities based on market prices
or quotations. When market prices are not available or are considered by Pioneer
to be unreliable, the portfolio may use an asset's fair value. Fair value is
determined in accordance with procedures approved by the portfolios' trustees.
International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are
closed. For this reason, the values of any international securities owned by a
portfolio could change on a day when insurance companies or Qualified Plans
cannot buy or sell shares of the portfolio.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price

The net asset value per share calculated on the day of a transaction, is often
referred to as the share price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       5
<PAGE>

Investments in shares of the portfolios

Each portfolio may sell its shares directly to separate accounts established and
maintained by insurance companies for the purpose of funding Variable Contracts
and to Qualified Plans. Shares of the portfolios are sold at net asset value.
Variable Contracts may or may not allow you to allocate your investments in the
Variable Contracts to all the portfolios described in this prospectus.
Investments in each portfolio are expressed in terms of the full and fractional
shares of the portfolio purchased. Investments in a portfolio are credited to an
insurance company's separate account immediately upon acceptance of the
investment by the portfolio. Investments will be processed at the next net asset
value calculated after an order is received and accepted by a portfolio. The
offering of shares of any portfolio may be suspended for a period of time and
each portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order.
Purchase orders may be refused if, in Pioneer's opinion, they are of a size that
would disrupt the management of a portfolio.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since you may not directly purchase shares of the portfolios, you should read
the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract to learn how to
purchase a Variable Contract based on the portfolios.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The interests of Variable Contracts and Qualified Plans investing in the
portfolios could conflict due to differences of tax treatment and other
considerations. The portfolios currently do not foresee any disadvantages to
investors arising out of the fact that each portfolio may offer its shares to
insurance company separate accounts that serve as the investment medium for
their Variable Contracts or that each portfolio may offer its shares to
Qualified Plans. Nevertheless, the portfolios' trustees intend to monitor events
in order to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly
arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to such
conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or more insurance companies'
separate accounts or Qualified Plans might be required to withdraw their
investments in one or more portfolios and shares of another portfolio may be
substituted. This might force a portfolio to sell securities at disadvantageous
prices. In addition, the trustees may refuse to sell shares of any portfolio to
any separate account or Qualified Plan or may suspend or terminate the offering
of shares of any portfolio if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of the shareholders of the portfolio.

Selling

Shares of a portfolio may be sold on any business day. Portfolio shares are
sold at net asset value next determined after receipt by the portfolio of a
redemption request in good order from the insurance company as described in the
prospectus of the insurance company's Variable Contract. Sale proceeds will
normally be forwarded by bank wire to the selling insurance company on the next
business day after receipt of the sales instructions by a portfolio but in no
event later than 7 days following receipt of instructions. Each portfolio may
suspend transactions in shares or postpone payment dates when trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, when an emergency exists that
makes it impracticable for the portfolio to sell or value its portfolio
securities or with the permission of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       6
<PAGE>

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust Class II Shares

You can obtain more free information about the portfolios by writing to
Pioneering Services Corporation, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
You may also call 1-800-225-6292.

Shareowner reports

Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners provide information about the
portfolios' investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected each portfolio's performance
during its last fiscal year.

Statement of additional information

The statement of additional information provides more detailed information
about the portfolio. It is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.


You can also review each portfolio's shareowner reports, prospectus and
statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-942-8090 for information.
The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free
from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You
may also e-mail requests for these documents to public info @ sec.gov or make a
request in writing to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-0102.


(Investment Company Act file no. 811-08786)


Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109

www.pioneerfunds.com



                                                                    8197-00-0500

                                              (C)Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE>

PIONEER FUND VCT PORTFOLIO
A portfolio of Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust
Class II Shares Prospectus
May 1, 2000

Introduction

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust is an open-end management investment company
that currently consists of twelve distinct portfolios. Pioneer Investment
Management, Inc. is the investment adviser to each portfolio. Class II shares
of the Pioneer Fund VCT Portfolio are offered through this prospectus. Shares
of the portfolios are offered primarily to insurance companies to fund the
benefits under variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts (Variable
Contracts) issued by their companies. You may obtain certain tax benefits by
purchasing a Variable Contract.

Each portfolio has its own distinct investment objective and policies. In
striving to meet its objective, each portfolio will face the challenges of
changing business, economic and market conditions. Each portfolio offers
different levels of potential return and risks. These risks are discussed in
the description of each portfolio.

No single portfolio constitutes a complete investment plan. Each portfolio's
share price, yield and total return will fluctuate and an investment in a
portfolio may be worth more or less than the original cost when shares are
redeemed.


Each portfolio complies with various insurance regulations. Please read your
insurance company's separate account prospectus for more specific information
relating to insurance regulations and instructions on how to invest among the
portfolios through a Variable Contract.

Portfolio


Strategic focus


Pioneer Fund invests in a broad list of carefully selected, reasonably priced
securities for reasonable income and growth.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contents
<S>                                                                           <C>
Basic information about the portfolio ....................................... 1
Common portfolio investment policies ........................................ 5
Management .................................................................. 5
Distributions and taxes ..................................................... 6
Shareholder information ..................................................... 6
</TABLE>


An investment in a portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.


Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency
has approved the portfolios' shares or determined whether this prospectus is
accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a crime.



<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Fund VCT Portfolio


Investment objective

Reasonable income and capital growth.

Principal investment strategies

The portfolio invests in a broad list of carefully selected, reasonably priced
securities rather than in securities whose prices reflect a premium resulting
from their current market popularity. The portfolio invests the major portion
of its assets in equity securities, primarily of U.S. issuers. For purposes of
the portfolio's investment policies, equity securities include common and
preferred stocks, depositary receipts, interests in real estate investment
trusts (REITs) and convertible debt securities. Although the portfolio focuses
on securities that have paid dividends in the preceding 12 months, it may
purchase or hold securities that do not provide income if the portfolio expects
them to increase in value.

Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select
the portfolio's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks
securities selling at reasonable prices or substantial discounts to their
underlying values and holds these securities until the market values reflect
their intrinsic values. Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value,
including the attractiveness of its market valuation, based on the company's
assets and prospects for earnings growth. In making that assessment, Pioneer
employs due diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer
based on its financial statements and operations. Pioneer also considers a
security's potential to provide a reasonable amount of income. Pioneer relies
on the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff who have access to a
wide variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of
individual issuers, not on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors
Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:

      o  Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk

      o  Above average potential for earnings and revenue growth

      o  Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash
         flow and sales

      o  A sustainable competitive advantage, such as a brand name, customer
         base, proprietary technology or economies of scale


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio

Even though the portfolio seeks reasonable income and capital growth, you could
lose money on your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere
if:

      o  The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)


      o  Value stocks fall out of favor with investors

      o  The portfolio's assets remain undervalued or do not have the potential
         value originally expected

      o  Stocks selected for income do not achieve the same return as securities
         selected for capital growth

                                       1
<PAGE>

The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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

Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on October 31, 1997. The chart
does not reflect any fees and expenses with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return. Although Class II shares invest
in the same portfolio investments as Class I shares, Class II shares would have
the same investment results except for the difference in class expenses. Class
II shares are subject to a 0.25% distribution fee, which Class I shares do not
pay. Consequently, the performance of Class II shares will be lower.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 21.71% (9/30/98 to
12/31/98).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -11.70% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).

[BEGIN BAR CHART]

Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

1998  =  26.12%

1999  =  15.91%

[END BAR CHART]

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

Comparison with Standard & Poor's
500 Index

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index. This index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500
widely held common stocks. Unlike the portfolio, the index is not managed and
does not incur expenses. The performance of Class II shares will be lower than
the performance of Class I shares as explained above. The table assumes:

o The sale of the shares at the end of the period

o Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              Average annual total return (%)
           (for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- -------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Since        Inception
                    1 Year         Inception             Date
- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>              <C>            <C>
Class I             15.91            22.06          10/31/97
- -------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index       20.99            23.02                --
- -------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       2
<PAGE>

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio invests primarily in common stocks of U.S.
companies to seek reasonable income and capital growth.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).


Investments other than U.S. equity securities

The portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in equity securities of non-U.S. corporate issuers and debt
securities of non-U.S. corporate and government issuers. The portfolio will not
invest more than 5% of its total assets (at the time of purchase) in the
securities of emerging markets issuers. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may
involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers.


The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in real estate investment trusts. Real estate investment trusts are
pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in real estate or real estate
related loans. Investing in real estate investment trusts involves unique
risks. They are significantly affected by the market for real estate and are
dependent upon management skills and cash flow.


The portfolio may invest the balance of its assets in debt securities of U.S.
corporate and government issuers. Generally the portfolio acquires debt
securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 5% of
its net assets (at the time of purchase) in lower quality debt securities
including below investment grade convertible debt securities. The portfolio
invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes that they are consistent with
the portfolio's investment objective, to diversify the portfolio or for greater
liquidity.


Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the
portfolio's portfolio include rising interest rates or a reduction in the
perceived creditworthiness of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is
investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four categories by a
nationally recognized securities rating organization or determined to be of
equivalent credit quality by Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment
grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative.
Below investment grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are
subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during
periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of John A. Carey.
Mr. Carey is a senior vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in 1979 as
an analyst.

Mr. Carey is supported by a team of portfolio managers and analysts who
specialize in U.S. equity securities. This team provides research for the
portfolio and other Pioneer mutual funds with similar investment objectives or
styles. Mr. Carey and his team operates under the supervision of Theresa A.
Hamacher. Mr. Hamacher is chief investment officer of Pioneer. She joined
Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional since 1984, most
recently as chief investment officer at another investment adviser.


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. The fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total operating expenses to 1.25% of the portfolio's
average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. The portion of
portfolio expenses attributable to Class II shares will be reduced only to the
extent such expenses were reduced for the Class I shares of the portfolio. This


                                       3
<PAGE>


agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any
time. For the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management
fee equal to 0.65% of the portfolio's average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of any net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income quarterly during March, June, September and December. The
portfolio may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if
necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


Financial highlights

Class II shares are a new class of shares; financial highlights are not
currently available for Class II shares. Arthur Andersen LLP's report on the
portfolios' audited financial statements as of December 31, 1999, for Class I
shares appears in the portfolios' annual report which is incorporated by
reference into the SAI. The annual report includes more information about the
portfolios' performance and is available upon request.


                                       4
<PAGE>

Common portfolio investment policies

Some policies of the portfolios are stated as a percentage of assets. These
percentages are applied at the time of purchase of a security and subsequently
may be exceeded because of changes in the value of a portfolio's investments. If
a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of
the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are
appropriate including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional
securities as soon as it is prudent to do so.

Temporary investments

Normally, each portfolio invests substantially all of its assets to meet its
investment objective. Each portfolio may invest the remainder of its assets in
securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or may hold cash or
cash equivalents. For temporary defensive purposes, a portfolio may depart from
its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in
these securities or may hold cash. During such periods, the portfolio may not be
able to achieve its investment objective. Each portfolio intends to adopt a
defensive strategy only when Pioneer believes there to be extraordinary risks in
investing in the securities in which a portfolio normally invests due to
political or economic factors.


Short-term trading

The portfolios usually do not trade for short-term profits. Each portfolio will
sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if
it no longer meets the portfolio's investment criteria. If a portfolio does a
lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce
performance.

Derivatives

Each portfolio may use futures, options and other derivatives. A derivative is
a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or
the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other
financial instruments. The portfolios do not use derivatives as a primary
investment technique and generally limit their use to hedging. However, each
portfolio may use derivatives for a variety of non-principal purposes,
including:


      o  As a hedge against adverse changes in stock market prices, interest
         rates or currency exchange rates

      o  As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities

      o  To increase the portfolio's return as a non-hedging strategy that may
         be considered speculative

Even a small investment in derivatives can have a significant impact on the
portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates or currency
exchange rates. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes
in the value of the portfolio's other investments, the portfolio may not fully
benefit from or could lose money on the derivative position. In addition, some
derivatives involve risk of loss if the person who issued the derivative
defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid and more
difficult to value.

Management

Pioneer, the portfolios' investment adviser, selects each portfolio's
investments and oversees the portfolios' operations.

Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged in financial services
businesses in the United States and many foreign countries. As of December 31,
1999, the firm had more than $24 billion in assets under management worldwide
including more than $23 billion in U.S. mutual funds. The firm's U.S. mutual
fund investment history includes creating in 1928 of one of the first mutual
funds. John F. Cogan, chairman of the board and president of The Pioneer Group,
Inc., owns approximately 14% of the firm. He is also an officer and director of
each of the Pioneer mutual funds.


The investment adviser

Pioneer manages a family of U.S. and international stock funds, bond funds and
money market funds. Pioneer is a subsidiary of The Pioneer Group, Inc. Its main
office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

                                       5
<PAGE>


Distribution plan

The portfolios have adopted plans of distribution for Class II shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the
plans, each portfolio pays to Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. a distribution
fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.
Because these fees are an ongoing expense, over time they increase the cost of
an investment and the shares may cost more than shares that are subject to
other sales charges.


Distributions and taxes

You should read the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract
for a discussion of the tax status of a Variable Contract, including the tax
consequences of withdrawals or other payments. You should keep all statements
you receive from the insurance company or the portfolios to assist in your
personal recordkeeping. Class II shares of the portfolios are held by life
insurance company separate accounts that fund Variable Contracts or by certain
qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans). Under the Internal
Revenue Code, a portfolio's dividends and distributions to those accounts of
net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss are
generally treated as ordinary income; distributions to those accounts of net
long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss are generally
treated as long-term capital gain. Dividends and capital gain distributions are
treated as received by the insurance company rather than the owner of the
qualified Variable Contract. Insurance companies should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the tax treatment of dividends or capital gain distributions
they receive from any portfolio.


Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes
and has elected or intends to elect to be treated, and intends to qualify each
year, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Each
portfolio must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders to qualify as a regulated investment company. As a regulated
investment company, each portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on
any net investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed
to its shareholders as required under the Code.

In addition to the above, each portfolio also follows certain portfolio
diversification requirements imposed by the Code on separate accounts of
insurance companies relating to the tax-deferred status of Variable Contracts.
More specific information on these diversification requirements is contained in
the insurance company's separate account prospectus and in the portfolios' SAI.

Shareholder information

Net asset values

Each portfolio's net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities
plus any other assets minus its operating expenses and any other liabilities.
Each portfolio calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day
the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00
p.m. Eastern time).

Each portfolio generally values its portfolio securities based on market prices
or quotations. When market prices are not available or are considered by Pioneer
to be unreliable, the portfolio may use an asset's fair value. Fair value is
determined in accordance with procedures approved by the portfolios' trustees.
International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are
closed. For this reason, the values of any international securities owned by a
portfolio could change on a day when insurance companies or Qualified Plans
cannot buy or sell shares of the portfolio.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price

The net asset value per share calculated on the day of a transaction, is often
referred to as the share price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       6
<PAGE>

Investments in shares of the portfolios

Each portfolio may sell its shares directly to separate accounts established and
maintained by insurance companies for the purpose of funding Variable Contracts
and to Qualified Plans. Shares of the portfolios are sold at net asset value.
Variable Contracts may or may not allow you to allocate your investments in the
Variable Contracts to all the portfolios described in this prospectus.
Investments in each portfolio are expressed in terms of the full and fractional
shares of the portfolio purchased. Investments in a portfolio are credited to an
insurance company's separate account immediately upon acceptance of the
investment by the portfolio. Investments will be processed at the next net asset
value calculated after an order is received and accepted by a portfolio. The
offering of shares of any portfolio may be suspended for a period of time and
each portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order.
Purchase orders may be refused if, in Pioneer's opinion, they are of a size that
would disrupt the management of a portfolio.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since you may not directly purchase shares of the portfolios, you should read
the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract to learn how to
purchase a Variable Contract based on the portfolios.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The interests of Variable Contracts and Qualified Plans investing in the
portfolios could conflict due to differences of tax treatment and other
considerations. The portfolios currently do not foresee any disadvantages to
investors arising out of the fact that each portfolio may offer its shares to
insurance company separate accounts that serve as the investment medium for
their Variable Contracts or that each portfolio may offer its shares to
Qualified Plans. Nevertheless, the portfolios' trustees intend to monitor events
in order to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly
arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to such
conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or more insurance companies'
separate accounts or Qualified Plans might be required to withdraw their
investments in one or more portfolios and shares of another portfolio may be
substituted. This might force a portfolio to sell securities at disadvantageous
prices. In addition, the trustees may refuse to sell shares of any portfolio to
any separate account or Qualified Plan or may suspend or terminate the offering
of shares of any portfolio if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of the shareholders of the portfolio.

Selling

Shares of a portfolio may be sold on any business day. Portfolio shares are
sold at net asset value next determined after receipt by the portfolio of a
redemption request in good order from the insurance company as described in the
prospectus of the insurance company's Variable Contract. Sale proceeds will
normally be forwarded by bank wire to the selling insurance company on the next
business day after receipt of the sales instructions by a portfolio but in no
event later than 7 days following receipt of instructions. Each portfolio may
suspend transactions in shares or postpone payment dates when trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, when an emergency exists that
makes it impracticable for the portfolio to sell or value its portfolio
securities or with the permission of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       7
<PAGE>

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust

Class II Shares

You can obtain more free information about the portfolios by writing to
Pioneering Services Corporation, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
You may also call 1-800-225-6292.

Shareowner reports

Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners provide information about the
portfolios' investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected each portfolio's performance
during its last fiscal year.

Statement of additional information

The statement of additional information provides more detailed information
about the portfolio. It is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.


You can also review each portfolio's shareowner reports, prospectus and
statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-942-8090 for information.
The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free
from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You
may also e-mail requests for these documents to [email protected] or make a
request in writing to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-0102.


(Investment Company Act file no. 811-08786)


Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109

www.pioneerfunds.com


                                                                    8198-00-0500

                                              (C)Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE>

PIONEER REAL ESTATE GROWTH VCT PORTFOLIO
A portfolio of Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust
Class II Shares Prospectus
May 1, 2000

Introduction

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust is an open-end management investment company
that currently consists of fifteen distinct portfolios. Pioneer Investment
Management, Inc. is the investment adviser to each portfolio. Class II shares
of the Pioneer Real Estate Growth VCT Portfolio are offered through this
prospectus. Shares of the portfolios are offered primarily to insurance
companies to fund the benefits under variable annuity and variable life
insurance contracts (Variable Contracts) issued by their companies. You may
obtain certain tax benefits by purchasing a Variable Contract.


Each portfolio has its own distinct investment objective and policies. In
striving to meet its objective, each portfolio will face the challenges of
changing business, economic and market conditions. Each portfolio offers
different levels of potential return and risks. These risks are discussed in
the description of each portfolio.

No single portfolio constitutes a complete investment plan. Each portfolio's
share price, yield and total return will fluctuate and an investment in a
portfolio may be worth more or less than the original cost when shares are
redeemed.


Each portfolio complies with various insurance regulations. Please read your
insurance company's separate account prospectus for more specific information
relating to insurance regulations and instructions on how to invest among the
portfolios through a Variable Contract.

Portfolio


Strategic focus


Real Estate Growth invests primarily in REITs and other real estate industry
companies for long-term growth of capital. Current income is the portfolio's
secondary investment objective.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contents
<S>                                                                     <C>
Basic information about the portfolio .................................  1
Common portfolio investment policies ..................................  5
Management ............................................................  5
Distributions and taxes ...............................................  6
Shareholder information ...............................................  6
</TABLE>



An investment in a portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency
has approved the portfolios' shares or determined whether this prospectus is
accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a crime.



<PAGE>

Basic information about Pioneer Real Estate Growth VCT Portfolio


Investment objectives

Long-term growth of capital. Current income is a secondary objective.


Principal investment strategies


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Real estate industry companies

A real estate industry company is a company that derives at least 50% of its
gross revenues or net profits from either

o  the ownership, development, construction, financing, management or sale of
   commercial, industrial or residential real estate; or

o  products or services related to the real estate industry like building
   supplies or mortgage servicing.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of real estate investment
trusts (REITs) and other real estate industry companies. Normally, the portfolio
invests at least 75% of its total assets in these securities. The portfolio's
equity investments include common stock, common stock equivalents such as
preferred stock and convertible debt securities and shares of REITs.

REITs are pooled investment vehicles that primarily invest in income producing
real estate or real estate related loans or interests. Some REITs invest
directly in real estate and derive their income from the collection of rents and
capital gains on the sale of properties. Other REITs invest primarily in
mortgages secured by real estate and derive their income from collection of
interest.


The portfolio uses a "growth at a reasonable price" style of management. Using
this investment style, Pioneer, the portfolio's investment adviser, seeks to
invest in companies with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth
that are also trading at attractive market valuations. To select stocks, Pioneer
employs due diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer
based on its financial statements and operations. Pioneer focuses on the quality
and price of individual issuers, not on economic sector or market strategy.
Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:


      o  Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risk

      o  Increasing cash flow or favorable prospects for cash flow growth

      o  Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, net asset value
         and cash flow

      o  Favorable prospects for dividend growth


Principal risks of investing in the portfolio

Even though the portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital, you could lose
money on your investment or not make as much as if you invested elsewhere if:

      o  The stock market goes down (this risk may be greater in the short term)

      o  REITs and other real estate industry companies fall out of favor with
         investors

      o  The portfolio's investments do not have the growth potential originally
         expected

The portfolio also has risks associated with the real estate industry. Although
the portfolio does not invest directly in real estate, it does invest in REITs
and other equity securities of real estate industry companies and concentrates
its investments in the real estate industry. These risks include:

      o  The U.S. or a local real estate market declines due to adverse economic
         conditions, overbuilding and high vacancy rates, reduced or regulated
         rents or other causes

      o  Interest rates go up. Rising interest rates can adversely affect the
         availability and cost of financing for property acquisitions and other
         purposes and reduce the value of a REIT's fixed income investments

      o  The values of properties owned by a REIT or the prospects of other real
         estate industry companies may be hurt by property tax increases, zoning
         changes, other governmental actions, environmental liabilities, natural
         disasters or increased operating expenses

      o  A REIT owned by the portfolio is, or is perceived by the market to be,
         poorly managed

Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. REITs are dependent on
management skills, are not diversified and are subject to the risks of
financing projects. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by
borrowers, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for
certain tax and regulatory exemptions. REITs may have limited financial
resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be more
volatile than securities of larger issuers.

                                       1
<PAGE>

The portfolio is not diversified, which means that it can invest a higher
percentage of its assets in any one issuer than a diversified portfolio. Being
non-diversified may magnify the portfolio's losses from adverse events
affecting a particular issuer.

The portfolio's past performance

The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the portfolio by
showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The portfolio's
performance varies from year to year.

The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your
investment.

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

Portfolio performance

The chart shows the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares for each full
calendar year since the portfolio's inception on March 31, 1995. The chart does
not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.
Such fees and expenses will reduce your return. Although Class II shares invest
in the same portfolio investments as Class I shares, Class II shares would have
the same investment results except for the difference in class expenses. Class
II shares are subject to a 0.25% distribution fee, which Class I shares do not
pay. Consequently, the performance of Class II shares will be lower.

The portfolio's highest calendar quarterly return was 17.17% (9/30/96 to
12/31/96).
The portfolio's lowest calendar quarterly return was -13.37% (6/30/98 to
9/30/98).

[BEGIN BAR CHART]

Annual return Class I shares
(Year ended December 31)

1996  =   35.73%

1997  =   21.16%

1998  =  -18.74%

1999  =   -4.17%

[END BAR CHART]

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

Comparison with Standard & Poor's 500 Index
and Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index

The table shows the average annual total returns of the portfolio's Class I
shares over time and compares these returns to the returns of Standard & Poor's
500 Index and the Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index. Standard & Poor's 500
index is a widely recognized measure of the performance of 500 widely held
common stocks. The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is a market-
capitalization weighted measure of the performance of REITs and real estate
operating companies. Unlike the portfolio, these indices are not managed and do
not incur expenses. The performance of Class II shares will be lower than the
performance of Class I as explained above.The table assumes:
o The sale of the shares at the end of the period
o Reinvestment of all dividends and distributions


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 1999)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Since      Inception
                           1 Year       Inception           Date
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>            <C>             <C>
Class I                    -4.17           8.70          3/31/95
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index              20.99          27.62               --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Wilshire Real
Estate Securities
Index                      -3.19           4.95               --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>

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

Other investment strategies

As discussed, the portfolio primarily invests in the equity securities of REITs
and other real estate industry companies to seek long-term growth of capital.

This section and "Common portfolio investment policies" describe additional
investments that the portfolio may make or strategies that it may pursue to a
lesser degree to achieve the portfolio's goal. Some of the portfolio's
secondary investment policies also entail risks. To learn more about these
investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional
information (SAI).

Investments other than equity securities of REITs and other real estate
industry companies

The portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in debt securities of real estate industry companies, mortgage-backed
securities and short-term investments. Generally the portfolio may acquire debt
securities that are investment grade, but the portfolio may invest up to 5% of
its total assets (at the time of purchase) in below investment grade debt
securities. The portfolio invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes they
are consistent with the portfolio's investment objectives and offer the
potential for reasonable income or capital growth, to diversify the portfolio's
investments or for greater liquidity.

Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors which could
contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio
include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness
of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized securities
rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt
securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price
volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic
uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.

Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private companies or by agencies of
the U.S. government and represent direct or indirect participations in, or are
collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property.
Certain mortgage-backed securities may only pay principal at maturity or may
only represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of
interest on underlying pools of mortgages or government securities, but not
both. The value of these types of instruments may change more drastically than
debt securities that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing
interest rates. Principal only mortgage-backed securities generally increase in
value if interest rates decline, but are also subject to the risk of
prepayment. Interest only instruments generally increase in value in a rising
interest rate environment when fewer of the underlying mortgages are prepaid.

The fund may invest in mortgage derivatives and structured securities. Because
these securities have imbedded leverage features, small changes in interest or
prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements. Mortgage
derivatives can also become illiquid and hard to value in declining markets.

The portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in securities of non-U.S. issuers provided that the purchase of
Canadian securities are not subject to the non-U.S. issuer limitation. The
portfolio will not invest more than 5% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in the securities of emerging markets issuers. Investing in Canadian
and non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in
securities of U.S. issuers.

Management

Portfolio manager

Day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of Matthew L.
Ostrower. Mr. Ostrower is a vice president of Pioneer. He joined Pioneer in
1999 and has been an investment professional since 1996. Prior to joining
Pioneer, Mr. Ostrower was a real estate analyst for The Boston Financial Group
from 1995 to 1999.

Mr. Ostrower is supervised by Theresa A. Hamacher, chief investment officer of
Pioneer. She joined Pioneer in 1997 and has been an investment professional
since 1984, most recently as chief investment officer at another investment
adviser.


                                       3
<PAGE>


Management fee

The portfolio pays Pioneer a fee for managing the portfolio and to cover the
cost of providing certain services to the portfolio. Pioneer's annual fee is
equal to 0.80% of the portfolio's average daily net assets. This fee is normally
computed daily and paid monthly. Pioneer has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its fee and will make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit the
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to 1.25% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. The portion
of portfolio expenses attributable to Class II shares will be reduced only to
the extent such expenses were reduced for the Class I shares of the portfolio.
This agreement is voluntary and may be revised or terminated at any time. For
the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio paid Pioneer a management fee equal
to 0.85% of the portfolio's average daily net assets.


Distributions

The portfolio generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term
capital gains in June. The portfolio generally pays dividends from any net
investment income quarterly during March, June, September and December. The
portfolio may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if
necessary for the portfolio to avoid a federal tax.


Financial highlights

Class II shares are a new class of shares; financial highlights are not
currently available for Class II shares. Arthur Andersen LLP's report on the
portfolios' audited financial statements as of December 31, 1999, for Class I
shares appears in the portfolios' annual report which is incorporated by
reference into the SAI. The annual report includes more information about the
portfolios' performance and is available upon request.


                                       4
<PAGE>

Common portfolio investment policies

Some policies of the portfolios are stated as a percentage of assets. These
percentages are applied at the time of purchase of a security and subsequently
may be exceeded because of changes in the value of a portfolio's investments. If
a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of
the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are
appropriate including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional
securities as soon as it is prudent to do so.

Temporary investments

Normally, each portfolio invests substantially all of its assets to meet its
investment objective. Each portfolio may invest the remainder of its assets in
securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or may hold cash or
cash equivalents. For temporary defensive purposes, a portfolio may depart from
its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in
these securities or may hold cash. During such periods, the portfolio may not be
able to achieve its investment objective. Each portfolio intends to adopt a
defensive strategy only when Pioneer believes there to be extraordinary risks in
investing in the securities in which a portfolio normally invests due to
political or economic factors.


Short-term trading

The portfolios usually do not trade for short-term profits. Each portfolio will
sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if
it no longer meets the portfolio's investment criteria. If a portfolio does a
lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce
performance.

Derivatives

Each portfolio may use futures, options and other derivatives. A derivative is
a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or
the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other
financial instruments. The portfolios do not use derivatives as a primary
investment technique and generally limit their use to hedging. However, each
portfolio may use derivatives for a variety of non-principal purposes,
including:


      o  As a hedge against adverse changes in stock market prices, interest
         rates or currency exchange rates

      o  As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities

      o  To increase the portfolio's return as a non-hedging strategy that may
         be considered speculative

Even a small investment in derivatives can have a significant impact on the
portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates or currency
exchange rates. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes
in the value of the portfolio's other investments, the portfolio may not fully
benefit from or could lose money on the derivative position. In addition, some
derivatives involve risk of loss if the person who issued the derivative
defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid and more
difficult to value.

Management

Pioneer, the portfolios' investment adviser, selects each portfolio's
investments and oversees the portfolios' operations.

Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged in financial services
businesses in the United States and many foreign countries. As of December 31,
1999, the firm had more than $24 billion in assets under management worldwide
including more than $23 billion in U.S. mutual funds. The firm's U.S. mutual
fund investment history includes creating in 1928 of one of the first mutual
funds. John F. Cogan, chairman of the board and president of The Pioneer Group,
Inc., owns approximately 14% of the firm. He is also an officer and director of
each of the Pioneer mutual funds.


The investment adviser

Pioneer manages a family of U.S. and international stock funds, bond funds and
money market funds. Pioneer is a subsidiary of The Pioneer Group, Inc. Its main
office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

                                       5
<PAGE>


Distribution plan

The portfolios have adopted plans of distribution for Class II shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the
plans, each portfolio pays to Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. a distribution
fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.
Because these fees are an ongoing expense, over time they increase the cost of
an investment and the shares may cost more than shares that are subject to
other sales charges.


Distributions and taxes

You should read the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract
for a discussion of the tax status of a Variable Contract, including the tax
consequences of withdrawals or other payments. You should keep all statements
you receive from the insurance company or the portfolios to assist in your
personal recordkeeping. Class II shares of the portfolios are held by life
insurance company separate accounts that fund Variable Contracts or by certain
qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans). Under the Internal
Revenue Code, a portfolio's dividends and distributions to those accounts of
net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss are
generally treated as ordinary income; distributions to those accounts of net
long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss are generally
treated as long-term capital gain. Dividends and capital gain distributions are
treated as received by the insurance company rather than the owner of the
qualified Variable Contract. Insurance companies should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the tax treatment of dividends or capital gain distributions
they receive from any portfolio.


Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes
and has elected or intends to elect to be treated, and intends to qualify each
year, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Each
portfolio must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders to qualify as a regulated investment company. As a regulated
investment company, each portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on
any net investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed
to its shareholders as required under the Code.

In addition to the above, each portfolio also follows certain portfolio
diversification requirements imposed by the Code on separate accounts of
insurance companies relating to the tax-deferred status of Variable Contracts.
More specific information on these diversification requirements is contained in
the insurance company's separate account prospectus and in the portfolios' SAI.


Shareholder information

Net asset values

Each portfolio's net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities
plus any other assets minus its operating expenses and any other liabilities.
Each portfolio calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day
the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00
p.m. Eastern time).

Each portfolio generally values its portfolio securities based on market prices
or quotations. When market prices are not available or are considered by Pioneer
to be unreliable, the portfolio may use an asset's fair value. Fair value is
determined in accordance with procedures approved by the portfolios' trustees.
International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are
closed. For this reason, the values of any international securities owned by a
portfolio could change on a day when insurance companies or Qualified Plans
cannot buy or sell shares of the portfolio.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price

The net asset value per share calculated on the day of a transaction, is often
referred to as the share price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       6
<PAGE>

Investments in shares of the portfolios

Each portfolio may sell its shares directly to separate accounts established and
maintained by insurance companies for the purpose of funding Variable Contracts
and to Qualified Plans. Shares of the portfolios are sold at net asset value.
Variable Contracts may or may not allow you to allocate your investments in the
Variable Contracts to all the portfolios described in this prospectus.
Investments in each portfolio are expressed in terms of the full and fractional
shares of the portfolio purchased. Investments in a portfolio are credited to an
insurance company's separate account immediately upon acceptance of the
investment by the portfolio. Investments will be processed at the next net asset
value calculated after an order is received and accepted by a portfolio. The
offering of shares of any portfolio may be suspended for a period of time and
each portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order.
Purchase orders may be refused if, in Pioneer's opinion, they are of a size that
would disrupt the management of a portfolio.

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since you may not directly purchase shares of the portfolios, you should read
the prospectus for your insurance company's Variable Contract to learn how to
purchase a Variable Contract based on the portfolios.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The interests of Variable Contracts and Qualified Plans investing in the
portfolios could conflict due to differences of tax treatment and other
considerations. The portfolios currently do not foresee any disadvantages to
investors arising out of the fact that each portfolio may offer its shares to
insurance company separate accounts that serve as the investment medium for
their Variable Contracts or that each portfolio may offer its shares to
Qualified Plans. Nevertheless, the portfolios' trustees intend to monitor events
in order to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly
arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to such
conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or more insurance companies'
separate accounts or Qualified Plans might be required to withdraw their
investments in one or more portfolios and shares of another portfolio may be
substituted. This might force a portfolio to sell securities at disadvantageous
prices. In addition, the trustees may refuse to sell shares of any portfolio to
any separate account or Qualified Plan or may suspend or terminate the offering
of shares of any portfolio if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of the shareholders of the portfolio.

Selling

Shares of a portfolio may be sold on any business day. Portfolio shares are
sold at net asset value next determined after receipt by the portfolio of a
redemption request in good order from the insurance company as described in the
prospectus of the insurance company's Variable Contract. Sale proceeds will
normally be forwarded by bank wire to the selling insurance company on the next
business day after receipt of the sales instructions by a portfolio but in no
event later than 7 days following receipt of instructions. Each portfolio may
suspend transactions in shares or postpone payment dates when trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, when an emergency exists that
makes it impracticable for the portfolio to sell or value its portfolio
securities or with the permission of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       7
<PAGE>

Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust

Class II Shares

You can obtain more free information about the portfolios by writing to
Pioneering Services Corporation, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
You may also call 1-800-225-6292.

Shareowner reports

Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners provide information about the
portfolios' investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected each portfolio's performance
during its last fiscal year.

Statement of additional information

The statement of additional information provides more detailed information
about the portfolio. It is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.


You can also review each portfolio's shareowner reports, prospectus and
statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's
Public Reference room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-942-8090 for information.
The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free
from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You
may also e-mail requests for these documents to public [email protected] or make a
request in writing to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-0102.


(Investment Company Act file no. 811-08786)


Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109

www.pioneerfunds.com


                                                                    8199-00-0500

                                              (C)Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.


<PAGE>


                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


                                   MAY 1, 2000


                        PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS TRUST

                                 60 State Street

                           Boston, Massachusetts 02109


PIONEER AMERICA INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO PIONEER INTERNATIONAL GROWTH VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER BALANCED VCT PORTFOLIO              PIONEER MID-CAP VALUE VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER EMERGING MARKETS VCT PORTFOLIO       PIONEER MONEY MARKET VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER EQUITY-INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO    PIONEER REAL ESTATE GROWTH VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER EUROPE VCT PORTFOLIO         PIONEER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER FUND VCT PORTFOLIO               PIONEER STRATEGIC INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER GROWTH SHARES VCT PORTFOLIO      PIONEER SWISS FRANC BOND VCT PORTFOLIO
                        PIONEER HIGH YIELD VCT PORTFOLIO

This statement of additional information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the fund's Class I prospectus or its Class II prospectuses,
each dated May 1, 2000, as amended and/or supplemented from time to time. A copy
of a prospectus can be obtained free of charge from your insurance company. The
fund's financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 are
incorporated into this statement of additional information by reference. The
most recent annual report to shareholders is attached to this statement of
additional information.


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.   Fund History.........................................................2
2.   Investment Policies, Risks and Restrictions..........................2
3.   Management of the Fund..............................................37
4.   Investment Adviser..................................................40
5.   Principal Underwriter...............................................43
6.   Custodian...........................................................45
7.   Independent Public Accountants......................................45
8.   Portfolio Transactions..............................................45
9.   Description of Shares...............................................46
10.  Pricing of Shares...................................................48
11.  Tax Status..........................................................50
12.  Investment Results..................................................53
13.  Financial Statements................................................56
14.  Appendix A - Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information..............57
15.  Appendix B - Description of Short-Term Debt, Corporate Bond
     and Preferred Stock Ratings.........................................62
16.  Appendix C - Performance Statistics.................................69
17.  Appendix D - Other Pioneer Information..............................86

<PAGE>


FUND HISTORY

The fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company. The fund was
originally formed as a Delaware business trust on September 16, 1994.

2.       INVESTMENT POLICIES, RISKS AND RESTRICTIONS


The fund consists of separate portfolios, each of which is an investment vehicle
for variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts (the "Variable
Contracts") offered by the separate accounts (the "Accounts") of various
insurance companies ("Participating Insurance Companies"). The portfolios also
may be offered to certain qualified pension and retirement plans (the "Qualified
Plans"). The fund currently consists of the following 15 distinct portfolios:
America Income, Balanced, Emerging Markets, Equity-Income, Europe, Pioneer Fund
(formerly Growth and Income), Growth Shares, High Yield, International Growth,
Mid-Cap Value (formerly Capital Growth), Money Market, Real Estate Growth,
Science & Technology, Strategic Income, and Swiss Franc Bond.. Your Variable
Contract or Qualified Plan may not offer all portfolios of the fund. The terms
and conditions of the Variable Contracts and any limitations upon the portfolios
in which the Accounts may be invested are set forth in a separate prospectus and
statement of additional information relating to the Variable Contracts. The
terms and conditions of a Qualified Plan and any limitations upon the portfolios
in which such Plan may be invested are set forth in such Plan's governing
documents. The fund reserves the right to limit the types of Accounts and the
types of Qualified Plans that may invest in any portfolio.


Qualified Plans and Participating Insurance Companies are the record holders and
beneficial owners of shares of beneficial interest in each portfolio of the
fund. In accordance with the limitations set forth in their Variable Contracts,
contract holders may direct through their Participating Insurance Companies the
allocation of amounts available for investment among the fund's portfolios.
Similarly, in accordance with any limitations set forth in their Qualified
Plans, Qualified Plan participants may direct through their Qualified Plan
administrators the allocation of amounts available for investment among the
fund's portfolios. Instructions for any such allocation, or for the purchase or
redemption of shares of a portfolio, must be made by the investor's
Participating Insurance Company or Qualified Plan administrator, as the case may
be, as the record holder of the portfolio's shares. The rights of Participating
Insurance Companies and Qualified Plans as record holders of shares of a
portfolio are different from the rights of contract holders and Qualified Plan
participants. The term "shareholder" in this statement of additional information
refers only to Participating Insurance Companies and Qualified Plans, and not to
contract holders or Qualified Plan participants.

The fund's prospectuses identify the investment objective and the principal
investment policies of each portfolio and the risk factors associated with the
portfolio's investments. Whenever an investment policy or restriction states a
maximum percentage of a portfolio's assets may be invested in any security or
presents a policy regarding quality standards, this standard or other
restriction shall be determined immediately after and as a result of the
portfolio's investment (other than the limitations on borrowing and illiquid
securities). Accordingly, any later increase or decrease resulting from a change
in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in
determining whether the investment complies with the portfolio's investment
objectives and policies. Other investment policies of the portfolios and
associated risk factors are set forth below. Capitalized terms not otherwise
defined herein have the meaning given to them in the prospectus. This statement
of additional information should be read in conjunction with the prospectus.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND CERTAIN POLICIES OF THE PORTFOLIOS


PIONEER AMERICA INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO seeks as high a level of current income as
is consistent with the preservation of capital. Normally, the portfolio invests
in U.S. government securities and in "when-issued" commitments and repurchase
agreements with respect to such securities. The portfolio may invest in U.S.
government securities of any maturity and the average maturity of the portfolio
may vary significantly. Under normal circumstances, however, the portfolio's
dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity is not expected to exceed 20 years.

PIONEER BALANCED VCT PORTFOLIO seeks capital growth and current income by
actively managing investments in a diversified portfolio of equity securities
and bonds. Normally, equity and debt securities will each represent 35% to 65%
of the portfolio's assets. The portfolio's equity investments include common
stocks, interests in real estate investment trusts ("REITs" and securities with
common stock characteristics, such as convertible bonds and preferred stocks.
Normally, Portfolio investments in debt securities include U.S. government
securities, corporate debt securities, mortgage- and asset- backed securities
and commercial paper. Up to 10% of the portfolio's total assets (at the time of
purchase) may be invested in debt securities rated below investment grade.

PIONEER EMERGING MARKETS VCT PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital through
investment primarily in securities of emerging market issuers. Although the
portfolio invests in both equity and debt securities, it normally emphasizes
equity securities in its portfolio.

Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the portfolio's total assets are
invested in securities of companies that are domiciled or primarily doing
business in emerging countries and securities of these countries' governmental
issuers. For purposes of the portfolio's investments, "emerging countries" are
countries with economies or securities markets that are not considered by
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. ("Pioneer"), the portfolio's investment
adviser, to be developed. Currently, emerging countries include: Algeria,
Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Columbia, Costa Rica,
Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India,
Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South
Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela,
Vietnam and Zimbabwe. At Pioneer's discretion, the portfolio may invest in other
emerging countries. The portfolio may also invest up to 35% of its total assets
in equity and debt securities of companies in developed countries, other than
the U.S., and of such countries' governmental issuers and in short-term
investments. Although the portfolio may invest in both equity and debt
securities, Pioneer expects that equity and equity-related securities will
constitute the majority of the portfolio's assets.

PIONEER EQUITY-INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO seeks current income and long-term capital
growth primarily by investing in the income producing equity securities of U. S.
corporations. Normally, at least 80% of the portfolio's total assets will be
invested in income producing common or preferred stock. The remainder of the
portfolio's assets may be invested in debt securities, most of which are
expected to be convertible into common stock. Pioneer will invest no more than
10% of the portfolio's total assets in lower rated debt securities, including
convertible securities, or unrated debt securities of comparable quality. The
portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets in REITs.

PIONEER EUROPE VCT PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital through
investment primarily in equity securities of European issuers.

Under normal circumstances at least 80% of the total assets of the portfolio are
invested in equity securities of European issuers, which consist of common stock
and securities with common stock characteristics, such as preferred stock,
warrants and debt securities convertible into common stock.

The portfolio may invest in the securities of companies domiciled in any
European country, including but not limited to Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The portfolio may invest up
to 10% of its total assets in securities of companies with principal executive
offices located in Eastern European countries and which trade on recognized
European exchanges

PIONEER GROWTH SHARES VCT PORTFOLIO seeks appreciation of capital through
investments in common stocks and other equity securities of U.S. companies,
including convertible debt, warrants, interests in REITs and preferred stocks.

PIONEER HIGH YIELD VCT PORTFOLIO seeks to maximize total return through a
combination of income and capital appreciation. The portfolio invests in below
investment grade (high yield) debt securities and preferred stocks to maximize
total return.

Normally, the portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets (at the time of
purchase) in below investment grade (high yield) debt securities and preferred
stocks. These high yield securities may be convertible into the equity
securities of the issuer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are
commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below
investment grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to
greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of
economic uncertainty or change, than higher rated debt securities.

The portfolio's investments may have fixed or variable principal payments and
all types of interest rate and dividend payment and reset terms, including fixed
rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and
auction rate features. The portfolio invests in securities with a broad range of
maturities.

PIONEER INTERNATIONAL GROWTH VCT PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the portfolio's total assets are
invested in equity securities consisting of common stock and securities with
common stock characteristics, such as preferred stock, warrants and debt
securities convertible into common stock and depositary receipts for such
securities. The portfolio currently intends to invest in securities of issuers
located in the following developed countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom as well as the countries with emerging
markets.


Under normal circumstances at least 65% of the portfolio's total assets will be
invested in securities of companies domiciled in at least three different
foreign countries. The portfolio may invest more than 25% of its total assets in
the securities of corporate issuers located in each of Japan and the United
Kingdom and more than 25% of the portfolio's total assets, adjusted to reflect
currency transactions and positions, may be denominated in the Japanese yen and
the British pound. Investment of a substantial portion of the portfolio's assets
in such countries or currencies will subject the portfolio to the risks of
adverse securities markets, exchange rates and social, political or economic
events which may occur in those countries.

The portfolio may invest without limitation in securities of issuers located in
countries with emerging economies or securities markets, but will not invest
more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers located in any one
such country. Countries with emerging economies or securities markets currently
include: Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China,
Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Hungary,
India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico,
Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore,
South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay,
Venezuela, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.


PIONEER MID-CAP VALUE (FORMERLY CAPITAL GROWTH) VCT PORTFOLIO seeks capital
appreciation through a diversified portfolio of securities consisting primarily
of common stocks. Normally, at least 80% of the portfolio's total assets will be
invested in common stocks and in securities with common stock characteristics,
such as convertible bonds and preferred stocks.

PIONEER MONEY MARKET VCT PORTFOLIO seeks current income consistent with
preserving capital and providing liquidity. The portfolio should be considered
as a temporary investment rather than as an income or cash management vehicle.
Pioneer will invest the portfolio's assets in the following types of high
quality money market instruments.


         o        U.S. government securities

         o Obligations of U.S. banks and their non-U.S. branches, savings and
loan associations with total assets in excess of $1 billion and certain smaller
banks and savings and loan associations satisfying criteria described in the
statement of additional information. These obligations include certificates of
deposit and bankers' acceptances.

         o Commercial Paper: that is, short-term unsecured promissory notes of
corporations, including variable amount master demand notes rated, on the date
of investment, A-1 by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or P-1 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc., or, if unrated, issued by companies having outstanding
debt rated AAA or AA by S&P or Aaa or Aa by Moody's.

         o Short-Term Corporate Debt Securities: that is, bonds and debentures
with no more than 397 days remaining to maturity at date of settlement and rated
AAA or AA by Standard & Poor's or Aaa or Aa by Moody's.

The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements with approved banks and
broker-dealers for periods not to exceed seven days and only with respect to
U.S. government securities that, throughout the period, have a value at least
equal to the amount of the repurchase agreement (including accrued interest). No
more than 25% of the Portfolio's assets will be invested in any one industry,
except that there is no percentage limitation on investments in bank obligations
or U.S. government securities.

High quality securities are divided into "first tier" and "second tier"
securities. FIRST TIER SECURITIES have received the highest rating (e.g., S&P's
A-1 rating) from at least two rating services (or one, if only one has rated the
security). SECOND TIER SECURITIES have received ratings within the two highest
categories (e.g., S&P's A-1 or A-2) from at least two rating services (or one,
if only one has rated the security), but do not qualify as first tier
securities. If a security has been assigned different ratings by different
rating services, at least two rating services must have assigned the higher
rating in order for Pioneer to determine eligibility on the basis of that higher
rating. Based on procedures adopted by the fund's Board of Trustees, Pioneer may
determine that an unrated security is of equivalent quality to a rated first or
second tier security.

As a money market fund, the portfolio is subject to the following special
diversification requirements. The portfolio may not invest more than 5% of its
total assets in securities issued by or subject to demand features from any one
issuer (except U.S. government securities and repurchase agreements
collateralized by such securities). In addition, the Portfolio may not invest
(1) more than 5% of its total assets in second tier securities or (2) more than
1% of its total assets or $1 million (whichever is greater) in the second tier
securities of a single issuer (other than U.S. government securities).

The portfolio must limit investments to securities with remaining maturities of
397 days or less and must maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 90 days
or less.


PIONEER FUND (FORMERLY GROWTH AND INCOME) VCT PORTFOLIO seeks reasonable income
and growth of capital by investing in a broad list of carefully selected,
reasonably priced securities. Most of the portfolio's assets are invested in
common stocks and other equity securities, primarily of U.S. issuers, such as
preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stock, but the portfolio
may also invest in debt securities and cash equivalent investments. The largest
portion of the portfolio's assets is invested in securities that have paid
dividends within the preceding twelve months, but some non-income producing
securities are held for anticipated increases in value. The portfolio may invest
in non-U.S. securities. While there is no requirement to do so, the portfolio
intends to limit its investments in foreign securities to no more than 10% of
its total assets.

PIONEER REAL ESTATE GROWTH VCT PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital
primarily through investments in REITs and other real estate industry companies.
Current income is the portfolio's secondary investment objective. The portfolio
will invest in a non-diversified portfolio consisting of equity securities of
REITs and other real estate industry companies and, to a lesser extent, in debt
securities of such companies and in mortgage-backed securities. Normally, at
least 75% of the portfolio's assets will be invested in equity securities of
REITs and other real estate industry companies.

PIONEER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY VCT PORTFOLIO seeks capital growth through
investment in the common stock and other equity securities of companies expected
to benefit from the development, advancement or use of science or technology.

Normally, the portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets (at time of
purchase) in the common stock and other equity securities of companies Pioneer
expects to benefit from the development, advancement or use of science or
technology. The portfolio considers securities that trade like common stocks,
such as convertible debt, warrants, and preferred stocks, to be equity
securities.

The portfolio has the flexibility to invest in any company or industry that
Pioneer believes will benefit from the development, advancement or use of
science or technology. The portfolio's holdings are likely to include companies
from industries directly related to technological and scientific development.
The portfolio's holdings may include companies from industries outside the
technology and science industries if Pioneer believes such companies may benefit
from the use of scientific or technological discoveries and developments.

PIONEER STRATEGIC INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO invests in debt securities for a high
level of current income. Under normal circumstances, the portfolio invests at
least 80% of its total assets in debt securities.

PIONEER SWISS FRANC BOND VCT PORTFOLIO seeks to approximate the performance of
the Swiss franc relative to the U.S. dollar while earning a reasonable level of
income. Normally, the portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets in (1)
government and corporate debt securities that are denominated in Swiss francs
and (2) combinations of forward foreign currency exchange contracts and debt
securities that are not denominated in Swiss francs ("non-Swiss franc
securities") designed to link the value of the investment in the non-Swiss franc
security to the performance of the Swiss franc. Pioneer expects that these
combination investments generally will represent no more than 25% of the
portfolio's total assets. The portfolio's investments in debt securities are
investment grade (i.e., rated "BBB" or higher by Standard & Poor's or "Baa" or
higher by Moody's or, if unrated, determined by Pioneer to be of comparable
quality). The portfolio's weighted average maturity normally will not exceed
three years, but may be as long as five years if Pioneer determines that a
longer weighted average maturity is appropriate in response to existing or
expected market conditions. The portfolio may invest up to 35% of its total
assets in investment grade commercial paper, bank obligations and money market
instruments which may be denominated in the Swiss franc or other currencies.
Normally, at least 50% of the portfolio's investments will be denominated in
Swiss francs.


DEBT SECURITIES SELECTION

In selecting fixed income securities for a portfolio, Pioneer gives primary
consideration to the portfolio's investment objective, the attractiveness of the
market for debt securities given Pioneer's outlook for the equity markets and
the portfolio's liquidity requirements. Once Pioneer determines to allocate a
portion of the portfolio's assets to debt securities, Pioneer generally focuses
on short-term instruments to provide liquidity and may invest in a range of
fixed income securities if the portfolio is investing in such instruments for
income or capital gains. Pioneer selects individual securities based on broad
economic factors and issuer specific factors including the terms of the
securities (such as yields compared to U.S. Treasuries or comparable issues),
liquidity and rating, sector and issuer diversification.

CONVERTIBLE DEBT SECURITIES

A portfolio may invest in convertible debt securities which are debt obligations
convertible at a stated exchange rate or formula into common stock or other
equity securities of or owned by the issuer. Convertible securities rank senior
to common stocks in an issuer's capital structure and consequently may be of
higher quality and entail less risk than the issuer's common stock. As with all
debt securities, the market values of convertible securities tend to increase
when interest rates decline and, conversely, tend to decline when interest rates
increase.

DEBT SECURITIES RATING CRITERIA


Investment grade debt securities are those rated "BBB" or higher by Standard &
Poor's, the equivalent rating of other nationally recognized securities rating
organizations or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by Pioneer. Debt
securities rated BBB are considered medium grade obligations with speculative
characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may
weaken the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal. If the rating
of an investment grade debt security falls below investment grade, Pioneer will
consider if any action is appropriate in light of the portfolio's investment
objective and policies.

Below investment grade debt securities are those rated "BB" and below by
Standard & Poor's or the equivalent rating of other nationally recognized
securities rating organizations or determined by Pioneer to be of equivalent
credit quality. See Appendix B for a description of rating categories.


Below investment grade debt securities or comparable unrated securities are
commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered predominantly
speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments.
Changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to
make principal payments and interest payments. The amount of junk bond
securities outstanding has proliferated as an increasing number of issuers have
used junk bonds for corporate financing. An economic downturn could severely
affect the ability of highly leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations
or to repay their obligations upon maturity. Factors having an adverse impact on
the market value of lower quality securities will have an adverse effect on a
portfolio's net asset value to the extent that it invests in such securities. In
addition, a portfolio that invests in non-investment grade debt securities may
incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a
default in payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.

The secondary market for junk bond securities may not be as liquid as the
secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an
adverse effect on a portfolio's ability to dispose of a particular security when
necessary to meet its liquidity needs. Under adverse market or economic
conditions, the secondary market for junk bond securities could contract
further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a
particular issuer. As a result, a portfolio could find it more difficult to sell
these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than
if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such
lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than
the prices used in calculating a portfolio's net asset value.

Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with
lower quality debt securities of the type in which a portfolio may invest a
portion of its assets, the yields and prices of such securities may tend to
fluctuate more than those for higher rated securities. In the lower quality
segments of the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers'
creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner
than do changes in higher quality segments of the debt securities market,
resulting in greater yield and price volatility.

Lower rated and comparable unrated debt securities tend to offer higher yields
than higher rated securities with the same maturities because the historical
financial condition of the issuers of such securities may not have been as
strong as that of other issuers. However, lower rated securities generally
involve greater risks of loss of income and principal than higher rated
securities. Pioneer will attempt to reduce these risks through portfolio
diversification and by analysis of each issuer and its ability to make timely
payments of income and principal, as well as broad economic trends and corporate
developments.


DEBT OBLIGATIONS OF NON-U.S. GOVERNMENTS

Certain portfolios may invest in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments. An
investment in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments and their political
subdivisions (sovereign debt) involves special risks that are not present in
corporate debt obligations. The non-U.S. issuer of the sovereign debt or the
non-U.S. governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be
unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and a portfolio may
have limited recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic
uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign debt may be more volatile than
prices of debt obligations of U.S. issues. In the past, certain non-U.S.
countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations,
withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the
payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debt.

A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest
in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow
situation, the extent of its non-U.S. currency reserves, the availability of
sufficient non-U.S. exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the
sovereign debtor's policy toward its principal international lenders and local
political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected
disbursements from non-U.S. governments, multilateral agencies and other
entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure
of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of
economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the
cancellation of third-party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor,
which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its
debts.

EURODOLLAR INSTRUMENTS AND SAMURAI AND YANKEE BONDS. The Strategic Income
portfolio may invest in Eurodollar instruments and Samurai and Yankee bonds.
Eurodollar instruments are bonds of corporate and government issuers that pay
interest and principal in U.S. dollars but are issued in markets outside the
United States, primarily in Europe. Samurai bonds are yen-denominated bonds sold
in Japan by non-Japanese issuers. Yankee bonds are U.S. dollar denominated bonds
typically issued in the U.S. by foreign governments and their agencies and
foreign banks and corporations. The portfolio may also invest in Eurodollar
Certificates of Deposit ("ECDs"), Eurodollar Time Deposits ("ETDs") and Yankee
Certificates of Deposit ("Yankee CDs"). ECDs are U.S. dollar-denominated
certificates of deposit issued by foreign branches of domestic banks; ETDs are
U.S. dollar-denominated deposits in a foreign branch of a U.S. bank or in a
foreign bank; and Yankee CDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit
issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank and held in the U.S. These investments
involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S.
issuers, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments,
foreign withholding or other taxes, seizure of foreign deposits, currency
controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might
affect payment of principal or interest.


SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS


For temporary defensive or cash management  purposes,  a portfolio may invest in
all types of short-term  investments  including,  but not limited to,  corporate
commercial paper and other short-term commercial  obligations issued by non-U.S.
or  domestic  companies  which  have  issued  similar  securities;   obligations
(including  certficates of deposit, time deposits,  demand deposits and bankers'
acceptances)  of banks  located in the U.S. or non-U.S.  countries;  obligations
issued   or   guaranteed   by  the   U.S.   government   or  its   agencies   or
instrumentalities;   and  repurchase   agreements.   These   securities  may  be
denominated in U.S. dollars or in non-U.S. currencies.


RISKS OF NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS

To the extent that a portfolio invests in the securities of non-U.S. issuers,
those investments involve considerations and risks not typically associated with
investing in the securities of issuers in the U.S. These risks are heightened
with respect to investments in countries with emerging markets and economies.
The risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers or issuers with
significant exposure to non-U.S. markets may be related, among other things, to
(i) differences in size, liquidity and volatility of, and the degree and manner
of regulation of, the securities markets of certain non-U.S. markets compared to
the securities markets in the U.S.; (ii) economic, political and social factors;
and (iii) foreign exchange matters, such as restrictions on the repatriation of
capital, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the
currencies in which a portfolio's securities are quoted or denominated, exchange
control regulations and costs associated with currency exchange. The political
and economic structures in certain countries, particularly emerging markets, are
expected to undergo significant evolution and rapid development, and such
countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic
of more developed countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may
affect the values of a portfolio's investments in such countries. The economies
and securities and currency markets of many emerging markets have experienced
significant disruption and declines. There can be no assurances that these
economic and market disruptions will not continue.


NON-U.S. SECURITIES MARKETS AND REGULATIONS. There may be less publicly
available information about non-U.S. markets and issuers than is available with
respect to U.S. securities and issuers. Non-U.S. companies generally are not
subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The trading
markets for most non-U.S. securities are generally less liquid and subject to
greater price volatility than the markets for comparable securities in the U.S.
The markets for securities in certain emerging markets are in the earliest
stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded
securities in certain non-U.S. markets, including emerging market countries, may
not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in
trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional
investors in the U.S. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are
generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased
volatility and reduced liquidity. The less liquid a market, the more difficult
it may be for a portfolio to price its portfolio securities accurately or to
dispose of such securities at the times determined by Pioneer to be appropriate.
The risks associated with reduced liquidity may be particularly acute in
situations in which a portfolio's operations require cash, such as in order to
meet redemptions and to pay its expenses.

ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS. Certain countries, including emerging
markets, may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social
instability than is the case in the U.S. and Western European countries. Such
instability may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments
or military involvement in political and economic decision making; (ii) popular
unrest associated with demands for improved economic, political and social
conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring
countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection and conflict. Such
economic, political and social instability could significantly disrupt the
financial markets in such countries and the ability of the issuers in such
countries to repay their obligations. Investing in emerging market countries
also involves the risk of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets
and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on
repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation,
nationalization or other confiscation in any emerging country, a portfolio could
lose its entire investment in that country.


Certain emerging market countries restrict or control foreign investment in
their securities markets to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit a
portfolio's investment in those markets and may increase the expenses of a
portfolio. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital
from certain markets in the region is subject to restrictions such as the need
for certain governmental consents. Even where there is no outright restriction
on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain
aspects of a portfolio's operation.


Economies in individual countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the
U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rates of
inflation, currency valuation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency
and balance of payments positions. Many countries have experienced substantial,
and in some cases extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation
and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have,
very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain
emerging market countries.

Economies in emerging market countries generally are dependent heavily upon
international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected
adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative
currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the
countries with which they trade. These economies also have been, and may
continue to be, affected adversely by economic conditions in the countries with
which they trade.


CURRENCY RISKS. The value of the securities quoted or denominated in
international currencies may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the
relative currency exchange rates and by exchange control regulations. A
portfolio's investment performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation
of a currency in which a portfolio's investments are quoted or denominated.
Further, a portfolio's investment performance may be significantly affected,
either positively or negatively, by currency exchange rates because the U.S.
dollar value of securities quoted or denominated in another currency will
increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such currency in
relation to the U.S. dollar.

CUSTODIAN SERVICES AND RELATED INVESTMENT COSTS. Custodial services and other
costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are
more expensive than in the U.S. Such markets have settlement and clearance
procedures that differ from those in the U.S. In certain markets there have been
times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of
securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The
inability of a portfolio to make intended securities purchases due to settlement
problems could cause the portfolio to miss attractive investment opportunities.
Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could
result either in losses to a portfolio due to a subsequent decline in value of
the portfolio security or could result in possible liability to a portfolio. In
addition, security settlement and clearance procedures in some emerging
countries may not fully protect a portfolio against loss or theft of its assets.

WITHHOLDING AND OTHER TAXES. A portfolio will be subject to taxes, including
withholding taxes, on income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains)
that are or may be imposed by certain non-U.S. countries with respect to its
investments in such countries. These taxes will reduce the return achieved by a
portfolio. Treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available to
reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates.

ECONOMIC MONETARY UNION (EMU). On January 1, 1999, 11 European countries adopted
a single currency - the Euro. The conversion to the Euro is being phased in over
a three-year period. During this time, valuation, systems and other operational
problems may occur in connection with a portfolio's investment quoted in the
Euro. For participating countries, EMU will mean sharing a single currency and
single official interest rate and adhering to agreed upon limits on government
borrowing. Budgetary decisions will remain in the hands of each participating
country, but will be subject to each country's commitment to avoid "excessive
deficits" and other more specific budgetary criteria. A European Central Bank is
responsible for setting the official interest rate to maintain price stability
within the Euro zone.

EMU is driven by the expectation of a number of economic benefits, including
lower transaction costs, reduced exchange risk, greater competition, and a
broadening and deepening of European financial markets. However, there are a
number of significant risks associated with EMU. Monetary and economic union on
this scale has never been attempted before. There is a significant degree of
uncertainty as to whether participating countries will remain committed to EMU
in the face of changing economic conditions. This uncertainty may increase the
volatility of European markets.


INVESTMENTS  IN  DEPOSITARY  RECEIPTS.  Portfolios  may invest in  securities of
non-U.S.  issuers in the form of American Depositary  Receipts (ADRs),  European
Depositary Receipts (EDRs),  Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and other similar
instruments.  Generally,  ADRs in  registered  form are designed for use in U.S.
securities  markets,  and EDRs and GDRs and other similar global  instruments in
bearer form are designed for use in non-U.S. securities markets.

ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and represent an interest in the right to
receive securities of non-U.S. issuers deposited in a U.S. bank or a
corresponding bank. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk inherent in investing in
the securities of non-U.S. issuers. However, by investing in ADRs rather than
directly in the stock of non-U.S. issuers, a portfolio will avoid currency risks
during the settlement period for either purchase or sales. EDRs and GDRs are not
necessarily quoted in the same currency as the securities for which they may be
exchanged. For purposes of the portfolios' investment policies, investments in
ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and similar instruments will be deemed to be investments in the
equity securities into which they may be converted.


U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES


U.S. government securities in which certain portfolios invest include debt
obligations of varying maturities issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
guaranteed by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government, including the
Federal Housing Administration, Federal Financing Bank, Farmers Home
Administration, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., Small Business Administration,
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), General Services
Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Farm Credit Banks,
Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"),
Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Maritime Administration,
Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory Board, Student Loan
Marketing Association, Resolution Trust Corporation and various institutions
that previously were or currently are part of the Farm Credit System (which has
been undergoing reorganization since 1987). Some U.S. government securities,
such as U.S. Treasury bills, Treasury notes and Treasury bonds, which differ
only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance, are supported by
the full faith and credit of the United States. Others are supported by: (i) the
right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of the
Federal Home Loan Banks; (ii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government
to purchase the agency's obligations, such as securities of the FNMA; or (iii)
only the credit of the issuer, such as securities of the Student Loan Marketing
Association. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide
financial support in the future to U.S. government agencies, authorities or
instrumentalities that are not supported by the full faith and credit of the
United States. Securities guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S.
government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities include: (i)
securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an
irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. government or any of its
agencies, authorities or instrumentalities; and (ii) participations in loans
made to non-U.S. governments or other entities that are so guaranteed. The
secondary market for certain of these participations is limited and, therefore,
may be regarded as illiquid.


U.S. government securities may include zero coupon securities that may be
purchased when yields are attractive and/or to enhance portfolio liquidity. Zero
coupon U.S. government securities are debt obligations that are issued or
purchased at a significant discount from face value. The discount approximates
the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound over the
period until maturity or the particular interest payment date at a rate of
interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance.
Zero coupon U.S. government securities do not require the periodic payment of
interest. These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash
to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract
investors who are willing to defer receipt of cash. These investments may
experience greater volatility in market value than U.S. government securities
that make regular payments of interest. A portfolio accrues income on these
investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to
shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may
require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy a portfolio's
distribution obligations, in which case a portfolio will forego the purchase of
additional income producing assets with these funds. Zero coupon U.S. government
securities include STRIPS and CUBES, which are issued by the U.S. Treasury as
component parts of U.S. Treasury bonds and represent scheduled interest and
principal payments on the bonds.

MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS

Certain portfolios may purchase municipal obligations when Pioneer believes that
they offer favorable rates of income or capital gain potential when compared to
a taxable investment. The term "municipal obligations" generally is understood
to include debt obligations issued by municipalities to obtain funds for various
public purposes, the interest on which is, in the opinion of bond counsel to the
issuer, excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes. In addition,
if the proceeds from private activity bonds are used for the construction,
repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities,
the interest paid on such bonds may be excluded from gross income for federal
income tax purposes, although current federal tax laws place substantial
limitations on the size of these issues. A portfolio's distributions of any
interest it earns on municipal obligations will be taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income.

The two principal classifications of municipal obligations are "general
obligation" and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable from the revenues derived from
a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the
proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source, but not from the
general taxing power. Sizable investments in these obligations could involve an
increased risk to a portfolio should any of the related facilities experience
financial difficulties. Private activity bonds are in most cases revenue bonds
and do not generally carry the pledge of the credit of the issuing municipality.
There are, of course, variations in the security of municipal obligations, both
within a particular classification and between classifications.

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES


Certain portfolios may invest in mortgage pass-through certificates.
multiple-class pass-through securities and mortgage derivatives. The mortgage
derivatives that a portfolio may invest in include interests in collateralized
mortgage obligations, real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs"),
stripped mortgage backed securities ("SMBS"), interest only mortgage backed
securities ("IOs") and principal only mortgage backed securities ("POs"). A
mortgage-backed security is an obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or
pool of mortgages or a direct interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some
mortgage-backed securities, such as collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs),
make payments of both principal and interest at a variety of intervals; others
make semiannual interest payments at a predetermined rate and repay principal at
maturity (like a typical bond). Mortgage-backed securities are based on
different types of mortgages including those on commercial real estate or
residential properties. Mortgage-backed securities often have stated maturities
of up to thirty years when they are issued, depending upon the length of the
mortgages underlying the securities. In practice, however, unscheduled or early
payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may make the
securities' effective maturity shorter than this, and the prevailing interest
rates may be higher or lower than the current yield of a portfolio's assets at
the time the portfolio receives the payments for reinvestment. Mortgage-backed
securities may have less potential for capital appreciation than comparable
fixed income securities, due to the likelihood of increased prepayments of
mortgages as interest rates decline. If a portfolio buys mortgage-backed
securities at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and prepayments of principal by
mortgagors (which may be made at any time without penalty) may result in some
loss of the portfolio's principal investment to the extent of the premium paid.


The value of mortgage-backed securities may also change due to shifts in the
market's perception of issuers. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may
adversely affect the mortgage securities markets as a whole. Non-governmental
mortgage-backed securities may offer higher yields than those issued by
government entities, but also may be subject to greater price changes than
governmental issues.

GUARANTEED MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES. Guaranteed mortgage pass-through
securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage
loans and are issued by U.S. governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by
the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but
not limited to GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC. GNMA certificates are guaranteed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government for timely payment of principal and
interest on the certificates. FNMA certificates are guaranteed by FNMA, a
federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for full and timely payment
of principal and interest on the certificates. FHLMC certificates are guaranteed
by FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government, for timely payment
of interest and the ultimate collection of all principal of the related mortgage
loans.

Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance
companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create
pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may,
in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage
loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Because
there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in
pools created by such non-governmental issuers, they generally offer a higher
rate of interest than government and government-related pools. Timely payment of
interest and principal of these pools may be supported by insurance or
guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and
letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental
entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers. There can be no assurance
that the private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the
insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. Mortgage-related securities
without insurance or guarantees may be purchased if Pioneer determines that the
securities meet a portfolio's quality standards. Mortgage-related securities
issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable.

MULTIPLE-CLASS PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES AND COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS.
CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be issued by,
among others, U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private
issuers. REMICs are CMO vehicles that qualify for special tax treatment under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and invest in
mortgages principally secured by interests in real property and other
investments permitted by the Code. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in
multiple classes and the principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be
allocated among the several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various
ways. Each class of CMO or REMIC certificate, often referred to as a "tranche,"
is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully
retired no later than its final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid
or accrues on all classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.

Typically, CMOs are collateralized by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC certificates but also
may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or private
mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from payments
of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any reinvestment
income thereon.


STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. SMBS are multiple-class mortgage-backed
securities that are created when a U.S. government agency or a financial
institution separates the interest and principal components of a mortgage-backed
security and sells them as individual securities. A portfolio invests in SMBS
that are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions
of interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A typical
SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the
principal, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the
remaining principal. The holder of the "principal-only" security receives the
principal payments made by the underlying mortgage-backed security, while the
holder of the "interest-only" security receives interest payments from the same
underlying security. The prices of stripped mortgage-backed securities may be
particularly affected by changes in interest rates. As interest rates fall,
prepayment rates tend to increase, which tends to reduce prices of IOs and
increase prices of POs. Rising interest rates can have the opposite effect.
Although the market for these securities is increasingly liquid, Pioneer may
determine that certain stripped mortgage-backed securities issued by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities are not readily marketable. If so,
these securities, together with privately-issued stripped mortgage-backed
securities, will be considered illiquid for purposes of a portfolio's limitation
on investments in illiquid securities. The yields and market risk of
interest-only and principal-only SMBS, respectively, may be more volatile than
those of other fixed income securities.


Certain portfolios also may invest in planned amortization class ("PAC") and
target amortization class ("TAC") CMO bonds which involve less exposure to
prepayment, extension and interest rate risks than other mortgage-backed
securities, provided that prepayment rates remain within expected prepayment
ranges or "collars." To the extent that the prepayment rates remain within these
prepayment ranges, the residual or support tranches of PAC and TAC CMOs assume
the extra prepayment, extension and interest rate risks associated with the
underlying mortgage assets.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Investing in
mortgage-backed securities involves certain risks, including the failure of a
counterparty to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the
effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. In addition, investing in the
lowest tranche of CMOs and REMIC certificates involves risks similar to those
associated with investing in equity securities. However, due to adverse tax
consequences under current tax laws, none of the portfolios intends to acquire
"residual" interests in REMICs. Further, the yield characteristics of
mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income
securities. The major differences typically include more frequent interest and
principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest rates of the
underlying instrument, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be
made substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.

Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a
variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be
predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate
mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a
declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal
prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest
rate and prepayment rate scenarios, a portfolio may fail to recoup fully its
investment in mortgage-backed securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect
governmental, agency or other guarantee. When a portfolio reinvests amounts
representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may obtain a
rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate
mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, mortgage-backed securities, and
adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in particular, may be less
effective than other types of U.S. government securities as a means of "locking
in" interest rates.

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES

Certain portfolios may invest in asset-backed securities, which are securities
that represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, a stream
of payments generated by particular assets, most often a pool or pools of
similar assets (e.g., trade receivables). The credit quality of these securities
depends primarily upon the quality of the underlying assets and the level of
credit support and/or enhancement provided.

The underlying assets (e.g., loans) are subject to prepayments which shorten the
securities' weighted average maturity and may lower their return. If the credit
support or enhancement is exhausted, losses or delays in payment may result if
the required payments of principal and interest are not made. The value of these
securities also may change because of changes in the market's perception of the
creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the
pool, or the financial institution or trust providing the credit support or
enhancement.


<PAGE>


STRUCTURED SECURITIES


Certain portfolios may invest in structured securities. The value of the
principal of and/or interest on such securities is determined by reference to
changes in the value of specific currencies, interest rates, commodities,
indices or other financial indicators (the "Reference") or the relative change
in two or more references. The interest rate or the principal amount payable
upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes
in the References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon
maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in
the References. The terms of the structured securities may provide in certain
circumstances that no principal is due at maturity and, therefor, may result in
a loss of the portfolio's investment. Changes in the interest rate or principal
payable at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the
Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of
market risk than other types of fixed income securities.


WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES

The portfolios may purchase securities, including U.S. government securities, on
a when-issued basis or may purchase or sell securities for delayed delivery. In
such transactions, delivery of the securities occurs beyond the normal
settlement period, but no payment or delivery is made by the portfolio prior to
the actual delivery or payment by the other party to the transaction. A
portfolio will not earn income on these securities until delivered. The purchase
of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis involves the risk that
the value of the securities purchased will decline prior to the settlement date.
The sale of securities for delayed delivery involves the risk that the prices
available in the market on the delivery date may be greater than those obtained
in the sale transaction. When-issued and delayed delivery transactions will be
fully collateralized by segregated liquid assets. See "Asset Segregation."

WARRANTS

Portfolios that invest in equity securities may invest in warrants, which are
securities permitting, but not obligating, their holder to subscribe for other
securities. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting
rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holders to
purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a
result, an investment in warrants may be considered more speculative than
certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant does not
necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant
expires worthless if it is not exercised on or prior to its expiration date.

PREFERRED SHARES

A portfolio may invest in preferred shares of beneficial interest of trust
instruments. Preferred shares are equity securities, but they have many
characteristics of fixed income securities, such as a fixed dividend payment
rate and/or a liquidity preference over the issuer's common shares. However,
because preferred shares are equity securities, they may be more susceptible to
risks traditionally associated with equity investments than a portfolio's fixed
income securities.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

Each portfolio (other than Money Market Portfolio with respect to which the
limit is 10% of net assets) will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid and other securities that are not readily marketable. Repurchase
agreements maturing in more than seven days will be included for purposes of the
foregoing limit. Securities subject to restrictions on resale under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), are considered illiquid
unless they are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A or another exemption
from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and are determined to be
liquid by Pioneer. Pioneer determines the liquidity of Rule 144A and other
restricted securities according to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees monitors Pioneer's application of these guidelines and
procedures. The inability of a portfolio to dispose of illiquid investments
readily or at reasonable prices could impair a portfolio's ability to raise cash
for redemptions or other purposes. If a portfolio sold restricted securities
other than pursuant to an exception from registration under the 1933 Act such as
Rule 144A, it may be deemed to be acting as an underwriter and subject to
liability under the 1933 Act.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITS") AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing
real estate or real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally
classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and
mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in
real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity
REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated
in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate
mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are
not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the
applicable requirements of the Code. Debt securities issued by REITs, for the
most part, are general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks
associated with REITs.

Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks
associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. An equity REIT
may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by
the REIT. A mortgage REIT may be affected by changes in interest rates and the
ability of the issuers of its portfolio mortgages to repay their obligations.
REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are not diversified.
REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings
and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default
by lessees or borrowers. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in
properties used by a particular industry, such as health care, are also subject
to risks associated with such industry.

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When
interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate
obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the
value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to
decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans the interest
rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such
loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest
rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically
in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate
obligations.

REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a
limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than
larger company securities. Historically REITs have been more volatile in price
than the larger capitalization stocks included in Standard & Poor's 500 Stock
Index (the "S&P 500").


<PAGE>


OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES


With the exception of the Money Market Portfolio, which may not purchase
securities of other investment companies or investment trusts unless they are
acquired as part of a merger, consolidation or acquisition of assets, the
portfolios may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the
extent that such investments are consistent with a portfolio's investment
objective and policies and permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the "1940 Act"). Under the 1940 Act, a portfolio may not acquire the
securities of other domestic or non-U.S. investment companies if, as a result,
(i) more than 10% of a portfolio's total assets would be invested in securities
of other investment companies, (ii) such purchase would result in more than 3%
of the total outstanding voting securities of any one investment company being
held by a portfolio, or (iii) more than 5% of a portfolio's total assets would
be invested in any one investment company. These limitations do not apply to the
purchase of shares of any investment company in connection with a merger,
consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of substantially all the assets of
another investment company. A portfolio will not invest in other investment
companies for which Pioneer or any of its affiliates act as an investment
adviser or distributor.


A portfolio, as a holder of the securities of other investment companies, will
bear its pro rata portion of the other investment companies' expenses, including
advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of a
portfolio's own operations.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

A portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, member
banks of the Federal Reserve System and other financial institutions. Repurchase
agreements are arrangements under which a portfolio purchases securities and the
seller agrees to repurchase the securities within a specific time and at a
specific price. The repurchase price is generally higher than a portfolio's
purchase price, with the difference being income to a portfolio. The Board of
Trustees reviews and monitors the creditworthiness of any institution which
enters into a repurchase agreement with a portfolio. The counterparty's
obligations under the repurchase agreement are collateralized with U.S. Treasury
and/or agency obligations with a market value of not less than 100% of the
obligations, valued daily. Collateral is held by a portfolio's custodian in a
segregated, safekeeping account for the benefit of a portfolio. Repurchase
agreements afford a portfolio an opportunity to earn income on temporarily
available cash at low risk. In the event of commencement of bankruptcy or
insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the security before
repurchase of the security under a repurchase agreement, a portfolio may
encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Such a
delay may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of the security. If the
court characterizes the transaction as a loan and a portfolio has not perfected
a security interest in the security, a portfolio may be required to return the
security to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the
seller. As an unsecured creditor, a portfolio would be at risk of losing some or
all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction.

SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX

Each equity portfolio and the Strategic Income portfolio may sell securities
"short against the box." A short sale involves a portfolio borrowing securities
from a broker and selling the borrowed securities. A portfolio has an obligation
to return securities identical to the borrowed securities to the broker. In a
short sale against the box, a portfolio at all times owns an equal amount of the
security sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, with or
without payment of additional consideration, an equal amount of the security
sold short. The portfolios intend to use short sales against the box to hedge.
For example, when a portfolio believes that the price of a current portfolio
security may decline, the portfolio may use a short sale against the box to lock
in a sale price for a security rather than selling the security immediately. In
such a case, any future losses in the portfolio's long position should be offset
by a gain in the short position and, conversely, any gain in the long position
should be reduced by a loss in the short position.

If a portfolio effects a short sale against the box at a time when it has an
unrealized gain on the security, it may be required to recognize that gain as if
it had actually sold the security (a "constructive sale") on the date it effects
the short sale. However, such constructive sale treatment may not apply if a
portfolio closes out the short sale with securities other than the appreciated
securities held at the time of the short sale provided that certain other
conditions are satisfied. Uncertainty regarding certain tax consequences of
effecting short sales may limit the extent to which a portfolio may make short
sales against the box.

ASSET SEGREGATION

The 1940 Act requires that a portfolio segregate assets in connection with
certain types of transactions that may have the effect of leveraging a
portfolio's assets. If a portfolio enters into a transaction requiring
segregation, such as a forward commitment, the custodian or Pioneer will
segregate liquid assets in an amount required to comply with the 1940 Act. Such
segregated assets will be valued at market daily. If the aggregate value of such
segregated assets declines below the aggregate value required to satisfy the
1940 Act, additional liquid assets will be segregated.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

It is the policy of the portfolios not to engage in trading for short-term
profits although portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in
the execution of investment decisions for a portfolio. See Appendix A for each
portfolio's annual portfolio turnover rate.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

Portfolios that invest in non-U.S. securities may engage in foreign currency
transactions. These transactions may be conducted at the prevailing spot rate
for purchasing or selling currency in the foreign exchange market. These
portfolios also have authority to enter into forward foreign currency exchange
contracts involving currencies of the different countries in which the portfolio
invests as a hedge against possible variations in the foreign exchange rates
between these currencies and the U.S. dollar. This is accomplished through
contractual agreements to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified
future date and price set at the time of the contract. The portfolios will not
enter into speculative forward foreign currency contracts.

Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward foreign currency
contracts with respect to specific receivables or payables of a portfolio,
accrued in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities
quoted in foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the use of forward foreign
currency contracts to offset portfolio security positions denominated or quoted
in such foreign currencies. There is no guarantee that a portfolio will be
engaged in hedging activities when adverse exchange rate movements occur. A
portfolio will not attempt to hedge all of its foreign portfolio positions and
will enter into such transactions only to the extent, if any, deemed appropriate
by Pioneer.

Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also limit the opportunity
for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover, it may not
be possible for a portfolio to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally
anticipated that a portfolio is not able to contract to sell the currency at a
price above the devaluation level it anticipates.

A portfolio may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one
currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in
a different currency, if Pioneer determines that there is a pattern of
correlation between the two currencies. Cross-hedging may also include entering
into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign
currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other
foreign currency, if Pioneer determines that there is a pattern of correlation
between the proxy currency and the U.S. dollar.

The cost to a portfolio of engaging in foreign currency transactions varies with
such factors as the currency involved, the size of the contract, the length of
the contract period, differences in interest rates between the two currencies
and the market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign
currency and forward contracts are usually conducted on a principal basis, no
fees or commissions are involved. A portfolio may close out a forward position
in a currency by selling the forward contract or by entering into an offsetting
forward contract.

The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the
securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of
such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market
movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the
contract is entered into and the date it matures. Using forward contracts to
protect the value of a portfolio's 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 which a portfolio can
achieve at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term
currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a
means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of a portfolio's foreign
assets.

While a portfolio will enter into forward contracts to reduce currency exchange
rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. While a
portfolio may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency
prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the portfolio than if it
had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect
correlation between a portfolio's holdings of securities quoted or denominated
in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the portfolio.
Such imperfect correlation may cause a portfolio to sustain losses which will
prevent a portfolio from achieving a complete hedge or expose a portfolio to
risk of foreign exchange loss.

Over-the-counter markets for trading foreign forward currency contracts offer
less protection against defaults than is available when trading in currency
instruments on an exchange. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract
is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on the contract
would deprive a portfolio of unrealized profits or force a portfolio to cover
its commitments for purchase or resale, if any, at the current market price.

If a portfolio enters into a forward contract to purchase foreign currency, the
custodian or Pioneer will segregate liquid assets. See "Asset Segregation."

OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES

Portfolios that invest in non-U.S. securities may purchase and write options on
foreign currencies for hedging purposes in a manner similar to that of
transactions in forward contracts. For example, a decline in the dollar value of
a foreign currency in which portfolio securities are quoted or denominated will
reduce the dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign
currency remains constant. In an attempt to protect against such decreases in
the value of portfolio securities, the portfolio may purchase put options on the
foreign currency. If the value of the currency declines, a portfolio will have
the right to sell such currency for a fixed amount of dollars which exceeds the
market value of such currency. This would result in a gain that may offset, in
whole or in part, the negative effect of currency depreciation on the value of a
portfolio's securities quoted or denominated in that currency.

Conversely, if a rise in the dollar value of a currency is projected for those
securities to be acquired, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, a
portfolio may purchase call options on such currency. If the value of such
currency increases, the purchase of such call options would enable a portfolio
to purchase currency for a fixed amount of dollars which is less than the market
value of such currency. Such a purchase would result in a gain that may offset,
at least partially, the effect of any currency related increase in the price of
securities a portfolio intends to acquire. As in the case of other types of
options transactions, however, the benefit a portfolio derives from purchasing
foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and
related transaction costs. In addition, if currency exchange rates do not move
in the direction or to the extent anticipated, a portfolio could sustain losses
on transactions in foreign currency options which would deprive it of a portion
or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in such rates.

A portfolio may also write options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes.
For example, if a portfolio anticipated a decline in the dollar value of
securities quoted or denominated in a foreign currency because of declining
exchange rates, it could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a covered
call option on the relevant currency. If the expected decline occurs, the option
will most likely not be exercised, and the decrease in value of portfolio
securities will be partially offset by the amount of the premium received by a
portfolio.

Similarly, a portfolio could write a put option on the relevant currency,
instead of purchasing a call option, to hedge against an anticipated increase in
the dollar cost of securities to be acquired. If exchange rates move in the
manner projected, the put option will expire unexercised and allow the portfolio
to offset such increased cost up to the amount of the premium. However, as in
the case of other types of options transactions, the writing of a foreign
currency option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the
premium, only if rates move in the expected direction. If unanticipated exchange
rate fluctuations occur, the option may be exercised and a portfolio would be
required to purchase or sell the underlying currency at a loss which may not be
fully offset by the amount of the premium. As a result of writing options on
foreign currencies, a portfolio also may be required to forego all or a portion
of the benefits which might otherwise have been obtained from favorable
movements in currency exchange rates.

A call option written on foreign currency by a portfolio is "covered" if the
portfolio owns the underlying foreign currency subject to the call, or if it has
an absolute and immediate right to acquire that foreign currency without
additional cash consideration. A call option is also covered if a portfolio
holds a call on the same foreign currency for the same principal amount as the
call written where the exercise price of the call held is (a) equal to or less
than the exercise price of the call written or (b) greater than the exercise
price of the call written if the amount of the difference is maintained by a
portfolio in cash or liquid securities. See "Asset Segregation."

A portfolio may close out its position in a currency option by either selling
the option it has purchased or entering into an offsetting option. An
exchange-traded options position may be closed out only on an options exchange
which provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although a
portfolio will generally purchase or write only those options for which there
appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any
particular time. For some options no secondary market on an exchange may exist.
In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in
particular options, with the result that a portfolio would have to exercise its
options in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon
the sale of underlying currencies pursuant to the exercise of put options. If a
portfolio as a covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase
transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying
currency (or security quoted or denominated in that currency) until the option
expires or it delivers the underlying currency upon exercise.

A portfolio may also use options on currencies to cross-hedge, which involves
writing or purchasing options on one currency to hedge against changes in
exchange rates of a different currency with a pattern of correlation.
Cross-hedging may also include using a foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S.
dollar, if Pioneer determines that there is a pattern of correlation between
that currency and the U.S. dollar.

A portfolio may purchase and write over-the-counter options to the extent
consistent with its limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Trading in
over-the-counter options is subject to the risk that the other party will be
unable or unwilling to close out options purchased or written by a portfolio.

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES

Each portfolio may purchase put and call options on any security in which it may
invest or options on any securities index based on securities in which it may
invest. Each portfolio would also be able to enter into closing sale
transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options it has
purchased.

WRITING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. A call option written by a portfolio
obligates the portfolio to sell specified securities to the holder of the option
at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the
expiration date. All call options written by a portfolio are covered, which
means that the portfolio will own the securities subject to the options as long
as the options are outstanding, or a portfolio will use the other methods
described below. A portfolio's purpose in writing covered call options is to
realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities
transactions alone. However, a portfolio may forego the opportunity to profit
from an increase in the market price of the underlying security.

A put option written by a portfolio would obligate the portfolio to purchase
specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option
is exercised at any time before the expiration date. All put options written by
a portfolio would be covered, which means that the portfolio would have
segregated assets with a value at least equal to the exercise price of the put
option. The purpose of writing such options is to generate additional income for
a portfolio. However, in return for the option premium, a portfolio accepts the
risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying security at a price in
excess of its market value at the time of purchase.

Call and put options written by a portfolio will also be considered to be
covered to the extent that the portfolio's liabilities under such options are
wholly or partially offset by its rights under call and put options purchased by
a portfolio. In addition, a written call option or put may be covered by
entering into an offsetting forward contract and/or by purchasing an offsetting
option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise,
reduces a portfolio's net exposure on its written option position.

WRITING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS ON SECURITIES INDICES. A portfolio may also write
(sell) covered call and put options on any securities index composed of
securities in which it may invest. Options on securities indices are similar to
options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options
requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of
securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price
fluctuations in a group of securities or segments of the securities market
rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

A portfolio may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities
whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index,
or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without
additional cash consideration (or for additional consideration if cash in such
amount is segregated) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its
portfolio. A portfolio may cover call and put options on a securities index by
segregated assets with a value equal to the exercise price.

PURCHASING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS. A portfolio would normally purchase call
options in anticipation of an increase in the market value of securities of the
type in which it may invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle a
portfolio, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a
specified price during the option period. A portfolio would ordinarily realize a
gain if, during the option period, the value of such securities exceeded the sum
of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the
portfolio would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call
option.

A portfolio would normally purchase put options in anticipation of a decline in
the market value of securities in its portfolio ("protective puts") or in
securities in which it may invest. The purchase of a put option would entitle a
portfolio, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified securities at a
specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is
designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of a
portfolio's securities. Put options may also be purchased by a portfolio for the
purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities
which it does not own. A portfolio would ordinarily realize a gain if, during
the option period, the value of the underlying securities decreased below the
exercise price sufficiently to more than cover the premium and transaction
costs; otherwise a portfolio would realize either no gain or a loss on the
purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of protective put
options would tend to be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the
underlying portfolio securities.

RISKS OF TRADING OPTIONS. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market
on an options exchange will exist for any particular exchange-traded option, or
at any particular time. If a portfolio is unable to effect a closing purchase
transaction with respect to covered options it has written, a portfolio will not
be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of its segregated assets
until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if a portfolio is unable
to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased,
it will have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will
incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities.

Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the
following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options;
(ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening or closing
transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may
be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual
or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v)
the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC")
may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one
or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled
at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class
or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or
in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding
options on that exchange, if any, that had been issued by the OCC as a result of
trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with
their terms.

A portfolio may terminate its obligations under an exchange-traded call or put
option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations
under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an
offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option. Such purchases are
referred to as "closing purchase transactions."

A portfolio may purchase and sell both options that are traded on U.S. and
foreign exchanges and options traded over the counter with broker-dealers who
make markets in these options. The ability to terminate over-the-counter options
is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that
broker-dealers participating in such transactions will not fulfill their
obligations. Until such time as the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") changes its position, a portfolio will treat purchased
over-the-counter options and all assets used to cover written over-the-counter
options as illiquid securities, except that with respect to options written with
primary dealers in U.S. government securities pursuant to an agreement requiring
a closing purchase transaction at a formula price, the amount of illiquid
securities may be calculated with reference to the formula.

Transactions by a portfolio in options on securities and indices will be subject
to limitations established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other
trading facilities governing the maximum number of options in each class which
may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of investors acting in
concert. Thus, the number of options which a portfolio may write or purchase may
be affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients
of Pioneer. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the
liquidations of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may
impose certain other sanctions.

The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of protective
puts for hedging purposes depends in part on Pioneer's ability to predict future
price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and
securities markets.

The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the
underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close
before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price movements
can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options
markets.

In addition to the risks of imperfect correlation between a portfolio's
portfolio and the index underlying the option, the purchase of securities index
options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by a
portfolio in purchasing an option will be lost. This could occur as a result of
unanticipated movements in the price of the securities comprising the securities
index on which the option is based.

FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS


To hedge against changes in securities prices or currency exchange rates or to
seek to increase total return, each portfolio may purchase and sell various
kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write (sell) call and put options
on any of such futures contracts. Each portfolio may also enter into closing
purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of such contracts and
options. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S.
government securities), securities indices, non-U.S. currencies and other
financial instruments and indices. A portfolio will engage in futures and
related options transactions for bona fide hedging and non-hedging purposes as
described below. All futures contracts entered into by a portfolio are traded on
U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") or on non-U.S. exchanges.


FUTURES CONTRACTS. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement
between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an
agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash settlement
price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling
for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract).


When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, a portfolio can
seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities
through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or
securities prices are rising, a portfolio, through the purchase of futures
contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be
available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases. Similarly, a
portfolio can sell futures contracts on a specified currency to protect against
a decline in the value of such currency and a decline in the value of its
portfolio securities which are quoted or denominated in such currency. A
portfolio can purchase futures contracts on a non-U.S. currency to establish the
price in U.S. dollars of a security denominated in such currency that a
portfolio has acquired or expects to acquire.


Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are
instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a profit
or a loss. While futures contracts on securities or currency will usually be
liquidated in this manner, a portfolio may instead make, or take, delivery of
the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically
advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on
which futures on securities or currency are traded guarantees that, if still
open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.


HEDGING STRATEGIES. Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to establish
with more certainty the effective price, rate of return and currency exchange
rate on portfolio securities and securities that a portfolio owns or proposes to
acquire. A portfolio may, for example, take a "short" position in the futures
market by selling futures contracts in order to hedge against an anticipated
rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices or non-U.S. currency rates
that would adversely affect the value of a portfolio's securities. Such futures
contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities held by a
portfolio or securities with characteristics similar to those of a portfolio's
securities. Similarly, a portfolio may sell futures contracts in a non-U.S.
currency in which its portfolio securities are denominated or in one currency to
hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different
currency if there is an established historical pattern of correlation between
the two currencies. If, in the opinion of Pioneer, there is a sufficient degree
of correlation between price trends for a portfolio's portfolio securities and
futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or
other indices, a portfolio may also enter into such futures contracts as part of
its hedging strategies. Although under some circumstances prices of securities
in a portfolio's portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such
futures contracts, Pioneer will attempt to estimate the extent of this
volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any such
differential by having a portfolio enter into a greater or lesser number of
futures contracts or by attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price
changes affecting a portfolio's portfolio securities. When hedging of this
character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities
will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures
position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of a
portfolio's portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a decline in
the value of the futures position.


On other occasions, a portfolio may take a "long" position by purchasing futures
contracts. This may be done, for example, when a portfolio anticipates the
subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but
expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the applicable
market to be less favorable than prices or rates that are currently available.

OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. The acquisition of put and call options on futures
contracts will give a portfolio the right (but not the obligation) for a
specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures
contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on
a futures contract, a portfolio obtains the benefit of the futures position if
prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of
an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.

The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium which may
partially offset a decline in the value of a portfolio's assets. By writing a
call option, a portfolio becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium, to sell
a futures contract (if the option is exercised), which may have a value higher
than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a futures
contract generates a premium which may partially offset an increase in the price
of securities that a portfolio intends to purchase. However, a portfolio becomes
obligated to purchase a futures contract (if the option is exercised) which may
have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by a
portfolio in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed
the amount of the premium received. A portfolio will incur transaction costs in
connection with the writing of options on futures.

The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its
position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same series. There
is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. A portfolio's
ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to
the development and maintenance of a liquid market.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS. A portfolio will engage in futures and related options
transactions only for bona fide hedging or non-hedging purposes in accordance
with CFTC regulations which permit principals of an investment company
registered under the 1940 Act to engage in such transactions without registering
as commodity pool operators. A portfolio will determine that the price
fluctuations in the futures contracts and options on futures used for hedging
purposes are substantially related to price fluctuations in securities held by a
portfolio or which a portfolio expects to purchase. Except as stated below, a
portfolio's futures transactions will be entered into for traditional hedging
purposes--i.e., futures contracts will be sold to protect against a decline in
the price of securities (or the currency in which they are denominated) that a
portfolio owns, or futures contracts will be purchased to protect a portfolio
against an increase in the price of securities (or the currency in which they
are denominated) it intends to purchase. As evidence of this hedging intent, a
portfolio expects that on 75% or more of the occasions on which it takes a long
futures or option position (involving the purchase of futures contracts), a
portfolio will have purchased, or will be in the process of purchasing,
equivalent amounts of related securities or assets denominated in the related
currency in the cash market at the time when the futures or options position is
closed out. However, in particular cases, when it is economically advantageous
for a portfolio to do so, a long futures position may be terminated or an option
may expire without the corresponding purchase of securities or other assets.

As an alternative to literal compliance with the bona fide hedging definition, a
CFTC regulation permits a portfolio to elect to comply with a different test,
under which the sum of the amounts of initial margin deposits on a portfolio's
existing non-hedging futures contracts and premiums paid for options on futures
entered into for non-hedging purposes (net of the amount the positions are "in
the money") would not exceed 5% of the market value of a portfolio's total
assets. A portfolio will engage in transactions in futures contracts and related
options only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the
requirements of the Code for maintaining its qualification as a regulated
investment company for federal income tax purposes.

Futures contracts and related options involve brokerage costs, require margin
deposits and, in the case of contracts and options obligating a portfolio to
purchase securities or currencies, require a portfolio to segregate assets to
cover such contracts and options.


While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce
certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus,
while a portfolio may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures,
unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange
rates may result in a poorer overall performance for a portfolio than if it had
not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. In the event of
an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position
which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained
and a portfolio may be exposed to risk of loss. It is not possible to hedge
fully or perfectly against the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of
non-U.S. securities because currency movements impact the value of different
securities in differing degrees.


LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

Each portfolio other than America Income Portfolio and Money Market Portfolio
may lend portfolio securities to member firms of the New York Stock Exchange
(the "Exchange") under agreements which require that the loans be secured
continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents or U.S. Treasury bills
maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of
the securities loaned. A portfolio continues to receive the equivalent of the
interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned as well as the
benefit of an increase and the detriment of any decrease in the market value of
the securities loaned and would also receive compensation based on investment of
the collateral. A portfolio would not, however, have the right to vote any
securities having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but would call
the loan in anticipation of an important vote to be taken among holders of the
securities or of the giving or withholding of consent on a material matter
affecting the investment.

As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even
loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail
financially. A portfolio will lend portfolio securities only to firms that have
been approved in advance by the Board of Trustees, which will monitor the
creditworthiness of any such firms. At no time would the value of the securities
loaned exceed 33 1/3% of the value of a portfolio's total assets.

LOAN PARTICIPATIONS


Portfolios permitted to invest in debt securities may invest a portion of their
assets in loan participations ("Participations") and other direct claims against
a borrower. By purchasing a Participation, a portfolio acquires some or all of
the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to a corporate or
government borrower. The Participations typically will result in a portfolio
having a contractual relationship only with the lender not the borrower. A
portfolio will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any
fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the Participation and
only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. Many such
loans are secured, although some may be unsecured. Such loans may be in default
at the time of purchase. Loans that are fully secured offer a portfolio more
protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled
interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of
collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrower's
obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated.


MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS

Portfolios that invest in mortgage-backed securities may enter into mortgage
"dollar rolls" in which a portfolio sells securities for delivery in the current
month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase
similar (same type, coupon and maturity), but not identical securities on a
specified future date. During the roll period, a portfolio loses the right to
receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, a portfolio
would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the
securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often
referred to as the "drop") or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash
proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward
purchase. Unless such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain
or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the
securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique
will diminish the investment performance of a portfolio compared with what such
performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls. All cash
proceeds will be invested in instruments that are permissible investments for a
portfolio. A portfolio will hold and maintain in a segregated account until the
settlement date cash or liquid, high grade debt securities in an amount equal to
its forward purchase price.

For financial reporting and tax purposes, a portfolio treats mortgage dollar
rolls as two separate transactions; one involving the purchase of a security and
a separate transaction involving a sale. A portfolio does not currently intend
to enter into mortgage dollar rolls that are accounted for as financings.

Mortgage dollar rolls involve certain risks including the following: if the
broker-dealer to whom a portfolio sells the security becomes insolvent, a
portfolio's right to purchase or repurchase the mortgage-related securities
subject to the mortgage dollar roll may be restricted and the instrument which a
portfolio is required to repurchase may be worth less than an instrument which a
portfolio originally held. Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls will depend
upon Pioneer's ability to manage its interest rate and mortgage prepayments
exposure. For these reasons, there is no assurance that mortgage dollar rolls
can be successfully employed.

MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS

Each Portfolio (other than Money Market Portfolio) may invest in short-term
investments consisting of: corporate commercial paper and other short-term
commercial obligations, in each case rated or issued by companies with similar
securities outstanding that are rated Prime-1, Aa or better by Moody's or A-1,
AA or better by S&P; obligations (including certificates of deposit, time
deposits, demand deposits and bankers' acceptances) of banks with securities
outstanding that are rated Prime-1, Aa or better by Moody's or A-1, AA or better
by S&P; obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies
or instrumentalities with remaining maturities not exceeding 18 months; and
repurchase agreements. Normally, Swiss Franc Bond Portfolio may invest in
similar short-term investments that are denominated in Swiss francs or other
non-U.S. currencies, but may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated short-term
securities for certain purposes, including temporary defensive purposes. Money
Market Portfolio's short-term investments are subject to certain additional
restrictions.

BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES are obligations of a bank to pay a draft which has been
drawn on it by a customer. These obligations are backed by large banks and
usually backed by goods in international trade.

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT represent a commercial bank's obligations to repay funds
deposited with it, earning specified rates of interest over given periods.

COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term unsecured promissory note, including variable
amount master demand notes, issued by banks, broker-dealers, corporations or
other entities for purposes such as financing their current operations.

These instruments may be denominated in both U.S. and non-U.S. currency. A
portfolio's investment in commercial bank obligations includes certificates of
deposit ("CDs"), time deposits ("TDs") and bankers' acceptances. Obligations of
foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks may be general obligations
of the parent bank in addition to the issuing bank, or may be limited by the
terms of a specific obligation and by government regulation. As with investment
in non-U.S. securities in general, investments in the obligations of foreign
branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks may subject a portfolio to
investment risks that are different in some respects from those of investments
in obligations of domestic issuers.

A portfolio's investments in commercial paper consist of short-term (usually
from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order
to finance their current operations. A portfolio may also invest in variable
amount master demand notes (which is a type of commercial paper) which
represents a direct borrowing arrangement involving periodically fluctuating
rates of interest under a letter agreement between a commercial paper issuer and
an institutional lender, pursuant to which the lender may determine to invest
varying amounts. Transfer of such notes is usually restricted by the issuer, and
there is no secondary trading market for such notes. To the extent a portfolio
invests in master demand notes, these investments will be included in a
portfolio's limitation on illiquid securities.

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT

Swiss Franc Bond Portfolio may invest in investment grade certificates of
deposit of domestic banks and savings and loan associations and foreign banks,
without regard to the size of the issuing institution. Money Market Portfolio
may invest in certificates of deposit of large domestic banks and savings and
loan associations (i.e., banks which at the time of their most recent annual
financial statements show total assets in excess of $1 billion), including
foreign branches of such domestic banks, and of smaller banks as described
below. Money Market Portfolio will not invest in certificates of deposit of
foreign banks.

Investment in certificates of deposit issued by foreign banks and foreign
branches of domestic banks involves investment risks that are different in some
respects from those associated with investment in certificates of deposit issued
by domestic banks, including the possible imposition of withholding taxes on
interest income, the possible adoption of foreign governmental restrictions
which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on such
certificates of deposit, or other adverse political or economic developments. In
addition, it might be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against a
foreign bank or a foreign branch of a domestic bank.

Although Money Market Portfolio recognizes that the size of a bank is important,
this fact alone is not necessarily indicative of its creditworthiness.
Accordingly, Money Market Portfolio may invest in certificates of deposit issued
by banks and savings and loan associations which had at the time of their most
recent annual financial statements total assets of less than $1 billion,
provided that (i) the principal amounts of such certificates of deposit are
insured by an agency of the U.S. government, (ii) at no time will the Portfolio
hold more than $100,000 principal amount of certificates of deposit of any one
such bank and (iii) at the time of acquisition, no more than 10% of the
Portfolio's assets (taken at current value) are invested in certificates of
deposit of such banks having total assets not in excess of $1 billion.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The fund, on behalf of each portfolio, has adopted certain fundamental
investment restrictions which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of
the recordholders of a "majority" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the
portfolio's outstanding voting securities. As used in the prospectus and this
statement of additional information, such approval means the approval of the
lesser of

         the      recordholders of 67% or more of the shares of a portfolio
                  represented at a meeting if the recordholders of more than 50%
                  of the outstanding shares of the Portfolios are present in
                  person or by proxy, or

         the holders of more than 50% of the Portfolio's outstanding shares.


RESTRICTIONS THAT APPLY TO PIONEER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY VCT PORTFOLIO
AND PIONEER HIGH YIELD VCT PORTFOLIO:

Each portfolio may not:

(1) Issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules
and interpretive positions of the SEC thereunder. SENIOR SECURITIES THAT THE
PORTFOLIO MAY ISSUE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 1940 ACT INCLUDE BORROWING, FUTURES,
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES AND FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY
EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.

(2) Borrow money, except the portfolio may: (a) borrow from banks or through
reverse repurchase agreements in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the portfolio's
total assets (including the amount borrowed); (b) to the extent permitted by
applicable law, borrow up to an additional 5% of the portfolio's assets for
temporary purposes; (c) obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the
clearance of portfolio transactions; (d) the portfolio may purchase securities
on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law; and (e) engage in
transactions in mortgage dollar rolls that are accounted for as financings.

(3) Invest in real estate, except that the portfolio may invest in securities of
issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, securities that are
secured by real estate or interests therein, securities of real estate
investment trusts and mortgage-backed securities.

(4) Make loans, except by the purchase of debt obligations, by entering into
repurchase agreements or through the lending of portfolio securities.

(5) Invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except that the portfolio may
invest in currency instruments and contracts and financial instruments and
contracts that might be deemed to be commodities and commodity contracts. A
FUTURES CONTRACT, FOR EXAMPLE, MAY BE DEEMED TO BE A COMMODITY CONTRACT.

(6) Act as an underwriter, except as it may be deemed to be an underwriter in a
sale of restricted securities held in its portfolio.

It is the fundamental policy of each portfolio not to concentrate its
investments in securities of companies in any particular industry. In the
opinion of the SEC, investments are concentrated in a particular industry if
such investments aggregate 25% or more of the portfolio's total assets. A
portfolio's policy does not apply to investments in U.S. government securities.
Although each portfolio is classified as non-diversified for purposes of the
1940 Act, each portfolio will comply with the diversification requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated
investment companies.

NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. The following restriction has been
designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of a portfolio's
Board of Trustees without approval of shareholders.

A portfolio may not:

(1) Purchase securities while borrowings are in excess of 5% of total assets.

(2) Purchase securities on margin, but it may obtain such short-term credits as
may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities.

RESTRICTIONS THAT APPLY TO PIONEER BALANCED VCT PORTFOLIO, PIONEER EMERGING
MARKETS VCT PORTFOLIO, PIONEER EQUITY-INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO, PIONEER EUROPE VCT
PORTFOLIO, PIONEER GROWTH SHARES VCT PORTFOLIO, PIONEER INTERNATIONAL GROWTH VCT
PORTFOLIO, PIONEER MID-CAP VALUE VCT PORTFOLIO, PIONEER FUND VCT PORTFOLIO,
PIONEER REAL ESTATE GROWTH VCT PORTFOLIO, AND PIONEER SWISS FRANC BOND VCT
PORTFOLIO:


         Each Portfolio may not:

         (1) Issue senior securities, except as permitted by paragraphs (2), (6)
and (7) below. For purposes of this restriction, the issuance of shares of
beneficial interest in multiple classes or series, the purchase or sale of
options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, forward
commitments, forward foreign exchange contracts, repurchase agreements and
reverse repurchase agreements entered into in accordance with the Portfolio's
investment policy, and the pledge, mortgage or hypothecation of the Portfolio's
assets within the meaning of paragraph (3) below are not deemed to be senior
securities.

         (2) Borrow money, except from banks as a temporary measure for
extraordinary emergency purposes and except pursuant to reverse repurchase
agreements and (for Emerging Markets and Europe Portfolios only) to meet
redemptions, and (for Swiss Franc Bond Portfolio only) forward roll
transactions, and then only in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the Portfolio's
total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at market value. The
Portfolio will not use leverage to attempt to increase income. The Portfolio
will not purchase securities while outstanding borrowings (including reverse
repurchase agreements) exceed 5% of the Portfolio's total assets.

         (3) Pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
indebtedness permitted by paragraph (2) above and then only if such pledging,
mortgaging or hypothecating does not exceed 33 1/3% of the Portfolio's total
assets taken at market value.

         (4) Act as an underwriter, except to the extent that, in connection
with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Portfolio may be deemed to be
an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act .

         (5) Purchase or sell real estate, except that the Portfolio may (i)
lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in securities of issuers that
invest in real estate or interests therein, (iii) invest in securities that are
secured by real estate or interests therein, (iv) purchase and sell
mortgage-related securities and (v) hold and sell real estate acquired by the
Portfolio as a result of the ownership of securities.

         (6) Make loans, except that the Portfolio may lend portfolio securities
in accordance with the Portfolio's investment policies and may purchase or
invest in repurchase agreements, bank certificates of deposit, a portion of an
issue of publicly distributed bonds, bank loan participation agreements,
bankers' acceptances, debentures or other securities, whether or not the
purchase is made upon the original issuance of the securities.

         (7) Invest in commodities or commodity contracts or in puts, calls, or
combinations of both, except interest rate futures contracts, options on
securities, securities indices, currency and other financial instruments,
futures contracts on securities, securities indices, currency and other
financial instruments and options on such futures contracts, forward foreign
currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, securities index put or call
warrants, interest rate swaps, caps and floors and repurchase agreements entered
into in accordance with the fund's investment policies.

         (8) (THIS RESTRICTION NO. 8 DOES NOT APPLY TO REAL ESTATE GROWTH
PORTFOLIO) With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase securities of an
issuer (other than the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities), if

                  (a) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Portfolio's
         total assets, taken at market value, to be invested in the securities
         of such issuer, or

                  (b) such purchase would at the time result in more than 10% of
         the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by the
         Portfolio.

         It is the fundamental policy of each Portfolio other than Real Estate
Growth Portfolio not to concentrate its investments in securities of companies
in any particular industry. Following the current opinion of the staff of the
SEC, investments are concentrated in a particular industry if such investments
aggregate 25% or more of the Portfolio's total assets. The foregoing industry
concentration policy does not apply to investments in U.S. government
securities.

         Real Estate Growth Portfolio will invest 25% or more of its total
assets in securities issued by companies in the real estate industry.


         As a matter of non-fundamental investment policy and in connection with
the offering of its shares in various states and foreign countries, the fund, on
behalf of each Portfolio, has agreed not to:


         (a) Purchase securities on margin or make short sales unless by virtue
of its ownership of other securities, the Portfolio has the right to obtain,
without payment of additional consideration, securities equivalent in kind and
amount to the securities sold and, if the right is conditional, the sale is made
upon the same conditions, except that the Portfolio may obtain such short-term
credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
securities and in connection with transactions involving forward foreign
currency exchange transactions, options, futures contracts and options on
futures contracts.


RESTRICTIONS THAT APPLY TO PIONEER STRATEGIC INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO


         Strategic Income Portfolio may not:

         (1) Issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and
the rules and interpretive positions of the Commission thereunder. SENIOR
SECURITIES THAT THE FUND MAY ISSUE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 1940 ACT INCLUDE
BORROWING, FUTURES, WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES AND FORWARD
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.


         (2) Borrow money, except the Portfolio may: (a) borrow from banks or
through reverse repurchase agreements in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the
Portfolio's total assets (including the amount borrowed); (b) to the extent
permitted by applicable law, borrow up to an additional 5% of the Portfolio's
assets for temporary purposes; (c) obtain such short-term credits as are
necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; (d) the Portfolio may
purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law; and (e)
engage in transactions in mortgage dollar rolls that are accounted for as
financings.

         (3) Invest in real estate, except that the Portfolio may invest in
securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein,
securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, securities of
real estate investment trusts and mortgage-backed securities.


         (4) Make loans, except by the purchase of debt obligations, by entering
into repurchase agreements or through the lending of portfolio securities.


         (5) Invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except that the
Portfolio may invest in currency instruments and contracts and financial
instruments and contracts that might be deemed to be commodities and commodity
contracts. A FUTURES CONTRACT, FOR EXAMPLE, MAY BE DEEMED TO BE A COMMODITY
CONTRACT.


         (6) With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase securities of an
issuer (other than the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities), if


             (a) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the portfolio's
total assets, taken at market value, to be invested in the securities of such
issuer, or

             (b) such purchase would at the time result in more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by the portfolio.


         (7) Act as an underwriter, except as it may be deemed to be an
underwriter in a sale of restricted securities held in its portfolio.


It is the fundamental policy of the portfolio not to concentrate its investments
in securities of companies in any particular industry. In the opinion of the
SEC, investments are concentrated in a particular industry if such investments
aggregate 25% or more of the portfolio's total assets. The portfolio's policy
does not apply to investments in U.S. government securities.


NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. The following restriction has been
designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of the fund's Board
of Trustees without approval of shareholders.


The portfolio may not:


             (a) Purchase securities while borrowings are in excess of 5% of
total assets.


RESTRICTIONS THAT APPLY TO PIONEER AMERICA INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO


         America Income Portfolio may not:

         (1) Borrow money, except from banks to meet redemptions in amounts not
exceeding 33 1/3% (taken at the lower of cost or current value) of its total
assets (including the amount borrowed). The portfolio does not intend to borrow
money during the coming year, and will do so only as a temporary measure for
extraordinary purposes or to facilitate redemptions. The portfolio will not
purchase securities while any borrowings are outstanding;

         (2) Purchase securities on margin;

         (3) Make loans to any person, except by (a) the purchase of a debt
obligation in which the Portfolio is permitted to invest and (b) engaging in
repurchase agreements;

         (4) Act as an underwriter, except as it may be deemed to be an
underwriter in a sale of restricted securities; or

         (5) Issue senior securities, except as permitted by restrictions nos. 2
and 4 above, and, for purposes of this restriction, the issuance of shares of
beneficial interest in multiple classes or series, the purchase or sale of
options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, forward
commitments, forward foreign exchange contracts and repurchase agreements
entered into in accordance with the Portfolio's investment policies.

         The fund, on behalf of America Income Portfolio, has agreed to adopt
certain additional investment restrictions which are not fundamental and may be
changed by a vote of the fund's Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
Pursuant to these additional restrictions, the portfolio may not:

         (a) make short sales of securities, unless by virtue of its ownership
of other securities, the Portfolio has the right to obtain securities equivalent
in kind and amount to the securities sold and, if the right is conditional, the
sale is made upon the same terms and conditions, except that the Portfolio may
obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of
purchases and sales of securities;

         (c) pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its portfolio securities if at the
time of such action the value of the securities so pledged, mortgaged or
hypothecated would exceed 10% of the value of the Portfolio;

         (d) purchase or sell real estate except that the Portfolio may (i)
acquire or lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in securities of
issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, (iii) invest in
securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, (iv) purchase
and sell mortgage-related securities and real estate limited partnerships and
(v) hold and sell real estate acquired by the portfolio as a result of the
ownership or securities; and

         (e) invest in assets, except in U.S. government securities  and in
when-issued commitments and repurchase agreements with respect to these
securities;


RESTRICTIONS THAT APPLY TO PIONEER MONEY MARKET VCT PORTFOLIO


         Money Market Portfolio may not:

         (1) Except with respect to investments in obligations of (a) the U.S.
government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities and (b) domestic
banks, purchase any security if, as a result (i) more than 5% of the assets of
the Portfolio would be invested in the securities of any one issuer, or (ii)
more than 25% of its assets would be invested in a particular industry;

         (2) Borrow money, except from banks to meet redemptions in amounts not
exceeding 33 1/3% (taken at the lower of cost or current value) of its total
assets (including the amount borrowed). The portfolio does not intend to borrow
money during the coming year, and will do so only as a temporary measure for
extraordinary purposes or to facilitate redemptions. The portfolio will not
purchase securities while any borrowings are outstanding;

         (3)      Make short sales of securities;

         (4)      Purchase securities on margin;

         (5) Write, purchase or otherwise invest in any put, call, straddle or
spread option or buy or sell real estate, commodities or commodity futures
contracts or invest in oil, gas or mineral exploration or development programs;

         (6) Make loans to any person, except by (a) the purchase of a debt
obligation in which the portfolio is permitted to invest and (b) engaging in
repurchase agreements;

         (7) Knowingly purchase any security that is subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or for which there is no readily available
market;

         (8) Purchase the securities of other investment companies or investment
trusts, unless they are acquired as part of a merger, consolidation or
acquisition of assets;

         (9) Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if any officer or
Trustee of the fund or the portfolio or its investment adviser is an officer or
director of such issuer and beneficially owns more than 1/2 of 1% of the
securities of such issuer and all of the officers and the Trustees of the fund
and the portfolio's investment adviser together own more than 5% of the
securities of such issuer;

         (10) Act as an underwriter, except as it may be deemed to be an
underwriter in a sale of restricted securities;

         (11) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management; or

         (12) Issue senior securities.


         In addition, in order to comply with certain non-fundamental policies
of the portfolio, the portfolio will not pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its
portfolio securities if at the time of such action the value of the securities
so pledged, mortgaged or hypothecated would exceed 10% of the value of the
portfolio. The term "person" as used in Investment Restriction No. 6 includes
institutions as well as individuals. Policies in this paragraph may be changed
by the Trustees without shareholder approval or notification.


CERTAIN ADDITIONAL NON-FUNDAMENTAL RESTRICTIONS THAT APPLY TO THE PORTFOLIOS

         Except with respect to the 300% asset coverage required with respect to
borrowings by each portfolio, if a percentage restriction on investment or
utilization of assets as set forth above is adhered to at the time an investment
is made, a later change in percentage resulting from changes in the values of
the portfolio's assets will not be considered a violation of the restriction.

2.       MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

The fund's Board of Trustees provides broad supervision over the affairs of the
fund. The officers of the fund are responsible for the fund's operations. The
Trustees and executive officers of the fund are listed below, together with
their principal occupations during the past five years. An asterisk indicates
those Trustees who are interested persons of the fund within the meaning of the
1940 Act.

JOHN F. COGAN, JR.*, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEE,
DOB: JUNE 1926

President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of The Pioneer Group, Inc.
("PGI"); Chairman and a Director of Pioneer, Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
("PFD"), Pioneer Goldfields Limited, Teberebie Goldfields Limited, Closed
Joint-Stock Company "Amgun-Forest," Closed Joint-Stock Company "Udinskoye" and
Closed Joint-Stock Company "Tas-Yurjah" Mining Company; Director of Pioneer Real
Estate Advisors, Inc. ("PREA"), Pioneer Forest, Inc., Pioneer Management
(Ireland) Ltd. ("PMIL"), Pioneer First Investment Fund and Closed Joint-Stock
Company "Forest-Starma"; President and Director of Pioneer Metals and
Technology, Inc. ("PMT"), Pioneer International Corp. ("PIntl"), Pioneer First
Russia, Inc. and Pioneer Omega, Inc. ("Pioneer Omega"); Chairman of the
Supervisory Board of Pioneer Fonds Marketing, GmbH, Pioneer First Polish
Investment Fund Joint Stock Company, S.A. ("Pioneer First Polish") and Pioneer
Czech Investment Company, A.S. ("Pioneer Czech"); Member of the Supervisory
Board of Pioneer Universal Pension Fund Company; Chairman, President and Trustee
of all of the Pioneer mutual funds; Director of Pioneer Global Equity Fund Plc,
Pioneer Global Bond Fund Plc, Pioneer Euro Reserve Fund Plc, Pioneer European
Equity Fund Plc, Pioneer Emerging Europe Fund Plc, Pioneer US Real Estate Fund
Plc, Pioneer U.S. Growth Fund Plc, Pioneer Diversified Income Fund Plc and
Pioneer America Fund Plc (collectively, the "Irish Funds"); and Of Counsel, Hale
and Dorr LLP (counsel to PGI and the fund).


RICHARD H. EGDAHL, M.D., TRUSTEE, DOB: DECEMBER 1926
BOSTON UNIVERSITY HEALTH POLICY INSTITUTE, 53 BAY STATE ROAD, BOSTON, MA 02215
Alexander Graham Bell Professor of Health Care Entrepreneurship, Boston
University; Professor of Management, Boston University School of Management;
Professor of Public Health, Boston University School of Public Health; Professor
of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine; University Professor, Boston
University; Director, Boston University Health Policy Institute, Boston
University Program for Health Care Entrepreneurship, CORE (management of
workers' compensation and disability costs - Nasdaq National Market), and
WellSpace (provider of complementary health care); Trustee, Boston Medical
Center; Honorary Trustee, Franciscan Children's Hospital; and Trustee of all of
the Pioneer mutual funds.

MARGUERITE A. PIRET, TRUSTEE, DOB: MAY 1948
ONE BOSTON PLACE, 26TH FLOOR, BOSTON, MA 02108
President,  Newbury,  Piret & Company,  Inc. (merchant banking firm); Trustee of
Boston  Medical  Center;  Member of the  Board of  Governors  of the  Investment
Company Institute;  Director,  Organogenesis Inc. (tissue engineering  company);
and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.

DAVID D. TRIPPLE*, TRUSTEE AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, DOB: FEBRUARY 1944
Executive Vice President and a Director of PGI; President and a Director of
Pioneer and PFD; Director of Pioneering Services Corporation ("PSC"), PIntl,
PREA, Pioneer Omega, PMIL, Pioneer First Investment Fund and the Irish Funds;
Member of the Supervisory Board of Pioneer First Polish and Pioneer Czech; and
Executive Vice President and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.

STEPHEN K. WEST, TRUSTEE, DOB: SEPTEMBER 1928
125 BROAD STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10004

Of Counsel, Sullivan & Cromwell (law firm); Director, Kleinwort Benson
Australian Income Fund, Inc. since May 1997 and The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.
since 1995 (investment companies), AMVESCAP PLC (investment managers) since 1997
and ING American Insurance Holdings, Inc; Trustee, The Winthrop Focus Funds
(investment companies); and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.


ERIC W. RECKARD, TREASURER, DOB: JUNE 1956

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of PGI since
June 1999; Treasurer of Pioneer, PFD, PSC, PIntl, PREA, PMT and Pioneer Omega
since June 1999; Vice President -Corporate Finance of PGI from February 1999 to
June 1999; Manager of Business Planning and Internal Audit of PGI since
September 1996; Manager of Fund Accounting of Pioneer since May 1994; and
Treasurer of all of the Pioneer mutual funds (Assistant Treasurer of the funds
prior to June 1999).


JOSEPH P. BARRI, SECRETARY, DOB: AUGUST 1946
Corporate Secretary of PGI and most of its subsidiaries; Secretary of all of the
Pioneer mutual funds; and Partner, Hale and Dorr LLP.


<PAGE>



VINCENT NAVE, ASSISTANT TREASURER, DOB: JUNE 1945
Vice President-Fund Accounting, Administration and Custody Services of Pioneer
(Manager from September 1996 to February 1999); and Assistant Treasurer of all
of the Pioneer mutual funds since 1999.

ROBERT P. NAULT, ASSISTANT SECRETARY, DOB: MARCH 1964
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of PGI since
1995; Assistant Secretary of Pioneer, certain other PGI subsidiaries and all of
the Pioneer mutual funds; Assistant Clerk of PFD and PSC.

The business address of all officers is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02109.

All of the outstanding capital stock of PFD, Pioneer and PSC is directly or
indirectly owned by PGI, a Delaware corporation. Pioneer, each portfolios'
investment adviser, serves as the investment adviser for the Pioneer mutual
funds and manages the investments of certain institutional accounts.

The table below lists all the Pioneer funds currently offered to the public
(other than the portfolios) and the investment adviser and principal underwriter
for each fund.

- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
                                     INVESTMENT ADVISER  PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

FUND NAME

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

Pioneer International Growth Fund    Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Europe Fund                  Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer World Equity Fund            Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund        Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Indo-Asia Fund               Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------

Pioneer Mid-Cap Value Fund           Pioneer             PFD

- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund                 Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Growth Shares                Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Small Company Fund           Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Independence Fund            Pioneer             Note 1
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Micro-Cap Fund               Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Gold Shares                  Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Balanced Fund                Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Equity-Income Fund           Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Fund                         Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer II                           Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Real Estate Shares           Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Short-Term Income Trust      Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer America Income Trust         Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Bond Fund                    Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund         Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund           Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Strategic Income Fund        Pioneer             PFD
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------

Pioneer Tax-Managed Fund             Pioneer             PFD

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

Pioneer High Yield Fund              Pioneer             PFD

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

Pioneer Science & Technology Fund    Pioneer             PFD

- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------
Pioneer Interest Shares              Pioneer             Note 2
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------------------

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

Note 1 This fund is available to the general public only through Pioneer
       Independence Plans, a systematic investment plan, sponsored by PFD.

Note 2 This fund is a closed-end investment company.

The business address of all officers is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02109.

All of the outstanding capital stock of PFD, Pioneer and PSC is owned, directly
or indirectly, by PGI, a publicly owned Delaware corporation. Pioneer, a
portfolio's investment adviser, serves as the investment adviser for the Pioneer
mutual funds and manages the investments of certain institutional accounts.

SHARE OWNERSHIP

See Appendix A for annual information on the ownership of shares of the
portfolios by the Trustees, officers and owners in excess of 5% of any class of
shares of a portfolio.

COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

A portfolio pays no salaries or compensation to any of its officers. A portfolio
compensates each Trustee who is not affiliated with PGI, Pioneer, PFD or PSC
with a base fee, a variable fee calculated on the basis of average net assets of
a portfolio, per meeting fees, and annual committee participation fees for each
committee member or chairperson that are based on percentages of his or her
aggregate annual fee. See the fee table in Appendix A

3.       INVESTMENT ADVISER

The fund on behalf of each portfolio has contracted with Pioneer to act as its
investment adviser. Pioneer is a wholly owned subsidiary of PGI. PGI is engaged
in the financial services business in the U.S. and other countries. Certain
Trustees or officers of a portfolio are also directors and/or officers of PGI
and its subsidiaries (see management biographies above).

As a portfolio's investment adviser, Pioneer provides a portfolio with
investment research, advice and supervision and furnishes an investment program
for a portfolio consistent with a portfolio's investment objective and policies,
subject to the supervision of the Trustees. Pioneer determines what portfolio
securities will be purchased or sold, arranges for the placing of orders for the
purchase or sale of portfolio securities, selects brokers or dealers to place
those orders, maintains books and records with respect to a portfolio's
securities transactions, and reports to the Trustees on a portfolio's
investments and performance.

Under the terms of its contract with the fund, Pioneer pays all the operating
expenses, including executive salaries and the rental of office space, relating
to its services for a portfolio, with the exception of the following, which are
to be paid by the portfolio: (a) charges and expenses for fund accounting,
pricing and appraisal services and related overhead, including, to the extent
such services are performed by personnel of Pioneer, or its affiliates, office
space and facilities and personnel compensation, training and benefits; (b) the
charges and expenses of auditors; (c) the charges and expenses of any custodian,
transfer agent, plan agent, dividend disbursing agent and registrar appointed by
a portfolio; (d) issue and transfer taxes, chargeable to a portfolio in
connection with securities transactions to which a portfolio is a party; (e)
insurance premiums, interest charges, dues and fees for membership in trade
associations and all taxes and corporate fees payable by a portfolio to federal,
state or other governmental agencies; (f) fees and expenses involved in
registering and maintaining registrations of a portfolio and/or its shares with
the SEC, state or blue sky securities agencies and foreign countries, including
the preparation of prospectuses and statements of additional information for
filing with the SEC; (g) all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings
and of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses, notices, proxy
statements and all reports to shareholders and to governmental agencies; (h)
charges and expenses of legal counsel to a portfolio and the Trustees; (i) any
distribution fees paid by a portfolio in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated
by the SEC pursuant to the 1940 Act; (j) compensation of those Trustees of a
portfolio who are not affiliated with or interested persons of Pioneer, a
portfolio (other than as Trustees), PGI or PFD; (k) the cost of preparing and
printing share certificates; and (l) interest on borrowed money, if any. In
addition to the expenses described above, a portfolio shall pay brokers' and
underwriting commissions chargeable to a portfolio in connection with securities
transactions to which a portfolio is a party. The Trustees' approval of and the
terms, continuance and termination of the management contract are governed by
the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as applicable. Pursuant to
the management contract, Pioneer will not be liable for any error of judgment or
mistake of law or for any loss sustained by reason of the adoption of any
investment policy or the purchase, sale or retention of any securities on the
recommendation of Pioneer. Pioneer, however, is not protected against liability
by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties under the management contract.

ADVISORY FEE.     As compensation for the management services each portfolio
pays Pioneer a fee at the annual rate of the applicable portfolio's average
daily net assets set forth below.


                                              MANAGEMENT FEE AS A
                                              PERCENTAGE OF PORTFOLIO'S
PORTFOLIO                                     AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS


America Income Portfolio                               0.55%
Balanced Portfolio                                     0.65%
Emerging Markets Portfolio                             1.15%
Equity-Income Portfolio                                0.65%
Europe Portfolio                                       1.00%
Pioneer Fund Portfolio                                 0.65%
Growth Shares Portfolio                                0.70%
High Yield Portfolio                                   0.65%
International Growth Portfolio                         1.00%
Mid-Cap Value Portfolio                                0.65%
Money Market Portfolio                                 0.50%
Real Estate Growth Portfolio                           0.80*%
Science & Technology Portfolio                         0.75%
Strategic Income Portfolio                             0.65%
Swiss Franc Bond Portfolio                             0.65%

*Prior to April 1, 1999, Pioneer's annual fee was equal to 1.00% of the
portfolio's average daily net assets.

The above management fees are normally computed daily and paid monthly in
arrears. Pioneer has voluntarily agreed not to impose all or a portion of its
management fee and to make other arrangements, if necessary, to limit a
portfolio's Class I share total annual operating expenses to a specified
percentage of average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares, as
indicated below. The portion of portfolio expenses attributable to Class II
shares of a portfolio will be reduced only to the extent such expenses were
reduced for the Class I shares of the portfolio. As of the date of this
statement of additional information, expense limitations are in effect for
America Income Portfolio, Emerging Markets Portfolio, Europe Portfolio, Growth
Shares Portfolio, High Yield Portfolio, International Growth Portfolio, Money
Market Portfolio, Pioneer Fund Portfolio, Real Estate Growth Portfolio, Science
& Technology Portfolio, Strategic Income Portfolio and Swiss Franc Bond
Portfolio. Pioneer is waiving all or a portion of its management fees for
Emerging Markets Portfolio, Europe Portfolio, and Strategic Income PortfolioAny
such arrangements may be revised or terminated by Pioneer at any time without
notice.


                                                  PERCENTAGE OF PORTFOLIO'S
                                                          CLASS I
PORTFOLIO                                        AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS


America Income Portfolio                                   1.25%
Emerging Markets Portfolio                                 1.75%
Europe Portfolio                                           1.50%
Growth Shares Portfolio                                    1.25%
High Yield Portfolio                                       1.25%
International Growth Portfolio                             1.50%
Money Market Portfolio                                     1.00%
Pioneer Fund Portfolio                                     1.25%
Real Estate Growth Portfolio                               1.25%
Science & Technology Portfolio                             1.25%
Strategic Income Portfolio                                 1.25%
Swiss Franc Bond Portfolio                                 1.25%

See Appendix A for the management fees paid to Pioneer during recently completed
fiscal years.

REAL ESTATE GROWTH PORTFOLIO SUBADVISER. Boston Financial Securities, Inc.
("BFS"), 101 Arch Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, served as the Real Estate
Growth Portfolio's subadviser through November 3, 1999.

As compensation for its subadvisory services, Pioneer paid BFS a subadvisory fee
equal to 0.30% per annum of the Real Estate Growth Portfolio's average daily net
assets. The fee was normally computed daily and paid monthly

ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT. The fund has entered into an administration agreement
with Pioneer pursuant to which certain accounting and legal services which are
expenses payable by the portfolios under the management contract are performed
by Pioneer and pursuant to which Pioneer is reimbursed for its costs of
providing such services. See Appendix A for fees the fund paid to Pioneer for
administration and related services.


POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Each portfolio is managed by Pioneer which also
serves as investment adviser to the other portfolios and other Pioneer mutual
funds and private accounts with investment objectives identical or similar to
those of a portfolio. Securities frequently meet the investment objectives of a
portfolio, the other Pioneer mutual funds and such private accounts. In such
cases, the decision to recommend a purchase to one fund or account rather than
another is based on a number of factors. The determining factors in most cases
are the amount of securities of the issuer then outstanding, the value of those
securities and the market for them. Other factors considered in the investment
recommendations include other investments which each fund or account presently
has in a particular industry and the availability of investment funds in each
fund or account.

It is possible that at times identical securities will be held by more than one
fund and/or account. However, positions in the same issue may vary and the
length of time that any fund or account may choose to hold its investment in the
same issue may likewise vary. To the extent that more than one of the Pioneer
mutual funds or a private account managed by Pioneer seeks to acquire the same
security at about the same time, a portfolio may not be able to acquire as large
a position in such security as it desires or it may have to pay a higher price
for the security. Similarly, a portfolio may not be able to obtain as large an
execution of an order to sell or as high a price for any particular portfolio
security if Pioneer decides to sell on behalf of another account the same
portfolio security at the same time. On the other hand, if the same securities
are bought or sold at the same time by more than one fund or account, the
resulting participation in volume transactions could produce better executions
for a portfolio. In the event more than one account purchases or sells the same
security on a given date, the purchases and sales will normally be made as
nearly as practicable on a pro rata basis in proportion to the amounts desired
to be purchased or sold by each account. Although the other Pioneer mutual funds
may have the same or similar investment objectives and policies as a portfolio,
their portfolios do not generally consist of the same investments as a portfolio
or each other, and their performance results are likely to differ from those of
a portfolio.


PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS. The fund, Pioneer and Pioneer Funds
Distributor, Inc. (PFD) have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the
1940 Act which is applicable to officers, trustees/directors and designated
employees. The code permits such persons to engage in personal securities
transactions for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased
or held by the fund, and is designed to prescribe means reasonably necessary to
prevent conflicts of interest from arising in connection with personal
securities transactions. The code is on public file with and available from the
SEC.


4.       PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109,
serves as the principal underwriter for the fund in connection with the
continuous offering of shares of the portfolios. The fund will not generally
issue shares for consideration other than cash. At the fund's sole discretion,
however, it may issue shares for consideration other than cash in connection
with an acquisition of portfolio securities pursuant to a purchase of assets,
merger or other reorganization.

The redemption price of shares of beneficial interest of a portfolio may, at
Pioneer's discretion, be paid in cash or portfolio securities. The fund has,
however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to
which each portfolio is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the
lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the portfolio's net asset value during any 90-day
period for any one shareholder. Should the amount of redemptions by any
shareholder exceed such limitation, the fund will have the option of redeeming
the excess in cash or portfolio securities. In the latter case, the securities
are taken at their value employed in determining the portfolio's net asset
value. A shareholder whose shares are redeemed in-kind may incur brokerage
charges in selling the securities received in-kind. The selection of such
securities will be made in such manner as the Board deems fair and reasonable.

CLASS II 12B-1 PLAN

The fund has adopted a plan of distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
1940 Act with respect to its Class II shares pursuant to which the Class II
shares of the fund will pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of up to 0.25%
of the fund's average daily net assets. The distribution fee is intended to
compensate PFD for its Class II distribution services to the fund. The fund has
not adopted a plan of distribution with respect to its Class I shares.

In accordance with the terms of the plan of distribution, PFD provides to the
fund for review by the Trustees a quarterly written report of the amounts
expended and the purpose for which such expenditures were made. In the Trustees'
quarterly review of the plan of distribution, they will consider the continued
appropriateness and the level of reimbursement or compensation the plan of
distribution provides.

No interested person of the fund, nor any Trustee of the fund who is not an
interested person of the fund, has any direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the plan of distribution except to the extent that PFD and
certain of its employees may be deemed to have such an interest as a result of
receiving a portion of the amounts expended under the plan of distribution by
the fund and except to the extent certain officers may have an interest in PFD's
ultimate parent, PGI.

The plan of distribution was adopted by a majority vote of the Board of
Trustees, including all of the Trustees who are not, and were not at the time
they voted, interested persons of the fund, as defined in the 1940 Act (none of
whom has or have any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of
the plan of distribution), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on the plan of distribution. In approving the plan of distribution, the
Trustees identified and considered a number of potential benefits which the it
may provide. The Board of Trustees believes that there is a reasonable
likelihood that the plan of distribution will benefit the fund and its current
and future shareholders. Under its terms, the plan of distribution remains in
effect from year to year provided such continuance is approved annually by vote
of the Trustees in the manner described above. The plan of distribution may not
be amended to increase materially the annual percentage limitation of average
net assets which may be spent for the services described therein without
approval of the shareholders of the class affected thereby, and material
amendments of the plan of distribution must also be approved by the Trustees in
the manner described above. The plan of distribution may be terminated at any
time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of the majority of the Trustees
who are not interested persons of the fund and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operations of the plan of distribution, or by a vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of the respective Class of the fund. The plan of distribution will automatically
terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

6.       CUSTODIAN

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is
the custodian of a portfolio's assets. The custodian's responsibilities include
safekeeping and controlling a portfolio's cash and securities, handling the
receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on a
portfolio's investments.

7.       INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Arthur Andersen LLP, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, is a
portfolio's independent public accountants, providing audit services, tax return
review, and assistance and consultation with respect to the preparation of
filings with the SEC.

8.       PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS


All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf
of a portfolio by Pioneer pursuant to authority contained in a portfolio's
management contract. Pioneer seeks to obtain the best execution on portfolio
trades. The price of securities and any commission rate paid are always factors,
but frequently not the only factors, in judging best execution. In selecting
brokers or dealers, Pioneer considers various relevant factors, including, but
not limited to, the size and type of the transaction; the nature and character
of the markets for the security to be purchased or sold; the execution
efficiency, settlement capability and financial condition of the dealer; the
dealer's execution services rendered on a continuing basis; and the
reasonableness of any dealer spreads. Transactions in foreign equity securities
are executed by broker-dealers in foreign countries in which commission rates
may not be negotiable (as such rates are in the U.S.).


Pioneer may select broker-dealers that provide brokerage and/or research
services to a portfolio and/or other investment companies or other accounts
managed by Pioneer. In addition, consistent with Section 28(e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if Pioneer determines in good faith that the
amount of commissions charged by a broker-dealer is reasonable in relation to
the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker, a
portfolio may pay commissions to such broker-dealer in an amount greater than
the amount another firm may charge. Such services may include advice concerning
the value of securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling
securities; the availability of securities or the purchasers or sellers of
securities; providing stock quotation services, credit rating service
information and comparative fund statistics; furnishing analyses, electronic
information services, manuals and reports concerning issuers, industries,
securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and performance of
accounts and particular investment decisions; and effecting securities
transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and
settlement). Pioneer maintains a listing of broker-dealers who provide such
services on a regular basis. However, because many transactions on behalf of a
portfolio and other investment companies or accounts managed by Pioneer are
placed with broker-dealers (including broker-dealers on the listing) without
regard to the furnishing of such services, it is not possible to estimate the
proportion of such transactions directed to such dealers solely because such
services were provided. Pioneer believes that no exact dollar value can be
calculated for such services.

The research received from broker-dealers may be useful to Pioneer in rendering
investment management services to a portfolio as well as other investment
companies or other accounts managed by Pioneer, although not all such research
may be useful to a portfolio. Conversely, such information provided by brokers
or dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf of such other accounts
may be useful to Pioneer in carrying out its obligations to a portfolio. The
receipt of such research has not reduced Pioneer's normal independent research
activities; however, it enables Pioneer to avoid the additional expenses which
might otherwise be incurred if it were to attempt to develop comparable
information through its own staff.

In circumstances where two or more broker-dealers offer comparable prices and
executions, preference may be given to a broker-dealer which has sold shares of
a portfolio as well as shares of other investment companies managed by Pioneer.
This policy does not imply a commitment to execute all portfolio transactions
through all broker-dealers that sell shares of a portfolio.

The Pioneer funds have entered into third-party brokerage and/or expense offset
arrangements to reduce the funds' total operating expenses. Pursuant to
third-party brokerage arrangements, certain of the funds that invest primarily
in U.S. equity securities may incur lower custody fees by directing brokerage to
third-party broker-dealers. Pursuant to expense offset arrangements, the funds
incur lower transfer agency expenses by maintaining their cash balances with the
custodian. See "Financial highlights" in the prospectus.

See the table in Appendix A for aggregate brokerage and underwriting commissions
paid by a portfolio in connection with its portfolio transactions during
recently completed fiscal years. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews
Pioneer's performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement
of portfolio transactions on behalf of a portfolio.

9.       DESCRIPTION OF SHARES


The fund's Declaration of Trust permits the Board of Trustees to authorize the
issuance of an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial
interest (without par value) which may be divided into such separate series as
the Trustees may establish. Currently, the fund consists of 15 portfolios. The
Trustees may establish additional portfolios of shares in the future, and may
divide or combine the shares into a greater or lesser number of shares without
thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interests. The Declaration of
Trust further authorizes the Trustees to classify or reclassify any series of
the shares into one or more classes. Pursuant thereto, the Trustees have
authorized the issuance of Class I and Class II shares. Each share of a class of
a portfolio represents an equal proportionate interest in the portfolio
allocable to that class. The shares of each class of a portfolio participate
equally in the earnings, dividends and assets of the portfolio, and are entitled
to vote separately to approve investment advisory agreements or changes in
investment restrictions, but shareholders of all portfolios vote together in the
election and selection of Trustees and accountants. Upon liquidation of a
portfolio, shareholders of each class of the portfolio are entitled to share pro
rata in the Portfolio's net assets available allocable to such class for
distribution to shareholders.


Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and may vote in the
election of Trustees and on other matters submitted to a meeting of
shareholders. Although Trustees are not elected annually by the shareholders,
shareholders have, under certain circumstances, the right to remove one or more
Trustees. A portfolio is not required, and does not intend, to hold annual
shareholder meetings although special meetings may be called for the purpose of
electing or removing Trustees, changing fundamental investment restrictions or
approving a management contract.

The shares of each series of a portfolio are entitled to vote separately to
approve investment advisory agreements or changes in investment restrictions,
but shareholders of all series vote together in the election and selection of
Trustees and accountants. Shares of all series of a portfolio vote together as a
class on matters that affect all series of a portfolio in substantially the same
manner. As to matters affecting a single series or class, shares of such series
or class will vote separately. No amendment adversely affecting the rights of
shareholders may be made to the Declaration without the affirmative vote of a
majority of a portfolio's shares. Shares have no preemptive or conversion
rights.

As a Delaware business trust, a portfolio's operations are governed by the
Declaration. Generally, Delaware business trust shareholders are not personally
liable for obligations of the Delaware business trust under Delaware law. The
Delaware Business Trust Act (the "Delaware Act") provides that a shareholder of
a Delaware business trust shall be entitled to the same limitation of liability
extended to shareholders of private for-profit corporations. The Declaration
expressly provides that a portfolio is organized under the Delaware Act and that
the Declaration is to be governed by Delaware law. There is nevertheless a
possibility that a Delaware business trust, such as a portfolio, might become a
party to an action in another state whose courts refused to apply Delaware law,
in which case a portfolio's shareholders could become subject to personal
liability.

To guard against this risk, the Declaration (i) contains an express disclaimer
of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of a portfolio and provides
that notice of such disclaimer may be given in each agreement, obligation or
instrument entered into or executed by a portfolio or its Trustees, (ii)
provides for the indemnification out of fund property of any shareholders held
personally liable for any obligations of a portfolio or any series of a
portfolio and (iii) provides that a portfolio shall, upon request, assume the
defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of a
portfolio and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder
incurring financial loss beyond his or her investment because of shareholder
liability is limited to circumstances in which all of the following factors are
present: (1) a court refused to apply Delaware law; (2) the liability arose
under tort law or, if not, no contractual limitation of liability was in effect;
and (3) a portfolio itself would be unable to meet its obligations. In light of
Delaware law, the nature of a portfolio's business and the nature of its assets,
the risk of personal liability to a fund shareholder is remote.

In addition to the requirements under Delaware law, the Declaration provides
that a shareholder of a portfolio may bring a derivative action on behalf of a
portfolio only if the following conditions are met: (a) shareholders eligible to
bring such derivative action under Delaware law who hold at least 10% of the
outstanding shares of a portfolio, or 10% of the outstanding shares of the
series or class to which such action relates, shall join in the request for the
Trustees to commence such action; and (b) the Trustees must be afforded a
reasonable amount of time to consider such shareholder request and investigate
the basis of such claim. The Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or
other advisers in considering the merits of the request and shall require an
undertaking by the shareholders making such request to reimburse a portfolio for
the expense of any such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to
bring such action.

The Declaration further provides that a portfolio shall indemnify each of its
Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by
them in connection with, or arising out of, any action, suit or proceeding,
threatened against or otherwise involving such Trustee or officer, directly or
indirectly, by reason of being or having been a Trustee or officer of a
portfolio. The Declaration does not authorize a portfolio to indemnify any
Trustee or officer against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be
subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of such person's duties.

10.      PRICING OF SHARES

The net asset value per share of each class of a portfolio is determined as of
the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day on
which the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open for trading. As of
the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the Exchange is open for
trading every weekday except for the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The net asset value per
share of each class of a portfolio is also determined on any other day in which
the level of trading in its portfolio securities is sufficiently high so that
the current net asset value per share might be materially affected by changes in
the value of its portfolio securities. No portfolio is required to determine its
net asset value per share on any day in which no purchase orders for the shares
of the portfolio become effective and no shares of the portfolio are tendered
for redemption.

The net asset value per share of each class of a portfolio is computed by taking
the value of all of the portfolio's assets attributable to a class less the
portfolio's liabilities attributable to that class, and dividing it by the
number of outstanding shares for the class. For purposes of determining net
asset value, expenses of each class of a portfolio are accrued daily.

MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO

Except as set forth in the following paragraph, Money Market Portfolio's
investments are valued on each business day on the basis of amortized cost, if
the Board of Trustees determines in good faith that the method approximates fair
value. This technique involves valuing an instrument at its cost and,
thereafter, assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or
premium, regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market
value of the instrument. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it
may result in periods during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is
higher or lower than the price such portfolio would receive if it sold the
investment. During periods of declining interest rates, the yield on shares of
Money Market Portfolio computed as described below may tend to be higher than a
like computation made by a fund with identical investments utilizing a method of
valuation based upon market prices and estimates of market prices for all of its
portfolio investments. Thus, if the use of amortized cost by Money Market
Portfolio resulted in a lower aggregate portfolio value on a particular day, a
prospective investor in the portfolio would be able to obtain a somewhat higher
yield than would result from investment in a fund utilizing solely market
values. The converse would apply in a period of rising interest rates.

In determining Money Market Portfolio's net asset value, "when-issued"
securities will be valued at the value of the security at the time the
commitment to purchase is entered into.

The valuation of Money Market Portfolio's investments based upon their amortized
cost and the concomitant maintenance of the portfolio's per share net asset
value of $1.00 is permitted in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act,
pursuant to which the portfolio must adhere to certain conditions which are
described in detail in the prospectus. Money Market Portfolio must maintain a
dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less. The maturities of
variable rate demand instruments held by the portfolio will be deemed to be the
longer of the demand period or the period remaining until the next interest rate
adjustment, although stated maturities may be in excess of one year. The
Trustees have established procedures designed to stabilize, to the extent
reasonably possible, the price per share of each class of Money Market Portfolio
for the purpose of maintaining sales and redemptions at a single value. Such
procedures will include review of the portfolio's holdings by the Trustees, at
such intervals as they may deem appropriate, to determine whether the
portfolio's net asset value per class calculated by using available market
quotations deviates from $1.00 per share and, if so, whether such deviation may
result in material dilution or is otherwise unfair to existing shareholders. In
the event the Trustees determine that such a deviation exists, they have agreed
to take such corrective action as they regard as necessary and appropriate,
including: (i) the sale of portfolio instruments prior to maturity to realize
capital gains or losses or to shorten average portfolio maturity; (ii)
withholding dividends; (iii) redeeming shares in kind; or (iv) establishing a
net asset value per share by using available market quotations. It is the
intention of the Fund to maintain Money Market Portfolio's per-share net asset
value at $1.00 but there can be no assurance of this.

ALL OTHER PORTFOLIOS

Securities are valued at the last sale price on the principal exchange or market
where they are traded. Securities which have not traded on the date of valuation
or securities for which sales prices are not generally reported are valued at
the mean between the current bid and asked prices. Securities quoted in foreign
currencies are converted to U.S. dollars utilizing foreign exchange rates
employed by the fund's independent pricing services. Generally, trading in
foreign securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to
the close of regular trading on the Exchange. The values of such securities used
in computing the net asset value of the fund's shares are determined as of such
times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior to
the close of regular trading on the Exchange. Occasionally, events which affect
the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur between the
times at which they are determined and the close of regular trading on the
Exchange and will therefore not be reflected in the computation of the fund's
net asset value. If events materially affecting the value of such securities
occur during such period, then these securities may be valued at their fair
value as determined in good faith by the Trustees. All assets of the fund for
which there is no other readily available valuation method are valued at their
fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees, although the actual
computations may be made by persons acting pursuant to the direction of the
Board of Trustees.

Ordinarily, investments in debt securities are valued on the basis of
information furnished by a pricing service which utilizes primarily a matrix
system (which reflects such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and
ratings), supplemented by dealer and exchange quotations, to recommend
valuations for normal institutional-sized trading units of debt securities.
Securities are valued at the last sale price on the principal exchange or market
where they are traded. Securities which have not traded on the date of valuation
or securities for which sales prices are not generally reported are valued at
the mean between the current bid and asked prices. Securities quoted in foreign
currencies are converted to U.S. dollars utilizing foreign exchange rates
employed by the portfolios' independent pricing services. Generally, trading in
foreign securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to
the close of regular trading on the Exchange. The values of such securities used
in computing the net asset value of a portfolio's shares are determined as of
such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior
to the close of regular trading on the Exchange. Occasionally, events which
affect the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur between
the times at which they are determined and the close of regular trading on the
Exchange and will therefore not be reflected in the computation of a portfolio's
net asset value. If events materially affecting the value of such securities
occur during such period, then these securities may be valued at their fair
value as determined in good faith by the Trustees. All assets of a portfolio for
which there is no other readily available valuation method are valued at their
fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees, although the actual
computations may be made by persons acting pursuant to the direction of the
Board of Trustees.

The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is computed by taking
the value of all of the fund's assets attributable to a class, less the fund's
liabilities attributable to that class, and dividing the result by the number of
outstanding shares of that class. For purposes of determining net asset value,
expenses of the classes of the fund are accrued daily and taken into account.

11.      TAX STATUS


Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for U.S.federal income tax
purposes. It is each portfolio's policy to meet the requirements of Subchapter M
of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company. These
requirements relate to the sources of a portfolio's income, the diversification
of its assets and the distribution of its income to shareholders. If a portfolio
meets all such requirements and distributes to its shareholders, in accordance
with the Code's timing requirements, all investment company taxable income and
net capital gain, if any, which it earns, the portfolio will be relieved of the
necessity of paying U.S. federal income tax.

In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M, a
portfolio must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its annual gross
income for 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 gains from options, futures
and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such
stock, securities or currencies (the "90% income test"), and satisfy certain
annual distribution and quarterly diversification requirements. For purposes of
the 90% income test, the character of income earned by certain entities in which
the portfolio invests that are not treated as corporations (E.G., partnerships
or trusts) for U.S. tax purposes will generally pass through to the portfolio;
consequently, a portfolio may be required to limit its equity investments in
such entities that earn fee income, rental income, or other nonqualifying
income.


As noted in the prospectus, each portfolio must, and intends to, comply with the
diversification requirements imposed by Section 817(h) of the Code and the
regulations thereunder. These requirements, which are in addition to the
diversification requirements imposed on a portfolio by the 1940 Act and
Subchapter M of the Code, place certain limitations on the assets of each
separate account. Section 817(h) and these regulations treat the assets of the
portfolios as assets of the related separate accounts and, among other things,
limit the extent to which the assets of a portfolio may be represented by any
one, two, three or four investments. Specifically, the regulations provide that,
except as permitted by the "safe harbor" described below, as of the end of each
calendar quarter or within 30 days thereafter no more than 55% of the total
assets of a portfolio may be represented by any one investment, no more than 70%
by any two investments, no more than 80% by any three investments and no more
than 90% by any four investments. For this purpose, all securities of the same
issuer are considered a single investment, and each U.S. government agency and
instrumentality is considered a separate issuer. Section 817(h) provides, as a
safe harbor, that a separate account will be treated as being adequately
diversified if the diversification requirements under Subchapter M are satisfied
and no more than 55% of the value of the account's total assets are cash and
cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities and securities of
other regulated investment companies. Failure by a portfolio to both qualify as
a regulated investment company and satisfy the Section 817(h) requirements would
generally result in adverse treatment of the variable contract holders,
differing from the treatment described in the applicable variable contract
prospectus, by causing the contracts to lose their favorable tax status and
requiring a contract holder to include in ordinary income any income accrued
under the contracts for the current and all prior taxable years. Any such
failure may also result in adverse tax consequences for the insurance company
issuing the contracts.

Dividends from investment company taxable income, which includes net investment
income, net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss, and
certain net foreign exchange gains, are treated as ordinary income, whether
received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Dividends from net
long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss ("net capital
gain"), if any, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares, are
treated as long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes without regard
to the length of time shares of the portfolio have been held.


Any dividend declared by a portfolio as of a record date in October, November or
December as of a record date and paid during the following January will be
treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on
December 31 of the calendar year in which it is declared.

Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by a portfolio in connection with
certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities,
certain options and futures contracts relating to foreign currency, foreign
currency forward contracts, foreign currencies, or payables or receivables
denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which
generally causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary income and
losses and may affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to
shareholders. Under future regulations, any such transactions that are not
directly related to a portfolio's investments in stock or securities (or its
options or futures contracts with respect to stock or securities) may have to be
limited in order to enable the portfolio to satisfy the 90% income test. If the
net foreign exchange loss for a year were to exceed a portfolio's investment
company taxable income (computed without regard to such loss), the resulting
ordinary loss for such year would not be deductible by the portfolio or its
shareholders in future years.

If a portfolio acquires any equity interest (under future regulations, generally
including not only stock but also an option to acquire stock such as is inherent
in a convertible bond) in certain non-U.S. corporations that receive at least
75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest,
dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains) or that hold at least
50% of their assets in investments producing such passive income ("passive
foreign investment companies"), the portfolio could be subject to U.S. federal
income tax and additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received
from such companies or on gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if
all income or gain actually received by the portfolio is timely distributed to
its shareholders. The portfolio would not be able to pass through to its
shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. An election may generally
be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but any such
election could require the applicable portfolio to recognize taxable income or
gain (subject to tax distribution requirements) without the concurrent receipt
of cash. These investments could also result in the treatment of associated
capital gains as ordinary income. A portfolio may limit and/or manage its
holdings in passive foreign investment companies to minimize its tax liability
or maximize its return from these investments.

Emerging Markets Portfolio, Equity-Income Portfolio, Europe Portfolio, Growth
Shares Portfolio, High Yield Portfolio, Pioneer Fund Portfolio, Real Estate
Growth Portfolio, Science & Technology Portfolio and Strategic Income
Portfoliomay invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories
or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying
interest or who are in default. International Growth Portfolio may hold such
securities only as a result of credit quality downgrades. Investments in debt
obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the
portfolios. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when a
portfolio may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount, or market
discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or
worthless securities, how payments received on obligations in default should be
allocated between principal and income, and whether exchanges of debt
obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be
addressed by a portfolio, in the event it invests in such securities, in order
to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status
as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal
income tax.

If a portfolio invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon
securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities
with original issue discount (or with market discount if a portfolio elects to
include market discount in income currently), the portfolio must accrue income
on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the
receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the portfolio must
distribute, at least annually, all or substantially all of its net income,
including such accrued income, to shareholders to qualify as a regulated
investment company under the Code and avoid U.S. federal income tax. Therefore,
the portfolio may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under
disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage itself
by borrowing the cash, to satisfy distribution requirements.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, each portfolio is permitted to carry
forward a net capital loss for any year to offset its own capital gains, if any,
during the eight years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent
capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in U.S. federal
income tax liability to the portfolio and therefore are not expected to be
distributed as such to shareholders. Each portfolio's capital loss
carryforwards, if any, are set forth on Appendix A.

Redemptions and exchanges are taxable events for shareholders that are subject
to tax. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with reference to
their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction
in portfolio shares is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as the
following discussion assumes. Any loss realized by a shareholder upon the
redemption, exchange or other disposition of shares with a tax holding period of
six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of
any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain with respect to
such shares. Losses on redemptions or other dispositions of shares may be
disallowed under "wash sale" rules in the event of other investments in the same
portfolio (including those made pursuant to reinvestment of dividends and/or
capital gain distributions) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before
and ending 30 days after a redemption or other disposition of shares. In such a
case, the disallowed portion of any loss would generally be included in the
federal tax basis of the shares acquired in the other investments.

Options written or purchased and futures contracts entered into by a portfolio
on certain securities, indices and foreign currencies, as well as certain
foreign currency forward contracts, may cause the portfolio to recognize gains
or losses from marking-to-market at the end of its taxable year even though such
options may not have lapsed, been closed out, or exercised, or such futures or
forward contracts may not have been performed or closed out. The tax rules
applicable to these contracts may affect the characterization of some capital
gains and losses realized by the portfolios as long-term or short-term. Certain
options, futures and forward contracts relating to foreign currency may be
subject to Section 988, as described above, and may accordingly produce ordinary
income or loss. Additionally, the fund may be required to recognize gain if an
option, forward contract, futures contract, short sale or other transaction that
is not subject to the mark to market rules is treated as a "constructive sale"
of an "appreciated financial position" held by the fund under Section 1259 of
the Code. Any net mark to market gains and/or gains from constructive sales may
also have to be distributed to satisfy the distribution requirements referred to
above even though the portfolio may receive no corresponding cash amounts,
possibly requiring the disposition of portfolio securities or borrowing to
obtain the necessary cash. Losses on certain options, futures or forward
contracts and/or offsetting positions (portfolio securities or other positions
with respect to which a portfolio's risk of loss is substantially diminished by
one or more options, futures or forward contracts) may also be deferred under
the tax straddle rules of the Code, which may also affect the characterization
of capital gains or losses from straddle positions and certain successor
positions as long-term or short-term. Certain tax elections may be available
that would enable a portfolio to ameliorate some adverse effects of the tax
rules described in this paragraph. The tax rules applicable to options, futures
or forward contracts and straddles may affect the amount, timing and character
of a portfolio's income and capital gains or losses and hence of its
distributions to shareholders.

Each portfolio that may invest in countries other than the U.S. may be subject
to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries, including taxes on
interest, dividends and capital gains, with respect to its investments in those
countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or
eliminate such taxes in some cases. The portfolios do not expect to pass through
to their shareholders their pro rata shares of qualified non-U.S. taxes paid by
the portfolios, with the result that shareholders will not include such taxes in
their gross incomes and will not be entitled to a tax deduction or credit for
such taxes on their own tax returns. The portfolios, however, generally may
deduct any foreign taxes that are not passed through to their shareholders in
computing their income available for distribution to shareholders to satisfy
applicable tax distribution requirements.


Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and
deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions, and certain
prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts held by trustees of qualified
pension or retirement plans. These shareholders should consult their tax
advisers for more information.


If, as anticipated, each portfolio continues to qualify as a regulated
investment company under the Code, each such portfolio will not be required to
pay any Massachusetts income, corporate excise or franchise taxes or any
Delaware corporation income tax.


The description of certain federal tax provisions above relates solely to U.S.
federal income tax law as it applies to the portfolios and to certain aspects of
their distributions. It does not address special tax rules applicable to certain
classes of investors, such as tax-exempt entities and insurance companies.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers on these matters and on
state, local and other applicable tax laws.

12.      INVESTMENT RESULTS

QUOTATIONS, COMPARISONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

From time to time, in advertisements, in sales literature or in reports to
shareholders, the past performance of the fund may be illustrated and/or
compared with that of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and
to stock or other relevant indices. For example, total return of the fund's
classes may be compared to rankings prepared by Lipper, Inc., a widely
recognized independent service which monitors mutual fund performance; the S&P
500, an index of unmanaged groups of common stock; the Dow Jones Industrial
Average, a recognized unmanaged index of common stocks of 30 industrial
companies listed on the Exchange; or the Russell U.S. Equity Indexes or the
Wilshire Total Market Value Index, which are recognized unmanaged indexes of
broad-based common stocks.

In addition, the performance of the classes of the fund may be compared to
alternative investment or savings vehicles and/or to indices or indicators of
economic activity, e.g., inflation or interest rates. The fund may also include
securities industry or comparative performance information generally and in
advertising or materials marketing the fund's shares. Performance rankings and
listings reported in newspapers or national business and financial publications,
such as BARRON'S, BUSINESS WEEK, CONSUMERS DIGEST, CONSUMER REPORTS, FINANCIAL
WORLD, FORBES, FORTUNE, INVESTORS BUSINESS DAILY, KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCE
MAGAZINE, MONEY MAGAZINE, NEW YORK TIMES, SMART MONEY, USA TODAY, U.S. NEWS AND
WORLD REPORT, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL and WORTH may also be cited (if the fund
is listed in any such publication) or used for comparison, as well as
performance listings and rankings from various other sources including Bloomberg
Financial Markets, CDA/Wiesenberger, Donoghue's Mutual Fund Almanac, Ibbotson
Associates, Investment Company Data, Inc., Johnson's Charts, Kanon Bloch Carre
and Co., Lipper, Inc., Micropal, Inc., Morningstar, Inc., Schabacker Investment
Management and Towers Data Systems, Inc.

In addition, from time to time quotations from articles from financial
publications such as those listed above may be used in advertisements, in sales
literature or in reports to shareholders of the fund.

The fund may also present, from time to time, historical information depicting
the value of a hypothetical account in one of more classes of the fund since
inception.

In presenting investment results, the fund may also include references to
certain financial planning concepts, including (a) an investor's need to
evaluate his financial assets and obligations to determine how much to invest;
(b) his need to analyze the objectives of various investments to determine where
to invest; and (c) his need to analyze his time frame for future capital needs
to determine how long to invest. The investor controls these three factors, all
of which affect the use of investments in building assets.

Each portfolio's yield quotations and average total return quotations for each
class as they may appear in the prospectus, this Statement of Additional
Information or in advertising are calculated by standard methods prescribed by
the SEC.

STANDARDIZED YIELD QUOTATIONS

The yield of a class is computed by dividing the class' net investment income
per share during a base period of 30 days, or one month, by the maximum offering
price per share of the class on the last day of such base period in accordance
with the following formula:

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

Where:

    a     =    interest earned during the period

    b     =    net 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

For purposes of calculating interest earned on debt obligations as provided in
item "a" above:

         (i) The yield to maturity of each obligation held by the fund is
computed based on the market value of the obligation (including actual accrued
interest, if any) at the close of business each day during the 30-day base
period, or, with respect to obligations purchased during the month, the purchase
price (plus actual accrued interest, if any) on settlement date, and with
respect to obligations sold during the month the sale price (plus actual accrued
interest, if any) between the trade and settlement dates.


         (ii) The yield to maturity of each obligation is then divided by 360
and the resulting quotient is multiplied by the market value of the obligation
(including actual accrued interest, if any) to determine the interest income on
the obligation for each day. The yield to maturity calculation has been made on
each obligation during the 30-day base period.

         (iii) Interest earned on all debt obligations during the 30-day or
one-month period is then totaled.


         (iv) The maturity of an obligation with a call provision(s) is the next
call date on which the obligation reasonably may be expected to be called or, if
none, the maturity date.

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 ("pay downs"), the fund accounts for gain or
loss attributable to actual monthly pay downs as an increase or decrease to
interest income during the period. In addition, the fund may elect (i) to
amortize the discount or premium remaining on a security, based on the cost of
the security, to the weighted average maturity date, if such information is
available, or to the remaining term of the security, if the weighted average
maturity date is not available, or (ii) not to amortize the remaining discount
or premium on a security.

For purposes of computing yield, interest income is recognized by accruing 1/360
of the stated interest rate of each obligation in the fund's portfolio each day
that the obligation is in the portfolio. Expenses of Class II accrued during any
base period, if any, pursuant to its Distribution Plan are included among the
expenses accrued during the base period.

STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS

One of the primary methods used to measure the performance of a class of the
fund is "total return." Total return will normally represent the percentage
change in value of an account, or of a hypothetical investment in a class of the
fund, over any period up to the lifetime of that class of the fund. Total return
calculations will usually assume the reinvestment of all dividends and capital
gain distributions and will be expressed as a percentage increase or decrease
from an initial value for the entire period or for one or more specified periods
within the entire period. Total return percentages for periods of less than one
year will usually be annualized; total return percentages for periods longer
than one year will usually be accompanied by total return percentages for each
year within the period and/or by the average annual compounded total return for
the period. The income and capital components of a given return may be separated
and portrayed in a variety of ways in order to illustrate their relative
significance. Performance may also be portrayed in terms of cash or investment
values without percentages. Past performance cannot guarantee any particular
future result.

The fund's average annual total return quotations for each of its classes as
that information may appear in the fund's prospectus, this statement of
additional information or in advertising are calculated by standard methods
prescribed by the SEC.

Average annual total return quotations for each class of shares are computed by
finding the average annual compounded rates of return that would cause a
hypothetical investment in the class made on the first day of a designated
period (assuming all dividends and distributions are reinvested) to equal the
ending redeemable value of such hypothetical investment on the last day of the
designated period in accordance with the following formula:
                        n
                  P(1+T)  = ERV

Where:

         P        =     a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, less the
                        maximum sales load of $57.50 for Class A shares or
                        the deduction of the CDSC for Class B and Class C
                        shares at the end of the period; for Class Y shares,
                        no sales load or CDSC applies

         T        =     average annual total return

         n        =     number of years

         ERV      =     ending redeemable value of the hypothetical $1,00
                        initial payment made at the beginning of the designated
                        period (or fractional portion thereof)

For purposes of the above computation, it is assumed that all dividends and
distributions made by the fund are reinvested at net asset value during the
designated period. The average annual total return quotation is determined to
the nearest 1/100 of 1%.

In determining the average annual total return (calculated as provided above),
recurring fees, if any, that are charged to all shareholder accounts of a
particular class of shares are taken into consideration. For any account fees
that vary with the size of the account, the account fee used for purposes of the
above computation is assumed to be the fee that would be charged to the class'
mean account size.

See Appendix A for the annual total returns for each class of fund shares as of
the most recently completed fiscal year.

13.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The fund's annual report for its Class I shares, filed with the SEC on March 3,
2000 (Accession No. 0000930709-00-000005) and the fund's annual report for its
Class II shares, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2000 (Accession No.
0000930709-00-000006), are incorporated by reference into this Statement of
Additional Information. The financial statements in the fund's annual reports,
including the financial highlights, for the period ended December 31,
1999,included or incorporated by reference into the prospectus and this
Statement of Additional Information, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect to the
financial statements, and are included in reliance upon the authority of Arthur
Andersen LLP as experts in accounting and auditing in giving their report.



<PAGE>


14.      APPENDIX A - ANNUAL FEE, EXPENSE AND OTHER INFORMATION

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The annual portfolio turnover rate for each of the portfolios, except the Money
Market portfolio, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 was:


America Income                              41%
Balanced                                    59%
Emerging Markets                           144%
Equity-Income                               23%
Europe                                      60%
International Growth                        90%
Pioneer Fund                                8%
Growth Shares                               47%
High Yield                                 N/A*
Mid-Cap Value                               91%
Real Estate Growth                          54%
Science & Technology                       N/A*
Swiss Franc Bond                            12%
Strategic Income                            49%

*Commencement of operations, May 1, 2000

SHARE OWNERSHIP


As of March 31, 2000, the officers and trustees of the fund owned beneficially
in the aggregate less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the fund. Also as of
March 31, 2000, Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity Company,
Accumulation Account, ATTN: Separate Accounting, 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester,
MA 01653-002, owned substantially all of the Class I shares of record of each
portfolio with the exception of the Emerging Markets, Mid-Cap Value and Real
Estate Growth Portfolios. The following is a list of the holders of 5% or more
of any of the Emerging Markets, Mid-Cap Value, Real Estate Growth and Strategic
Income Portfolios' outstanding Class I and Equity-Income Portfolio's outstanding
Class II shares as of March 31, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS I SHARES
<S>                                  <C>                        <C>                 <C>
RECORD HOLDER                        PORTFOLIO                  NUMBER OF SHARES    % OF CLASS
Allmerica Financial Life Co.         Emerging Markets              13,437               57.32
Accumulation Account                 Mid-Cap Value              6,866,122               91.84
ATTN: Separate Accounting            Real Estate Growth         1,642,718               69.86
440 Lincoln Street                   Strategic Income             196,540               79.12

Worcester, MA  01653-0002


Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.      Emerging Markets              10,000               42.66
ATTN:  Chris Kozakis                 Strategic Income              41,315               16.63
60 State Street

Boston, MA  02109-1800


United of Omaha                      Mid-Cap Value                498,364                6.66
  Life Insurance Co.                 Real Estate Growth           690,059               29.34

Corporate General Ledger 5th fl
Mutual of Omaha Plaza
Omaha, NE  68175-0001


CLASS II SHARES

RECORD HOLDER                        PORTFOLIO                  NUMBER OF SHARES          % OF CLASS
Great-West Life & Annuity            Equity-Income                   13,625               100.00
   Client Plans
8515 East Orchard Road, 2T2
Englewood, CO 80111-5037

</TABLE>
COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
compensation of each Trustee of the fund.
<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>                  <C>                             <C>


                                                                                  TOTAL COMPENSATION
                             AGGREGATE            PENSION OR RETIREMENT           FROM THE FUND
                             COMPENSATION         OF FUND EXPENSES                AND OTHER
                             FROM                 BENEFITS ACCRUED AS PART        PIONEER MUTUAL
NAME OF TRUSTEE              FUND*                OF FUND EXPENSES                FUNDS**


John F. Cogan, Jr.***        $ 750.00                 $0                                 $18,000
Richard H. Egdahl, M.D.      2,000.00                  0                                 95,500
Marguerite A. Piret          2,000.00                  0                                116,750
David D. Tripple***            750.00                  0                                 18,000
Stephen K. West              2,000.00                  0                                108,250
                             --------  --              -                                -------
                            $7,500.00                 $0                                $356,500
</TABLE>
         * For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
        ** For the calendar year ended December 31, 1999.

       *** Under the manAgement contract, Pioneer reimburses the fund for
                  any Trustees fees paid by the fund.

APPROXIMATE MANAGEMENT FEES A PORTFOLIO PAID OR OWED PIONEER


         For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 the
portfolios incurred or would have incurred the following management fees had the
expense limitation agreements described above (if applicable) not been in place:

                          1999                 1998                1997
America Income           163,638              120,674              114,187
Balanced                 461,190              363,460              187,536
Emerging Markets          27,206              $   213                  N/A
Europe                    71,034                1,257                  N/A
Equity-Income          1,459,899            1,063,282              536,869
Growth Shares            878,440              239,134                1,791
High Yield                   N/A                  N/A                  N/A
International Growth     530,396              540,021             $399,296
Mid-Cap Value            747,637              760,061              498,117
Money Market             104,152               95,451               62,428
Pioneer Fund             961,059              243,814                1,995
Real Estate Growth       311,616              400,933              253,190
Science & Technology         N/A                  N/A                  N/A
Strategic Income           2,530                  N/A                  N/A
Swiss Franc Bond         277,553              175,251               49,978





<PAGE>


FUND EXPENSES UNDER THE CLASS II DISTRIBUTION PLAN


FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999

$101.00


APPROXIMATE BROKERAGE AND UNDERWRITING COMMISSIONS (PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS)


For the fiscal periods ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Portfolios
paid or owed aggregate brokerage commissions as follows:


                                     AGGREGATE BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS

                                     1999             1998              1997
                                     ----             ----              ----

America Income Portfolio            $   0            $   0             $   0
Balanced Portfolio                $37,629          $88,000           $36,000
Emerging Markets Portfolio        $51,675          $ 1,000               N/A
Equity-Income Portfolio          $104,675          $70,000           $84,000
Europe Portfolio                  $34,101          $ 2,000               N/A
Growth Shares Portfolio          $161,120          $36,000           $ 4,000
High Yield Portfolio                  N/A              N/A               N/A
International Growth Portfolio   $263,804         $371,000          $421,000
Mid-Cap Value Portfolio          $324,677         $314,000          $214,000
Money Market Portfolio              $   0            $   0             $   0
Pioneer Fund Portfolio            $85,636         $116,000           $ 2,000
Real Estate Growth Portfolio      $85,832          $52,000           $76,000
Science & Technology Portfolio        N/A              N/A               N/A
Strategic Income Portfolio       $      0              N/A               N/A
Swiss Franc Bond Portfolio          $   0            $   0             $   0


CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARDS

Not applicable.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS


The Portfolios' average annual total returns for the year ended December 31,
1999 and for the periods from commencement of operations to December 31, 1999
are as follows:


                               Average Annual Total Return (%)

<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>              <C>                <C>               <C>

Class I                       One Year          Five Years        Ten Years         Commencement
America Income (1)             -2.52%              N/A               N/A               4.26%
Balanced (1)                    2.53%              N/A               N/A               11.71%
Emerging Markets (2)           78.74%              N/A               N/A               71.13%
Equity-Income (1)               1.21%              N/A               N/A               19.56%
Europe (2)                     28.47%              N/A               N/A               30.21%
Growth Shares (3)               7.93%              N/A               N/A               19.19%
High Yield (7)                   N/A               N/A               N/A                N/A
International Growth (1)       44.38%              N/A               N/A               12.32%
Mid-Cap Value (1)              13.13%              N/A               N/A               13.22%
Money Market (1)                4.38%              N/A               N/A               4.66%
Pioneer Fund (3)               15.91%              N/A               N/A               22.06%
Real Estate Growth (4)         -4.17%              N/A               N/A               8.70%
Science & Technology (7)         N/A               N/A               N/A                N/A
Strategic Income (6)             N/A               N/A               N/A               0.70%
Swiss Franc Bond (5)          -13.59%              N/A               N/A               -5.54%

</TABLE>
(1)      Commencement of operations, March 1, 1995
(2)      Commencement of operations, October 30, 1998
(3)      Commencement of operations, October 31, 1997
(4)      Commencement of operations, March 31, 1995
(5)      Commencement of operations, November 1, 1995
(6)      Commencement of operations, July 29, 1999.
(7)      Commencement of operations, May 1, 2000


Class II                                One Year          Commencement
Emerging Markets (1)                               N/A                N/A
Equity-Income (2)                                  N/A              -1.65%
Growth Shares (1)                                  N/A                N/A
Mid-Cap Value (1)                                  N/A                N/A
Pioneer Fund (1)                                   N/A                N/A
Real Estate Growth (1)                             N/A                N/A

(1)  Commencement of operations, May 1, 2000
(2)  Commencement of operations, September 14, 1999


YIELD AND EFFECTIVE YIELD


The yield of the Money Market Portfolio for the seven-day period ended December
31, 1999 was 4.99%. The effective yield for the same period was 5.12%:



<PAGE>


15.      APPENDIX B - DESCRIPTION OF SHORT-TERM DEBT, CORPORATE BOND AND
         PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS1

Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") Short-Term Prime Rating System

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay
punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original maturity
not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.

Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

Prime-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:

      Leading market positions in well-established industries.
      High rates of return on funds employed.
      Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and
      ample asset protection.
      Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high
      internal cash generation.
      Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured
      sources of alternate liquidity.

Prime-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally
be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

Prime-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.

Not Prime: Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.

Obligations of a branch of a bank are considered to be domiciled in the country
in which the branch is located. Unless noted as an exception, Moody's rating on
a bank's ability to repay senior obligations extends only to branches located in
countries which carry a Moody's Sovereign Rating for Bank Deposits. Such branch
obligations are rated at the lower of the bank's rating or Moody's Sovereign
Rating for Bank Deposits for the country in which the branch is located.

- --------
(1) The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings
available at the date of this statement of additional information for the
securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of
issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings,
they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not
necessarily represent ratings which will be given to these securities on the
date of the fund's fiscal year-end.



<PAGE>


When the currency in which an obligation is denominated is not the same as the
currency of the country in which the obligation is domiciled, Moody's ratings do
not incorporate an opinion as to whether payment of the obligation will be
affected by actions of the government controlling the currency of denomination.
In addition, risks associated with bilateral conflicts between an investor's
home country and either the issuer's home country or the country where an
issuer's branch is located are not incorporated into Moody's short-term debt
ratings.

If an issuer represents to Moody's that its short-term debt obligations are
supported by the credit of another entity or entities, then the name or names of
such supporting entity or entities are listed within the parenthesis beneath the
name of the issuer, or there is a footnote referring the reader to another page
for the name or names of the supporting entity or entities. In assigning ratings
to such issuers, Moody's evaluates the financial strength of the affiliated
corporations, commercial banks, insurance companies, foreign governments or
other entities, but only as one factor in the total rating assessment.

Moody's Debt Ratings

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
edged." 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 risk appear somewhat larger than the 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 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 both 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.



<PAGE>


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.

Moody's bond ratings, where specified, are applicable to financial contracts,
senior bank obligations and insurance company senior policyholder and claims
obligations with an original maturity in excess of one year. Obligations relying
upon support mechanisms such as letters-of-credit and bonds of indemnity are
excluded unless explicitly rated. Obligations of a branch of a bank are
considered to be domiciled in the country in which the branch is located.

Unless noted as an exception, Moody's rating on a bank's ability to repay senior
obligations extends only to branches located in countries which carry a Moody's
Sovereign Rating for Bank Deposits. Such branch obligations are rated at the
lower of the bank's rating or Moody's Sovereign Rating for the Bank Deposits for
the country in which the branch is located. When the currency in which an
obligation is denominated is not the same as the currency of the country in
which the obligation is domiciled, Moody's ratings do not incorporate an opinion
as to whether payment of the obligation will be affected by the actions of the
government controlling the currency of denomination. In addition, risk
associated with bilateral conflicts between an investor's home country and
either the issuer's home country or the country where an issuer branch is
located are not incorporated into Moody's ratings.

Moody's makes no representation that rated bank obligations or insurance company
obligations are exempt from registration under the 1933 Act or issued in
conformity with any other applicable law or regulation. Nor does Moody's
represent any specific bank or insurance company obligation is legally
enforceable or a valid senior obligation of a rated issuer.

Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates
a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of
that generic rating category.

Moody's Preferred Stock Ratings

Because of the fundamental differences between preferred stocks and bonds, a
variation of Moody's familiar bond rating symbols is used in the quality ranking
of preferred stock. The symbols, presented below, are designed to avoid
comparison with bond quality in absolute terms. It should always be borne in
mind that preferred stock occupies a junior position to bonds within a
particular capital structure and that these securities are rated within the
universe of preferred stocks.

aaa: An issue which is rated aaa is considered to be a top-quality preferred
stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of
dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.



<PAGE>


aa: An issue which is rated aa is considered a high-grade preferred stock. This
rating indicates that there is a reasonable assurance the earnings and asset
protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable future.

a: An issue which is rated a is considered to be an upper-medium grade preferred
stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater then in the aaa and aa
classification, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless, expected to be
maintained at adequate levels.

baa: An issue which is rated baa is considered to be a medium-grade preferred
stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset
protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any great
length of time.

ba: An issue which is rated ba is considered to have speculative elements and
its future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset protection may
be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods. Uncertainty of
position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.

b: An issue which is rated b generally lacks the characteristics of a desirable
investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of other terms of the
issue over any long period of time may be small.

caa: An issue which is rated caa is likely to be in arrears on dividend
payments. This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future status
of payments.

ca: An issue which is rated ca is speculative in a high degree and is likely to
be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual payments.

c: This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues so
rated can thus be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
any real investment standing.

Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each rating
classification: the modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher
end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking
and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its
generic rating category.

Standard & Poor's Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings

A-1: A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by
Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are
designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to
meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2: A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely
to lead to a weakened capacity of the



<PAGE>


obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties
which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

C: A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: A short-term obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category
is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's 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 or the taking of a similar action
if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Standard & Poor's Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:

      Likelihood of payment-capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its
      financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the
      obligation;
      Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
      Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the
      event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws
      of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such,
they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are
typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in
bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has
both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or
operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of
junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.

AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is extremely strong.

AA: An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in
small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.

A: An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB: An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity of the obligor to



<PAGE>


meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant
speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C
the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major
exposures to adverse conditions.

BB: An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the
obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.

B: An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will
likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely
to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated C is currently highly
vulnerable to nonpayment. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a
bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this
obligation are being continued. A C also will be assigned to a preferred stock
issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments but that is currently
paying.

D: An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used
when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's 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 or the taking of a similar action
if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

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

r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant
noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected
returns which are not addressed in the credit rating. Examples include:
obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities;
obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk, such as interest-only or
principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky
interest terms, such as inverse floaters.

N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's
does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.



<PAGE>


Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks

Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor's analysis
for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor
in this analysis. An obligor's capacity to repay foreign currency obligations
may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to
the sovereign government's own relatively lower capacity to repay external
versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in
the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings
are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those
instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.



<PAGE>

20. APPENDIX C - PERFORMANCE STATISTICS

                          Pioneer Emerging Market Fund
                                 Class A Shares
                                                                         Initial
                                                             Net Asset   Net
          Initial      Offering   Sales Charge   Shares      Value Per   Asset
Date      Investment   Price      Included       Purchased   Share       Value

6/23/94   $10,000      $13.26     5.75%          754.148     $12.50      $9,425

                                 Value of Shares
                    (Dividends and Capital Gains Reinvested)

                              From Capital               From
                    From             Gains          Dividends          Total
Date          Investment        Reinvested         Reinvested          Value

12/31/94          $8,809               $61                $41         $8,911
12/31/95          $8,990               $99                $42         $9,131
12/31/96          $9,985              $723                $46        $10,754
12/31/97          $9,940            $1,829                $46        $11,815
12/31/98          $6,651            $1,336                $31         $8,018
12/31/99         $12,707            $2,552                $59        $15,318

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Return and share price
fluctuate and your shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than your
original cost.


<PAGE>



16.      APPENDIX C - PERFORMANCE STATISTICS

                        PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS TRUST

INVESTMENT ILLUSTRATIONS TO 12/31/99

PIONEER AMERICA INCOME CLASS I NAV
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>                 <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE        INITIAL INVESTMENT  OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                                                           INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE

      3/1/95            $10,000           $ 10.00           0.00%            666.667            $10.00           $10,000


       DATE         FROM INVESTMENT    FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/95           $10,180              $0             $ 388            $10,568
     12/31/96              9,780             0                  925           10,705
     12/31/97            10,040              0               1,569            11,609
     12/31/98            10,290              0               2,265            12,555
     12/31/99            9,469               11              2,759            12m239

</TABLE>

PIONEER BALANCED CLASS I NAV
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>                 <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE        INITIAL INVESTMENT  OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                                                           INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
      3/1/95            $10,000           $ 10.00           0.00%           1,000.00            $10.00           $10,000

       DATE         FROM INVESTMENT    FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/95           $11,870             $ 0              $214            $12,084
     12/31/96             13,980              71              545            13,806
     12/31/97             14,930            231             1,013            16,174
     12/31/98             14,470            765             1,432            16,667
     12/31/99             14,310            757             2,022            17,089

</TABLE>

PIONEER EMERGING MARKETS CLASS I NAV

<TABLE>
<S>                <C>                 <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE        INITIAL INVESTMENT  OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                                                           INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
     10/30/98           $10,000           $ 10.00           0.00%           1,000.00            $10.00           $10,000

       DATE         FROM INVESTMENT    FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/98           $10,490              $0               $0             $10,490
     12/31/99            18,750              0                0              18,750


</TABLE>

PIONEER EQUITY INCOME CLASS I NAV
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>                 <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE        INITIAL INVESTMENT  OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                                                           INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
      3/1/95            $10,000           $ 10.00           0.00%           1,000.00            $10.00           $10,000

       DATE         FROM INVESTMENT    FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/95           $12,170             $ 0              $192            $12,362
     12/31/96             13,730                0             510             14,240
     12/31/97             18,140               14           1,103             19,257
     12/31/98             21,440              267           1,748             23,455
     12/31/00            20,720               872           2,147             23,739

</TABLE>
PIONEER EQUITY-INCOME CLASS II NAV
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>                 <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE        INITIAL INVESTMENT  OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                                                           INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
     10/30/98           $10,000           $ 10.00           0.00%           1,000.00            $10.00           $10,000

       DATE         FROM INVESTMENT    FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/99           $10,490              $0               $0             $10,490
     12/31/00             18,750              0                0              18,750

</TABLE>
PIONEER EUROPE PORTFOLIO CLASS I NAV
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>                 <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE        INITIAL INVESTMENT  OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                                                           INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
     10/30/98           $10,000           $ 10.00           0.00%           1,000.00            $10.00           $10,000

       DATE         FROM INVESTMENT    FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/98           $10,600              $0               $0             $10,600
     12/31/99             13,610              8                0              13,618

</TABLE>


PIONEER GROWTH SHARES CLASS I  NAV
<TABLE>
<S>                  <C>               <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE              INITIAL       OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                       INVESTMENT                          INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
     10/31/97            $10,000          $ 15.00           0.00%            666.667            $15.00           $10,000

       DATE          FROM INVESTMENT   FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/97            $10,227            $ 0               $0             $10,227
     12/31/98             13,560                0              1              13,561
     12/31/99             14m614              19               4              14,637

</TABLE>

PIONEER INTERNATIONAL GROWTH CLASS I NAV
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>                 <C>              <C>             <C>                <C>
       DATE        INITIAL INVESTMENT  OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                                                           INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
      3/1/95            $10,000           $ 10.00           0.00%           1,000.00            $10.00           $10,000

       DATE         FROM INVESTMENT    FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/95           $10,930             $ 97             $ 15            $11,042
     12/31/96             11,829             139               17             11,985
     12/31/97             12,230             293               46             12,569
     12/31/98             10,790           1,130             231              12,151
     12/31/99             15,381            1,611            552              17,544

</TABLE>


<PAGE>




PIONEER MID-CAP VALUE CLASS I NAV

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>              <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE              INITIAL       OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                       INVESTMENT                          INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
      3/1/95             $10,000          $ 10.00           0.00%           1,000.00            $10.00           $10,000

       DATE          FROM INVESTMENT   FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/95            $11,570            $121             $ 22            $11,713
     12/31/96             13,049             371                53            13,473
     12/31/97             16,150             584               66             16,800
     12/31/98             14,500           1,485              151             16,136
     12/31/99             16,259           $1,665             317             18,241

</TABLE>
PIONEER MONEY MARKET CLASS I NAV
<TABLE>
<S>               <C>                 <C>                <C>            <C>                <C>
      DATE        INITIAL INVESTMENT  OFFERING PRICE     SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                                                           INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
     3/1/95            $10,000            $ 1.00            0.00%           10,000.00           $1.00            $10,000

      DATE         FROM INVESTMENT    FROM CAP GAINS    FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                        REINVESTED        REINVESTED


    12/31/95           $10,000              $ 0              $435            $10,435
    12/31/96             10,000                0             906              10,906
    12/31/97             10,000                0            1,412             11,412
    12/31/98             10,000                0            1,945             11,945
    12/31/99             10,000                0            2,468             12,468

</TABLE>
PIONEER FUND  CLASS I NAV

<TABLE>
<S>                    <C>             <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE              INITIAL       OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                       INVESTMENT                          INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
     10/31/97            $10,000          $ 15.00           0.00%            666.667            15.00            $10,000

       DATE          FROM INVESTMENT   FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE     FROM INVESTMENT
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED

     12/31/97            $10,540            $  0             $ 10            $10,550
     12/31/98             13,173               0              123             13,296
     12/31/99             15,133              17              261             15,411

</TABLE>

PIONEER REAL ESTATE GROWTH CLASS I NAV
<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>              <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE              INITIAL       OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                       INVESTMENT                          INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
      3/1/95             $10,000          $ 10.00           0.00%           1,000.00            $10.00           $10,000

       DATE          FROM INVESTMENT   FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/95            $11,230            $ 0             $ 466            $11,696
     12/31/96             14,460             135            1,280             15,875
     12/31/97             16,900             192            2,143             19,235
     12/31/98             13,069             229            2,331             15,629
     12/31/99             11,730             338            2,909             14,977

</TABLE>
PIONEER STRATEGIC INCOME PORTFOLIO CLASS I NAV
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>                 <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE        INITIAL INVESTMENT  OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                                                           INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE

     7/29/99            $10,000           $ 10.00           0.00%           1,000.00            $10.00           $10,000


       DATE         FROM INVESTMENT    FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/99           $ 9,750              $0              $320            $10,070

</TABLE>

PIONEER SWISS FRANC CLASS I NAV
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>                 <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
       DATE        INITIAL INVESTMENT  OFFERING PRICE    SALES CHARGE   SHARES PURCHASED   NET ASSET VALUE     INITIAL NET
                                                           INCLUDED                           PER SHARE        ASSET VALUE
     11/1/95            $10,000           $ 15.00           0.00%            666.667            $15.00           $10,000

       DATE         FROM INVESTMENT    FROM CAP GAINS   FROM DIVIDENDS     TOTAL VALUE
                                         REINVESTED       REINVESTED


     12/31/95           $10,040             $ 0               $0             $10,040
     12/31/96             8,954                0              1                8,955
     12/31/97             8,334                0              1                8.335
     12/31/98             8,814                0             311               9,125
     12/31/99            7,567                 0             318               7,885

</TABLE>

<PAGE>


16.      APPENDIX C - PERFORMANCE STATISTICS

COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE INDEX DESCRIPTIONS

Comparative Performance Index Descriptions

The following securities indices are well known, unmanaged measures of market
performance. Advertisements and sales literature for the fund may refer to these
indices or may present comparisons between the performance of the fund and one
or more of the indices. Other indices may also be used, if appropriate. The
indices are not available for direct investment. The data presented are not
meant to be indicative of the performance of the fund, do not reflect past
performance and do not guarantee future results.

S&P 500. This index is a readily available, carefully constructed, market value
weighted benchmark of common stock performance. Currently, the S&P 500 includes
500 of the largest stocks (in terms of stock market value) in the U.S.

Dow Jones Industrial Average. This is a total return index based on the
performance of stocks of 30 blue chip companies widely held by individuals and
institutional investors. The 30 stocks represent about a fifth of the $8
trillion-plus market value of all U.S. stocks and about a fourth of the value of
stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

U.S. Small Stock Index. This index is a market value weighted index of the ninth
and tenth deciles of the NYSE, plus stocks listed on the American Stock Exchange
and over the counter with the same or less capitalization as the upper bound of
the NYSE ninth decile.

U.S. Inflation. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), not
seasonally adjusted, is used to measure inflation, which is the rate of change
of consumer goods prices. Unfortunately, the inflation rate as derived by the
CPI is not measured over the same period as the other asset returns. All of the
security returns are measured from one month-end to the next month-end. CPI
commodity prices are collected during the month. Thus, measured inflation rates
lag the other series by about one-half month. Prior to January 1978, the CPI (as
compared with CPI-U) was used. Both inflation measures are constructed by the
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, DC.

S&P/BARRA Indexes. The S&P/BARRA Growth and Value Indexes are constructed by
dividing the stocks in the S&P 500 according to price-to-book ratios. The Growth
Index contains stocks with higher price-to-book ratios, and the Value Index
contains stocks with lower price-to-book ratios. Both indexes are market
capitalization weighted.

Merrill Lynch Micro-Cap Index. The Merrill Lynch Micro-Cap Index represents the
performance of 1,980 stocks ranging in market capitalization from $50 million to
$125 million. Index returns are calculated monthly.

Merrill Lynch High Yield Master II Index. This index is a market capitalization
weighted total return index covering U.S. dollar-denominated high-yield bonds.
Qualifying bonds must have at least $100 million par amount outstanding, a
remaining term to maturity greater than or equal to one year, and a credit
rating less than BBB3 but not in default (based on the composite of Moody's and
Standard & Poor's). The index includes deferred interest and pay-in-kind bonds,
but excludes structured notes, floating rate notes and other variable coupon
securities. The index also excludes emerging markets debt (issuers domiciled in
below investment grade rated countries). Index constituents are rebalanced
monthly on the last calendar day of the month. Index values are calculated
daily.



<PAGE>


Merrill Lynch Index of Convertible Bonds (Speculative Quality). This is a market
capitalization weighted index including all mandatory and non-mandatory domestic
corporate convertible securities with at least an original par of $50 million or
a $50 million market value; securities dropping below a market value of $40
million are excluded. Returns are calculated weekly based on Thursday's closing
prices and are linked monthly. All securities must be convertible to common
stock only. Quality range is D3-BB1 based on composite Moody's and Standard
&Poor's ratings.

Long-Term U.S. Government Bonds. The total returns on long-term government bonds
after 1977 are constructed with data from The Wall Street Journal and are
calculated as the change in the flat price or and-interest price. From 1926 to
1976, data are obtained from the government bond file at the Center for Research
in Security Prices (CRSP), Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago.
Each year, a one-bond portfolio with a term of approximately 20 years and a
reasonably current coupon was used and whose returns did not reflect potential
tax benefits, impaired negotiability or special redemption or call privileges.
Where callable bonds had to be used, the term of the bond was assumed to be a
simple average of the maturity and first call dates minus the current date. The
bond was "held" for the calendar year and returns were computed.

Intermediate-Term U.S. Government Bonds. Total returns of intermediate-term
government bonds after 1987 are calculated from The Wall Street Journal prices,
using the change in flat price. Returns from 1934 to 1986 are obtained from the
CRSP government bond file.

Each year, one-bond portfolios are formed, the bond chosen is the shortest
noncallable bond with a maturity not less than five years, and this bond is
"held" for the calendar year. Monthly returns are computed. (Bonds with impaired
negotiability or special redemption privileges are omitted, as are partially or
fully tax-exempt bonds starting with 1943.) From 1934 to 1942, almost all bonds
with maturities near five years were partially or fully tax-exempt and were
selected using the rules described above. Personal tax rates were generally low
in that period, so that yields on tax-exempt bonds were similar to yields on
taxable bonds. From 1926 to 1933, there are few bonds suitable for construction
of a series with a five-year maturity. For this period, five-year bond yield
estimates are used.

Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI"). These indices are in U.S. dollar
terms with gross dividends reinvested and measure the performance of developed
and emerging stock markets around the world. MSCI All Country indices represent
both the developed and the emerging markets for a particular region. These
indices are unmanaged. The free indices exclude shares which are not readily
purchased by non-local investors. MSCI covers over 1,500 securities in 28
emerging markets and 2,300 securities in 23 developed markets, totaling over $20
trillion in market capitalization. Several Pioneer mutual funds that invest in
international securities compare their performance to various MSCI indices.

6-Month CDs. Data sources include the Federal Reserve Bulletin and The Wall
Street Journal.

Long-Term U.S. Corporate Bonds. Since 1969, corporate bond total returns are
represented by the Salomon Brothers Long-Term High-Grade Corporate Bond Index.
As most large corporate bond transactions take place over the counter, a major
dealer is the natural source of these data. The index includes nearly all Aaa-
and Aa-rated bonds with at least 10 years to maturity. If a bond is downgraded
during a particular month, its return for the month is included in the index
before removing the bond from future portfolios.



<PAGE>


From 1926 to 1968 the total returns were calculated by summing the capital
appreciation returns and the income returns. For the period 1946 to 1968,
Ibbotson and Sinquefield backdated the Salomon Brothers' index, using Salomon
Brothers' monthly yield data with a methodology similar to that used by Salomon
Brothers for 1969 to 1995. Capital appreciation returns were calculated from
yields assuming (at the beginning of each monthly holding period) a 20-year
maturity, a bond price equal to par, and a coupon equal to the
beginning-of-period yield. For the period 1926 to 1945, Standard & Poor's
monthly high-grade corporate composite yield data were used, assuming a 4%
coupon and a 20-year maturity. The conventional present-value formula for bond
price for the beginning and end-of-month prices was used. (This formula is
presented in Ross, Stephen A., and Westerfield, Randolph W., Corporate Finance,
Times Mirror/Mosby, St. Louis, 1990, p. 97 ["Level-Coupon Bonds"].) The monthly
income return was assumed to be one-twelfth the coupon.

Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Bond Index - Intermediate. This index is
comprised of securities with one to ten years to maturity. It includes Treasury
and government agency securities, investment-grade corporate bonds and Yankee
bonds.

U.S. (30-Day) Treasury Bills. For the U.S. Treasury Bill Index, data from The
Wall Street Journal are used after 1977; the CRSP government bond file is the
source until 1976. Each month a one-bill portfolio containing the shortest-term
bill having not less than one month to maturity is constructed. (The bill's
original term to maturity is not relevant.) To measure holding period returns
for the one-bill portfolio, the bill is priced as of the last trading day of the
previous month-end and as of the last trading day of the current month.

National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") Equity REIT
Index. All of the data are based upon the last closing price of the month for
all tax-qualified REITs listed on the NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ. The data are
market-value-weighted. Prior to 1987 REITs were added to the index the January
following their listing. Since 1987 newly formed or listed REITs are added to
the total shares outstanding figure in the month that the shares are issued.
Only common shares issued by the REIT are included in the index. The total
return calculation is based upon the weighting at the beginning of the period.
Only those REITs listed for the entire period are used in the total return
calculation. Dividends are included in the month based upon their payment date.
There is no smoothing of income. Liquidating dividends, whether full or partial,
are treated as income.

Russell U.S. Equity Indexes. The Russell 3000(R) Index (the "Russell 3000") is
comprised of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies as determined by market
capitalization representing approximately 98% of the U.S. equity market. The
average market capitalization is approximately $4.4 billion. The Russell 2500TM
Index measures performance of the 2,500 smallest companies in the Russell 3000.
The average market capitalization is approximately $876 million, and the largest
company in the index has an approximate market capitalization of $3.8 billion.
The Russell 2000(R) Index measures performance of the 2,000 smallest stocks in
the Russell 3000; the largest company in the index has a market capitalization
of approximately $1.3 billion. The Russell 1000(R) Index (the "Russell 1000")
measures the performance of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000. The
average market capitalization is approximately $12.1 billion. The smallest
company in the index has an approximate market capitalization of $1.3 billion.
The Russell MidcapTM Index measures performance of the 800 smallest companies in
the Russell 1000. The largest company in the index has an approximate market
capitalization of $11.2 billion. The Russell 1000(R) Growth Index measures the
performance of those Russell 1000 companies with higher price-to-



<PAGE>


book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

The Russell indexes are reconstituted annually as of June 30, based on May 31
market capitalizations.

Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index. The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index
is a broad measure of the performance of publicly traded real estate securities,
such as REITs and real estate operating companies ("REOCs"). The index is
capitalization-weighted. As of March 31, 1999, 119 companies were included in
the index, with a total market cap of $116.97 billion. At September 30, 1999,
the companies in the index were 92.31% equity and hybrid REITs and 7.69% REOCs.

Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index. The S&P 400 is a
market-capitalization-weighted index. The performance data for the index were
calculated by taking the stocks presently in the index and tracking them
backwards in time as long as there were prices reported. No attempt was made to
determine what stocks "might have been" in the S&P 400 five or ten years ago had
it existed. Dividends are reinvested on a monthly basis prior to June 30, 1991,
and are reinvested daily thereafter.

Lipper Indexes. These indexes represent equally weighted performance, adjusted
for capital gain distributions and income dividends, of mutual funds that are
considered peers of the Pioneer mutual funds. Lipper, Inc. is an independent
firm that tracks mutual fund performance.

Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index. The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index
is composed of the Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Index, the Lehman
Brothers Mortgage-Backed Securities Index and the Lehman Brothers Asset-Backed
Securities Index. The index includes fixed rate debt issues rated investment
grade or higher by Moody's Investors Service, Standard & Poor's Corporation or
Fitch Investors Service, in that order. All issues have at least one year to
maturity with intermediate indices including bonds with maturities up to ten
years and long-term indices composed of bonds with maturities longer than ten
years. All returns are market value weighted inclusive of accrued interest.

Bank Savings Account. Data sources include the U.S. League of Savings
Institutions Sourcebook; average annual yield on savings deposits in FSLIC
[FDIC] insured savings institutions for the years 1963 to 1987; and The Wall
Street Journal thereafter.

Nasdaq Composite Index. The Nasdaq Composite Index measures all Nasdaq domestic
and non-U.S. based common stocks listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market. The index is
market-value weighted. The Nasdaq Composite includes over 5,000 companies and is
one of the most widely followed and quoted major market indices because it is so
broad-based.

Sources: Ibbotson Associates, Towers Data Systems, Lipper, Inc. and PGI



<PAGE>


                  PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Dow                                 S&P/          S&P/
                                 Jones   U.S. Small                   BARRA         BARRA    Merrill Lynch
                      S&P   Industrial        Stock        U.S.         500           500        Micro-Cap
                      500      Average        Index   Inflation      Growth         Value            Index
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>
Dec 1925              N/A          N/A          N/A         N/A         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1926            11.62          N/A         0.28       -1.49         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1927            37.49          N/A        22.10       -2.08         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1928            43.61        55.38        39.69       -0.97         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1929            -8.42       -13.64       -51.36        0.20         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1930           -24.90       -30.22       -38.15       -6.03         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1931           -43.34       -49.02       -49.75       -9.52         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1932            -8.19       -16.88        -5.39      -10.30         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1933            53.99        73.72       142.87        0.51         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1934            -1.44         8.08        24.22        2.03         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1935            47.67        43.77        40.19        2.99         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1936            33.92        30.23        64.80        1.21         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1937           -35.03       -28.88       -58.01        3.10         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1938            31.12        33.16        32.80       -2.78         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1939            -0.41         1.31         0.35       -0.48         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1940            -9.78        -7.96        -5.16        0.96         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1941           -11.59        -9.88        -9.00        9.72         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1942            20.34        14.13        44.51        9.29         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1943            25.90        19.06        88.37        3.16         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1944            19.75        17.19        53.72        2.11         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1945            36.44        31.60        73.61        2.25         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1946            -8.07        -4.40       -11.63       18.16         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1947             5.71         7.61         0.92        9.01         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1948             5.50         4.27        -2.11        2.71         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1949            18.79        20.92        19.75       -1.80         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1950            31.71        26.40        38.75        5.79         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1951            24.02        21.77         7.80        5.87         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1952            18.37        14.58         3.03        0.88         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1953            -0.99         2.02        -6.49        0.62         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1954            52.62        51.25        60.58       -0.50         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1955            31.56        26.58        20.44        0.37         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1956             6.56         7.10         4.28        2.86         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1957           -10.78        -8.63       -14.57        3.02         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1958            43.36        39.31        64.89        1.76         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1959            11.96        20.21        16.40        1.50         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1960             0.47        -6.14        -3.29        1.48         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1961            26.89        22.60        32.09        0.67         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1962            -8.73        -7.43       -11.90        1.22         N/A           N/A              N/A
Dec 1963            22.80        20.83        23.57        1.65         N/A           N/A              N/A
</TABLE>



<PAGE>


                  PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Dow                                 S&P/          S&P/
                                 Jones   U.S. Small                   BARRA         BARRA    Merrill Lynch
                      S&P   Industrial        Stock        U.S.         500           500        Micro-Cap
                      500      Average        Index   Inflation      Growth         Value            Index
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>              <C>
Dec 1964            16.48        18.85        23.52        1.19         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1965            12.45        14.39        41.75        1.92         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1966           -10.06       -15.78        -7.01        3.35         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1967            23.98        19.16        83.57        3.04         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1968            11.06         7.93        35.97        4.72         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1969            -8.50       -11.78       -25.05        6.11         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1970             4.01         9.21       -17.43        5.49         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1971            14.31         9.83        16.50        3.36         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1972            18.98        18.48         4.43        3.41         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1973           -14.66       -13.28       -30.90        8.80         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1974           -26.47       -23.58       -19.95       12.20         N/A           N/A               N/A
Dec 1975            37.20        44.75        52.82        7.01       31.72         43.38               N/A
Dec 1976            23.84        22.82        57.38        4.81       13.84         34.93               N/A
Dec 1977            -7.18       -12.84        25.38        6.77      -11.82         -2.57               N/A
Dec 1978             6.56         2.79        23.46        9.03        6.78          6.16             27.76
Dec 1979            18.44        10.55        43.46       13.31       15.72         21.16             43.18
Dec 1980            32.42        22.17        39.88       12.40       39.40         23.59             32.32
Dec 1981            -4.91        -3.57        13.88        8.94       -9.81          0.02              9.18
Dec 1982            21.41        27.11        28.01        3.87       22.03         21.04             33.62
Dec 1983            22.51        25.97        39.67        3.80       16.24         28.89             42.44
Dec 1984             6.27         1.31        -6.67        3.95        2.33         10.52            -14.97
Dec 1985            32.16        33.55        24.66        3.77       33.31         29.68             22.89
Dec 1986            18.47        27.10         6.85        1.13       14.50         21.67              3.45
Dec 1987             5.23         5.48        -9.30        4.41        6.50          3.68            -13.84
Dec 1988            16.81        16.14        22.87        4.42       11.95         21.67             22.76
Dec 1989            31.49        32.19        10.18        4.65       36.40         26.13              8.06
Dec 1990            -3.17        -0.56       -21.56        6.11        0.20         -6.85            -29.55
Dec 1991            30.55        24.19        44.63        3.06       38.37         22.56             57.44
Dec 1992             7.67         7.41        23.35        2.90        5.07         10.53             36.62
Dec 1993             9.99        16.94        20.98        2.75        1.68         18.60             31.32
Dec 1994             1.31         5.06         3.11        2.67        3.13         -0.64              1.81
Dec 1995            37.43        36.84        34.46        2.54       38.13         36.99             30.70
Dec 1996            23.07        28.84        17.62        3.32       23.96         21.99             13.88
Dec 1997            33.36        24.88        22.78        1.70       36.52         29.98             24.61
Dec 1998            28.58        18.14        -7.31        1.61       42.16         14.67             -6.15
Dec 1999            21.04        27.22        29.79        2.81       28.25         12.72             40.04
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


                  PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     Long-     Intermediate-        MSCI                      Long-           Lehman
                      Term         Term U.S.        EAFE         6-       Term U.S.            Bros.         U.S.
                U.S. Gov't        Government     (Net of      Month       Corporate       Gov't/Corp       T-Bill
                     Bonds             Bonds      Taxes)        CDs           Bonds     Intermediate     (30-Day)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>               <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>                <C>        <C>
Dec 1925               N/A               N/A         N/A        N/A             N/A              N/A          N/A
Dec 1926              7.77              5.38         N/A        N/A            7.37              N/A         3.27
Dec 1927              8.93              4.52         N/A        N/A            7.44              N/A         3.12
Dec 1928              0.10              0.92         N/A        N/A            2.84              N/A         3.56
Dec 1929              3.42              6.01         N/A        N/A            3.27              N/A         4.75
Dec 1930              4.66              6.72         N/A        N/A            7.98              N/A         2.41
Dec 1931             -5.31             -2.32         N/A        N/A           -1.85              N/A         1.07
Dec 1932             16.84              8.81         N/A        N/A           10.82              N/A         0.96
Dec 1933             -0.07              1.83         N/A        N/A           10.38              N/A         0.30
Dec 1934             10.03              9.00         N/A        N/A           13.84              N/A         0.16
Dec 1935              4.98              7.01         N/A        N/A            9.61              N/A         0.17
Dec 1936              7.52              3.06         N/A        N/A            6.74              N/A         0.18
Dec 1937              0.23              1.56         N/A        N/A            2.75              N/A         0.31
Dec 1938              5.53              6.23         N/A        N/A            6.13              N/A        -0.02
Dec 1939              5.94              4.52         N/A        N/A            3.97              N/A         0.02
Dec 1940              6.09              2.96         N/A        N/A            3.39              N/A         0.00
Dec 1941              0.93              0.50         N/A        N/A            2.73              N/A         0.06
Dec 1942              3.22              1.94         N/A        N/A            2.60              N/A         0.27
Dec 1943              2.08              2.81         N/A        N/A            2.83              N/A         0.35
Dec 1944              2.81              1.80         N/A        N/A            4.73              N/A         0.33
Dec 1945             10.73              2.22         N/A        N/A            4.08              N/A         0.33
Dec 1946             -0.10              1.00         N/A        N/A            1.72              N/A         0.35
Dec 1947             -2.62              0.91         N/A        N/A           -2.34              N/A         0.50
Dec 1948              3.40              1.85         N/A        N/A            4.14              N/A         0.81
Dec 1949              6.45              2.32         N/A        N/A            3.31              N/A         1.10
Dec 1950              0.06              0.70         N/A        N/A            2.12              N/A         1.20
Dec 1951             -3.93              0.36         N/A        N/A           -2.69              N/A         1.49
Dec 1952              1.16              1.63         N/A        N/A            3.52              N/A         1.66
Dec 1953              3.64              3.23         N/A        N/A            3.41              N/A         1.82
Dec 1954              7.19              2.68         N/A        N/A            5.39              N/A         0.86
Dec 1955             -1.29             -0.65         N/A        N/A            0.48              N/A         1.57
Dec 1956             -5.59             -0.42         N/A        N/A           -6.81              N/A         2.46
Dec 1957              7.46              7.84         N/A        N/A            8.71              N/A         3.14
Dec 1958             -6.09             -1.29         N/A        N/A           -2.22              N/A         1.54
Dec 1959             -2.26             -0.39         N/A        N/A           -0.97              N/A         2.95
Dec 1960             13.78             11.76         N/A        N/A            9.07              N/A         2.66
</TABLE>



<PAGE>


                  PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     Long-     Intermediate-        MSCI                      Long-           Lehman
                      Term         Term U.S.        EAFE         6-       Term U.S.            Bros.         U.S.
                U.S. Gov't        Government     (Net of      Month       Corporate       Gov't/Corp       T-Bill
                     Bonds             Bonds      Taxes)        CDs           Bonds     Intermediate     (30-Day)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>               <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>              <C>          <C>
Dec 1961              0.97              1.85         N/A        N/A            4.82              N/A         2.13
Dec 1962              6.89              5.56         N/A        N/A            7.95              N/A         2.73
Dec 1963              1.21              1.64         N/A        N/A            2.19              N/A         3.12
Dec 1964              3.51              4.04         N/A       4.17            4.77              N/A         3.54
Dec 1965              0.71              1.02         N/A       4.68           -0.46              N/A         3.93
Dec 1966              3.65              4.69         N/A       5.76            0.20              N/A         4.76
Dec 1967             -9.18              1.01         N/A       5.47           -4.95              N/A         4.21
Dec 1968             -0.26              4.54         N/A       6.45            2.57              N/A         5.21
Dec 1969             -5.07             -0.74         N/A       8.70           -8.09              N/A         6.58
Dec 1970             12.11             16.86      -11.66       7.06           18.37              N/A         6.52
Dec 1971             13.23              8.72       29.59       5.36           11.01              N/A         4.39
Dec 1972              5.69              5.16       36.35       5.39            7.26              N/A         3.84
Dec 1973             -1.11              4.61      -14.92       8.60            1.14             3.34         6.93
Dec 1974              4.35              5.69      -23.16      10.20           -3.06             5.88         8.00
Dec 1975              9.20              7.83       35.39       6.51           14.64             9.50         5.80
Dec 1976             16.75             12.87        2.54       5.22           18.65            12.34         5.08
Dec 1977             -0.69              1.41       18.06       6.11            1.71             3.31         5.12
Dec 1978             -1.18              3.49       32.62      10.21           -0.07             2.13         7.18
Dec 1979             -1.23              4.09        4.75      11.90           -4.18             6.00        10.38
Dec 1980             -3.95              3.91       22.58      12.33           -2.76             6.41        11.24
Dec 1981              1.86              9.45       -2.28      15.50           -1.24            10.50        14.71
Dec 1982             40.36             29.10       -1.86      12.18           42.56            26.10        10.54
Dec 1983              0.65              7.41       23.69       9.65            6.26             8.61         8.80
Dec 1984             15.48             14.02        7.38      10.65           16.86            14.38         9.85
Dec 1985             30.97             20.33       56.16       7.82           30.09            18.05         7.72
Dec 1986             24.53             15.14       69.44       6.30           19.85            13.12         6.16
Dec 1987             -2.71              2.90       24.63       6.59           -0.27             3.67         5.47
Dec 1988              9.67              6.10       28.27       8.15           10.70             6.78         6.35
Dec 1989             18.11             13.29       10.54       8.27           16.23            12.76         8.37
Dec 1990              6.18              9.73      -23.45       7.85            6.78             9.17         7.81
Dec 1991             19.30             15.46       12.13       4.95           19.89            14.63         5.60
Dec 1992              8.05              7.19      -12.17       3.27            9.39             7.17         3.51
Dec 1993             18.24             11.24       32.56       2.88           13.19             8.73         2.90
Dec 1994             -7.77             -5.14        7.78       5.40           -5.76            -1.95         3.90
Dec 1995             31.67             16.80       11.21       5.21           27.20            15.31         5.60
Dec 1996             -0.93              2.10        6.05       5.21            1.40             4.06         5.21
Dec 1997             15.85              8.38        1.78       5.71           12.95             7.87         5.26
Dec 1998             13.06             10.21       20.00       5.34           10.76             8.42         4.86
Dec 1999             -8.96             -1.77       26.96       5.43           -7.45             0.39         4.68
</TABLE>



<PAGE>


                  PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   NAREIT                  Wilshire                  Lipper           MSCI
                   Equity     Russell   Real Estate                Balanced       Emerging        Bank
                     REIT       2000(R)  Securities         S&P        Fund        Markets     Savings
                    Index       Index         Index         400       Index     Free Index     Account
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>        <C>
Dec 1925              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A         N/A
Dec 1926              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A         N/A
Dec 1927              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A         N/A
Dec 1928              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A         N/A
Dec 1929              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A         N/A
Dec 1930              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        5.30
Dec 1931              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        5.10
Dec 1932              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        4.10
Dec 1933              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.40
Dec 1934              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.50
Dec 1935              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.10
Dec 1936              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.20
Dec 1937              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.50
Dec 1938              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.50
Dec 1939              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.40
Dec 1940              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.30
Dec 1941              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.10
Dec 1942              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.00
Dec 1943              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.90
Dec 1944              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.80
Dec 1945              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.50
Dec 1946              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.20
Dec 1947              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.30
Dec 1948              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.30
Dec 1949              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.40
Dec 1950              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.50
Dec 1951              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.60
Dec 1952              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.70
Dec 1953              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.80
Dec 1954              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.90
Dec 1955              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        2.90
Dec 1956              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.00
Dec 1957              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.30
Dec 1958              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.38
Dec 1959              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A            N/A        3.53
Dec 1960              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A        5.77            N/A        3.86
Dec 1961              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A       20.59            N/A        3.90
</TABLE>



<PAGE>


                  PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   NAREIT                  Wilshire                  Lipper           MSCI
                   Equity     Russell   Real Estate                Balanced       Emerging        Bank
                     REIT       2000(R)  Securities         S&P        Fund        Markets     Savings
                    Index       Index         Index         400       Index     Free Index     Account
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>        <C>            <C>         <C>
Dec 1962              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A       -6.80            N/A       4.08
Dec 1963              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A       13.10            N/A       4.17
Dec 1964              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A       12.36            N/A       4.19
Dec 1965              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A        9.80            N/A       4.23
Dec 1966              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A       -5.86            N/A       4.45
Dec 1967              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A       15.09            N/A       4.67
Dec 1968              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A       13.97            N/A       4.68
Dec 1969              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A       -9.01            N/A       4.80
Dec 1970              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A        5.62            N/A       5.14
Dec 1971              N/A         N/A           N/A         N/A       13.90            N/A       5.30
Dec 1972             8.01         N/A           N/A         N/A       11.13            N/A       5.37
Dec 1973           -15.52         N/A           N/A         N/A      -12.24            N/A       5.51
Dec 1974           -21.40         N/A           N/A         N/A      -18.71            N/A       5.96
Dec 1975            19.30         N/A           N/A         N/A       27.10            N/A       6.21
Dec 1976            47.59         N/A           N/A         N/A       26.03            N/A       6.23
Dec 1977            22.42         N/A           N/A         N/A       -0.72            N/A       6.39
Dec 1978            10.34         N/A         13.04         N/A        4.80            N/A       6.56
Dec 1979            35.86       43.09         70.81         N/A       14.67            N/A       7.29
Dec 1980            24.37       38.58         22.08         N/A       19.70            N/A       8.78
Dec 1981             6.00        2.03          7.18         N/A        1.86            N/A      10.71
Dec 1982            21.60       24.95         24.47       22.68       30.63            N/A      11.19
Dec 1983            30.64       29.13         27.61       26.10       17.44            N/A       9.71
Dec 1984            20.93       -7.30         20.64        1.18        7.46            N/A       9.92
Dec 1985            19.10       31.05         20.14       35.58       29.83            N/A       9.02
Dec 1986            19.16        5.68         20.30       16.21       18.43            N/A       7.84
Dec 1987            -3.64       -8.77         -7.86       -2.03        4.13            N/A       6.92
Dec 1988            13.49       24.89         24.18       20.87       11.18          40.43       7.20
Dec 1989             8.84       16.24          2.37       35.54       19.70          64.96       7.91
Dec 1990           -15.35      -19.51        -33.46       -5.12        0.66         -10.55       7.80
Dec 1991            35.70       46.05         20.03       50.10       25.83          59.91       4.61
Dec 1992            14.59       18.41          7.36       11.91        7.46          11.40       2.89
Dec 1993            19.65       18.91         15.24       13.96       11.95          74.83       2.73
Dec 1994             3.17       -1.82          1.64       -3.57       -2.05          -7.32       4.96
Dec 1995            15.27       28.44         13.65       30.94       24.89          -5.21       5.24
Dec 1996            35.26       16.49         36.87       19.20       13.05           6.03       4.95
Dec 1997            20.29       22.36         19.80       32.26       20.30         -11.59       5.17
Dec 1998           -17.51       -2.55        -17.43       19.12       15.09         -25.34       4.63
Dec 1999            -4.62       21.26         14.72       14.72        8.98          66.41       5.29
</TABLE>



<PAGE>


                  PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      MSCI     MSCI All                              Merrill Lynch
                       All Country (AC)                     Merrill       Index of                            Lipper
                   Country         Asia         Lehman        Lynch    Convertible               Lipper     Growth &
                 (AC) Asia      Pacific       Brothers   High Yield          Bonds   Russell     Growth       Income
                      Free         Free      Aggregate    Master II   (Speculative     1000(R)     Fund         Fund
                  ex Japan     ex Japan     Bond Index        Index       Quality)     Index      Index        Index
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
Dec 1925               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1926               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1927               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1928               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1929               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1930               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1931               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1932               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1933               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1934               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1935               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1936               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1937               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1938               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1939               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1940               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1941               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1942               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1943               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1944               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1945               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1946               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1947               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1948               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1949               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1950               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1951               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1952               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1953               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1954               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1955               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1956               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1957               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1958               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1959               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A        N/A          N/A
Dec 1960               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A       6.36         3.04
Dec 1961               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      30.16        26.00
</TABLE>



<PAGE>


                  PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      MSCI     MSCI All                              Merrill Lynch
                       All Country (AC)                     Merrill       Index of                            Lipper
                   Country         Asia         Lehman        Lynch    Convertible               Lipper     Growth &
                 (AC) Asia      Pacific       Brothers   High Yield          Bonds   Russell     Growth       Income
                      Free         Free      Aggregate    Master II   (Speculative     1000(R)     Fund         Fund
                  ex Japan     ex Japan     Bond Index        Index       Quality)     Index      Index        Index
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>
Dec 1962               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A     -16.84       -11.87
Dec 1963               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      22.43        19.10
Dec 1964               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      14.99        15.23
Dec 1965               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      26.61        19.00
Dec 1966               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      -1.80        -6.04
Dec 1967               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      45.31        27.59
Dec 1968               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      15.34        15.29
Dec 1969               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A     -10.62       -11.80
Dec 1970               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      -8.57         1.10
Dec 1971               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      26.17        13.77
Dec 1972               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      18.08        12.87
Dec 1973               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A     -24.75       -14.27
Dec 1974               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A     -30.73       -20.85
Dec 1975               N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A       N/A      32.83        34.62
Dec 1976               N/A          N/A          15.60          N/A            N/A       N/A      20.07        25.66
Dec 1977               N/A          N/A           3.04          N/A            N/A       N/A      -2.62        -3.64
Dec 1978               N/A          N/A           1.39          N/A            N/A       N/A      12.53         7.99
Dec 1979               N/A          N/A           1.93          N/A            N/A     22.31      29.29        23.87
Dec 1980               N/A          N/A           2.71          N/A            N/A     31.88      38.67        28.27
Dec 1981               N/A          N/A           6.25          N/A            N/A     -5.10      -6.82        -1.39
Dec 1982               N/A          N/A          32.62          N/A            N/A     20.30      24.04        24.17
Dec 1983               N/A          N/A           8.36          N/A            N/A     22.13      21.35        22.76
Dec 1984               N/A          N/A          15.15          N/A            N/A      4.75      -3.60         4.29
Dec 1985               N/A          N/A          22.10          N/A            N/A     32.27      30.14        28.55
Dec 1986               N/A          N/A          15.26          N/A            N/A     17.87      15.59        17.63
Dec 1987               N/A          N/A           2.76         4.47            N/A      2.94       3.25         2.64
Dec 1988             30.00        30.45           7.89        13.36          16.19     17.23      14.13        18.35
Dec 1989             32.13        21.43          14.53         2.31           9.82     30.42      27.47        23.73
Dec 1990             -6.54       -11.86           8.96        -4.36          -8.61     -4.16      -5.41        -5.99
Dec 1991             30.98        32.40          16.00        39.17          37.53     33.03      36.33        27.75
Dec 1992             21.81         9.88           7.40        17.44          24.06      9.04       7.63         9.63
Dec 1993            103.39        84.94           9.75        16.69          19.37     10.15      11.98        14.62
Dec 1994            -16.94       -12.59          -2.92        -1.03          -6.91      0.38      -1.57        -0.41
Dec 1995              4.00        10.00          18.47        20.46          25.14     37.77      32.65        31.14
Dec 1996             10.05         8.08           3.63        11.27          15.29     22.45      17.53        20.67
Dec 1997            -40.31       -34.20           9.65        13.27          16.76     32.85      28.03        26.88
Dec 1998             -7.79        -4.42           8.69         2.95          12.62     27.02      25.69        13.58
Dec 1999             64.67        49.83          -0.82         2.51          38.91     20.91      27.96        11.86
</TABLE>



<PAGE>


                  PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT

                                           MSCI All      Russell
                                      Country World      1000(R)         Nasdaq
                   MSCI   MSCI World   Free ex U.S.      Growth       Composite
           Europe Index        Index          Index       Index           Index
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dec 1925            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1926            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1927            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1928            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1929            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1930            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1931            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1932            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1933            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1934            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1935            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1936            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1937            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1938            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1939            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1940            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1941            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1942            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1943            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1944            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1945            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1946            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1947            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1948            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1949            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1950            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1951            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1952            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1953            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1954            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1955            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1956            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1957            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1958            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1959            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1960            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1961            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A




<PAGE>


                  PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT

                                           MSCI All      Russell
                                      Country World      1000(R)         Nasdaq
                   MSCI   MSCI World   Free ex U.S.       Growth      Composite
           Europe Index        Index          Index        Index          Index
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dec 1962            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1963            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1964            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1965            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1966            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1967            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1968            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1969            N/A          N/A            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1970         -10.64        -3.09            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1971          26.33        18.36            N/A          N/A            N/A
Dec 1972          14.40        22.48            N/A          N/A          17.18
Dec 1973          -8.77       -15.24            N/A          N/A         -31.06
Dec 1974         -24.07       -25.47            N/A          N/A         -35.11
Dec 1975          41.45        32.80            N/A          N/A          29.76
Dec 1976          -7.80        13.40            N/A          N/A          26.10
Dec 1977          21.90         0.68            N/A          N/A           7.33
Dec 1978          21.88        16.52            N/A          N/A          12.31
Dec 1979          12.31        10.95            N/A        23.91          28.11
Dec 1980          11.90        25.67            N/A        39.57          33.88
Dec 1981         -12.46        -4.79            N/A       -11.31          -3.21
Dec 1982           3.97         9.71            N/A        20.46          18.67
Dec 1983          20.96        21.93            N/A        15.98          19.87
Dec 1984           0.62         4.72            N/A        -0.95         -11.22
Dec 1985          78.93        40.56            N/A        32.85          31.36
Dec 1986          43.85        41.89            N/A        15.36           7.36
Dec 1987           3.66        16.16            N/A         5.31          -5.26
Dec 1988          15.81        23.29          27.90        11.27          15.41
Dec 1989          28.51        16.61          12.03        35.92          19.26
Dec 1990          -3.85       -17.02         -22.74        -0.26         -17.80
Dec 1991          13.11        18.28          13.96        41.16          56.84
Dec 1992          -4.71        -5.23         -10.97         5.00          15.45
Dec 1993          29.28        22.50          34.90         2.90          14.75
Dec 1994           2.28         5.08           6.63         2.66          -3.20
Dec 1995          21.62        20.72           9.94        37.19          39.92
Dec 1996          21.09        13.48           6.68        23.12          22.71
Dec 1997          23.80        15.76           2.04        30.49          21.64
Dec 1998          28.53        24.34          14.46        38.71          39.63
Dec 1999          15.89        24.93          30.91        33.16          85.59




<PAGE>


17.      APPENDIX D - OTHER PIONEER INFORMATION

The Pioneer group of mutual funds was established in 1928 with the creation of
Pioneer Fund. Pioneer is one of the oldest and most experienced money managers
in the U.S.

As of December 31, 1999, Pioneer employed a professional investment staff of 82.

Total assets of all Pioneer mutual funds at December 31, 1999, were
approximately $23 billion representing 1,392,828 shareholder accounts, including
881,091 non-retirement accounts and 511,737 retirement accounts.

<PAGE>

                                   PART C

                                OTHER INFORMATION

Item 23. Exhibits.

Amended Form N-1A
Exhibit Reference

     (a)            1.1      Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the
                             Registrant.(1)
     (a)            1.2      Amended Certificate of Trust of the Registrant.(1)
     (a)            1.3      Amendment to the Amended Agreement and
                             Declaration of Trust of the Registrant.(2)
     (a)            1.4      Form of Amendment to the Amended Agreement and
                             Declaration of Trust of the Registrant.(3)
     (a)            1.5      Form of Amendment to the Amended Agreement and
                             Declaration of Trust.(7)
     (a)            1.6      Form of Amendment to the Amended Agreement and
                             Declaration of Trust.(8)
     (b)            2.       Amended By-Laws of the Registrant.(1)
     (c)            4.       None.
     (d)            5.1      Management  Contract  between  the  Registrant,  on
                             behalf of each of its series other than Real Estate
                             Growth  Portfolio  and Swiss Franc Bond  Portfolio,
                             and Pioneering Management Corporation.(1)
     (d)            5.2      Interim Management Contract between the Registrant,
                             on  behalf of Real  Estate  Growth  Portfolio  and
                             Pioneering Management Corporation.(1)
     (d)            5.3      Management  Contract  between  the  Registrant,  on
                             behalf  of  Real  Estate  Growth   Portfolio   and
                             Pioneering Management Corporation.(4)
     (d)            5.4      Form of Management Contract between the Registrant,
                             on  behalf  of  Swiss  Franc  Bond  Portfolio  and
                             Pioneering Management Corporation.(1)
     (d)            5.5      Subadvisory  Agreement among Pioneering  Management
                             Corporation,  Boston Financial Securities, Inc. and
                             the  Registrant  on  behalf of Real  Estate  Growth
                             Portfolio.(5)
      (d)           5.6      Form of Management Contract between the Registrant,
                             on   behalf  of  Growth   Shares   Portfolio   and
                             Pioneering Management Corporation.(2)
      (d)           5.7      Form of Management Contract between the Registrant,
                             on behalf  of  Growth  and  Income  Portfolio  and
                             Pioneering Management Corporation.(2)
      (d)           5.8      Form of Management Contract between the Registrant,
                             on behalf of Emerging Markets Portfolio and
                             Pioneering Management Corporation.(3)
      (d)           5.9      Form of Management Contract between the Registrant,
                             on behalf of Europe Portfolio and Pioneering
                             Management Corporation.(3)
      (d)           5.10     Form of Management Contract between the Registrant,
                             on behalf of Strategic Income Portfolio, and
                             Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (formerly
                             Pioneering Management Corporation.)(7)
      (d)           5.11     Form of Management Contract between the Registrant,
                             on behalf of High Yield Portfolio and Pioneer
                             Investment Management, Inc.(8)
      (d)           5.12     Form of Management Contract between the Registrant,
                             on behalf Science & Technology Portfolio and
                             Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.(8)
      (e)           6.       Underwriting  Agreement  between the Registrant and
                             Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.(1)
      (f)           7.       None.
      (g)           8.       Custody  Agreement between the Registrant and Brown
                             Brothers Harriman & Co.(1)
      (h)           9.       Form  of  Investment   Company  Service   Agreement
                             between  the  Registrant  and  Pioneering  Services
                             Corporation.(9)
      (h)           9.1      Administration  Agreement  between  the  Trust  and
                             Pioneer   Investment  Management,  Inc.   (formerly
                             Pioneering Management Corporation.(6)
      (i)           10.      Opinion of Counsel(1)
      (j)           11.      Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP(9)
      (k)           12.      None.
      (l)           13.      Share Purchase Agreement.(1)
      (m)           15.      Form of Distribution Plan relating to Class II
                             shares.(7)
      (n)           18.      Form of Multiple Class Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3
                             relating to Class II shares.(3)
      (o)                    Not applicable.
      (p)           20.      Code of Ethics.(9)
      n/a           21.      Powers of Attorney.(9)

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

(1)  Previously filed.  Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (File No. 33-84546)
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on August 17,
1995.

(2)  Previously filed.  Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registration Statement (File No. 33-84546)
as filed with the SEC on August 18, 1995.

(3)  Previously filed.  Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement (File No. 33-84546)
as filed with the SEC on July 16, 1998 (Accession No. 0000930709-98-000013).

(4)  Previously filed.  Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement (File No. 33-84546)
as filed with the SEC on February 29, 1996 (Accession No. 0000930709-96-000013).

(5)  Previously filed.  Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement (File No. 33-84546)
as filed with the SEC on April 30, 1995 (Accession No. 0000930709-99-000016).

(6)  Previously filed.  Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to the Registration Statement (File No. 33-84546)
as filed with the SEC on February 16, 1999 (Accession No. 0000930709-99-000002).

(7)  Previously filed. Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement (File No.33-84546)
as filed with the SEC on June 4, 1999 (Accession No. 0000930709-99-000016).

(8)  Previously filed. Incorporated by reference from the exhibites filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the Registration Statement (File No.33-84546)
as filed with the SEC on January 12, 2000 (Accession No. 0000930709-00-000002).

(9)  Filed herewith.

Item 24. Persons Controlled By or Under
         Common Control With Registrant.

     None.

Item 25. Indemnification.

        Except for the Agreement and  Declaration  of Trust dated  September 16,
1994,  as  amended  January  25,  1995  (the  "Declaration"),  establishing  the
Registrant  as a  business  trust  under  Delaware  law,  there is no  contract,
arrangement  or  statute  under  which any  director,  officer,  underwriter  or
affiliated  person of the Registrant is insured or indemnified.  The Declaration
provides that no Trustee or officer will be indemnified against any liability to
which the  Registrant  would  otherwise  be subject by reason of or for  willful
misfeasance,  bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person's
duties.

        Insofar as  indemnification  for liability  arising under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), may be available to trustees,  officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing  provisions,  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  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  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.

Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.
     Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. ("Pioneer Investments") is a registered
investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and is
a wholly owned subsidiary of The Pioneer Group, Inc. ("Pioneer").  Pioneer
Investments manages investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans,
trusts, estates or charitable organizations and other corporations or
business entities.

     To the knowledge of the Fund, none of Pioneer Investments' directors
or executive officers is or has been during their employment with Pioneer
Investments engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment
of a substantial nature for the past two fiscal years, except as noted below.
Certain directors and officers, however, may hold or may have held various
positions with, and engage or have engaged in business for, the investment
companies that Pioneer Investments manages, Pioneer and/or other Pioneer
subsidiaries.

                              OTHER BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION OR
                              EMPLOYMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL NATURE WITHIN LAST TWO
NAME OF DIRECTOR/OFFICER      FISCAL YEARS

John F. Cogan, Jr.            Of Counsel to Hale and Dorr LLP, 60 State
                              Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109

Joseph P. Barri               Senior Partner, Hale and Dorr LLP, 60 State
                              Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109

Item 27.  Principal Underwriters

         (a)      See "Management of the Fund" in the Statement of Additional
                  Information.

         (b)      Directors and officers of Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.:

                       POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH   POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH
       NAME            UNDERWRITER                  FUND

John F. Cogan, Jr.     Director and Chairman        Chairman of the Board,
                                                    President and Trustee

David D. Tripple       Director and President       Executive Vice President and
                                                    Trustee

Steven M. Graziano     Director and Executive       None
                       Vice President

William A. Misata      Senior Vice President        None

Constance D. Spiros    Senior Vice President        None

Marcy L. Supovitz      Senior Vice President        None


                                      C-2


<PAGE>


Mark R. Kiniry         Vice President, Regional
                       Director, Sales              None

Barry G. Knight        Vice President               None

William H. Spencer     Vice President, Regional
                       Director, Sales              None

Elizabeth A. Watson    Vice President, Compliance   None

Steven R. Berke        Assistant Vice President,
                       Blue Sky                     None

Eric W. Reckard        Treasurer                    Treasurer

Joseph P. Barri        Clerk                        Secretary

Robert P. Nault        Assistant Clerk              Assistant Secretary

The principal business address of each of these individuals is 60 State Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109-1820.

         (c)      Not applicable.

Item 28.  Location of Accounts and Records

         The accounts and records are maintained at the Fund's office at
60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109; contact the Treasurer.

Item 29.  Management Services

     Not applicable.

Item 30.  Undertakings

     Not applicable.

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933  and  the
Investment  Company  Act of 1940,  the Fund  certifies  that it meets all of the
requirements for effectiveness of this registration  statement under Rule 485(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this registration statement
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,  duly authorized,  in the City of
Boston and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 13th day of April, 2000.

                                             PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS TRUST


                                               By: /s/ John F. Cogan, Jr.
                                                   --------------------------
                                                   John F. Cogan, Jr.
                                                   Chairman and President

     Pursuant  to  the   requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
registration  statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated:

  Signature                             Title


/s/ John F. Cogan, Jr.                               )
John F. Cogan, Jr.           Chairman of the Board   )
                             and President           )
                             (Principal Executive    )
                             Officer)                )
                                                     )
                                                     )
/s/ Eric W. Reckard                                  )
Eric W. Reckard              Chief Financial Officer )
                             and Treasurer (Principal)
                             Financial and Accounting)
                             Officer)                )
                                                     )
Trustees:                                            )
                                                     )
                                                     )
John F. Cogan, Jr.*                                  )
John F. Cogan, Jr.                                   )
                                                     )
Richard H. Egdahl*                                   )
Richard H. Egdahl                                    )
                                                     )
                                                     )
Marguerite A. Piret*                                 )
Marguerite A. Piret                                  )
                                                     )
                                                     )
David D. Tripple*                                    )
David D. Tripple                                     )
                                                     )
                                                     )
Stephen K. West*                                     )
Stephen K. West                                      )


*By: /s/John F. Cogan, Jr.                          Dated:  April 13, 2000
    --------------------------------
    John F. Cogan, Jr.
    Attorney-in-fact

<PAGE>

                                  Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number   Document Title

(h)     9.      Form of Investment Company Service Agreement between the
                Fund and Pioneering Services Corporation

(j)    11.      Consent of Independent Public Accountants

(p)    20.      Code of Ethics

       21.      Powers of Attorney





                      INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT

                               __________ __, 1999


         __________________, a ____________ business trust with its principal
place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 ("Customer"),
and Pioneering Services Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation with its
principal place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
("PSC"), hereby agree as follows:

         1. SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY PSC. During the term of this Agreement,
PSC will provide to each series of shares of beneficial interest of Customer,
which may be established, from time to time (the "Account"), with the services
described in EXHIBITS A, B, C and D (collectively, the "Exhibits") that are
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. It is understood that PSC
may subcontract any of such services to one or more firms designated by PSC,
provided that PSC (i) shall be solely responsible for all compensation payable
to any such firm and (ii) shall be liable to Customer for the acts or omissions
of any such firm to the same extent as PSC would be liable to Customer with
respect to any such act or omission hereunder.

         2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Agreement shall become effective on the date
hereof (the "Effective Date") and shall continue in effect until it is
terminated in accordance with Section 11 below.

         3. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTATION, MATERIALS AND DATA. Customer shall, from
time to time, while this Agreement is in effect deliver all such documentation,
materials and data as may be necessary or desirable to enable PSC to perform its
services hereunder.

         4. REPORTS AND MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS BY PSC. PSC will furnish to
Customer and to properly authorized auditors, examiners, distributors, dealers,
underwriters, salesmen, insurance companies, investors, and others designated by
Customer in writing, such books, any and all records and reports at such times
as are prescribed for each service in the Exhibits attached hereto. Customer
agrees to examine or to ask any other authorized recipient to examine each such
report or copy promptly and will report or cause to be reported any errors or
discrepancies therein of which Customer then has any knowledge. PSC may at its
option at any time, and shall forthwith upon Customer's demand, turn over to
Customer and cease to retain in PSC's files, any and all records and documents
created and maintained by PSC pursuant to this Agreement which are no longer
needed by PSC in the performance of its services or for its protection.

         If not so turned over to Customer, such documents and reports will be
retained by PSC for six years from the year of creation, during the first two of
which the same shall be in readily accessible form. At the end of six years,
such records and documents will be turned over to Customer by PSC unless
Customer authorizes their destruction.

         5. PSC'S DUTY OF CARE. PSC shall at all time use reasonable care and
act in good faith in performing its duties hereunder. PSC shall incur no
liability to Customer in connection with its performance of services hereunder
except to the extent that it does not comply with the foregoing standards.

         PSC shall at all times adhere to various procedures and systems
consistent with industry standards in order to safeguard Customer's checks,
records and other data from loss or damage attributable to fire or theft. PSC
shall maintain insurance adequate to protect against the costs of reconstructing
checks, records and other data in the event of such loss and shall notify
Customer in the event of a material adverse change in such insurance coverage.
In the

                                      -1-


<PAGE>


event of damage or loss occurring to Customer's records or data such that
PSC is unable to meet the terms of this Agreement, PSC shall transfer all
records and data to a transfer agent of Customer's choosing upon Customer's
written authorization to do so.

         Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, PSC shall not be
liable or responsible for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances
beyond its control including acts of civil, military or banking authority,
national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, flood or other catastrophes,
acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, failure of transportation, communication
or power supply.

         6. CONFIDENTIALITY. PSC will keep confidential all records and
information provided by Customer or by the shareholders of the Account to PSC,
except to the extent disclosures are required by this Agreement, are required by
the Customer's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, or are
required by a valid subpoena or warrant issued by a court of competent
jurisdiction or by a state or federal agency or governmental authority.

         7. CUSTOMER INSPECTION. Upon reasonable notice, in writing signed by
Customer, PSC shall make available, during regular business hours, all records
and other data created and maintained pursuant to this Agreement for reasonable
audit and inspection by Customer or Customer's agents, including reasonable
visitation by Customer or Customer's agents, including inspecting PSC's
operation facilities. PSC shall not be liable for injury to or responsible in
any way for the safety of any individual visiting PSC's facilities under the
authority of this section. Customer will keep confidential and will cause to
keep confidential all confidential information obtained by its employees or
agents or any other individual representing Customer while on PSC's premises.
Confidential information shall include (1) any information of whatever nature
regarding PSC's operations, security procedures, and data processing
capabilities, (2) financial information regarding PSC, its affiliates, or
subsidiaries, and (3) any information of whatever kind or description regarding
any customer of PSC, its affiliates or subsidiaries.

         8. RELIANCE BY PSC ON INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVICE; INDEMNITY. PSC shall be
entitled to seek advice of Customer's legal counsel with respect to PSC's
responsibilities and duties hereunder and shall in no event be liable to
Customer for any action taken pursuant to such advice, except to the extent that
Customer's legal counsel determines in its sole discretion that the rendering of
advice to PSC would result in a conflict of interest.

         Whenever PSC is authorized to take action hereunder pursuant to proper
instructions from Customer, PSC shall be entitled to rely upon any certificate,
letter or other instrument or telephone call reasonably believed by PSC to be
genuine and to have been properly made or signed by an officer or other
authorized agent of Customer, and shall be entitled to receive as conclusive
proof of any fact or matter required to be ascertained by it hereunder a
certificate signed by an officer of Customer or any other person authorized by
Customer's Board of Trustees.

         Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of this Agreement, Customer
agrees to indemnify and hold PSC, its employees, agents and nominees harmless
from any and all claims, demands, actions and suits, whether groundless or
otherwise, and from and against any and all judgments, liabilities, losses,
damages, costs, charges, counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and
character arising out of or in any way relating to PSC's action or non-action
upon information, instructions or requests given or made to PSC by Customer with
respect to the Account.

         Notwithstanding the above, whenever Customer may be asked to indemnify
or hold PSC harmless, Customer shall be advised of all pertinent facts arising
from the situation in question. Additionally, PSC will use reasonable care to
identify and notify Customer promptly concerning


                                      -2-



<PAGE>


any situation, which presents, actually or potentially, a claim for
indemnification against Customer. Customer shall have the option to defend PSC
against any claim for which PSC is entitled to indemnification from Customer
under the terms hereof, and in the event Customer so elects, it will notify PSC
and, thereupon, Customer shall take over complete defense of the claim and PSC
shall sustain no further legal or other expenses in such a situation for which
indemnification shall be sought or entitled. PSC may in no event confess any
claim or make any compromise in any case in which Customer will be asked to
indemnify PSC except with Customer's prior written consent.

         9. MAINTENANCE OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS. PSC shall maintain on behalf of
Customer such deposit accounts as are necessary or desirable from time to time
to enable PSC to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.

         10. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT TO PSC. For the services rendered by
PSC under this Agreement, Customer agrees to pay to PSC an annual fee of
$______* per open account and an annual fee of $7.30 per closed account, such
fees to be payable in equal monthly installments. Customer shall reimburse PSC
monthly for out-of-pocket expenses, including but not limited to, forms,
postage, mail service, telephone charges, including internet access charges,
archives, microfiche and other records storage services, mailing and tabulating
proxies, sub account recordkeeper fees relating to omnibus accounts, and
miscellaneous. In addition, the Customer will reimburse any other expenses
incurred by PSC at the request of or with the consent of the Customer.

         11. TERMINATION. Either PSC or Customer may at any time terminate this
Agreement by giving 90 days' prior written notice to the other.

         After the date of termination, for so long as PSC in fact continues to
perform any one or more of the services contemplated by this Agreement or the
Exhibits, the provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation the
provisions of Section 8 dealing with indemnification, shall where applicable
continue in full force and effect.

12.      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

12.1          REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PSC.

                    PSC represents and warrants to the Customer that:

                    (a)    It is a corporation duly organized and existing and
                           in good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth
                           of Massachusetts.

                    (b)    It is duly qualified to carry on its business in The
                           Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of
                           Nebraska.

                    (c)    All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken
                           to authorize it to enter into this Agreement.

                    (d)    It is empowered under all applicable laws and by its
                           Articles of Organization and By Laws to enter into
                           and perform this Agreement.

12.2          REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CUSTOMER.

                    Customer represents and warrants to PSC that:


- --------
* Insert $25.25 for equity funds and $33.00 for fixed income funds and money
market fund.


                                      -3-


<PAGE>


                    (a)  It is a business trust duly organized and existing and
                         in good standing under the laws of its governing
                         jurisdiction.

                    (b)  All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to
                         authorize it to enter into this Agreement.

                    (c)  It is empowered under all applicable laws and by its
                         Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By Laws to enter
                         into and perform this Agreement.

                    (d)  It is an open-end management investment company
                         registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
                         amended.

                    (e)  A registration statement under the Securities Act of
                         1933, as amended (the "Registration Statement"), has
                         been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
                         and is currently effective and will remain effective,
                         and appropriate state securities law filings have been
                         made and will continue to be made, with respect to all
                         shares of beneficial interest of the Customer to be
                         offered for sale.

12.3          CUSTOMER DOCUMENT DELIVERY.

                    Customer shall promptly furnish to PSC the following:

                    (a)  A copy of Customer's Agreement and Declaration of Trust
                         and By Laws and all amendments related thereto.

                    (b)  A certified copy of the resolution of the Customer's
                         Board of Trustees authorizing the appointment of PSC
                         and the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

                    (c) A copy of the Customer's Registration Statement and all
                        amendments thereto.

        13. INDEMNIFICATION. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree
that all liabilities arising, directly or indirectly, under this Agreement, of
any and every nature whatsoever, including without limitation, liabilities
arising in connection with any agreement of Customer or its Trustees set forth
herein to indemnify any party to this Agreement or any other person, shall be
satisfied out of the assets of the Account first and then of Customer and that
no Trustee, officer or holder of shares of beneficial interest of Customer shall
be personally liable for any of the foregoing liabilities. Customer's Agreement
and Declaration of Trust describes in detail the respective responsibilities and
limitations on liability of the Trustees, officers, and holders of shares of
beneficial interest of Customer.

        14. MISCELLANEOUS. In connection with the operation of this Agreement,
PSC and Customer may agree from time to time on such provisions interpretive of
or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in their joint opinion
be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions are to be signed by both parties and annexed hereto, but
no such provision shall contravene any applicable Federal and state law or
regulation, and no such provision shall be deemed to be an amendment of this
Agreement.


                                      -4-


<PAGE>


         This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter
hereof whether written or oral.

         If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held invalid,
unlawful or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the
remaining provisions of the Agreement shall not in any way be affected or
impaired.

         This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

              IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Customer and PSC have caused this Agreement to
be executed in their respective names by their respective officers thereunto
duly authorized as of the date first written above.

ATTEST:                                     PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION



_____________________________               By: _____________________________
Robert P. Nault, Assistant Clerk                Roger B. Rainville
                                                President


                                            PIONEER ________________



_____________________________               By: _____________________________
Robert P. Nault, Assistant Secretary            John F. Cogan, Jr.
                                                President


                                      -5-


<PAGE>


               EXHIBIT A - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT



SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT SERVICE:

As Servicing Agent for fund accounts and in accordance with the provisions of
the standard fund application and Customer's Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information, PSC will:

1.   Open, maintain and close accounts.

2.   Purchase shares for the shareholder.

3.   Out of the money received in payment for sales of Customer's shares pay
     to the Customer's custodian the net asset value per share and pay to
     the underwriter and to the dealer their commission, if any, on a
     bimonthly basis.

4.   Redeem shares by systematic withdrawal orders. (SEE EXHIBIT B)

5.   Issue share certificates, upon instruction, resulting from withdrawals
     from share accounts (It is the policy of PSC to issue share
     certificates only upon request of the shareholder). Maintain records
     showing name, address, certificate numbers and number of shares.

6.   Deposit certificates to shareholder accounts when furnished with such
     documents, as PSC deems necessary, to authorize the deposit.

7.   Reinvest or disburse dividends and other distributions upon direction of
     shareholder.

8.   Establish the proper registration of ownership of shares.

9.   Pass upon the adequacy of documents submitted by a shareholder or his
     legal representative to substantiate the transfer of ownership of
     shares from the registered owner to transferees.

10.  Make transfers from time to time upon the books of the Customer in
     accordance with properly executed transfer instructions furnished to
     PSC.

11.  Upon receiving appropriate detailed instructions and written materials
     prepared by Customer and, where applicable, proxy proofs checked by
     Customer, mail shareholder reports, proxies and related materials of
     suitable design for automatic enclosing, receive and tabulate executed
     proxies, and furnish an annual meeting list of shareholders when
     required.

12.  Respond to shareholder inquiries in a timely manner.

13.  Maintain dealer and salesperson records.

14.  Maintain and furnish to Customer such shareholder information as
     Customer may reasonably request for the purpose of compliance by
     Customer with the applicable tax and securities law of various
     jurisdictions.

15.  Mail confirmations of transactions to shareholders in a timely fashion
     (confirmations of Automatic Investment Plan transactions will be mailed
     quarterly).


                                      -6-


<PAGE>


16.  Provide Customer with such information regarding correspondence as well
     as enable Customer to comply with related Form N-SAR (semi-annual
     report) requirements.

17.  Maintain continuous proof of the outstanding shares of Customer.

18.  Solicit taxpayer identification numbers.

19.  Provide data to enable Customer to file abandoned property reports for
     those accounts that have been indicated by the Post Office to be not at
     the address of record with no forwarding address.

20.  Maintain bank accounts and reconcile same on a monthly basis.

21.  Provide management information reports on a quarterly basis to
     Customer's Board of Trustees outlining the level of service provided.

22.  Provide sale/statistical reporting for purposes of providing Customer's
     management with information to maximizing the return to shareholders.


                                      -7-


<PAGE>


               EXHIBIT B - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT


REDEMPTION SERVICE:

In accordance with the provisions of the Customer's Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information, as servicing agent for the redemptions, PSC will:

1.   Where applicable, establish accounts payable based on information
     furnished to PSC on behalf of Customer (i.e., copies of trade
     confirmations and other documents deemed necessary or desirable by PSC
     on the first business day following the trade date).

2.   Receive for redemption either:

     a.   Share certificates, supported by appropriate documentation; or

     b.   Written or telephone authorization (where no share certificates are
          issued).

3.   Verify there are sufficient available shares in an account to cover
     redemption requests.

4.   Transfer the redeemed or repurchased shares to Customer's treasury
     share account or, if applicable, cancel such shares for retirement.

5.   Pay the applicable redemption or repurchase price to the shareholder in
     accordance with Customer's Prospectus, Statement of Additional
     Information and Agreement and Declaration of Trust on or before the
     seventh calendar day succeeding any receipt of certificates or requests
     for redemption or repurchase in "good order" as defined in the
     Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.

6.   Notify Customer and the underwriter on behalf of Customer of the total
     number of shares presented and covered by such requests within a
     reasonable period of time following receipt.

7.   Promptly notify the shareholder if any such certificate or request for
     redemption or repurchase is not in "good order" together with notice of
     the documents required to comply with the good order standards. Upon
     receipt of the necessary documents PSC shall effect such redemption at
     the net asset value applicable at the date and time of receipt of such
     documents.

8.   Produce periodic reports of unsettled items, if any.

9.   Adjust unsettled items, if any, relative to dividends and distributions.

10.  Report to Customer any late redemptions which must be included in
     Customer's Form N-SAR (semi-annual report) filing.


                                      -8-


<PAGE>


               EXHIBIT C - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT


EXCHANGE SERVICE:

1.       Receive and process exchanges in accordance with a duly executed
         exchange authorization. PSC will redeem existing shares and use the
         proceeds to purchase new shares. Shares of Customer purchased directly
         or acquired through reinvestment of dividends on such shares may be
         exchanged for shares of other Pioneer funds (which funds have sales
         charges) only by payment of the applicable sales charge, if any, as
         described in Customer's Prospectus and Statement of Additional
         Information. Shares of Customer acquired by exchange and through
         reinvestment of dividends on such shares may be re-exchanged to another
         Pioneer fund at their respective net asset values.

2.       Make authorized deductions of fees, if any.

3.       Register new shares identically with the shares surrendered for
         exchange. Mail new shares certificates, if requested, or an account
         statement confirming the exchange by first class mail to the address of
         record.

4.       Maintain a record of unprocessed exchanges and produce a periodic
         report.


                                      -9-


<PAGE>


               EXHIBIT D - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT


INCOME ACCRUAL AND DISBURSING SERVICE:

1.   Distribute income dividends and/or capital gain distributions, either
     through reinvestment or in cash, in accordance with shareholder
     instructions.

2.   On the mailing date, Customer shall make available to PSC collected funds
     to make such distribution.

3.   Adjust unsettled items relative to dividends and distribution.

4.   Reconcile dividends and/or distributions with Customer.

5.   Prepare and file annual Federal and State information returns of
     distributions and, in the case of Federal returns, mail information
     copies to shareholders and report and pay Federal income taxes withheld
     from distributions made to non-resident aliens.


                                      -10-



                              Arthur Andersen LLP

                   Consent of Independent Public Accountants

     As  independent  public  accountats,  we hereby  consent  to the use of our
report on Pioneer  Variable  Contracts Trust dated February 4, 2000 (and to all
references to our firm) included in or made a part of  Post-Effective  Amendment
No. 13 and Amendment No. 14 to  Registration  Statement  File Nos.  33-84546 and
811-8786, respectively.

                                        /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
                                        Arthur Andersen LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
April 10, 2000




                          THE PIONEER COMPLEX OF FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 CODE OF ETHICS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  INTRODUCTION


This Code of Ethics (the "Code") has been adopted by each registered investment
company (individually an "Investment Company" and collectively the "Investment
Companies") for which Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. ("Pioneer
Investments") serves as an investment adviser or for which Pioneer Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("PFD") serves as principal underwriter, Pioneer Investments
and PFD. The Code is applicable to Access Persons, including Independent
Trustees, of the Investment Companies, as well as Access Persons of Pioneer
Investments and PFD. Pioneer Investments, PFD and the Investment Companies are
sometimes together referred to herein as "Pioneer."

Pioneer and its affiliated entities are committed to maintaining the highest
ethical standards in connection with the management of investment companies and
institutional accounts. Dishonesty, self-dealing, conflicts of interest and
trading on material non-public information will not be tolerated.

The Code reflects Pioneer's views on dishonesty, self-dealing and conflicts of
interest. Every person who has been designated by Pioneer as an "Access Person"
is required to read the Code annually and to certify that he/she has complied
with its provisions and with the reporting requirements. In addition, every
employee of Pioneer is subject to Pioneer's Policies and Procedures to Prevent
Insider Trading.

Any person who has any question regarding the applicability of the Code or
Pioneer's Policies and Procedures to Prevent Insider Trading or the related
prohibitions, restrictions and procedures or the propriety of any action, is
urged to contact the Office of the General Counsel.


                                    SECTION 1

                               STATEMENT OF POLICY

Section 17(j) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") provides,
among other things, that it is unlawful for any Access Person of Pioneer to
engage in any act, practice or course of business in connection with the
purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by such Access Person of any Covered
Security held or to be acquired by an Investment Company in contravention of
such rules and regulations as the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") may adopt to define and prescribe means reasonably necessary to
prevent such acts, practices or courses of business as are fraudulent, deceptive
or manipulative.

It is the policy of Pioneer that no Access Person shall engage in any act,
practice or course of conduct that would violate the provisions of Section 17(j)
and the rules thereunder. The fundamental position of Pioneer is, and has been,
that each Access Person shall place at all times the interests of the Investment
Companies and their shareholders and the Institutional Accounts ahead of his/her
private Covered Securities transactions. Accordingly, private Covered Securities
transactions by Access Persons must be conducted in a manner consistent with
this Code so as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any
abuse of an Access Person's position of trust and responsibility. Further,
Access Persons should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions with
or relationships to any Investment Company, any Institutional Account or
Pioneer.


<PAGE>


Without limiting in any manner the fiduciary duty owed by Access Persons or the
provisions of this Code, it should be noted that Pioneer considers it proper
that purchases and sales be made by its Access Persons in the marketplace of
Covered Securities owned by the Investment Companies or Institutional Accounts;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such personal Covered Securities transactions comply
with the spirit of, and the specific restrictions and limitations set forth in,
this Code. Such personal Covered Securities transactions also should be made in
amounts consistent with the normal investment practice of the Access Person
involved and with an investment, rather than a trading, outlook. Not only does
this policy encourage investment freedom and result in establishing investment
experience, but it also fosters a continuing personal interest in such
investments by those responsible for the continuous supervision of the
portfolios of the Investment Companies and Institutional Accounts. In making
personal investment decisions with respect to any Covered Security, extreme care
must be exercised by Access Persons to ensure that the prohibitions of this Code
are not violated. Further, personal investing by Access Persons should be
conducted in such a manner so as to eliminate the possibility that the Access
Person's time and attention is being devoted to his/her personal investments at
the expense of time and attention that should be devoted to management of an
Investment Company's or Institutional Account's portfolio. It should be
emphasized that technical compliance with the procedures, prohibitions and
limitations of this Code will not automatically insulate from scrutiny personal
Covered Securities transactions by an Access Person which show a pattern of
abuse of his/her fiduciary duty to any Investment Company or Institutional
Account.


                                    SECTION 2

                                   DEFINITIONS

2.1      ACCESS PERSON.  The term "Access Person" shall mean the following:

o             The term "Access Person" with respect to an Investment Company
              shall mean any Trustee, officer or Advisory Person of such
              Investment Company.

o             The term "Access Person" with respect to Pioneer Investments shall
              mean any general partner, director, officer or Advisory Person of
              Pioneer Investments.

o             The term "Access Person" with respect to PFD shall mean any
              director or officer of PFD who in the ordinary course of business
              makes, participates in or obtains information regarding the
              purchase or sale of Covered Securities for an Investment Company
              for which PFD acts, or whose functions or duties, in the ordinary
              course of business, relate to the making of any recommendation to
              an Investment Company or Institutional Account regarding the
              purchase or sale of Covered Securities.

2.2      ADVISORY PERSON. The term "Advisory Person" shall mean (i) every
         employee of an Investment Company, Pioneer Investments, PFD or The
         Pioneer Group, Inc. ("PGI") (or any other company in a Control
         relationship with Pioneer Investments) who, in connection with his or
         her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains
         information regarding, the purchase or sale of a Covered Security by an
         Investment Company or Institutional Account, or whose functions relate
         to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or
         sales, (ii) every natural person in a Control relationship to an
         Investment Company, Pioneer Investments, PFD or


                                       2
<PAGE>


         PGI who obtains
         information concerning recommendations made to an Investment Company or
         Institutional Account with regard to the purchase or sale of a Covered
         Security and (iii) any other employee or independent contractor of any
         Investment Company, Pioneer Investments, PFD or PGI designated as an
         Advisory Person by the Review Officer. Advisory Person shall not
         include directors of PGI who are not also officers or employees of
         Pioneer Investments, PFD, PGI or an Investment Company.

2.3      BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP "Beneficial Ownership" of a security shall mean
         having or sharing an opportunity, either directly or indirectly,
         through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or
         otherwise, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction
         in a security. Indirect opportunities to profit or share in any profit
         would be deemed to exist as a result of, but not limited to, the
         following:

o             securities held by members of an Access Person's immediate family
              sharing the same household (I.E., any child, stepchild,
              grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling,
              mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law,
              brother-in-law, sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships)
              or any other individual(s) sharing the same household;

o             a general partner's proportionate interest in securities held by
              a general or limited partnership;

o             a performance-related fee, other than an asset-based fee, received
              by any broker, dealer, bank, insurance company, investment
              company, investment adviser, investment manager, trustee or person
              or entity performing a similar function;

o             the right to dividends which is separate or separable from the
              underlying security;

o             an Access Person's interest in securities held by a trust; or

o             an Access Person's right to acquire securities through the
              exercise or conversion of any derivative security.

2.4      CONSIDERED FOR PURCHASE OR SALE. A Covered Security is being
         "Considered for Purchase or Sale" by an Investment Company or
         Institutional Account during any period in which Pioneer Investments
         is: (i) actively trading or attempting to trade in the Covered Security
         for an Investment Company or Institutional Account; (ii) passively
         interested in trading in the Covered Security for an Investment Company
         or Institutional Account, I.E., would buy or sell the Security within a
         price range communicated to Pioneer Investments' trading department; or
         (iii) considering, within an Investment Committee of Pioneer
         Investments, the implementation of a trading program for the Covered
         Security (including any period during which the Investment Committee is
         in receipt of a recommendation with respect to which it has not yet
         made a decision). With respect to a Pioneer Investments analyst, the
         foregoing period shall commence on the day that he/she decides to
         recommend the purchase or sale of the Covered Security to the
         Investment Committee of Pioneer Investments and shall continue for a
         period of three months after such date.

2.5      CONTROL. The term "Control" shall mean the power to exercise a
         controlling influence over the management or policies of Pioneer
         Investments, PFD or PGI, unless such power is solely the result of an
         official position with Pioneer Investments, PFD or PGI, all as
         determined in accordance with Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act.

2.6      COVERED SECURITY. The term "Covered Security" shall have the meaning
         set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act and also shall include
         other derivative financial instruments


                                       3
<PAGE>


         (including, but not limited to, options, futures contracts and options
         on futures contracts) except that it shall not include:

o        Direct obligations of the government of the United States;

o        Bankers' acceptances;

o        Bank certificates of deposit;

o        Commercial paper;

o        High quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase
         agreements (I.E., any instrument that has a maturity at issuance
         of fewer than 366 days and that is rated in one of the two highest
         rating categories by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating
         Organization); or

o        Shares of registered open-end investment companies, including the
         Investment Companies.

         (For reporting purposes, transactions in shares of Pioneer Interest
         Shares must be reported.)

2.7      FIDUCIARY ACCOUNT. "Fiduciary Account" is an account with respect to
         which an Access Person is an investment adviser, trustee or other
         fiduciary and in which the Access Person does not otherwise have any
         Beneficial Ownership interest.

2.8      INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE.  "Independent Trustee" shall mean any Trustee of
         an Investment Company who is not an "interested person" (within the
         meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Investment
         Company, Pioneer Investments or PFD.

2.9      INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING. "Initial Public Offering" shall mean an
         offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the
         issuer of which, immediately before registration, was not subject to
         the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934.

2.10     INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNT.  "Institutional Account" refers to any account,
         other than an Investment Company, to which Pioneer Investments provides
         investment advice.

2.11     INVESTMENT COMPANY.  "Investment Company" refers to any U.S. registered
         investment company for which Pioneer Investments serves as an
         investment adviser or subadviser or for which PFD serves as principal
         underwriter.  "Investment Companies" refers to all such companies.

2.12     LIMITED OFFERING. "Limited Offering" shall mean an offering of
         securities that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of
         1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) or pursuant to Rules 504,
         505 or 506 under the Securities Act of 1933.

2.13     MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION. "Material Non-Public Information" with
         respect to an issuer is information, not yet released to the public,
         that would have a substantial likelihood of affecting a reasonable
         investor's decision to buy or sell any Covered Securities of such
         issuer.


                                       4
<PAGE>


2.14     PORTFOLIO MANAGER. "Portfolio Manager" shall mean every person who is
         responsible for the day-to-day management of an Investment Company or
         an Institutional Account, or every person who shares such
         responsibility with another Portfolio Manager.

2.15.    PRECLEARANCE OFFICER. "Preclearance Officer" shall mean the officer of
         Pioneer Investments designated from time to time by the Chairman of
         Pioneer Investments to provide written prior approval of purchases and
         sales by Access Persons. The term "Alternative Preclearance Officer"
         shall mean the officer designated from time to time by the Chairman of
         Pioneer Investments to provide written prior approval of purchases and
         sales by the Preclearance Officer, as well as Access Persons when the
         Preclearance Officer is not available, and who shall act in all
         respects in the manner prescribed herein for the Preclearance Officer.

2.16     REVIEW OFFICER. "Review Officer" shall mean the officer of Pioneer
         Investments designated from time to time by the Chairman of Pioneer
         Investments to receive and review reports of purchases and sales by
         Access Persons. The term "Alternative Review Officer" shall mean the
         officer designated from time to time by the Chairman of Pioneer
         Investments to receive and review the reports of purchases and sales by
         the Review Officer, as well as Access Persons when the Review Officer
         is not available, and who shall act in all respects in the manner
         prescribed herein for the Review Officer.

                                    SECTION 3

                              PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

While the scope of actions which may violate the Statement of Policy set forth
above cannot be exactly defined, such actions would always include at least the
following prohibited activities:

3.1      Except on behalf of Fiduciary Accounts with respect to such Access
         Person, no ACCESS PERSON who is not an Independent Trustee shall enter
         an order for the purchase or sale of a Covered Security which an
         Investment Company or Institutional Account is purchasing or selling or
         considering for purchase or sale until the later of (i) the day after
         the Investment Company's or Institutional Account's transaction in that
         Covered Security is completed or (ii) after the Investment Company or
         Institutional Account is no longer considering the Covered Security for
         purchase or sale, unless the Review Officer determines, after
         disclosure and review of all material information, that it is clear
         that, in view of the nature of the Covered Security and the market for
         such Covered Security, the order of the Access Person will not
         adversely affect the price paid or received by the Investment Company
         or Institutional Account and that the order of the Access Person will
         not be advantaged by the transaction by the Investment Company or
         Institutional Account. Any Covered Securities transactions by an Access
         Person in violation of this Subsection 3.1 shall, at the discretion of
         the Chairman of Pioneer Investments, be reversed, any profits disgorged
         to the affected Investment Company or Institutional Account or to
         charity or other appropriate sanctions imposed.

         Except on behalf of Fiduciary Accounts as to which the Independent
         Trustee is a fiduciary, no Independent Trustee shall enter an order for
         the purchase or sale of a Covered Security if he/ she knew or, in the
         ordinary course of fulfilling his/ her official duties as an
         Independent Trustee, should have known, that during the 15-day period
         immediately before or after the entry of such order, such Covered
         Security was purchased or sold by an Investment Company, or such
         Covered Security was considered by Pioneer Investments for purchase or
         sale by an Investment Company.


                                       5
<PAGE>


3.2      No ACCESS PERSON shall, directly or indirectly, purchase or sell any
         Covered Security in which he/she has, or by reason of such purchase
         acquires, any Beneficial Ownership interest within a period of seven
         calendar days before and after any Investment Company or Institutional
         Account advised by Pioneer Investments has purchased or sold such
         Covered Security or within seven calendar days of the Covered Security
         being recommended for purchase or sale by Pioneer Investments. Any
         Covered Security transaction by an Access Person in violation of this
         Subsection 3.2 shall, at the discretion of the Chairman of Pioneer
         Investments, be reversed, any profits disgorged to the affected
         Investment Company or Institutional Account or to charity or other
         appropriate sanctions imposed. The provisions of this Subsection 3.2
         are subject to a DE MINIMUS exception for Access Persons other than
         Advisory Persons at the discretion of the Preclearance Officer.

3.3      No ACCESS PERSON shall purchase or sell, or cause to be purchased or
         sold, any Covered Security for a Fiduciary Account as to which he/she
         is a fiduciary if any such purchase or sale may, to the reasonable
         knowledge of such Access Person, adversely affect the interest of an
         Investment Company or Institutional Account in purchasing or selling
         such Covered Security or use the transaction by an Investment Company
         or Institutional Account to advantage such Fiduciary Account. Covered
         Securities transactions for a Fiduciary Account which may adversely
         affect an Investment Company or Institutional Account include (i)
         purchases that put upward pressure on the price of a Covered Security
         being purchased or considered for purchase or (ii) sales that put
         downward pressure on the price of a Covered Security being sold or
         considered for sale by an Investment Company or Institutional Account.

         No Access Person shall be in violation of this Subsection 3.3 with
         respect to:

o             a transaction in a Covered Security for Fiduciary Accounts if the
              aggregate number of shares included in all such transactions on
              any trading day does not exceed the lesser of (x) 1% of the
              outstanding shares of the Covered Security or (y) the average
              weekly trading volume of shares of such Covered Security during
              the four previous calendar weeks; or

o             the sale of a Covered Security on behalf of a Fiduciary Account by
              an Access Person acting in good faith in fulfillment of his/her
              fiduciary duty to sell the Covered Security.

3.4      No ACCESS PERSON shall, directly or indirectly, without first obtaining
         approval of the President of Pioneer Investments, communicate to any
         person any Material Non-Public Information relating to any issuer of
         any Covered Security owned by an Investment Company or Institutional
         Account. No Access Person shall, directly or indirectly, without first
         obtaining approval of the President of Pioneer Investments, communicate
         to any person who is not an Access Person any Material Non-Public
         Information relating to an Investment Company or Institutional Account,
         including, without limitation, the purchase or sale or the considered
         purchase or sale of a Covered Security on behalf of such Investment
         Company or Institutional Account, except to the extent necessary to
         effect Covered Securities transactions on behalf of such Investment
         Company or Institutional Account. No Access Person shall trade on or
         otherwise use any Material Non-Public Information for his /her personal
         benefit or for the benefit of any other person or entity or otherwise
         act in a manner detrimental to the Covered Securities transactions of
         an Investment Company or Institutional Account.

3.5      No ACCESS PERSON shall engage in, or permit anyone within his /her
         Control to engage in, any act, practice or course of conduct which
         would operate as a fraud or deceit upon, or constitute a manipulative
         practice with respect to, an Investment Company or Institutional
         Account or any


                                       6
<PAGE>


         issuer of any Covered Security owned by an Investment
         Company or Institutional Account or which would violate Pioneer's
         Policies and Procedures to Prevent Insider Trading Violations.

3.6      No ADVISORY PERSON shall, directly or indirectly, purchase any security
         pursuant to an Initial Public Offering. Access Persons (other than
         Advisory Persons) shall not directly or indirectly purchase any
         security pursuant to an Initial Public Offering without obtaining prior
         written approval from the Preclearance Officer, after disclosure to and
         review by the Preclearance Officer of all material information. Any
         approval will take into account whether the investment opportunity
         should be reserved for an Investment Company or Institutional Account
         and whether the opportunity is being offered to Access Person by virtue
         of his /her position with or relationship to an Investment Company or
         Institutional Account.

3.7      No ADVISORY PERSON shall, directly or indirectly, purchase any security
         sold in a Limited Offering without obtaining prior written approval
         from the Preclearance Officer, after disclosure to and review by the
         Preclearance Officer of all material information. Any approval will
         take into account whether the investment opportunity should be reserved
         for an Investment Company or Institutional Account and whether the
         opportunity is being offered to such Advisory Person by virtue of his
         /her position with or relationship to an Investment Company or
         Institutional Account.

3.8      No ADVISORY PERSON shall accept any gift or personal benefit valued in
         excess of a DE MINIMUS value (as established from time to time by the
         Preclearance Officer). Any solicitation of gifts or gratuities is
         unprofessional and is strictly prohibited.

3.9      No ADVISORY PERSON shall serve on the board of directors of any
         publicly traded company, absent prior written authorization by the
         President of Pioneer Investments and determination by the President of
         Pioneer Investments that the board service would be consistent with the
         interests of the Investment Companies and the Institutional Accounts.
         An Advisory Person who serves on the board of directors of a publicly
         traded company may not participate in the decision to purchase or sell
         any Covered Securities of such company by or on behalf of any
         Investment Company or Institutional Account.

3.10     No ADVISORY PERSON shall recommend any Covered Securities transaction
         for any Investment Company or Institutional Account without having
         previously disclosed any interest in such Covered Securities or the
         issuer thereof to the President of Pioneer Investments, including
         without limitation:

o             his/her Beneficial Ownership of any Covered Securities of such
              issuer;

o             any contemplated transaction by such person in such Covered
              Securities;

o             any position with such issuer or its affiliates; and

o             any present or proposed business relationship between such issuer
              or its affiliates and such person or any party in which such
              person has a significant interest.

         Such interested Advisory Person may not participate in the decision by
         Pioneer Investments on behalf of any Investment Company or
         Institutional Account to purchase and sell Covered Securities of such
         issuer.


                                       7
<PAGE>


                                    SECTION 4

                         EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS AND CONDUCT

The prohibitions of Section 3 of this Code (other than Subsections 3.4 and 3.5)
shall not be deemed to be violated by any of the following transactions:

4.1      Purchases or sales of Covered Securities for an account over which the
         Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or Control;

4.2      Purchases or sales of Covered Securities which are non-volitional on
         the part of the Access Person;

4.3      Purchases or sales of Covered Securities pursuant to an automatic
         dividend reinvestment, cash purchase or withdrawal plan provided that
         no adjustment is made by the Access Person to the rate at which Covered
         Securities are purchased or sold, as the case may be, under such a plan
         during any period in which the Covered Security is being considered for
         purchase or sale by any Investment Company or Institutional Account;

4.4      Purchases of Covered Securities effected upon the exercise of rights
         issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its Covered
         Securities, to the extent such rights were acquired by the Access
         Person from the issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired;

4.5      Purchases or sales of Covered Securities which receive the prior
         approval of the Review Officer, after disclosure to and review by the
         Review Officer of all material information and provided that such prior
         approval is based on the reasonable conclusion that the proposed
         purchase or sale would not be in violation of the spirit of this Code
         or would not cause any injury to any Investment Company or
         Institutional Account;

4.6      Purchases or sales of Covered Securities made in good faith on behalf
         of another Investment Company or Institutional Account, it being
         understood by, and disclosed to, the Investment Companies and
         Institutional Accounts that Pioneer may make contemporaneous investment
         decisions and cause to be effected contemporaneous executions on behalf
         of one or more Investment Companies and Institutional Accounts and that
         such executions may increase or decrease the price at which Covered
         Securities are purchased or sold for the Investment Companies and
         Institutional Accounts;

4.7      Tenders of Covered Securities pursuant to tender offers which are
         expressly conditioned on the tender offer's acquisition of all of the
         Covered Securities of the same class; and

4.8      Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.3, purchases or sales of
         Covered Securities for a Fiduciary Account as to which the Access
         Person is a fiduciary.


                                    SECTION 5

          POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO PREVENT INSIDER TRADING VIOLATIONS

All employees of Pioneer or any affiliate, including Access Persons other than
Independent Trustees, are subject to Pioneer's Policies and Procedures to
Prevent Insider Trading Violations, in addition to the


                                       8
<PAGE>


requirements of this Code. Any violation of the Insider Trading Policy
which adversely affects any Investment Company or Institutional Account shall be
deemed to be a violation of this Code.

                                    SECTION 6

                                 CONFIDENTIALITY

All information obtained from any Access Person hereunder shall be kept in
strict confidence by Pioneer, except that reports of Covered Securities
transactions hereunder will be made available to the Investment Companies and
Institutional Accounts and to the Commission or any other regulatory or
self-regulatory organization to the extent required by law or regulation or to
the extent Pioneer considers necessary or advisable in cooperating with an
investigation or inquiry by the Commission or any other regulatory or
self-regulatory organization.

                                    SECTION 7

                                 INTERPRETATION

The Board of Trustees, on behalf of an Investment Company, as well as Pioneer,
may from time to time adopt such interpretations of this Code as it deems
appropriate.

                                    SECTION 8

                             EXCEPTIONS TO THE CODE

Although exceptions to the Code will rarely, if ever, be granted, Pioneer
Investments' Chairman, after consultation with the Review Officer, may make
exceptions on a case by case basis, to any of the provisions of this Code upon a
determination that the conduct at issue involves a negligible opportunity for
abuse or otherwise merits an exemption from the Code. All such exceptions must
be received in writing by the Access Person before becoming effective. The
Review Officer shall report the exception to the Board of Trustees of the
Investment Companies at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.

                                    SECTION 9

                  ADOPTION OF PROCEDURES TO ADMINISTER THE CODE

Pioneer has adopted procedures to administer the Code of Ethics and Pioneer's
Policies and Procedures to Prevent Insider Trading. Pioneer shall administer
such procedures in accordance with applicable rules and regulations adopted by
the Commission, and all Access Persons are required to comply with such
procedures.




                                              Approved:  March 7, 2000
                                              Effective:    March 7, 2000








                                       9



                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         I, the undersigned officer or trustee of the Pioneer mutual funds
listed on Annex A, do hereby constitute and appoint John F. Cogan, Jr., David D.
Tripple, Joseph P. Barri and Eric W. Reckard, and each of them acting singly, to
be my true, sufficient and lawful attorneys, with full power to each of them and
each of them acting singly, to sign for me, in my name and the capacities
indicated below, any Registration Statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other
applicable registration form and any and all amendments thereto filed by any of
the Pioneer mutual funds of which I am now or on the date of such filing a
Trustee (each a "Trust") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
and under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the offering
of its shares of beneficial interest, and any and all other documents and papers
relating thereto, and generally to do all such things in my name and on behalf
of me in the capacities indicated to enable the Trust to comply with the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and thereunder, hereby ratifying and confirming my signature as it may
be signed by said attorneys or each of them to any and all Registration
Statements and amendments to said Registration Statement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunder set my hand on this 7th day of
September, 1999.


/s/ Mary K. Bush
Mary K. Bush


/s/ Blake Eagle
Blake Eagle


/s/ Richard H. Egdahl
Richard H. Egdahl, M.D.


/s/ Margaret BW Graham
Margaret B.W. Graham


/s/ Stephen G. Kasnet
Stephen G. Kasnet


/s/ John W. Kendrick
John W. Kendrick


/s/ Marguerite A. Piret
Marguerite A. Piret


/s/ Fred N. Pratt, Jr.
Fred N. Pratt, Jr.


/s/ Stephen K. West
Stephen K. West


/s/ John Winthrop
John Winthrop


/s/ John F. Cogan, Jr.
John F. Cogan, Jr.


/s/ David D. Tripple
David D. Tripple


/s/ Eric W. Reckard
Eric W. Reckard


<PAGE>


                                Power of Attorney
                                     Annex A

Pioneer International Growth Fund
Pioneer Europe Fund
Pioneer World Equity Fund
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund
Pioneer Indo-Asia Fund
Pioneer Capital Growth Fund
Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund
Pioneer Growth Shares
Pioneer Small Company Fund
Pioneer Independence Fund
Pioneer Micro-Cap Fund
Pioneer Gold Shares
Pioneer Balanced Fund
Pioneer Equity-Income Fund
Pioneer Fund
Pioneer II
Pioneer Real Estate Shares
Pioneer Short-Term Income Trust/
Pioneer Limited Maturity Bond Fund
Pioneer America Income Trust
Pioneer Bond Fund
Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund
Pioneer Money Market Trust
Pioneer Strategic Income Fund
Pioneer Tax-Managed Equity Fund/
Pioneer Tax-Managed Fund
Pioneer High Yield Fund
Pioneer Interest Shares
Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust




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