63274 7/00
Prospectus Supplement
dated July 27, 2000 to:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUTNAM WORLDWIDE EQUITY FUND
Prospectus dated February 29, 2000
The second paragraph under the heading "Who manages the fund?" is replaced
with the following:
The following officers of Putnam Management have had primary responsibility
for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio since the years shown
below. Their experience as portfolio managers or investment analysts over
at least the last five years is also shown.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manager Since Experience
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roland W. Gillis 1998 1995 - present Putnam Management
Managing Director prior to March 1995 Keystone Custodian Funds,
Inc.
Robert Swift 1999 1995 - present Putnam Management
Managing Director prior to August 1995 IAI International/Hill
Samuel Investment Advisors
Stephen Dexter 2000 1999 - present Putnam Management
Senior Vice President prior to June 1999 Scudder Kemper Inc.
Peter Hadden 2000 1992 - present Putnam Management
Senior Vice President
