As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2021

File Nos. 2-48227

811-02383

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Pre-Effective Amendment No.   

Post-Effective Amendment No. 205          X

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Amendment No. 183          X

AB BOND FUND, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105

(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code:

(800) 221-5672

EMILIE D. WRAPP

AllianceBernstein L.P.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

(Name and address of agent for service)

Copies of communications to:

PAUL M. MILLER

Seward & Kissel LLP

901 K Street, N.W.

Suite 800

Washington, DC 20001

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:

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

[_]       immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

[_]       on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)

[X]       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

If appropriate, check the following box:

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

Title of Securities Being Registered: Shares of beneficial interest.

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 205 to the Registration Statement relates solely to the Class A, Advisor Class and Class Z shares of the AB FlexFee High Yield Portfolio. No information relating to any other series or class of series of the Registrant not included herein is amended or superseded hereby.

PROSPECTUS   |   April 30, 2021

(Shares Offered—Exchange Ticker Symbol)

>AB High Yield Portfolio

(formerly AB FlexFee^TM High Yield Portfolio)

(Class A—[__]; Advisor Class–HIYYX; Class Z—[__])

The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Investment Products Offered

u       Are Not FDIC Insured

u       May Lose Value

u       Are Not Bank Guaranteed

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
SUMMARY INFORMATION	4
AB High Yield Portfolio	4
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S STRATEGIES, RISKS AND INVESTMENTS	9
INVESTING IN THE FUND	23
How to Buy Shares	23
The Different Share Class Expenses	25
Sales Charge Reduction Programs for Class A Shares	26
CDSC Waivers and Other Programs	27
Payments to Financial Advisors and Their Firms	28
How to Exchange Shares	30
How to Sell or Redeem Shares	30
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares	31
How the Fund Values Its Shares	32
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND	32
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES	36
GENERAL INFORMATION	37
GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT TERMS	38
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS	39
APPENDIX A—BOND RATINGS	A-1
APPENDIX B—HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT AND EXPENSE INFORMATION	B-1
APPENDIX C—FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY WAIVERS	C-1

SUMMARY INFORMATION

AB High Yield Portfolio

(formerly AB FlexFee^TM High Yield Portfolio)

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek to maximize total return consistent with prudent investment management.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The Fund’s advisory fee arrangements have changed a number of times in recent years, most recently as of the date of this Prospectus. For more information see “Bar Chart and Performance Information” below. You may qualify for sales charge reductions if you and members of your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in AB Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary and in Investing in the Fund—Sales Charge Reduction Programs for Class A Shares on page 26 of this Prospectus, in Appendix C—Financial Intermediary Waivers of this Prospectus and in Purchase of Shares—Sales Charge Reduction Programs for Class A Shares on page 86 of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

You may be required to pay commissions and/or other forms of compensation to a broker for transactions in Advisor Class shares, which are not reflected in the tables or the examples below.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

	Class A Shares	Advisor Class Shares	Class Z Shares
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	4.25%	None	None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of offering price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	None(a)	None	None
Exchange Fee	None	None	None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

	Class A		Advisor Class		Class Z
Management Fees(b)	.45	%	.45	%	.45	%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees	.25	%	None		None
Other Expenses:
Transfer Agent	.11	%	.11	%	.02	%
Other Expenses	1.46	%	1.46	%	1.46	%
Total Other Expenses	1.57	%(c)	1.57	%	1.48	%(c)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	2.27	%	2.02	%	1.93	%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(d)	(1.42	)%	(1.42	)%	(1.33	)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement	.85	%	.60	%	.60	%

(a) Purchases of Class A shares in amounts of $1,000,000 or more, or by certain group retirement plans, may be subject to a 1%, 1-year contingent deferred sales charge, or CDSC, which may be subject to waiver in certain circumstances.

(b) Restated to reflect current Management Fees. For more information see “Bar Chart and Perfomance Information” below.

(c) Total Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

(d) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or to bear expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2022 to the extent necessary to prevent total Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB Mutual Funds in which the Fund may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs), on an annualized basis, from exceeding 0.85%, 0.60% and 0.60% of average daily net assets, respectively, for Class A, Advisor Class and Class Z shares (“expense limitations”). Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser through December 31, 2019 under the expense limitation in effect prior to that date may be reimbursed by the Fund until the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne, provided that no reimbursement payment will be made that would cause the Fund’s total Fund operating expenses to exceed the expense limitations. The expense limitations will remain in effect until April 30, 2022 and may only be

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terminated or changed with the consent of the Fund’s Board of Directors. In addition, the expense limitations will be automatically extended for one-year terms unless the Adviser provides notice of termination to the Fund at least 60 days prior to the end of the period.

Examples

The Examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples assume that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Examples also assume that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Fund’s operating expenses stay the same and that any fee waiver and/or expense limitation is in effect through the date indicated above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

	Class A	Advisor Class	Class Z
After 1 Year	$   508	$     61	$      61
After 3 Years	$   973	$   496	$    477
After 5 Years	$1,464	$   956	$    918
After 10 Years	$2,814	$2,234	$ 2,146

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys or sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Examples, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio turnover rate was 75% of the average value of its portfolio.

PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES

At least 80% of the Fund’s net assets will under normal circumstances be invested in fixed-income securities rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) or BB+ or lower by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) (commonly known as “junk bonds”), unrated securities considered by the Adviser to be of comparable quality, and related derivatives. The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities with a range of maturities from short- to long-term. The Fund may also invest in equity securities.

In selecting securities for purchase or sale by the Fund, the Adviser attempts to take advantage of inefficiencies that it believes exist in the global debt markets. These inefficiencies arise from investor behavior, market complexity, and the investment limitations to which investors are subject. The Adviser combines quantitative analysis with fundamental credit and economic research in seeking to exploit these inefficiencies.

The Fund will most often invest in securities of U.S. issuers, but may also purchase fixed-income securities of foreign issuers, including securities denominated in foreign currencies and securities of emerging market issuers. The Adviser may or may not hedge any foreign currency exposure through the use of currency-related derivatives.

The Fund expects to use derivatives, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps, to a significant extent. Derivatives may provide a more efficient and economical exposure to market segments than direct investments, and may also be a more efficient way to alter the Fund’s exposure. The Fund may, for example, use credit default and interest rate swaps to gain exposure to the fixed-income markets or particular fixed-income securities and, as noted above, may use currency-related derivatives. The Adviser may use derivatives to effectively leverage the Fund by creating aggregate market exposure substantially in excess of the Fund’s net assets.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

• Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the bond or stock market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market.

• Interest Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. Very low or negative interest rates would likely magnify the risks associated with changes in interest rates. During periods of very low or negative rates, the Fund’s returns would likely be adversely affected.

• Credit Risk: An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security.

• Below Investment Grade Securities Risk: Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are subject to a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be

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subject to greater price volatility, due to such factors as specific corporate developments, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and may be more difficult to trade than other types of securities.

• Duration Risk: Duration is a measure that relates the expected price volatility of a fixed-income security to changes in interest rates. The duration of a fixed-income security may be shorter than or equal to full maturity of a fixed-income security. Fixed-income securities with longer durations have more risk and will decrease in price as interest rates rise.

• Inflation Risk: This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater if the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with longer maturities.

• Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk.

• Leverage Risk: To the extent the Fund uses leveraging techniques, its net asset value, or NAV, may be more volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of changes in interest rates and any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments.

• Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

• Emerging Market Risk: Investments in emerging market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid as well as being subject to increased economic, political, regulatory or other uncertainties.

• Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities denominated in foreign currencies or reduce the Fund’s returns.

• Illiquid Investments Risk: Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments are or become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Fund shares. Illiquid investments risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

• Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. Some of these techniques may incorporate, or rely upon, quantitative models, but there is no guarantee that these models will generate accurate forecasts, reduce risk or otherwise perform as expected.

As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

BAR CHART AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

The bar chart and performance information provide an indication of the historical risk of an investment in the Fund by showing:

• how the Fund’s performance changed from year to year over ten years; and

• how the Fund’s average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of a broad-based securities market index.

You may obtain updated performance information on the website at www.abfunds.com (click on “Investments—Mutual Funds”).

The Fund’s past performance before and after taxes, of course, does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future.

Performance information prior to July 26, 2016 shown below reflects the historical performance of the AB High-Yield Portfolio, a series of The AB Pooling Portfolios (the “Accounting Survivor”). Upon completion of a reorganization of the Accounting Survivor into the Fund on July 26, 2016 (the “Reorganization”), Class Z shares of the Fund assumed the performance and financial history of the Accounting Survivor. Because the Fund has higher expenses than the Accounting Survivor had, the Accounting Survivor’s performance would have been lower than that shown had it operated with the Fund’s current expense levels. At the time of the Reorganization, the Accounting Survivor and the Fund had substantially similar investment objectives and strategies.

From February 26, 2018 through April 30, 2021, the Fund had a performance-based, or fulcrum, advisory fee. Accordingly, performance information shown below during this period reflects performance fee adjustments and would have been different if the Fund had been managed under the current advisory fee arrangement. Class A and Class Z shares of the Fund were not in operation during this period.

Bar Chart

The annual returns in the bar chart are for the Fund’s Advisor Class shares, which reflect the performance of the Accounting Survivor’s shares prior to July 26, 2016, adjusted to reflect the expense ratio of Advisor Class shares of the Fund. Through March 31, 2021, the year-to-date unannualized return for the Fund’s shares was [___]%.

6

 

During the period shown in the bar chart, the Fund’s:

Best Quarter was up 11.71%, 2nd quarter, 2020; and Worst Quarter was down -14.01%, 1st quarter, 2020.

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For the periods ended December 31, 2020)

		1 Year		5 Years		10 Years
Advisor Class	Return Before Taxes	8.84	%	8.42	%	7.00	%
	Return After Taxes on Distributions*	6.12	%	5.62	%	4.07	%
	Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares*	5.08	%	5.20	%	4.07	%
Class A**	Return Before Taxes	3.94	%	7.22	%	6.73	%
Class Z***	Return Before Taxes	8.84	%	8.42	%	7.00	%
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index**** (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)		7.05	%	8.57	%	6.79	%
Markit iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index**** (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)		4.66	%	7.71	%	6.06	%

*	After-tax Returns:
–	Are an estimate, which is based on the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates, and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes; actual after-tax returns depend on an individual investor’s tax situation and are likely to differ from those shown; and
–	Are Are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

**	For Class A shares, performance for the period prior to the Reorganization reflects the performance of the Accounting Survivor’s shares and the period from February 26, 2018 until April 30, 2021 reflects the performance of the Fund’s Advisor Class shares, adjusted to reflect the expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund.
***	For Class Z shares, performance for the period prior to the Reorganization reflects the performance of the Accounting Survivor’s shares, which were exchanged for Class Z shares of the Fund in the Reorganization. In addition, performance for the period from February 26, 2018 until April 30, 2021 reflects the performance of the Fund’s Advisor Class shares, adjusted to reflect the expense ratio of the Class Z shares of the Fund.
****	Effective April 30, 2021, the broad-based index used for comparison with the Fund’s performance has changed from the Markit iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index to the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index in connection with the elimination of a performance (fulcrum) fee arrangement for the Fund.

INVESTMENT ADVISER

AllianceBernstein L.P. is the investment adviser for the Fund.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The following table lists the persons responsible for day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:

Employee	Length of Service	Title
Gershon M. Distenfeld	Since 2014	Senior Vice President of the Adviser
Jacqueline Pincus	Since 2019	Vice President of the Adviser
William Smith	Since 2018	Senior Vice President of the Adviser

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PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

Purchase Minimums

The following table describes the initial and subsequent minimum purchase amounts for each class of shares, which are subject to waiver in certain circumstances.

	Initial	Subsequent
Class A shares, including traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs	$2,500	$50
Advisor Class shares (only available to fee-based programs or through other limited arrangements and certain commission-based brokerage arrangements)	None	None
Automatic Investment Program	None	$50 If initial minimum investment is less than $2,500, then $200 monthly until account balance reaches $2,500
Class A and Class Z shares are available at NAV, without an initial sales charge, to 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans and, for Class Z shares, to persons participating in certain fee-based programs sponsored by a financial intermediary, where in each case plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund.	None	None

You may sell (redeem) your shares each day the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) is open. You may sell your shares through your financial intermediary or by mail (AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., P.O. Box 786003, San Antonio, TX 78278-6003) or telephone ((800) 221-5672).

TAX INFORMATION

The Fund may pay income dividends or make capital gains distributions, which may be subject to federal income taxes and taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state and local taxes.

PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank or a group retirement plan), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S STRATEGIES, RISKS AND INVESTMENTS

This section of the Prospectus provides additional information about the Fund’s investment strategies, practices and related risks, including principal and non-principal strategies and risks. This Prospectus does not describe all of the Fund’s investment practices; additional information about the Fund’s risks and investments can be found in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

ESG Integration

The Adviser integrates environmental, social and governance (“ESG") considerations into its research and investments analysis with the goal of maximizing return and considering risk within the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. Combining third-party ESG data with its own views and research, the Adviser analyzes the ESG practices of companies and issuers to identify potentially material ESG factors that can vary across companies and issuers.  ESG considerations may include but are not limited to environmental impact, corporate governance and ethical business practices. ESG considerations may not be applicable to all types of instruments or investments.  

Market Risk

The market value of a security may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. These fluctuations may cause a security to be worth less than the price originally paid for it, or less than it was worth at an earlier time. Market risk may affect a single issuer, industry, sector of the economy or the market as a whole.  Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, which increases the probabilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region.  Conditions affecting the general economy, including political, social, or economic instability at the local, regional, or global level may also affect the market value of a security.  Health crises, such as pandemic and epidemic diseases, as well as other incidents that interrupt the expected course of events, such as natural disasters, including fires, earthquakes and flooding, war or civil disturbance, acts of terrorism, power outages and other unforeseeable and external events, and the public response to or fear of such diseases or events, have had, and may in the future have, an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments and net asset value (“NAV”) and can lead to increased market volatility.  For example, the diseases or events themselves or any preventative or protective actions that governments may take in respect of such diseases or events may result in periods of business disruption, inability to obtain raw materials, supplies and component parts, and reduced or disrupted operations for the Fund’s portfolio companies.  The occurrence and pendency of such diseases or events could adversely affect the economies and financial markets either in specific countries or worldwide.

Derivatives

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives for hedging or other risk management purposes or as part of its investment strategies. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index. The Fund may use derivatives to earn income and enhance returns, to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its investments, to replace more traditional direct investments and to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets.

There are four principal types of derivatives—options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps—each of which is described below. Derivatives include listed and cleared transactions where the Fund’s derivatives trade counterparty is an exchange or clearinghouse and non-cleared bilateral “over-the-counter” transactions that are privately negotiated and where the Fund’s derivatives trade counterparty is a financial institution. Exchange-traded or cleared derivatives transactions tend to be subject to less counterparty credit risk than those that are bilateral and privately negotiated.

The Fund’s use of derivatives may involve risks that are different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities or other more traditional instruments. These risks include the risk that the value of a derivative instrument may not correlate perfectly, or at all, with the value of the assets, reference rates, or indices that they are designed to track. Other risks include: the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a particular instrument and possible exchange-imposed price fluctuation limits, either of which may make it difficult or impossible to close out a position when desired; and the risk that the counterparty will not perform its obligations. Certain derivatives may have a leverage component and involve leverage risk. Adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, note or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the Fund’s investment (in some cases, the potential loss is unlimited).

The Fund’s investments in derivatives may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Forward Contracts. A forward contract is an agreement that obligates one party to buy, and the other party to sell, a specific quantity of an underlying commodity or other tangible asset for an agreed-upon price at a future date. A forward contract generally is settled by physical delivery of the commodity or tangible asset to an agreed-upon location (rather than settled by cash), or is rolled forward into a new forward contract or, in the case of a non-deliverable forward, by a cash payment at maturity. The Fund’s investments in forward contracts may include the following:

– Forward Currency Exchange Contracts. The Fund may purchase or sell forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes to minimize the risk from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. Dollar and other currencies or for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies as described below under “Other Derivatives and Strategies—Currency Transactions”. The Fund, for example, may enter into a forward contract as a transaction hedge (to “lock in” the U.S. Dollar price of a non-U.S. Dollar security), as a position hedge (to protect the value of securities the Fund owns that

9

are denominated in a foreign currency against substantial changes in the value of the foreign currency) or as a cross-hedge (to protect the value of securities the Fund owns that are denominated in a foreign currency against substantial changes in the value of that foreign currency by entering into a forward contract for a different foreign currency that is expected to change in the same direction as the currency in which the securities are denominated).

• Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement that obligates the buyer to buy and the seller to sell a specified quantity of an underlying asset (or settle for cash the value of a contract based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specific price on the contract maturity date. Options on futures contracts are options that call for the delivery of futures contracts upon exercise. The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in interest rates, securities (through index futures or options) or currencies. The Fund may also purchase or sell futures contracts for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Other Derivatives and Strategies—Currency Transactions”.

• Options. An option is an agreement that, for a premium payment or fee, gives the option holder (the buyer) the right but not the obligation to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified price (the exercise price) during a period of time or on a specified date. Investments in options are considered speculative. The Fund may lose the premium paid for them if the price of the underlying security or other asset decreased or remained the same (in the case of a call option) or increased or remained the same (in the case of a put option). If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund. The Fund’s investments in options include the following:

– Options on Foreign Currencies. The Fund may invest in options on foreign currencies that are privately negotiated or traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges for hedging purposes to protect against declines in the U.S. Dollar value of foreign currency denominated securities held by the Fund and against increases in the U.S. Dollar cost of securities to be acquired. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates, although if rates move adversely, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs. The Fund may also invest in options on foreign currencies for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Other Derivatives and Strategies—Currency Transactions”.

– Options on Securities. The Fund may purchase or write a put or call option on securities. The Fund may write covered options, which means writing an option for securities the Fund owns, and uncovered options.

– Options on Securities Indices. An option on a securities index is similar to an option on a security except that, rather than taking or making delivery of a security at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the chosen index is greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option.

• Swap Transactions—A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals (payment dates) based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates (e.g., interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps, currency exchange rates in the case of currency swaps) for a specified amount of an underlying asset (the “notional” principal amount). Generally, the notional principal amount is used solely to calculate the payment stream, but is not exchanged. Most swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are subject to mandatory central clearing and are required to be executed through a regulated swap execution facility. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. The Fund posts initial and variation margin to support its obligations under cleared swaps by making payments to their clearing member FCMs. Central clearing is intended to reduce counterparty credit risks and increase liquidity, but central clearing does not make swap transactions risk free. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) may adopt similar clearing and execution requirements in respect of certain security-based swaps under its jurisdiction. Privately negotiated swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors and are not cleared through a third party, nor are these required to be executed on a regulated swap execution facility. The Fund’s investments in swap transactions include the following:

– Interest Rate Swaps, Swaptions, Caps and Floors. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of payments calculated by reference to specified interest rates (e.g., an exchange of floating-rate payments for fixed-rate payments). Unless there is a counterparty default, the risk of loss to the Fund from interest rate swap transactions is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty to an interest rate swap transaction defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of interest payments that the Fund contractually is entitled to receive.

An option on a swap agreement, also called a “swaption”, is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based “premium”. A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the

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total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.

The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a contractually-based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on an agreed principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. It may be more difficult for the Fund to trade or close out interest rate caps and floors in comparison to other types of swaps.

There is no limit on the amount of interest rate transactions that may be entered into by the Fund. The value of these transactions will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates.

Interest rate swap, swaption, cap and floor transactions may, for example, be used in an effort to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or a portion of the Fund’s portfolio or to protect against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps may also be used to leverage the Fund’s investments by creating positions that are functionally similar to purchasing a municipal or other fixed-income security but may only require payments to a swap counterparty under certain circumstances and allow the Fund to efficiently increase (or decrease) its duration and income.

– Inflation (CPI) Swaps. Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), and the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swap agreements may be used to protect the NAV of the Fund against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index since the value of these agreements is expected to increase if inflation increases. The Fund will enter into inflation swaps on a net basis. The values of inflation swap agreements are expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If nominal interest rates increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates may rise, leading to a decrease in value of an inflation swap agreement.

– Credit Default Swap Agreements. The “buyer” in a credit default swap contract is obligated to pay the “seller” a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to an underlying reference obligation. Generally, a credit event means bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration or restructuring. The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If the Fund is a seller, the Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, which typically is between one month and ten years, provided that no credit event occurs. If a credit event occurs, the Fund, as seller, typically must pay the contingent payment to the buyer, which will be either (i) the “par value” (face amount) of the reference obligation, in which case the Fund will receive the reference obligation in return or (ii) an amount equal to the difference between the face amount and the current market value of the reference obligation. As a buyer, if a credit event occurs, the Fund would be the receiver of such contingent payments, either delivering the reference obligation in exchange for the full notional (face) value of a reference obligation that may have little or no value, or receiving a payment equal to the difference between the face amount and the current market value of the obligation. The current market value of the reference obligation is typically determined via an auction process sponsored by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. The periodic payments previously received by the Fund, coupled with the value of any reference obligation received, may be less than the full amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss to the Fund. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund will lose its periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer typically receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value.

Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk and credit risk, and may become illiquid.

– Currency Swaps. The Fund may invest in currency swaps for hedging purposes to protect against adverse changes in exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and other currencies or for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Other Derivatives and Strategies—Currency Transactions”. Currency swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of a series of payments in specified currencies. Currency swaps may be bilateral and privately negotiated with the Fund expecting to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation between its portfolio investments and its currency swaps position. Currency swaps may involve the exchange of actual principal amounts of currencies by the counterparties at the initiation, and again upon the termination, of the transaction.

– Total Return Swaps. The Fund may enter into total return swaps, under which one party agrees to pay the other the total return of a defined underlying asset, such as a security or basket of securities, or non-asset reference, such as a securities index, during the specified period in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from different underlying assets or references. Total return swaps could result in losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. Total return swaps may reflect a leveraged investment and incorporate borrowing costs which are borne by the Fund. There is no guarantee that the Fund’s investment via a total return swap will deliver returns in excess of the embedded borrowing costs and, accordingly, the Fund’s performance may be less than would be achieved by a direct investment in the underlying reference asset.

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– Variance and Correlation Swaps. The Fund may enter into variance or correlation swaps to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets. Variance swaps are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on an underlying asset or index. “Variance” as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset or index (which in effect is a measure of its “volatility”) over the length of the contract term. The parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility. Correlation swaps are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the differences between the stated and the actual correlation realized on the underlying equity securities within a given equity index. “Correlation” as used here is defined as the weighted average of the correlations between the daily returns of each pair of securities within a given equity index. If two assets are said to be closely correlated, it means that their daily returns vary in similar proportions or along similar trajectories.

• Other Derivatives and Strategies—

– Eurodollar Instruments. Eurodollar instruments are essentially U.S. Dollar-denominated futures contracts or options that are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or other reference rate. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. See “LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk” below for additional information.

– Currency Transactions. The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or un-hedged basis. The Adviser may actively manage the Fund’s currency exposures and may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, swaps and options. The Adviser may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

Convertible Securities

Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the same general characteristics as non-convertible debt securities, which generally provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of equity securities of the same or similar issuers. The price of a convertible security will normally vary with changes in the price of the underlying equity security, although the higher yield tends to make the convertible security less volatile than the underlying equity security. As with debt securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decrease as interest rates rise and increase as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they offer investors the potential to benefit from increases in the market prices of the underlying common stock. Convertible debt securities that are rated Baa3 or lower by Moody’s or BBB- or lower by S&P or Fitch and comparable unrated securities may share some or all of the risks of debt securities with those ratings.

Depositary Receipts and Securities of Supranational Entities

The Fund may invest in depositary receipts. American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, are depositary receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. Global Depositary Receipts, or GDRs, European Depositary Receipts, or EDRs, and other types of depositary receipts are typically issued by non-U.S. banks or trust companies and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by either a U.S. or a non-U.S. company. Depositary receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the issuers of the stock underlying unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States. Generally, depositary receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside of the United States. For purposes of determining the country of issuance, investments in depositary receipts of either type are deemed to be investments in the underlying securities.

A supranational entity is an entity designated or supported by the national government of one or more countries to promote economic reconstruction or development. Examples of supranational entities include the World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and the European Investment Bank. “Semi-governmental securities” are securities issued by entities owned by either a national, state or equivalent government or are obligations of one of such government jurisdictions that are not backed by its full faith and credit and general taxing powers.

Event-Linked Securities

Event-linked securities are variable or fixed-rate fixed-income securities or types of equity securities for which the return of principal and payment of interest are contingent on the non-occurrence of various specified catastrophic events, which may be specific trigger events or a diversified group of events, such as hurricanes, typhoons, wind events or earthquakes. The most common type of event-linked fixed-income bonds are known as “catastrophe” or “cat” bonds. If the trigger events do not occur, the Fund will recover its principal and interest. If a trigger event occurs, the Fund may lose a portion of or its entire principal invested in the securities. These

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securities are generally illiquid and may be rated below investment grade or the unrated equivalent and have the same or equivalent risks as higher yield debt securities (“junk bonds”).

Forward Commitments

Forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities may include purchases on a when-issued basis or purchases or sales on a delayed delivery basis. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring or approval of a proposed financing by appropriate authorities (i.e., a “when, as and if issued” trade).

The Fund may invest significantly in TBA mortgage-backed securities. A TBA, or “To Be Announced”, trade represents a contract for the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed securities to be delivered at a future agreed-upon date; however, the specific mortgage pool numbers or the number of pools that will be delivered to fulfill the trade obligation or terms of the contract are unknown at the time of the trade. Mortgage pools (including fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgages) guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, or GNMA, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or FNMA, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or FHLMC, are subsequently allocated to the TBA transactions.

When forward commitments with respect to fixed-income securities are negotiated, the price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but payment for and delivery of the securities take place at a later date. Securities purchased or sold under a forward commitment are subject to market fluctuation and no interest or dividends accrue to the purchaser prior to the settlement date. There is a risk of loss if the value of either a purchased security declines before the settlement date or the security sold increases before the settlement date. The use of forward commitments helps the Fund to protect against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices.

Illiquid Securities

The Fund limits its investments in illiquid securities to 15% of its net assets. Under Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the term “illiquid securities” means any security or investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.

A fund that invests in illiquid securities may not be able to sell such securities and may not be able to realize their full value upon sale. Restricted securities (securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale) may be illiquid. Some restricted securities (such as securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Rule 144A Securities”) or certain commercial paper) may be more difficult to trade than other types of securities.

Indexed Commercial Paper

Indexed commercial paper may have its principal linked to changes in foreign currency exchange rates whereby its principal amount is adjusted upwards or downwards (but not below zero) at maturity to reflect changes in the referenced exchange rate. The Fund will receive interest and principal payments on such commercial paper in the currency in which such commercial paper is denominated, but the amount of principal payable by the issuer at maturity will change in proportion to the change (if any) in the exchange rate between the two specified currencies between the date the instrument is issued and the date the instrument matures. While such commercial paper entails the risk of loss of principal, the potential for realizing gains as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates enables the Fund to hedge (or cross-hedge) against a decline in the U.S. Dollar value of investments denominated in foreign currencies while providing an attractive money market rate of return. The Fund will purchase such commercial paper for hedging purposes only, not for speculation.

Inflation-Indexed Securities

Inflation-indexed securities are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. If the index measuring inflation falls, the principal value of these securities will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced.

The value of inflation-indexed securities tends to react to changes in real interest rates. In general, the price of inflation-indexed securities can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. In addition, the value of these securities can fluctuate based on fluctuations in expectations of inflation. Interest payments on these securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation.

Investment in Exchange-Traded Funds and Other Investment Companies

The Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the 1940 Act, or any applicable rules, exemptive orders or regulatory guidance thereunder. ETFs are pooled investment vehicles that seek to track the performance of a specific index or implement actively-managed investment strategies. Index ETFs will not track their underlying indices precisely since the ETFs have expenses and may need to hold a portion of their assets in cash, unlike the underlying indices, and the ETFs may not invest in all of the securities in the underlying indices in the same proportion as the indices for varying reasons. The Fund will incur transaction costs when buying and selling ETF shares, and indirectly bear the expenses of the ETFs. In addition, the market value of an ETF’s shares, which is based on supply and demand in the market for the ETF’s shares, may differ from its NAV. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF’s shares trade at a discount to its NAV.

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The Fund may also invest in investment companies other than ETFs, as permitted by the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations or exemptive orders thereunder. As with ETF investments, if the Fund acquires shares in other investment companies, shareholders would bear, indirectly, the expenses of such investment companies (which may include management and advisory fees), which to the extent not waived or reimbursed, would be in addition to the Fund’s expenses. The Fund intends to invest uninvested cash balances in an affiliated money market fund as permitted by Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act. The Fund’s investment in other investment companies, including ETFs, subjects the Fund indirectly to the underlying risks of those investment companies.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk

The Fund may invest in debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although widely used LIBOR rates are intended to be published until June 2023, banks are strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as the European Interbank Offer Rate, the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR is underway but remains incomplete. The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and/or NAV. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting the Fund’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

Loan Participations and Assignments

The Fund may invest in corporate loans either by participating as co-lender at the time the loan is originated or by buying an interest in the loan in the secondary market from a financial institution or institutional investor. The financial status of an institution interposed between the Fund and a borrower may affect the ability of the Fund to receive principal and interest payments.

The success of the Fund may depend on the skill with which an agent bank administers the terms of the corporate loan agreements, monitors borrower compliance with covenants, collects principal, interest and fee payments from borrowers and, where necessary, enforces creditor remedies against borrowers. Agent banks typically have broad discretion in enforcing loan agreements.

The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of loan participations and assignments and the Fund’s ability to dispose of such investments when necessary to meet the Fund’s liquidity needs in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market for loan assignments and participations also may make it more difficult for the Fund to assign a value to these investments for purposes of valuing the Fund’s portfolio and calculating its asset value.

Mortgage-Related Securities, Other Asset-Backed Securities and Structured Securities

The Fund may invest in mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities. Mortgage-related securities include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, government sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) risk-sharing bonds, mortgage dollar rolls, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”) and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in or are secured by and payable from mortgage loans on real property. These securities may be issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or one of its sponsored entities or may be issued by private organizations.

The value of mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early payments of principal on some mortgage-related securities may occur during periods of falling mortgage interest rates and expose the Fund to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. Early payments associated with mortgage-related securities cause these securities to experience significantly greater price and yield volatility than is experienced by traditional fixed-income securities. During periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective life of mortgage-related securities, subjecting them to greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates. If the life of a mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, the Fund may not be able to realize the rate of return it expected.

One type of SMBS has one class receiving all of the interest from the mortgage assets (the interest-only, or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only, or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities.

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The Fund may also invest in mortgage-backed securities known as GSE Risk-Sharing Bonds or Credit Risk Transfer Securities (“CRTs”), which are issued by GSEs (and sometimes banks or mortgage insurers) and structured without any government or GSE guarantee in respect of borrower defaults or underlying collateral. The risks associated with an investment in CRTs differ from the risks associated with an investment in more traditional mortgage-backed securities issued by GSEs because, in CRTs, some or all of the credit risk associated with the underlying mortgage loans is transferred to the end-investor.

The Fund may invest in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), which include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), and other similarly structured securities. CBOs and CLOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust that is backed by a diversified pool of high-risk, below investment grade fixed-income securities. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The Fund may invest in other asset-backed securities that have been offered to investors.

The securitization techniques used to develop mortgage-related securities are being applied to a broad range of financial assets. Through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations, various types of assets, including automobile loans and leases, credit card receivables, home equity loans, equipment leases and trade receivables, are being securitized in structures similar to the structures used in mortgage securitizations.

The Fund may also invest in various types of structured securities and basket securities. Structured securities are securities issued in structured financing transactions, which generally involve aggregating types of debt assets in a pool or special purpose entity and then issuing new securities. Types of structured financings include securities described elsewhere in this Prospectus, such as mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The Fund’s investments include investments in structured securities that represent interests in entities organized and operated solely for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of particular debt obligations. This type of restructuring involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, of specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans or high-yield bonds) and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of structured securities backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured securities to create securities with different investment characteristics such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of the payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow from the underlying instruments. Structured securities of a given class may be either subordinated or un-subordinated to the payment of another class. Subordinated structured securities typically have higher yields and present greater risks than unsubordinated structured securities.

Basket securities in which the Fund may invest may consist of entities organized and operated for the purpose of holding a basket of other securities. Baskets involving debt obligations may be designed to represent the characteristics of some portion of the debt securities market or the entire debt securities market.

Municipal Securities

The two principal classifications of municipal securities are bonds and notes. Municipal bonds are intended to meet longer-term capital needs while municipal notes are intended to fulfill short-term capital needs. Municipal notes generally have original maturities not exceeding one year. Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, variable rate demand obligations, and tax-exempt commercial paper.

Municipal bonds are typically classified as “general obligation” or “revenue” or “special obligation” bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer’s pledge of its full faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue or special obligation bonds are payable only 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 tax, but not from general tax revenues.

Current federal tax law distinguishes between municipal securities issued to finance certain private activities (“private activity bonds”) and other municipal securities. Private activity bonds, most of which are AMT-Subject bonds and are also revenue bonds, include bonds issued to finance such projects as airports, housing projects, resource recovery programs, solid waste disposal facilities, and student loan programs. Bonds of certain sectors have special risks. For example, the health-care industry can be affected by federal or state legislation, electric utilities are subject to governmental regulation, and private activity bonds are not government-backed. Attempts to restructure the tax system may have adverse effects on the value of municipal securities or make them less attractive to investors relative to taxable treatments.

In recent periods an increasing number of municipal issuers have defaulted on obligations, commenced insolvency proceedings, or suffered downgrades of their credit ratings. For example, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly stressed the financial resources of many issuers of municipal securities, which could impair any such issuer's ability to meet its financial obligations when due and adversely impact the value of its securities held by the Fund. As the full effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on state and local economies and on issuers of municipal securities are still uncertain, the financial difficulties of issuers of municipal securities may continue or worsen, adversely affecting the performance of the Fund.

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Preferred Stock

The Fund may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock is a class of capital stock that typically pays dividends at a specified rate. Preferred stock is generally senior to common stock but is subordinated to any debt the issuer has outstanding. Accordingly, preferred stock dividends are not paid until all debt obligations are first met. Preferred stock may be subject to more fluctuations in market value, due to changes in market participants’ perceptions of the issuer’s ability to continue to pay dividends, than debt of the same issuer. These investments include convertible preferred stock, which includes an option for the holder to convert the preferred stock into the issuer’s common stock under certain conditions, among which may be the specification of a future date when the conversion must begin, a certain number of shares of common stock per share of preferred stock, or a certain price per share for the common stock. Convertible preferred stock tends to be more volatile than non-convertible preferred stock, because its value is related to the price of the issuer’s common stock as well as the dividends payable on the preferred stock.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

REITs are pooled investment vehicles that 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 and principal payments. Similar to investment companies such as the Fund, REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with several requirements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses incurred by REITs in which the Fund invests in addition to the expenses incurred directly by the Fund.

Repurchase Agreements and Buy/Sell Back Transactions

The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. In a repurchase agreement transaction, the Fund buys a security and simultaneously agrees to sell it back to the counterparty at a specified price in the future. However, a repurchase agreement is economically similar to a secured loan, in that the Fund lends cash to a counterparty for a specific term, normally a day or a few days, and is given acceptable collateral (the purchased securities) to hold in case the counterparty does not repay the loan. The difference between the purchase price and the repurchase price of the securities reflects an agreed-upon “interest rate”. Given that the price at which the Fund will sell the collateral back is specified in advance, the Fund is not exposed to price movements on the collateral unless the counterparty defaults. If the counterparty defaults on its obligation to buy back the securities at the maturity date and the liquidation value of the collateral is less than the outstanding loan amount, the Fund would suffer a loss. In order to further mitigate any potential credit exposure to the counterparty, if the value of the securities falls below a specified level that is linked to the loan amount during the life of the agreement, the counterparty must provide additional collateral to support the loan.

The Fund may enter into buy/sell back transactions, which are similar to repurchase agreements. In this type of transaction, the Fund enters a trade to buy securities at one price and simultaneously enters a trade to sell the same securities at another price on a specified date. Similar to a repurchase agreement, the repurchase price is higher than the sale price and reflects current interest rates. Unlike a repurchase agreement, however, the buy/sell back transaction is considered two separate transactions.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Dollar Rolls

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls. The terms of reverse repurchase agreements are essentially the reverse of “repurchase agreements” described above. In a reverse repurchase agreement transaction, the Fund sells a security and simultaneously agrees to repurchase it at a specified time and price. The economic effect of a reverse repurchase agreement is that of the Fund borrowing money on a secured basis, and reverse repurchase agreements may be considered a form of borrowing for some purposes. Even though the Fund posts securities as collateral, the Fund maintains exposure to price declines on these securities since it has agreed to repurchase the securities at a fixed price. Accordingly, reverse repurchase agreements create leverage risk for the Fund because the Fund maintains exposure to price declines of both the securities it sells in the reverse repurchase agreement and any securities it purchases with the cash it receives under the reverse repurchase agreement. If the value of the posted collateral declines, the counterparty would require the Fund to post additional collateral. If the value of the collateral increases, the Fund may ask for some of its collateral back. If the counterparty defaults and fails to sell the securities back to the Fund at a time when the market purchase price of the securities exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price, the Fund would suffer a loss.

Dollar rolls involve sales by the Fund of securities for delivery in the current month and the Fund’s simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale.

Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement or dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities.

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Rights and Warrants

Rights and warrants are option securities permitting their holders to subscribe for other securities. Rights are similar to warrants except that they have a substantially shorter duration. Rights and warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, an investment in rights and warrants may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a right or a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a right or a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

Short Sales

The Fund may make short sales as a part of overall portfolio management or to offset a potential decline in the value of a security. A short sale involves the sale of a security that the Fund does not own, or if the Fund owns the security, is not to be delivered upon consummation of the sale. When the Fund makes a short sale of a security that it does not own, it must borrow from a broker-dealer the security sold short and deliver the security to the broker-dealer upon conclusion of the short sale.

If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a short-term capital gain. The potential for the price of a fixed-income security sold short to rise is a function of the combination of the remaining maturity of the obligation, its creditworthiness and its yield. Unlike short sales of equities or other instruments, potential for the price of a fixed-income security to rise may be limited due to the fact that the security will be no more than par at maturity. However, the short sale of other instruments or securities generally, including fixed-income securities convertible into equities or other instruments, a fixed-income security trading at a deep discount from par or that pays a coupon that is high in relative and/or absolute terms, or that is denominated in a currency other than the U.S. Dollar, involves the possibility of a theoretically unlimited loss since there is a theoretically unlimited potential for the market price of the security sold short to increase.

Standby Commitment Agreements

Standby commitment agreements are similar to put options that commit the Fund, for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of a security that may be issued and sold to the Fund at the option of the issuer. The price and coupon of the security are fixed at the time of the commitment. At the time of entering into the agreement, the Fund is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether the security ultimately is issued. The Fund will enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the security underlying the commitment at a yield and price considered advantageous to the Fund and unavailable on a firm commitment basis.

There is no guarantee that a security subject to a standby commitment will be issued. In addition, the value of the security, if issued, on the delivery date may be more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance of the security is at the option of the issuer, the Fund will bear the risk of capital loss in the event the value of the security declines and may not benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment period if the issuer decides not to issue and sell the security to the Fund.

Sovereign Debt Obligations

No established secondary markets may exist for many sovereign debt obligations. Reduced secondary market liquidity may have an adverse effect on the market price and the Fund’s ability to dispose of particular instruments when necessary to meet its liquidity requirements or in response to specific economic events such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. Reduced secondary market liquidity for certain sovereign debt obligations may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for the purpose of valuing its portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many sovereign debt obligations only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of those dealers or prices for actual sales.

By investing in sovereign debt obligations, the Fund will be exposed to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social, and economic changes in various countries. Political changes in a country may affect the willingness of a foreign government to make or provide for timely payments of its obligations. The country’s economic status, as reflected in, among other things, its inflation rate, the amount of its external debt and its gross domestic product, will also affect the government’s ability to honor its obligations. In addition, countries that issue debt obligations denominated in a foreign currency and countries that do not have their own currency (e.g., Eurozone countries) may have a higher risk of default than other countries.

The Fund is permitted to invest in sovereign debt obligations that are not current in the payment of interest or principal or are in default so long as the Adviser believes it to be consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. The Fund may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default with respect to certain sovereign debt obligations it holds. For example, remedies from defaults on certain sovereign debt obligations, unlike those on private debt, must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself. Legal recourse therefore may be significantly diminished. Bankruptcy, moratorium, and other similar laws applicable to issuers of sovereign debt obligations may be substantially different from those applicable to issuers of private debt obligations. The political context, expressed as the willingness of an issuer of sovereign debt obligations to meet the terms of the debt obligation, for example, is of considerable importance. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of securities issued by foreign governments in the event of default under commercial bank loan agreements.

Structured Products

The Fund may invest in certain hybrid derivatives-type instruments that combine features of a traditional stock or bond with those of, for example, a futures contract or an option. These instruments include structured notes and indexed securities, commodity-linked notes

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and commodity index-linked notes and credit-linked securities. The performance of the structured product, which is generally a fixed-income security, is tied (positively or negatively) to the price or prices of an unrelated reference indicator such as a security or basket of securities, currencies, commodities, a securities or commodities index or a credit default swap or other kinds of swaps. The structured product may not pay interest or protect the principal invested. The structured product or its interest rate may be a multiple of the reference indicator and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more rapidly than the reference indicator. Investments in structured products may provide a more efficient and less expensive means of obtaining exposure to underlying securities, commodities or other derivatives, but may potentially be more volatile and carry greater trading and market risk than investments in traditional securities. The purchase of a structured product also exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the structured product.

Structured notes are derivative debt instruments. The interest rate or principal of these notes is determined by reference to an unrelated indicator (for example, a currency, security, or index thereof) unlike a typical note where the borrower agrees to make fixed or floating interest payments and to pay a fixed sum at maturity. Indexed securities may include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities, the interest or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator.

Commodity-linked notes and commodity index-linked notes provide exposure to the commodities markets. These are derivative securities with one or more commodity-linked components that have payment features similar to commodity futures contracts, commodity options, commodity indices or similar instruments. Commodity-linked products may be either equity or debt securities, leveraged or unleveraged, and have both security- and commodity-like characteristics. A portion of the value of these instruments may be derived from the value of a commodity, futures contract, index or other economic variable.

The Fund may also invest in certain hybrid derivatives-type investments that combine features of a traditional bond with those of certain derivatives such as a credit default swap, an interest rate swap or other securities. These investments include credit-linked securities. The issuers of these securities frequently are limited purpose trusts or other special purpose vehicles that invest in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments in order to provide exposure to certain fixed-income markets. For instance, the Fund may invest in credit-linked securities as a cash management tool to gain exposure to a certain market or to remain fully invested when more traditional income-producing securities are not available. The performance of the structured product, which is generally a fixed-income security, is linked to the receipt of payments from the counterparties to the derivative instruments or other securities. The Fund’s investments in credit-linked securities are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, including among others, credit risk, default risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk and leverage risk. These securities are generally structured as Rule 144A Securities so that they may be freely traded among institutional buyers. However, changes in the market for credit-linked securities or the availability of willing buyers may result in reduced liquidity for the securities.

Variable, Floating and Inverse Floating-Rate Instruments

Variable and floating-rate securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically, according to a specified formula. A “variable” interest rate adjusts at predetermined intervals (e.g., daily, weekly or monthly), while a “floating” interest rate adjusts whenever a specified benchmark rate (such as the bank prime lending rate) changes.

The Fund may also invest in inverse floating-rate debt instruments (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may have greater volatility in market value, in that, during periods of rising interest rates, the market values of inverse floaters will tend to decrease more rapidly than those of fixed-rate securities.

Zero-Coupon and Principal-Only Securities

Zero-coupon securities and principal-only (PO) securities are debt securities that have been issued without interest coupons or stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, and include receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations and coupons. Such a security pays no interest to its holder during its life. Its value to an investor consists of the difference between its face value at the time of maturity and the price for which it was acquired, which is generally an amount significantly less than its face value. Such securities usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and are subject to greater fluctuations in market value in response to changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities and credit quality that make current distributions of interest. On the other hand, because there are no periodic interest payments to be reinvested prior to maturity, these securities eliminate reinvestment risk and “lock in” a rate of return to maturity.

ADDITIONAL RISKS AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Investments in the Fund involve the risk considerations described below.

Borrowing and Leverage

The Fund may use borrowings for investment purposes subject to its investment policies and procedures and to applicable statutory or regulatory requirements. Borrowings by the Fund result in leveraging of the Fund’s shares. The Fund may also use leverage for investment transactions by entering into transactions such as reverse repurchase agreements, forward contracts and dollar rolls.

Utilization of leverage, which is usually considered speculative, involves certain risks to the Fund’s shareholders. These include a higher volatility of the NAV of the Fund’s shares and the relatively greater effect of changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio on the NAV of the shares. So long as the Fund is able to realize a net return on the portion of its investment portfolio resulting from leverage that is

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higher than the interest expense paid on borrowings or the carrying costs of leveraged transactions, the effect of leverage will be to cause the Fund’s shareholders to realize a higher net return than if the Fund were not leveraged. If the interest expense on borrowings or other costs of leverage approaches the net return on the Fund’s investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the Fund’s shareholders will be reduced. If the interest expense on borrowings or other costs of leverage were to exceed the net return to shareholders, the Fund’s use of leverage would result in a lower rate of net return than if the Fund were not leveraged. Similarly, the effect of leverage in a declining market could normally be a greater decrease in NAV than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme case, if the Fund’s current investment income were not sufficient to meet the carrying costs of leveraged transactions, it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate certain of its investments in adverse circumstances, potentially significantly reducing its NAV.

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Securities

Investing in foreign securities involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities. The securities markets of many foreign countries are relatively small, with the majority of market capitalization and trading volume concentrated in a limited number of companies representing a small number of industries. A fund that invests in foreign fixed-income securities may experience greater price volatility and significantly lower liquidity than a portfolio invested solely in securities of U.S. companies. These markets may be subject to greater influence by adverse events generally affecting the market, and by large investors trading significant blocks of securities, than is usual in the United States. Sanctions imposed by the U.S. or a foreign country may restrict the Fund’s ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or may require the Fund to divest its holdings in foreign securities, which could adversely affect the value or liquidity of such holdings. In addition, the securities markets of some foreign countries may be closed on certain days (e.g., local holidays) when the Fund is open for business. On such days, the Fund may be unable to add to or exit its positions in foreign securities traded in such markets even though it may otherwise be attractive to do so.

Securities registration, custody, and settlement may in some instances be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude investment in certain securities and may increase the costs and expenses of the Fund. In addition, the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities from certain of the countries is controlled under regulations, including in some cases the need for certain advance government notification or authority, and if a deterioration occurs in a country’s balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. Income from certain investments held by the Fund could be reduced by foreign income taxes, including withholding taxes.

The Fund also could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Investing in local markets may require the Fund to adopt special procedures or seek local governmental approvals or other actions, any of which may involve additional costs to the Fund. These factors may affect the liquidity of the Fund’s investments in any country and the Adviser will monitor the effect of any such factor or factors on the Fund’s investments. Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions for transactions both on and off the securities exchanges, in many foreign countries are generally higher than in the United States.

Issuers of securities in foreign jurisdictions are generally not subject to the same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers with respect to such matters as insider trading rules, restrictions on market manipulation, shareholder proxy requirements, and timely disclosure of information. The reporting, accounting, and auditing standards of foreign countries may differ, in some cases significantly, from U.S. standards in important respects, and less information may be available to investors in foreign securities than to investors in U.S. securities. Substantially less information is publicly available about certain non-U.S. issuers than is available about most U.S. issuers.

The economies of individual foreign countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position. Nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes, government regulation, political or social instability, public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), revolutions, wars or diplomatic developments could affect adversely the economy of a foreign country. In the event of nationalization, expropriation, or other confiscation, the Fund could lose its entire investment in securities in the country involved. In addition, laws in foreign countries governing business organizations, bankruptcy and insolvency may provide less protection to security holders such as the Fund than that provided by U.S. laws.

The United Kingdom (the “U.K.”) formally withdrew from the European Union (the “EU”) on January 31, 2020, and was in a transition period through December 31, 2020, during which the U.K. and the EU negotiated an agreement governing their future trading and security relationships. The U.K. Parliament has ratified the agreement and the EU member states have given their support to have the agreement “provisionally applied” from January 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021. The European Parliament is expected to consider ratification of the agreement before April 30, 2021. The impact on the U.K. and European economies and the broader global economy of the uncertainties associated with ratifying and implementing the agreement are significant and could have an adverse effect on the value of the Fund’s investments and its net asset value.  These uncertainties include an increase in the regulatory and customs requirements imposed on cross-border trade between the U.K. and the EU, the negotiation of additional arrangements between the U.K. and the EU affecting important parts of the economy (such as financial services) that are not covered by the agreement, volatility and illiquidity in markets, currency fluctuations, the renegotiation of other existing trading and cross-border cooperation arrangements

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(whether economic, tax, fiscal, legal, regulatory or otherwise) of the U.K. and the EU, and potentially lower growth for companies in the U.K., Europe and globally.

Investments in securities of companies in emerging markets involve special risks. There are approximately 100 countries identified by the World Bank as Low Income, Lower Middle Income and Upper Middle Income countries that are generally regarded as emerging markets. Emerging market countries that the Adviser currently considers for investment include:

Argentina Bangladesh Belarus Belize Brazil Bulgaria Chile China Colombia Croatia Czech Republic Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Gabon Georgia Ghana Greece Hungary India Indonesia Iraq Ivory Coast Jamaica Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Lebanon Lithuania Malaysia Mexico Mongolia Nigeria Pakistan Panama Peru Philippines Poland Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia South Africa South Korea Sri Lanka Taiwan Thailand Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay Venezuela Vietnam

Countries may be added to or removed from this list at any time.

Investing in emerging market securities involves risks different from, and greater than, risks of investing in domestic securities or in securities of issuers domiciled in foreign, developed countries. These risks include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; and possible repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization, or creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. Dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by the Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.

Additional risks of emerging market securities may include: greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; unavailability of currency hedging techniques; companies that are newly organized and small; less developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights and practical remedies to pursue claims, including class actions or fraud claims; the limited ability of U.S. authorities to bring and enforce actions against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons; and differences in the nature and quality of financial information, including (i) auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability or unreliability of material information about issuers and (ii) the risk that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) may not be able to inspect audit practices and work conducted by PCAOB-registered audit firms in emerging market countries, such as China. Thus there can be no assurance that the quality of financial reporting or the audits conducted by such audit firms of U.S.-listed emerging market companies meet PCAOB standards. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security .

The Fund may invest in securities of frontier market countries. Frontier market countries generally have smaller, less diverse economies and even less developed capital markets and legal, regulatory, and political systems than traditional emerging markets. As a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries. Frontier market risks include the potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity—economic or political instability may cause larger price changes in frontier market securities than in securities of issuers located in more developed markets. The risks of investing in frontier market countries may also be magnified by: government ownership or control of parts of the private sector and of certain companies; trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values, impaired or limited access to issuer information and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which frontier market countries trade; and the relatively new and unsettled securities laws in many frontier market countries. The actions of a relatively few major investors in these markets are more likely to result in significant changes

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in local stock prices and the value of fund shares. The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more frontier market countries as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be substantially curtailed and prices for investments in such markets may not be readily available. All of these factors can make investing in frontier markets riskier than investing in more developed emerging markets or other foreign markets.

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Currencies

Investing in and exposure to foreign currencies involve special risks and considerations. The Fund will be adversely affected by reductions in the value of those currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar. Foreign currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly. They are determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets, the relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or perceived changes in interest rates, and other complex factors. Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments. In light of these risks, the Fund may engage in certain currency hedging transactions, as described above, which involve certain special risks.

The Fund may also invest directly in foreign currencies for non-hedging purposes on a spot basis (i.e., cash) or through derivatives transactions, such as forward currency exchange contracts, futures contracts and options thereon, swaps and options as described above. These investments will be subject to the same risks. In addition, currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, causing the Fund’s NAV to fluctuate.

Investment in Below Investment Grade Fixed-Income Securities

Investments in securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than higher-rated securities. These securities are also generally considered to be subject to greater market risk than higher-rated securities. The capacity of issuers of these securities to pay interest and repay principal is more likely to weaken than is that of issuers of higher-rated securities in times of deteriorating economic conditions or rising interest rates. In addition, below investment grade securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic conditions than investment grade securities.

The market for these securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher-rated securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which these securities can be sold. To the extent that there is no established secondary market for these securities, the Fund may experience difficulty in valuing such securities and, in turn, the Fund’s assets.

Unrated Securities

The Fund may invest in unrated securities when the Adviser believes that the financial condition of the issuers of such securities, or the protection afforded by the terms of the securities themselves, limits the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated securities that are consistent with the Fund’s objective and policies.

Management Risk – Quantitative Models

The Adviser may use investment techniques that incorporate, or rely upon, quantitative models. These models may not work as intended and may not enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. In addition, certain models may be constructed using data from external providers, and these inputs may be incorrect or incomplete, thus potentially limiting the effectiveness of the models. Finally, the Adviser may change, enhance and update its models and its usage of existing models at its discretion.

Future Developments

The Fund may take advantage of other investment practices that are not currently contemplated for use by the Fund, or are not available but may yet be developed, to the extent such investment practices are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if they arise, may involve risks that exceed those involved in the activities described above.

Changes in Investment Objectives and Policies

The Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) may change the Fund’s investment objective without shareholder approval. The Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days’ prior written notice of any change to the Fund’s investment objective. The Fund will not change its policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities indicated by its name without 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders. Unless otherwise noted, all other investment policies of the Fund may be changed without shareholder approval.

Temporary Defensive Position

For temporary defensive purposes in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may invest in certain types of short-term, liquid, investment grade or high-quality (depending on the Fund) debt securities. While the Fund is investing for temporary defensive purposes, it may not meet its investment objective.

Portfolio Holdings

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s SAI.

Cyber Security Risk

As the use of the Internet and other technologies has become more prevalent in the course of business, the Fund has become more susceptible to operational and financial risks associated with cyber security. Cyber security incidents can result from deliberate attacks

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such as gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption, or from unintentional events, such as the inadvertent release of confidential information. Cyber security failures or breaches of the Fund or its service providers or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. While measures have been developed which are designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that those measures will be effective, particularly since the Fund does not control the cyber security defenses or plans of its service providers, financial intermediaries and companies with which those entities do business and companies in which the Fund invests.

Cyber security incidents, both intentional and unintentional, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund or shareholder assets, Fund or customer data (including private shareholder information), or proprietary information, or cause the Fund, the Adviser, and/or the Fund’s service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or lose operational functionality, or prevent Fund investors from purchasing, redeeming, or exchanging shares or receiving distributions. The Fund and the Adviser have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cyber security incidents affecting third-party service providers. Cyber security incidents may result in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any future cyber security incidents.

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INVESTING IN THE FUND

This section discusses how to buy, sell or redeem, or exchange the classes of shares of the Fund that are offered through this Prospectus. The Fund offers three classes of shares through this Prospectus.

Each share class represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes may have different sales charges and bear different ongoing distribution expenses. For additional information on the differences between the different classes of shares, please see “The Different Share Class Expenses” below.

The NAV of the Fund is disclosed daily on the Fund’s website or through the investor’s online account information at www.abfunds.com and/or by calling (800) 221-5672.

HOW TO BUY SHARES

The purchase of the Fund’s shares is priced at the next-determined NAV after your order is received in proper form.

Class A Shares – Shares Available to Retail Investors

You may purchase the Fund’s Class A shares through financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers or banks. You also may purchase shares directly from the Fund’s principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc., or ABI, if you are (i) making an initial investment and the Fund has received and accepted a completed Mutual Fund Application identifying a financial intermediary with which ABI has an agreement; (ii) an existing Fund shareholder with an account held directly with the Fund; or (iii) an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates. These purchases may be subject to an initial sales charge, an asset-based sales charge or CDSC, as described below.

Purchase Minimums and Maximums

Minimums:*

—Initial:	$2,500
—Subsequent:	$     50

* Purchase minimums may not apply to some accounts established in connection with the Automatic Investment Program and to some retirement-related investment programs. These investment minimums also do not apply to persons participating in a fee-based program or “Mutual Fund Only” brokerage program which is sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary with omnibus account or “network level” account arrangements with the Fund.

Maximum Individual Purchase Amount:

—Class A shares None

Class Z Shares – Shares Available to Persons Participating in Certain Fee-Based Programs

Class Z shares are available to persons participating in certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by registered broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries with omnibus account arrangements with the Fund.

Other Purchase Information

Your broker or financial advisor must receive your purchase request by the Fund Closing Time, which is the close of regular trading on any day the Exchange is open (ordinarily, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, but sometimes earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or unscheduled suspensions of trading), and submit it to the Fund by a pre-arranged time for you to receive the next-determined NAV, less any applicable initial sales charge.

If you are an existing Fund shareholder and you have completed the appropriate section of the Mutual Fund Application, you may purchase additional shares by telephone with payment by electronic funds transfer in amounts not exceeding $500,000. AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., or ABIS, must receive and confirm telephone requests before the Fund Closing Time, to receive that day’s public offering price. Call (800) 221-5672 to arrange a transfer from your bank account.

Shares of the Fund are generally available for purchase in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Except to the extent otherwise permitted by the Fund, the Fund will only accept purchase orders directly from U.S. citizens with a U.S. address (including an APO or FPO address) or resident aliens with a U.S. address (including an APO or FPO address) and a U.S. taxpayer identification number (i.e., W-9 tax status). Subject to the requirements of local law applicable to the offering of Fund shares, U.S. citizens (i.e., W-9 tax status) residing in foreign countries are permitted to purchase shares of the Fund through their accounts at U.S. registered broker-dealers and other similar U.S. financial intermediaries, provided the broker-dealer or intermediary has an agreement with the Fund’s distributor permitting it to accept orders for the purchase and sale of Fund shares.

The Fund will not accept purchase orders (including orders for the purchase of additional shares) from foreign persons or entities or from resident aliens who, to the knowledge of the Fund, have reverted to non-resident status (e.g., a resident alien who has a non-U.S. address at time of purchase).

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Tax-Deferred Accounts

Class A shares are also available to the following tax-deferred arrangements:

• Traditional and Roth IRAs (minimums listed in the table above apply);

• SEPs, SAR-SEPs, SIMPLE IRAs, and individual 403(b) plans (no investment minimum); and

• AllianceBernstein-sponsored Coverdell Education Savings Accounts ($2,000 initial investment minimum, $150 Automatic Investment Program monthly minimum).

Advisor Class Shares

You may purchase Advisor Class shares through your financial advisor at NAV. Advisor Class shares may be purchased and held solely:

• through accounts established under a fee-based program, sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and approved by AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”);

• through a defined contribution employee benefit plan (e.g., a 401(k) plan) that purchases shares directly without the involvement of a financial intermediary; and

• by investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

Advisor Class shares may also be available on brokerage platforms of firms that have agreements with ABI to offer such shares when acting solely on an agency basis for the purchase or sale of such shares. If you transact in Advisor Class shares through one of these programs, you may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Shares of the Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.

The Fund’s SAI has more detailed information about who may purchase and hold Advisor Class shares.

Class A and Class Z Shares – Shares Available to Group Retirement Plans

Class A and Class Z shares are available at NAV, without an initial sales charge, to 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund (“group retirement plans”).

Class A shares are also available at NAV to the AllianceBernstein Link, AllianceBernstein Individual 401(k) and AllianceBernstein SIMPLE IRA plans but only if such plans have at least $250,000 in plan assets or 100 employees, and to certain defined contribution retirement plans that do not have plan level or omnibus accounts on the books of the Fund.

Class A and Class Z shares are also available to certain AllianceBernstein-sponsored group retirement plans. Class Z shares generally are not available to retail non-retirement accounts, traditional and Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, SAR-SEPs, SIMPLE IRAs and individual 403(b) plans.

Class Z shares are also available to certain institutional clients of the Adviser that invest at least $2,000,000 in the Fund.

Required Information

The Fund is required by law to obtain, verify, and record certain personal information from you or persons authorized to act on your behalf in order to establish an account. Required information includes name, date of birth, physical address and taxpayer identification number (for most investors, your social security number). The Fund may also ask to see other identifying documents. If you do not provide the information, the Fund will not be able to open your account. If the Fund is unable to verify your identity, or that of another person(s) authorized to act on your behalf, or, if the Fund believes it has identified potentially criminal activity, the Fund reserves the right to take action it deems appropriate or as required by law, which may include closing your account. If you are not a U.S. citizen or resident alien, your account must be affiliated with a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, member firm.

The Fund is required to withhold 24% of taxable dividends, capital gains distributions, and redemptions paid to any shareholder who has not provided the Fund with his or her correct taxpayer identification number. To avoid this, you must provide your correct taxpayer identification number on your Mutual Fund Application.

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General

IRA custodians, plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries, plan recordkeepers, and other financial intermediaries may establish their own eligibility requirements as to the purchase, sale or exchange of Fund shares, including minimum and maximum investment requirements. The Fund is not responsible for, and has no control over, the decisions of any plan sponsor, fiduciary or other financial intermediary to impose such differing requirements.

ABI may refuse any order to purchase shares The Fund reserves the right to suspend the sale of its shares to the public in response to conditions in the securities markets or for other reasons.

THE DIFFERENT SHARE CLASS EXPENSES

This section describes the different expenses of investing in each class. The expenses can include distribution and/or service (Rule 12b-1) fees, initial sales charges and/or CDSCs.

Asset-Based Sales Charges or Distribution and/or Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

WHAT IS A RULE 12b-1 FEE?

A Rule 12b-1 fee is a fee deducted from the Fund’s assets that is used to pay for personal service, maintenance of shareholder accounts and distribution costs, such as advertising and compensation of financial intermediaries. The Fund has adopted a plan under SEC Rule 12b-1 that allows the Fund to pay asset-based sales charges or distribution and/or service (Rule 12b-1) fees for the distribution and sale of its shares. The amount of each share class’s Rule 12b-1 fee, if any, is disclosed below and in the Fund’s fee table included in the Summary Information section above.

The amount of these fees for each class of the Fund’s shares is:

	Distribution and/or Service (Rule 12b-1) Fee (as  a Percentage of Aggregate Average Daily Net Assets)
Class A	0.25%
Advisor Class	None
Class Z	None

Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales fees. Share classes with higher Rule 12b-1 fees will have a higher expense ratio, pay correspondingly lower dividends and may have a lower NAV (and returns). All or some of these fees are paid to financial intermediaries, which may include your financial intermediary’s firm. ABI retains these fees for certain shareholder accounts, including those held directly with the Fund (with no associated financial intermediary).

Sales Charges

Class A Shares. You can purchase Class A shares at their public offering price (or cost), which is NAV plus an initial sales charge of up to 4.25% of the offering price for the Fund. Any applicable sales charge will be deducted directly from your investment.

The initial sales charge you pay each time you buy Class A shares differs depending on the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger purchases as indicated below. These discounts, which are also known as Breakpoints or Quantity Discounts, can reduce or, in some cases, eliminate the initial sales charges that would otherwise apply to your investment in Class A shares.

The sales charge schedule of Class A share Quantity Discounts is as follows:

AB High Yield Portfolio:

	Initial Sales Charge
Amount Purchased	as % of Net Amount Invested	as % of Offering Price
Up to $100,000	4.44%	4.25%
$100,000 up to $250,000	3.36	3.25
$250,000 up to $500,000	2.30	2.25
$500,000 and above	1.78	1.75

Except as noted below, purchases of Class A shares in the amount of $1,000,000 or more for the Fund by AllianceBernstein or non-AllianceBernstein sponsored group retirement plans are not subject to an initial sales charge, but may be subject to a 1% CDSC if redeemed or terminated within one year.

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Class A share purchases not subject to sales charges. The Fund may sell its Class A shares at NAV without an initial sales charge or CDSC to some categories of investors, including:

– persons participating in a fee-based program, sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, under which persons pay an asset-based fee for services in the nature of investment advisory or administrative services or clients of broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries who purchase Class A shares for their own accounts through self-directed and/or non-discretionary brokerage accounts with the broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries that may or may not charge a transaction fee to its customers;

– plan participants who roll over amounts distributed from employer maintained retirement plans to AllianceBernstein-sponsored IRAs where the plan is a client of or serviced by the Adviser’s Institutional Investment Management Division or Bernstein Global Wealth Management Division, including subsequent contributions to those IRAs;

– certain other investors, such as investment management clients of the Adviser or its affiliates, including clients and prospective clients of the Adviser’s Institutional Investment Management Division, employees of selected dealers authorized to sell the Fund’s shares, and employees of the Adviser; or

– persons participating in a “Mutual Fund Only” brokerage program, sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary.

The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers and discounts or CDSC waivers. In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify the Fund or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares directly from the Fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.

Please see the Fund’s SAI for more information about purchases of Class A shares without sales charges.

Certain intermediaries impose different eligibility criteria for sales load waivers and discounts, which are described in Appendix C—Financial Intermediary Waivers.

HOW IS THE CDSC CALCULATED?

The CDSC is applied to the lesser of NAV at the time of redemption or the original cost of shares being redeemed (or, as to Fund shares acquired through an exchange, the cost of the AB Mutual Fund shares originally purchased for cash). This means that no sales charge is assessed on increases in NAV above the initial purchase price. Shares obtained from dividend or distribution reinvestment are not subject to the CDSC. In determining the CDSC, it will be assumed that the redemption is, first, of any shares not subject to a CDSC and, second, of shares held the longest.

Advisor Class and Class Z Shares. These classes of shares are not subject to any initial sales charge or CDSC, although your financial advisor may charge a fee.

SALES CHARGE REDUCTION PROGRAMS FOR CLASS A SHARES

This section includes important information about sales charge reduction programs available to investors in Class A shares and describes information or records you may need to provide to the Fund or your financial intermediary in order to be eligible for sales charge reduction programs. Your financial intermediary may have different policies and procedures regarding eligibility for sales charge reduction programs. See Appendix C—Financial Intermediary Waivers.

Information about Quantity Discounts and sales charge reduction programs also is available free of charge and in a clear and prominent format on our website at www.abfunds.com (click on “Investments—Mutual Funds”, select the Fund, then click on “Literature-Understanding Sales Charges & Expenses”).

Rights of Accumulation

To determine if a new investment in Class A shares is eligible for a Quantity Discount, a shareholder can combine the value of the new investment in the Fund with the higher of cost or NAV of existing investments in the Fund, any other AB Mutual Fund and AB Institutional Funds. The AB Mutual Funds use the higher of cost or current NAV of your existing investments when combining them with your new investment.

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Combined Purchase Privileges  

A shareholder may qualify for a Quantity Discount by combining purchases of shares of the Fund into a single “purchase”. A “purchase” means a single purchase or concurrent purchases of shares of the Fund or any other AB Mutual Fund, including AB Institutional Funds, by:

• an individual, his or her spouse or domestic partner, or the individual’s children under the age of 21 purchasing shares for his, her or their own account(s);

• a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary account with one or more beneficiaries involved;

• the employee benefit plans of a single employer; or

• any company that has been in existence for at least six months or has a purpose other than the purchase of shares of the Fund.

Letter of Intent

An investor may not immediately invest a sufficient amount to reach a Quantity Discount, but may plan to make one or more additional investments over a period of time that, in the end, would qualify for a Quantity Discount. For these situations, the Fund offers a Letter of Intent, which permits new investors to express the intention, in writing, to invest at least $100,000 in Class A shares of the Fund or any other AB Mutual Fund within 13 months. The Fund will then apply the Quantity Discount to each of the investor’s purchases of Class A shares that would apply to the total amount stated in the Letter of Intent. In the event an existing investor chooses to initiate a Letter of Intent, the AB Mutual Funds will use the higher of cost or current NAV of the investor’s existing investments and of those accounts with which investments are combined via Combined Purchase Privileges toward the fulfillment of the Letter of Intent. For example, if the combined cost of purchases totaled $80,000 and the current NAV of all applicable accounts is $85,000 at the time a $100,000 Letter of Intent is initiated, the subsequent investment of an additional $15,000 would fulfill the Letter of Intent. If an investor fails to invest the total amount stated in the Letter of Intent, the Funds will retroactively collect the sales charge otherwise applicable by redeeming shares in the investor’s account at their then current NAV. Investors qualifying for Combined Purchase Privileges may purchase shares under a single Letter of Intent.

Required Shareholder Information and Records

In order for shareholders to take advantage of sales charge reductions, a shareholder or his or her financial intermediary must notify the Fund that the shareholder qualifies for a reduction. Without notification, the Fund is unable to ensure that the reduction is applied to the shareholder’s account. A shareholder may have to provide information or records to his or her financial intermediary or the Fund to verify eligibility for breakpoint privileges or other sales charge waivers. This may include information or records, including account statements, regarding shares of the Fund or other AB Mutual Funds held in:

• all of the shareholder’s accounts at the Fund or a financial intermediary; and

• accounts of related parties of the shareholder, such as members of the same family, at any financial intermediary.

CDSC WAIVERS AND OTHER PROGRAMS

Here Are Some Ways To Avoid Or

Minimize Charges On Redemption.

CDSC Waivers

The Fund will waive the CDSCs on redemptions of shares in the following circumstances, among others:

• permitted exchanges of shares;

• following the death or disability of a shareholder;

• if the redemption represents a minimum required distribution from an IRA or other retirement plan to a shareholder who has attained the age of 72; or

• if the redemption is necessary to meet a plan participant’s or beneficiary’s request for a distribution or loan from a group retirement plan or to accommodate a plan participant’s or beneficiary’s direction to reallocate his or her plan account among other investment alternatives available under a group retirement plan.

Please see the Fund’s SAI for a list of additional circumstances in which the Fund will waive the CDSCs on redemptions of shares.

Your financial intermediary may have different policies and procedures regarding eligibility for CDSC waivers. See Appendix C—Financial Intermediary Waivers.

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Other Programs

Dividend Reinvestment Program

Unless you specifically have elected to receive dividends or distributions in cash, they will automatically be reinvested, without an initial sales charge or CDSC, in the same class of additional shares of the Fund. If you elect to receive distributions in cash, you will only receive a check if the amount of the distribution is equal to or exceeds $25.00. Distributions of less than $25.00 will automatically be reinvested in shares of the Fund. To receive distributions of less than $25.00 in cash, you must have bank instructions associated to your account so that distributions can be delivered to you electronically via Electronic Funds Transfer using the Automated Clearing House or “ACH”. In addition, the Fund may reinvest your distribution check (and future checks) in additional shares of the Fund if your check (i) is returned as undeliverable or (ii) remains uncashed for nine months.

Dividend Direction Plan

A shareholder who already maintains accounts in more than one AB Mutual Fund may direct the automatic investment of income dividends and/or capital gains by one Fund, in any amount, without the payment of any sales charges, in shares of any eligible class of one or more other AB Mutual Fund(s) in which the shareholder maintains an account.

Automatic Investment Program

The Automatic Investment Program allows investors to purchase shares of the Fund through pre-authorized transfers of funds from the investor’s bank account. Under the Automatic Investment Program, an investor may (i) make an initial purchase of at least $2,500 and invest at least $50 monthly or (ii) make an initial purchase of less than $2,500 and commit to a monthly investment of $200 or more until the investor’s account balance is $2,500 or more. Please see the Fund’s SAI for more details.

Reinstatement Privilege

A shareholder who has redeemed all or any portion of his or her Class A shares may reinvest all or any portion of the proceeds from the redemption in Class A shares of any AB Mutual Fund at NAV without any sales charge, if the reinvestment is made within 120 calendar days after the redemption date.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan

The Funds offer a systematic withdrawal plan that permits the redemption of Class A shares without payment of a CDSC. Under this plan, redemptions equal to 1% a month, 2% every two months or 3% a quarter of the value of the Fund account would be free of a CDSC. For Class A shares, shares held the longest would be redeemed first.

Financial Intermediary Fees and Requirements

A transaction, service, administrative or other similar fee may be charged by your broker-dealer, agent or other financial intermediary, with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange, as applicable, of Class A, Advisor Class or Class Z shares made through your financial advisor or in connection with participation on the intermediary’s platform. Financial intermediaries, a fee-based program, or, for group retirement plans, a plan sponsor or plan fiduciary, also may impose requirements on the purchase, sale or exchange of shares that are different from, or in addition to, those described in this Prospectus and the Fund’s SAI, including requirements as to the minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts. In addition, group retirement plans may not offer all classes of shares of the Fund. The Fund is not responsible for, and has no control over, the decision of any financial intermediary, plan sponsor or fiduciary to impose such differing requirements.

PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL ADVISORS AND THEIR FIRMS

Financial intermediaries market and sell shares of the Fund. These financial intermediaries employ financial advisors and receive compensation for selling shares of the Fund. This compensation is paid from various sources, including any sales charge, CDSC and/or Rule 12b-1 fee that you or the Fund may pay. Your individual financial advisor may receive some or all of the amounts paid to the financial intermediary that employs him or her.

WHAT IS A FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY?

A financial intermediary is a firm that receives compensation for selling shares of the Fund offered in this Prospectus and/or provides services to the Fund’s shareholders. Financial intermediaries may include, among others, your broker, your financial planner or advisor, banks and insurance companies. Financial intermediaries may employ financial advisors who deal with you and other investors on an individual basis.

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All or a portion of the initial sales charge that you pay is paid by ABI to financial intermediaries selling Class A shares. ABI may also pay financial intermediaries a fee of up to1% on purchases of Class A shares that are sold without an initial sales charge. For Class A shares, up to 100% of the Rule 12b-1 fees each year may be paid to financial intermediaries.

Your financial advisor’s firm receives compensation from the Fund, ABI and/or the Adviser in several ways from various sources, which include some or all of the following:

- additional distribution support;

- defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training; and

- payments related to providing shareholder recordkeeping and/or transfer agency services.

Please read this Prospectus carefully for information on this compensation.

Other Payments for Distribution Services and Educational Support

In addition to the commissions paid to or charged by financial intermediaries at the time of sale and Rule 12b-1 fees, some or all of which are paid to financial intermediaries (and, in turn, may be paid to your financial advisor), ABI, at its expense, currently provides additional payments to firms that sell shares of the AB Mutual Funds. Although the individual components may be higher and the total amount of payments made to each qualifying firm in any given year may vary, the total amount paid to a financial intermediary in connection with the sale of shares of the AB Mutual Funds will generally not exceed the sum of (a) 0.25% of the current year’s fund sales by that firm and (b) 0.10% of average daily net assets attributable to that firm over the year. These sums include payments for distribution analytical data regarding AB Mutual Fund sales by financial advisors of these firms and to reimburse directly or indirectly the costs incurred by these firms and their employees in connection with educational seminars and training efforts about the AB Mutual Funds for the firms’ employees and/or their clients and potential clients. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, entertainment and meals. ABI may pay a portion of “ticket” or other transactional charges.

For 2021, ABI’s additional payments to these firms for distribution services and educational support related to the AB Mutual Funds are expected to be approximately 0.05% of the average monthly assets of the AB Mutual Funds, or approximately $23 million. In 2020, ABI paid approximately 0.05% of the average monthly assets of the AB Mutual Funds, or approximately $22 million, for distribution services and educational support related to the AB Mutual Funds.

A number of factors are considered in determining the additional payments, including each firm’s AB Mutual Fund sales, assets and redemption rates, and the willingness and ability of the firm to give ABI access to its financial advisors for educational and marketing purposes. In some cases, firms will include the AB Mutual Funds on a “preferred list”. ABI’s goal is to make the financial advisors who interact with current and prospective investors and shareholders more knowledgeable about the AB Mutual Funds so that they can provide suitable information and advice about the funds and related investor services.

The Fund and ABI also make payments for recordkeeping and other transfer agency services to financial intermediaries that sell AB Mutual Fund shares. Please see “Management of the Fund—Transfer Agency and Retirement Plan Services” below. If paid by the Fund, these expenses are included in “Other Expenses” under “Fees and Expenses of the Fund—Annual Fund Operating Expenses” in the Summary Information at the beginning of this Prospectus.

If one mutual fund sponsor makes greater distribution assistance payments than another, your financial advisor and his or her firm may have an incentive to recommend one fund complex over another. Similarly, if your financial advisor or his or her firm receives more distribution assistance for one share class versus another, then they may have an incentive to recommend that class.

Please speak with your financial advisor to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial advisor and his or her firm by the Fund, the Adviser, ABI and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your financial advisor at the time of purchase.

As of the date of this Prospectus, ABI anticipates that the firms that will receive additional payments for distribution services and/or educational support include:

Advisor Group

American Enterprise Investment Services

Cadaret, Grant & Co.

Citigroup Global Markets

Citizens Securities

Commonwealth Financial Network

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Equitable Advisors

FIS Brokerage Services

Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Co.

Institutional Cash Distributors (ICD)

John Hancock Retirement Plan Services

JP Morgan Securities

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

Lincoln Financial Securities Corp.

LPL Financial

Merrill Lynch

Morgan Stanley

Northwestern Mutual Investment Services

PNC Investments

Raymond James

RBC Wealth Management

Robert W. Baird

SunTrust Bank

UBS Financial Services

US Bancorp Investments

Waddell & Reed, Inc.

Wells Fargo Advisors

Although the Fund may use brokers and dealers that sell shares of the Fund to effect portfolio transactions, the Fund does not consider the sale of AB Mutual Fund shares as a factor when selecting brokers or dealers to effect portfolio transactions.

HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES

You may exchange your Fund shares for shares of the same class of other AB Mutual Funds provided that the other fund offers the same class of shares and, in the case of retirement plans, is an investment option under the plan. Exchanges of shares are made at the next-determined NAV, without sales or service charges, after your order is received in proper form. All exchanges are subject to the minimum investment restrictions set forth in the prospectus for the AB Mutual Fund whose shares are being acquired. You may request an exchange either directly or through your financial intermediary or, in the case of retirement plan participants, by following the procedures specified by your plan sponsor or plan recordkeeper. In order to receive a day’s NAV, ABIS must receive and confirm your telephone exchange request by the Fund Closing Time on that day. The Fund may modify, restrict or terminate the exchange privilege on 60 days’ written notice.

HOW TO SELL OR REDEEM SHARES

You may “redeem” your shares (i.e., sell your shares to the Fund) on any day the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial intermediary or, in the case of retirement plan participants, by following the procedures specified by your plan sponsor or plan recordkeeper. If you are in doubt about what procedures or documents are required by your investment program or employee benefit plan to sell your shares, you should contact your financial intermediary.

Your sale price will be the next-determined NAV, less any applicable CDSC, after the Fund receives your redemption request in proper form. The Fund expects that it will typically take one to three business days following the receipt of your redemption request in proper form to pay out redemption proceeds. However, while not expected, payment of redemption proceeds may take up to seven days from the day your request is received in proper form by the Fund by the Fund Closing Time. If you recently purchased your shares by check or electronic funds transfer, your redemption payment may be delayed until the Fund is reasonably satisfied that the check or electronic funds transfer has been collected (which may take up to 10 days). For Advisor Class and Class Z shares, if you are in doubt about what procedures or documents are required by your fee-based program or employee benefit plan to sell your shares, you should contact your financial advisor.

The Fund expects, under normal circumstances, to use cash or cash equivalents held by the Fund to satisfy redemption requests. The Fund may also determine to sell portfolio assets to meet such requests. Under certain circumstances, including stressed market conditions, the Fund may determine to pay a redemption request by accessing a bank line of credit or by distributing wholly or partly in kind securities from its portfolio, instead of cash.

Sale In-Kind. The Fund normally pays proceeds of a sale of Fund shares in cash. However, the Fund has reserved the right to pay the sale price in whole or in part by a distribution in-kind of securities in lieu of cash. If the redemption payment is made in-kind, the securities received will be subject to market risk and may decline in value. In addition, you may incur brokerage commissions if you elect to sell the securities for cash.

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Selling Shares Through Your Financial Intermediary or Retirement Plan

Your financial intermediary or plan recordkeeper must receive your sales request by the Fund Closing Time, and submit it to the Fund by a pre-arranged time for you to receive that day’s NAV, less any applicable CDSC. Your financial intermediary, plan sponsor or plan recordkeeper is responsible for submitting all necessary documentation to the Fund and may charge you a fee for this service.

Selling Shares Directly to the Fund

By Mail:

• Send a signed letter of instruction or stock power, along with certificates, to:

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278-6003

• For certified or overnight deliveries, send to:

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

8000 IH 10 W, 13th floor

San Antonio, TX 78230

• For your protection, a bank, a member firm of a national stock exchange or another eligible guarantor institution must guarantee signatures. Stock power forms are available from your financial intermediary, ABIS and many commercial banks. Additional documentation is required for the sale of shares by corporations, intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners. If you have any questions about these procedures, contact ABIS.

By Telephone:

• You may redeem your shares for which no stock certificates have been issued by telephone request. Call ABIS at (800) 221-5672 with instructions on how you wish to receive your sale proceeds.

• ABIS must receive and confirm a telephone redemption request by the Fund Closing Time, for you to receive that day’s NAV, less any applicable CDSC.

• For your protection, ABIS will request personal or other information from you to verify your identity and will generally record the calls. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser, ABIS, ABI or other Fund agent will be liable for any loss, injury, damage or expense as a result of acting upon telephone instructions purporting to be on your behalf that ABIS reasonably believes to be genuine.

• If you have selected electronic funds transfer in your Mutual Fund Application, the redemption proceeds will be sent directly to your bank. Otherwise, the proceeds will be mailed to you.

• Redemption requests by electronic funds transfer or check may not exceed $100,000 per Fund account per day.

• Telephone redemption is not available for shares held in nominee or “street name” accounts, retirement plan accounts, or shares held by a shareholder who has changed his or her address of record within the previous 30 calendar days.

FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES

The Fund’s Board has adopted policies and procedures designed to detect and deter frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares or excessive or short-term trading that may disadvantage long-term Fund shareholders. These policies are described below. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be able to detect excessive or short-term trading or to identify shareholders engaged in such practices, particularly with respect to transactions in omnibus accounts. Shareholders should be aware that application of these policies may have adverse consequences, as described below, and should avoid frequent trading in Fund shares through purchases, sales and exchanges of shares. The Fund reserves the right to restrict, reject, or cancel, without any prior notice, any purchase or exchange order for any reason, including any purchase or exchange order accepted by any shareholder’s financial intermediary.

Risks Associated With Excessive or Short-Term Trading Generally. While the Fund will try to prevent market timing by utilizing the procedures described below, these procedures may not be successful in identifying or stopping excessive or short-term trading in all circumstances. By realizing profits through short-term trading, shareholders that engage in rapid purchases and sales or exchanges of the Fund’s shares dilute the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. Volatility resulting from excessive purchases and sales or exchanges of Fund shares, especially involving large dollar amounts, may disrupt efficient portfolio management and cause the Fund to sell shares at inopportune times to raise cash to accommodate redemptions relating to short-term trading activity. In particular, the Fund may have difficulty implementing its long-term investment strategies if it is forced to maintain a higher level of its assets in cash to accommodate significant short-term trading activity. In addition, the Fund may incur increased administrative and other expenses due to excessive or short-term trading, including increased brokerage costs and realization of taxable capital gains.

A fund that may invest significantly in securities of foreign issuers may be particularly susceptible to short-term trading strategies. This is because securities of foreign issuers are typically traded on markets that close well before the time a fund calculates its NAV (ordinarily at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time), which gives rise to the possibility that developments may have occurred in the interim that would affect the value of these securities. The time zone differences among international stock markets can allow a shareholder engaging in a short-term

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trading strategy to exploit differences in Fund share prices that are based on closing prices of securities of foreign issuers established some time before the Fund calculates its own share price (referred to as “time zone arbitrage”). The Fund has procedures, referred to as fair value pricing, designed to adjust closing market prices of securities of foreign issuers to reflect what is believed to be the fair value of those securities at the time the Fund calculates its NAV. While there is no assurance, the Fund expects that the use of fair value pricing, in addition to the short-term trading policies discussed below, will significantly reduce a shareholder’s ability to engage in time zone arbitrage to the detriment of other Fund shareholders.

A shareholder engaging in a short-term trading strategy may also target the Fund irrespective of its investments in securities of foreign issuers. Any fund that invests in securities that are, among other things, thinly traded or traded infrequently, or that have a limited public float has the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A shareholder may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as “price arbitrage”). The fund may be adversely affected by price arbitrage.

Policy Regarding Short-Term Trading. Purchases and exchanges of shares of the Fund should be made for investment purposes only. The Fund seeks to prevent patterns of excessive purchases and sales of Fund shares to the extent they are detected by the procedures described below, subject to the Fund’s ability to monitor purchase, sale and exchange activity. The Fund reserves the right to modify this policy, including any surveillance or account blocking procedures established from time to time to effectuate this policy, at any time without notice.

• Transaction Surveillance Procedures. The Fund, through its agents, ABI and ABIS, maintains surveillance procedures to detect excessive or short-term trading in Fund shares. This surveillance process involves several factors, which include scrutinizing transactions in Fund shares that exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a specified period of time. Generally, more than two exchanges of Fund shares during any 60-day period or purchases of shares followed by a sale within 60 days will be identified by these surveillance procedures. For purposes of these transaction surveillance procedures, the Fund may consider trading activity in multiple accounts under common ownership, control, or influence. Trading activity identified by either, or a combination, of these factors, or as a result of any other information available at the time, will be evaluated to determine whether such activity might constitute excessive or short-term trading. With respect to managed or discretionary accounts for which the account owner gives his/her broker, investment adviser or other third party authority to buy and sell Fund shares, the Fund may consider trades initiated by the account owner, such as trades initiated in connection with bona fide cash management purposes, separately in their analysis. These surveillance procedures may be modified from time to time, as necessary or appropriate to improve the detection of excessive or short-term trading or to address specific circumstances.

• Account Blocking Procedures. If the Fund determines, in its sole discretion, that a particular transaction or pattern of transactions identified by the transaction surveillance procedures described above is excessive or short-term trading in nature, the Fund will take remedial actions that may include issuing a warning, revoking certain account-related activities (such as the ability to place purchase, sale and exchange orders over the internet or by phone) or prohibiting or “blocking” future purchase or exchange activity. However, sales of Fund shares back to the Fund or redemptions will continue to be permitted in accordance with the terms of the Fund’s current Prospectus. As a result, unless the shareholder redeems his or her shares, which may have consequences if the shares have declined in value, a CDSC is applicable or adverse tax consequences may result, the shareholder may be “locked” into an unsuitable investment. A blocked account will generally remain blocked for 90 days. Subsequent detections of excessive or short-term trading may result in an indefinite account block, or an account block until the account holder or the associated broker, dealer or other financial intermediary provides evidence or assurance acceptable to the Fund that the account holder did not or will not in the future engage in excessive or short-term trading.

• Applications of Surveillance Procedures and Restrictions to Omnibus Accounts. Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of the Fund, particularly among certain brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries, including sponsors of retirement plans. The Fund applies its surveillance procedures to these omnibus account arrangements. As required by SEC rules, the Fund has entered into agreements with all of its financial intermediaries that require the financial intermediaries to provide the Fund, upon the request of the Fund or its agents, with individual account level information about its transactions. If the Fund detects excessive trading through its monitoring of omnibus accounts, including trading at the individual account level, the financial intermediaries will also execute instructions from the Fund to take actions to curtail the activity, which may include applying blocks to accounts to prohibit future purchases and exchanges of Fund shares. For certain retirement plan accounts, the Fund may request that the retirement plan or other intermediary revoke the relevant participant’s privilege to effect transactions in Fund shares via the internet or telephone, in which case the relevant participant must submit future transaction orders via the U.S. Postal Service (i.e., regular mail).

HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES

The Fund’s NAV is calculated on any day the Exchange is open at the close of regular trading (ordinarily, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, but sometimes earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or unscheduled suspensions of trading). To calculate NAV, the Fund’s assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding. If the Fund invests in securities that are primarily traded on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does

32

not price its shares, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem their shares in the Fund.

The Fund values its securities at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of each Board. When the Fund uses fair value pricing, it may take into account any factors it deems appropriate. The Fund may determine fair value based upon developments related to a specific security, current valuations of foreign stock indices (as reflected in U.S. futures markets) and/or U.S. sector or broader stock market indices. The prices of securities used by the Fund to calculate its NAV may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security.

The Fund expects to use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded on U.S. exchanges only under very limited circumstances, such as the early closing of the exchange on which a security is traded or suspension of trading in the security, or for securities for which market prices are not readily available or deemed unreliable (including restricted securities). The Fund may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund ordinarily values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim. Factors considered in fair value pricing may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer or analysts, or by analysis of the issuers’ financial statements. The Fund may value its securities using fair value prices based on independent pricing services.

Subject to its oversight, the Fund’s Board has delegated responsibility for valuing the Fund’s assets to the Adviser. The Adviser has established a Valuation Committee, which operates under the policies and procedures approved by the Board, to value the Fund’s assets on behalf of the Fund. The Valuation Committee values Fund assets as described above. More information about the valuation of the Fund’s assets is available in the Fund’s SAI.

33

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

INVESTMENT ADVISER

The Fund’s investment adviser is AllianceBernstein L.P., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105. The Adviser is a leading global investment adviser supervising client accounts with assets as of December 31, 2020, totaling approximately $686 billion (of which over $135 billion represented assets of registered investment companies sponsored by the Adviser). As of December 31, 2020, the Adviser managed retirement assets for many of the largest public and private employee benefit plans (including 18 of the nation’s FORTUNE 100 companies), for public employee retirement funds in 29 of the 50 states, for investment companies, and for foundations, endowments, banks and insurance companies worldwide. The 27 registered investment companies managed by the Adviser, comprising approximately 91 separate investment portfolios, had as of December 31, 2020 approximately 2.5 million shareholder accounts.

During the second quarter of 2018, AXA S.A. (“AXA”), a French holding company for the AXA Group, completed the sale of a minority stake in its subsidiary, Equitable Holdings, Inc. (formerly AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc.) (“Equitable”), through an initial public offering. Equitable is the holding company for a diverse group of financial services companies, including an approximately 65.3% economic interest in the Adviser and a 100% interest in AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner of the Adviser. Since the initial sale, AXA has completed additional offerings, most recently during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result, AXA no longer owns a controlling interest in Equitable and owns less than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Equitable. AXA previously announced its intention to sell its entire interest in Equitable over time, subject to market conditions and other factors (the “Plan”). Most of AXA’s remaining Equitable shares are to be delivered on redemption of AXA bonds mandatorily exchangeable into Equitable shares and maturing in May 2021. AXA retains sole discretion to determine the timing of any future sales of its remaining shares of Equitable common stock.

Sales under the Plan that were completed on November 13, 2019 may be deemed to have resulted in an “assignment” of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement. In order to ensure that investment advisory services could continue uninterrupted in such event, the Board previously approved new investment advisory agreements with the Adviser, and shareholders of the Fund subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreements. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

The Adviser provides investment advisory services and order placement facilities for the Fund. For these advisory services, the Fund paid the Adviser during its most recent fiscal year 0.00% of the Fund’s average net assets (net of fee waiver/reimbursement).

Effective April 30, 2021, the Fund pays a fee for investment advisory services at the annual rate of 0.45% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $2.5 billion, 0.425% of average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion up to $5 billion, and 0.40% of average daily net assets in excess of $5 billion. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders for the period ended December 31, 2020.

The Adviser acts as an investment adviser to other persons, firms, or corporations, including investment companies, hedge funds, pension funds, and other institutional investors. The Adviser may receive management fees, including performance fees, that may be higher or lower than the advisory fees it receives from the Fund. Certain other clients of the Adviser have investment objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund. The Adviser may, from time to time, make recommendations that result in the purchase or sale of a particular security by its other clients simultaneously with the Fund. If transactions on behalf of more than one client during the same period increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price or quantity. It is the policy of the Adviser to allocate advisory recommendations and the placing of orders in a manner that is deemed equitable by the Adviser to the accounts involved, including the Fund. When two or more of the clients of the Adviser (including the Fund) are purchasing or selling the same security on a given day from the same broker or dealer, such transactions may be averaged as to price.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund are made by the Adviser’s High Yield Investment Team. The High Yield Investment Team relies heavily on the fundamental analysis and research of the Adviser’s large internal research staff. No one person is principally responsible for coordinating the Fund’s investments.

The following table lists each person within the High Yield Investment Team with the most significant responsibility for day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio, the length of time that each person has been jointly and primarily responsible for the Fund, and each person’s principal occupation during the past five years:

Employee; Length of Service; Title	Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five (5) Years
Gershon M. Distenfeld; since 2014; Senior Vice President of the Adviser and Co-Head of Fixed Income	Senior Vice President of the Adviser, with which he has been associated in a substantially similar capacity to his current position since prior to 2016.
Jacqueline Pincus; since 2019; Vice President of the Adviser	Vice President of the Adviser, with which she has been associated in a substantially similar capacity to her current position since prior to 2016.
William Smith; since 2018; Senior Vice President of the Adviser	Senior Vice President of the Adviser, with which he has been associated in a substantially similar capacity to his current position since prior to 2016.

34

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund.

TRANSFER AGENCY AND RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES

ABIS acts as the transfer agent for the Fund. ABIS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, registers the transfer, issuance, and redemption of Fund shares and disburses dividends and other distributions to Fund shareholders.

Many Fund shares are owned by financial intermediaries for the benefit of their customers. Retirement plans may also hold Fund shares in the name of the plan, rather than the participant. In those cases, the Fund often does not maintain an account for you. Thus, some or all of the transfer agency functions for these and certain other accounts are performed by the financial intermediaries and plan recordkeepers. Financial intermediaries and recordkeepers, which may have affiliated financial intermediaries that sell shares of the AB Mutual Funds, may be paid by the Fund, the Adviser, ABI and ABIS (i) account fees in amounts up to $19 per account per annum, (ii) asset-based fees of up to 0.25% (except in respect of a limited number of intermediaries) per annum of the average daily assets held through the intermediary, or (iii) a combination of both. These amounts include fees for shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, sub-accounting and recordkeeping services. These amounts do not include fees for shareholder servicing that may be paid separately by the Fund pursuant to its Rule 12b-1 plan. Amounts paid by the Fund for these services are included in “Other Expenses” under “Fees and Expenses of the Fund” in the Summary Information section of this Prospectus. In addition, financial intermediaries may be affiliates of entities that receive compensation from the Adviser or ABI for maintaining retirement plan “platforms” that facilitate trading by affiliated and non-affiliated financial intermediaries and recordkeeping for retirement plans.

Because financial intermediaries and plan recordkeepers may be paid varying amounts per class for sub-transfer agency and related recordkeeping services, the service requirements of which may also vary by class, this may create an additional incentive for financial intermediaries and their financial advisors to favor one fund complex over another or one class of shares over another.

For more information, please refer to the Fund’s SAI, call your financial advisor or visit our website at www.abfunds.com.

35

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

Income dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, declared by the Fund on its outstanding shares will be paid in cash if elected by the shareholder or in additional shares of the same class of shares of the Fund. If paid in additional shares, the shares will have an aggregate NAV as of the close of business on the declaration date of the dividend or distribution equal to the cash amount of the dividend or distribution. You may make an election to receive dividends and distributions in cash or in shares at the time you purchase shares. Your election can be changed at any time prior to a record date for a dividend. There is no sales or other charge in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. Cash dividends may be paid by check, or, at your election, electronically via the ACH network.

Income dividends generally are declared daily and paid monthly; capital gains distributions generally occur annually in December.

If you receive an income dividend or capital gains distribution in cash you may, within 120 days following the date of its payment, reinvest the dividend or distribution in additional shares of the Fund without charge by returning to the Adviser, with appropriate instructions, the check representing the dividend or distribution. Thereafter, unless you otherwise specify, you will be deemed to have elected to reinvest all subsequent dividends and distributions in shares of the Fund.

Taxes

While it is the intention of the Fund to distribute to its shareholders substantially all of each fiscal year’s net income and net realized capital gains, if any, the amount and timing of any dividend or distribution will depend on the realization by the Fund of income and capital gains from investments. There is no fixed dividend rate and there can be no assurance that the Fund will pay any dividends or realize any capital gains. The final determination of the amount of the Fund’s return of capital distributions for the period will be made after the end of each calendar year.

You will normally have to pay federal income tax, and any state or local income taxes, on the distributions you receive from the Fund, whether you take the distributions in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for more than one year and that are properly designated as capital gains distributions are taxable as long-term capital gains. Distributions of dividends to the Fund’s non-corporate shareholders may be treated as “qualified dividend income”, which is taxed at reduced rates, if such distributions are derived from, and designated by the Fund as, “qualified dividend income” and provided that holding period and other requirements are met by both the shareholder and the Fund. “Qualified dividend income” generally is income derived from dividends from U.S. corporations and “qualified foreign corporations”. Other distributions by the Fund are generally taxable to you as ordinary income. The Fund will notify you as to how much of the Fund’s distributions, if any, qualify for these reduced tax rates. Dividends declared in October, November, or December and paid in January of the following year are taxable as if they had been paid the previous December.

Investment income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. To the extent that the Fund is liable for foreign income taxes withheld at the source, the Fund intends, if possible, to operate so as to meet the requirements of the Code to “pass through” to the Fund’s shareholders credits for foreign income taxes paid (or to permit shareholders to claim a deduction for such foreign taxes), but there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to do so, and a fund that invests primarily in U.S. securities will not do so. Furthermore, a shareholder’s ability to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction for foreign taxes paid by the Fund may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, as a result of which a shareholder may not be permitted to claim a credit or deduction for all or a portion of the amount of such taxes.

Under certain circumstances, if the Fund realizes losses (e.g., from fluctuations in currency exchange rates) after paying a dividend, all or a portion of the dividend may subsequently be characterized as a return of capital. Returns of capital are generally nontaxable, but will reduce a shareholder’s basis in shares of the Fund. If that basis is reduced to zero (which could happen if the shareholder does not reinvest distributions and returns of capital are significant), any further returns of capital will be taxable as a capital gain.

Non-U.S. Shareholders

If you are a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation for federal income tax purposes, please see the Fund’s SAI for information on how you will be taxed as a result of holding shares in the Fund.

General

If you buy shares just before the Fund deducts a distribution from its NAV, you will pay the full price for the shares and then receive a portion of the price back as a distribution, which may be taxable.

For tax purposes, an exchange is treated as a sale of Fund shares. The sale or exchange of Fund shares is a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes.

Each year shortly after December 31, the Fund will send you tax information stating the amount and type of all its distributions for the year. You are encouraged to consult your tax adviser about the federal, state, and local tax consequences in your particular circumstances, as well as about any possible foreign tax consequences.

36

GENERAL INFORMATION

Under unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by federal securities law. The Fund reserves the right to close an account that has remained below $1,000 for 90 days.

During drastic economic or market developments, you might have difficulty in reaching ABIS by telephone, in which event you should issue written instructions to ABIS. ABIS is not responsible for the authenticity of telephone requests to purchase, sell, or exchange shares. ABIS will employ reasonable procedures to verify that telephone requests are genuine, and could be liable for losses resulting from unauthorized transactions if it failed to do so. Dealers and agents may charge a commission for handling telephone requests. The telephone service may be suspended or terminated at any time without notice.

Shareholder Services. ABIS offers a variety of shareholder services. For more information about these services or your account, call ABIS’s toll-free number, (800) 221-5672. Some services are described in the Mutual Fund Application.

Householding. Many shareholders of the AB Mutual Funds have family members living in the same home who also own shares of the same funds. In order to reduce the amount of duplicative mail that is sent to homes with more than one fund account and to reduce expenses of the funds, all AB Mutual Funds will, until notified otherwise, send only one copy of each prospectus, shareholder report and proxy statement to each household address. This process, known as “householding”, does not apply to account statements, confirmations, or personal tax information. If you do not wish to participate in householding, or wish to discontinue householding at any time, call ABIS at (800) 221-5672. We will resume separate mailings for your account within 30 days of your request.

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GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT TERMS

AMT is the federal alternative minimum tax.

AMT-Subject bonds are municipal securities paying interest that is an item of “tax preference” and thus subject to the AMT when received by a person in a tax year during which the person is subject to the AMT. These securities are primarily private activity bonds, including revenue bonds.

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index is an issuer-constrained version of the U.S. Corporate High Yield Index, which measures the USD-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market, but limits the exposure of each issuer to 2% of the total market value and redistributes any excess market value index-wide on a pro rata basis.

Bonds are interest-bearing or discounted government or corporate securities that obligate the issuer to pay the bond holder a specified sum of money, usually at specified intervals, and to repay the principal amount of the loan at maturity.

Fixed-income securities are investments, such as bonds, that pay a fixed rate of return.

Municipal securities are debt obligations issued by states, territories and possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia, and their political subdivisions, duly constituted authorities and corporations. Municipal securities include municipal bonds, which are intended to meet longer-term capital needs and municipal notes, which are intended to fulfill short-term capital needs.

Non-U.S. company or non-U.S. issuer is an entity that (i) is organized under the laws of a foreign country and conducts business in a foreign country, (ii) derives 50% or more of its total revenues from business in foreign countries, or (iii) issues equity or debt securities that are traded principally on a stock exchange in a foreign country.

The Markit iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index is designed to reflect the performance of U.S. dollar denominated high yield corporate debt. It aims to offer a broad coverage of the U.S. dollar denominated high yield liquid bond universe and is limited to bond issues with more than $400 million outstanding. It consists of sub-investment grade U.S. dollar denominated bonds issued by corporate issuers from developed countries. The index is market-value weighted with an issuer cap of 3%.

38

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of the class of the Fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The Fund’s financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm. The report of the independent registered public accounting firm, along with the Fund’s financial statements, are included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request.

No financial highlights are available for the Fund’s Class A and Class Z shares for periods after the fiscal period ended October 31, 2017.  Class A and Class Z shares of the Fund were not in operation from February 26, 2018 until April 30, 2021 and were not audited after the October 31, 2017 fiscal period.

AB High Yield Portfolio

(formerly AB FlexFee^TM High Yield Portfolio)

							Advisor Class
	Year Ended		Year Ended		November 1, 2018 to						September 1, 2016		July 26, 2016(c)
	December		December		December		Year Ended October 31,				to October		to August
	31, 2020		31, 2019		31, 2018(a)		2018		2017		31, 2016(b)		31, 2016
Net asset value, beginning of period	$9.63		$8.90		$9.36		$9.71		$9.46		$9.44		$9.36
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment income(d)(e)	.50		.52		.09		.50		.49		.08	#	.05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions	.30		.77		.(41	)	(.37	)	.24		.01		.08	‡
Contributions from Affiliates	-0	-	-0	-	-0	-	.00	(f)	.00	(f)	-0	-	-0	-
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations	.80		1.29		(.32	)	.13		.73		.09		.13
Less: Dividends and Distributions
Dividends from net investment income	(.57	)	(.56	)	(.14	)	(.48	)	(.43	)	(.07	)	(.05	)
Return of capital	-0	-	-0	-	-0	-	-0	-	(.05	)	-0	-	-0	-
Total dividends and distributions	(.57	)	(.56	)	(.14	)	(.48	)	(.48	)	(.07	)	(.05	)
Net asset value, end of period	$9.86		$9.63		$8.90		$9.36		$9.71		$9.46		$9.44
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset value(g)*	8.95	%+	14.77	%+	(3.45	)%	1.32	%**	7.89	%+	.94	%+#	1.35	%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)	$38,731		$40,218		$30,509		$33,990		$4,185		$2,733		$2,063
Ratio to average net assets of:
Expenses, net of waivers/ reimbursements(i)†	.70	%	.29	%++	.29	%^++	.33	%(h)	.71	%(h)	.78	%^	.81	%(h)^
Expenses, before waivers/ reimbursements(i)†	2.17	%	1.84	%++	3.25	%^++	2.56	%(h)	2.49	%(h)	3.18	%^	2.41	%(h)^
Net investment income(e)	5.41	%	5.45	%	5.73	%^	5.20	%	5.11	%	4.90	%^#	5.30	%^
Portfolio turnover rate	75	%	40	%	5	%	75	%	65	%	9	%	44	%
† Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of affiliated/unaffiliated underlying Portfolios	.00	%	.01	%	.01	%^	.01	%	.01	%	.02	%^	.00	%^

(a) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31.

(b) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to October 31.

39

(b) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to October 31.

(c) Inception date.

(d) Based on average shares outstanding.

(e) Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

(f) Amount is less than $.005.

(g) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total investment return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(h) The expense ratios presented below exclude interest expense:

Year Ended December 31, 2020

Year Ended December 31, 2019

November 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018(a)

Year Ended

September 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016(b)

July 26, 2016(c) to August 31, 2016

October 31, 2018

October 31, 2017

Advisor Class

Net of waivers/reimbursements

N/A

N/A

N/A

.31

%

.70

%

N/A

.80%^

Before waivers/reimbursements

N/A

N/A

N/A

2.54

%

2.54

%

N/A

2.40%^

 (i) In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the year ended December 31, 2019, period ended December 31, 2018, years ended October 31, 2018, October 31, 2017 and period ended October 31, 2016, such waivers amounted to .01%, .01% (annualized), .01%, .01% and .02% (annualized), respectively.

‡ Due to timing of sales and repurchase of capital shares, the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share is not in accord with the Fund’s change in net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions for the period.

^ Annualized.

* Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2019, October 31, 2018, October 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 by .01%, .03%, .07% and .02%, respectively.

** Includes the impact of reimbursements from the Adviser which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the year ended October 31, 2018 by .01%.

+ The net asset value and total return include adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for financial reporting purposes. As such, the net asset value and total return for shareholder transactions may differ from financial statements.

# For the year ended October 31, 2016 the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out-of-pocket fees as follows:

Net Investment Income Per Share	Net Investment Income Ratio	Total Return
$.003	.20%	.03%

++ The advisory fee reflected in the Fund’s expense ratio may be higher or lower than the Base Fee plus Performance Adjustment due to the different time periods over which the fee is calculated (i.e., the financial reporting vs. the Performance Period).

40

	Class A
		Year Ended October 31, 2017			September 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016(a)			July 26, 2016(b) August 31, 2016
Net asset value, beginning of period			$  9.46			$  9.44			$  9.36
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment income(c)(d)			.46			.08	#		.05
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions			.25			.01			.07	†
Contributions from Affiliates			.00	(e)		– 0	–		– 0	–
Net increase in net asset value from operations			.71			.09			.12
Less: Dividends
Dividends from net investment income			(.42	)		(.07	)		(.04	)
Tax return of capital			(.04	)		– 0	–		– 0	–
Net asset value, end of period			$  9.71			$  9.46			$  9.44
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset value(f)			7.61	%*‡		.90	%#		1.33	%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)			$5,150			$1,186			$1,000
Ratio to average net assets of:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(g)(h)			.95	%		1.03	%^		1.06	%^
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(g)(h)			2.64	%		3.25	%^		2.71	%^
Net investment income(d)			4.82	%		4.81	%^#		5.13	%^
Portfolio turnover rate			65	%		9	%		44	%

See footnote summary on page 42 .

41

				Class Z
	Year Ended October 31, 2017			September 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016(a)
							Year Ended August 31, 2016
Net asset value, beginning of period		$  9.45			$  9.43			$  9.87
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment income(c)		.49	(d)		.08	(d)#		.60	(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions		.24			.01			(.04	)
Contributions from Affiliates		.00	(e)		– 0	–		– 0	–
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations		.73			.09			.56
Dividends from net investment income		(.43	)		(.07	)		(1.00	)
Tax return of capital		(.05	)		– 0	–		– 0	–
Net asset value, end of period		$  9.70			$  9.45			$  9.43
Total investment return based on net asset value(f)		7.91	%*‡		.94	%‡#		6.19	%*
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)		$499			$65,177			$67,780
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(g)(h)		.73	%		.78	%^		.25	%
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(g)(h)		1.41	%		2.39	%^		.30	%
Net investment income		5.12	%		4.96	%(d)^#		6.41	%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate		65	%		9	%		44	%

(a) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to October 31.

(b)  Inception date.

(c)  Based on average shares outstanding.

(d)  Net of fees and expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser.

(e)  Amount is less than $.005.

(f)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(g)  The expense ratios presented below exclude interest expense:

	Year Ended October 31, 2017		September 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016(a)	Year Ended August 31, 2016
Class A
Net of waivers/reimbursements	.95	%	N/A	1.05	%
Before waivers/reimbursements	2.69	%	N/A	2.70	%
Class Z
Net of waivers/reimbursements	.73	%	N/A	.25	%
Before waivers/reimbursements	1.47	%	N/A	.29	%

(h)  In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bear proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the year ended October 31, 2017 and year ended October 31, 2016, such waiver amounted to 0.01% and 0.02%, respectively, annualized for the Fund.

† Due to timing of sales and repurchase of capital shares, the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share is not in accord with the Fund’s change in net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions for the period.

^ Annualized.

* Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended October 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 by 0.07% and 0.02%, respectively.

‡ The net asset value and total return include adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for financial reporting purposes. As such, the net asset value and total return for shareholder transactions may differ from financial statements.

# For the year ended October 31, 2016 the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out-of-pocket fees as follows:

Net Investment Income Per Share	Net Investment Income Ratio	Total Return
$.003	.20%	.03%

42

APPENDIX A

BOND RATINGS

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”)

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

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

A—Bonds which are rated A are judged to be upper-medium-grade and are subject to low credit risk. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.

Baa—Bonds which are rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. 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 be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk; 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 are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

Caa—Bonds which are rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

Ca—Bonds which are rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C—Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

Absence of Rating—Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the issue.

Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:

1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.

2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies that are unrated as a matter of policy.

3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.

4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not published in Moody’s publications.

Suspension may occur if new and material circumstances arise, the effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer available reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.

Note—Moody’s applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa in its corporate bond rating system. 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. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.

By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”)

AAA—Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA—Debt rated AA differs from the highest rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

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A—Debt 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 commitments on the obligation is still strong.

BBB—Debt rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC, C—Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC or C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB—Debt rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative debt. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposures to adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

B—Debt rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

CCC—Debt rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on the obligation.

CC—Debt rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

C—Debt rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

D—Debt rated D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

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

NR—Debt designated NR is not rated.

Fitch Ratings

AAA—Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to meet its financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA—Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to meet its financial commitments is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A—Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to meet its financial commitments is considered to be strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

BBB—Bonds considered to be investment grade and of good credit quality. The obligor’s ability to meet its financial commitments is considered to be adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB—Bonds are considered speculative, and are indicative of an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists that supports the servicing of financial commitments.

B—Bonds are considered highly speculative and have a material risk of default, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC—Bonds are considered to have substantial credit risk. Default is a real possibility.

CC—Bonds are considered to have very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

C—Bonds are near default. A default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired.

A-2

Defaulted obligations are typically rated in the CCC to C rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. This approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

Plus (+) Minus (-)—Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and minus signs, however, are not used in the AAA category or in categories below CCC.

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APPENDIX B

Hypothetical Investment and Expense Information

The following supplemental hypothetical investment information provides additional information calculated and presented in a manner different from expense information found under “Fees and Expenses of the Fund” in the Summary Information at the beginning of this Prospectus about the effect of the Fund’s expenses, including investment advisory fees and other Fund costs, on the Fund’s returns over a 10-year period. The chart shows the estimated expenses that would be charged on a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in Class A shares of the Fund assuming a 5% return each year, including an initial sales charge of 4.25%. Except as otherwise indicated, the chart also assumes that the current annual expense ratio stays the same throughout the 10-year period. The current annual expense ratio for the Fund is the same as stated under “Fees and Expenses of the Fund”. Additional information concerning the fees and expenses incurred by the Fund may be found at FINRA’s Fund Analyzer web page (available at https://tools.finra.org/fund_analyzer/). Your actual expenses may be higher or lower.

AB High Yield Portfolio (formerly AB FlexFee^TM High Yield Portfolio)

Year	Hypothetical Investment	Hypothetical Performance Earnings	Investment After Returns	Hypothetical Expenses*	Hypothetical Ending Investment
1	$10,000.00	$   478.75	$10,053.75	$   510.46	$  9,968.29
2	9,968.29	498.41	10,466.70	237.59	10,229.11
3	10,229.11	511.46	10,740.57	243.81	10,496.76
4	10,496.76	524.84	11,021.60	250.19	10,771.41
5	10,771.41	538.57	11,309.98	256.74	11,053.24
6	11,053.24	552.66	11,605.90	263.45	11,342.45
7	11,342.45	567.12	11,909.57	270.35	11,639.22
8	11,639.22	581.96	12,221.18	277.42	11,943.76
9	11,943.76	597.19	12,540.95	284.68	12,256.27
10	12,256.27	612.81	12,869.08	292.13	12,576.95
Cumulative		$5,463.77		$2,886.82

* Expenses are net of any fee waiver or expense waiver for the first year. Thereafter, the expense ratio reflects the Fund’s operating expenses as reflected under “Fees and Expenses of the Fund” before fee waiver in the Summary Information at the beginning of this Prospectus.

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APPENDIX C—FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY WAIVERS

NOTE: Terms used by a financial intermediary in this Appendix do not necessarily have the same legal meaning as the same or similar terms used elsewhere in the Prospectus.

Waiver Specific to Merrill Lynch

Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI:

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch

• Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan

• Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents)

• Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program

• Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers

• Shares purchased by third-party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform

• Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)

• Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers

• Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date

• Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members

• Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in the Prospectus

• Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e., systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement

CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch

• Death or disability of the shareholder

• Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus

• Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account

• Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code

• Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch

• Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

• Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to a fee-based account or platforms

• Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

• Breakpoints as described in the Prospectus

• Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the Fund’s Prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings,

C-1

where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets

• Letters of Intent (“LOI”) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable)

Waivers Specific to Morgan Stanley

Effective July 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

• Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans

• Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules

• Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund

• Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account

• Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program

• Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge

Class A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial

The following information applies to Class A shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:

Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI:

• Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs

• Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family)

• Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversion of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply

• Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members

• Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant

• Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., Rights of Reinstatement)

In addition, shareholders purchasing Fund shares that are available through an Ameriprise Financial Advisory account are eligible for front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

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Waivers Specific to Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services Inc. and each Entity’s Affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares Available at Raymond James

• Shares purchased in an investment advisory program

• Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions

• Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James

• Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided that (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement)

• A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James

CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

• Death or disability of the shareholder

• Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus

• Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account

• Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus

• Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James

• Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation, and/or Letters of Intent

• Breakpoints as described in the Prospectus

• Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets

• Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets

Waivers Specific to Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (“Janney”)

Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase Fund shares through a Janney brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end sales charge* waivers on Class A shares available at Janney

• Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)

• Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney

C-3

• Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement)

• Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans

• Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

• Class C shares that are no longer subject to a CDSC and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures

CDSC waivers on Classes A and C shares available at Janney

• Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder

• Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus

• Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account

• Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the required age based on applicable rules

• Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney

• Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

• Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund

Front-end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent

• Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus

• Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets

• Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets

____________

*Also, referred to as an “initial sales charge”

Waivers Specific to Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (“OPCO”)

Effective May 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an OPCO platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares Available at OPCO

• Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan

• Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan

• Shares purchased through an OPCO affiliated investment advisory program

C-4

• Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)

• Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement)

• A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO

• Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members

• Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in the Prospectus

CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C Shares Available at OPCO

• Death or disability of the shareholder

• Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus

• Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account

• Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Prospectus

• Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO

• Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

Front-end load Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

• Breakpoints as described in the Prospectus

• Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at OPCO. Eligible fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets

Waivers Specific to Edward D. Jones & Co. (“Edward Jones”)

Effective on or after May 1, 2020, clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing Fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from breakpoints and waivers described elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of AB Mutual Funds or other facts qualifying the purchaser for breakpoints or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance.

Breakpoints

Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”)

• The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except any money market funds and retirement plan share classes) of AB Mutual Funds held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”). This includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the rights of accumulation calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying his or her financial advisor of such assets at the time of calculation

• ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value (current shares x NAV)

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Letter of Intent (“LOI”) 

• Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying his or her financial advisor of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not covered under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if the LOI is not met

Sales Charge Waivers

Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:

• Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate’s life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing

• Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program

• Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment

• Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from the liquidations in a non-retirement account

• Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the Prospectus

• Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers

If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:

• The death or disability of the shareholder

• Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value

• Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

• Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations

• Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones

• Shares exchanged in an Edwards Jones fee-based program

• Share acquired through NAV reinstatement

Other Important Information

1.1       Minimum Purchase Amounts

• $250 initial purchase minimum

• $50 subsequent purchases minimum

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1.2       Minimum Balances

• Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:

o       A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform

o       A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform

o       An account with an active systematic investment plan or letter of intent (LOI)

1.3       Changing Share Classes

• At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder’s holdings in a fund to Class A shares

Waivers Specific to Baird

Effective June 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Prospectus or the SAI.

Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A shares Available at Baird

• Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund

• Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliate and their family members as designated by Baird

• Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another AB Mutual Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement)

• A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird

• Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs

CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares Available at Baird

• Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder

• Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus

• Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA account

• Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the required age based on applicable rules

• Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird

• Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations

• Breakpoints as described in the Prospectus

• Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of AB Mutual Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible AB Mutual Fund assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets

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• Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of AB Mutual Funds through Baird, over a 13-month period of time

Waivers Specific to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”)

Effective July 31, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver:

Front-end Sales Load Waiver on Class A Shares

· Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be converted to Class A shares of the same Fund pursuant to Stifel’s policies and procedures

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For more information about the Fund, the following documents are available upon request:

• ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS

The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders contain additional information on the Fund’s investments. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.

• STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)

The Fund has an SAI, which contains more detailed information about the Fund, including its operations and investment policies. The Fund’s SAI and the independent registered public accounting firm’s reports and financial statements in the Fund’s most recent annual report to shareholders are incorporated by reference into (and are legally part of) this Prospectus.

You may request a free copy of the current annual/semi-annual report or the SAI, or make inquiries concerning the Fund, by contacting your broker or other financial intermediary, or by contacting the Adviser:

By Mail:	c/o AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. P.O. Box 786003 San Antonio, TX 78278-6003
By Phone:	For Information: (800) 221-5672 For Literature: (800) 227-4618
On the Internet:	www.abfunds.com

You may also view reports and other information about the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the EDGAR database on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of this information can be obtained, for a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

You also may find these documents and more information about the Adviser and the Fund on the Internet at: www.abfunds.com.

The [A/B] Logo is a service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein^® is a registered trademark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.

SEC File No. 811-02383

AB BOND FUND, INC.

-AB High Yield Portfolio

(Class A-[___]; Advisor Class-HIYYX; Class Z-[___])

c/o AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P. O. Box 786003, San Antonio, Texas 78278-6003

Toll Free: (800) 221-5672

For Literature: Toll Free (800) 227-4618

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

April 30, 2021

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus but supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current prospectus, dated April 30, 2021, for the AB High Yield Portfolio (the "Fund") of AB Bond Fund, Inc. (the "Company") that offers Class A, Advisor Class and Class Z shares of the Fund (the "Prospectus"). Financial statements for the Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 are included in the Fund's annual report to shareholders and are incorporated in this SAI by reference. Copies of the Prospectus and the Fund's annual report may be obtained by contacting AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. ("ABIS") at the address or the "For Literature" telephone number shown above or on the Internet at www.abfunds.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND AND ITS INVESTMENTS	1
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS	50
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND	52
EXPENSES OF THE FUND	75
PURCHASE OF SHARES	77
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES	95
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES	98
NET ASSET VALUE	101
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES	105
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS	113
GENERAL INFORMATION	118
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED     PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM	122
APPENDIX A: PROXY VOTING AND GOVERNANCE POLICY STATEMENT	A-1

______________________________

The [A/B] Logo is a service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein^® is a registered trademark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND AND ITS INVESTMENTS

Introduction to the Fund

The Company is an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Company's shares are offered in separate series. The Fund is a series of the Company, a separate pool of assets constituting, in effect, a separate open-end management investment company with its own investment objective and policies. Except as otherwise noted, the Fund's investment objective and policies described below are not "fundamental policies" within the meaning of the 1940 Act and may, therefore, be changed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board" or the "Directors") without shareholder approval. However, the Fund will not change its investment objective without at least 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Whenever any investment policy or restriction states a percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, it is intended that such percentage limitation be determined immediately after and as a result of the Fund's acquisition of such securities or other assets. Accordingly, except with respect to borrowing, any later increases or decreases in percentage beyond the specified limitations resulting from a change in values or net assets will not be considered a violation of this percentage limitation.

A portion of the financial information in this SAI is that of AB High-Yield Portfolio, a series of The AB Pooling Portfolios (the "Accounting Survivor"), which was acquired by the Fund in a reorganization that was effective at the close of business on July 26, 2016 (the "Reorganization"). Upon completion of the Reorganization, the Fund assumed the performance, financial and other historical accounting information of the Accounting Survivor, including the adoption of the Accounting Survivor's fiscal year end of August 31. The Fund subsequently changed its fiscal year end to October 31.

In 2018, the Fund changed its fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31. Effective as of April 30, 2021, the Fund changed its fiscal year end to October 31.

Additional Investment Policies and Practices

The following information about the Fund's investment policies and practices supplements the information set forth in the Prospectus.

Derivatives

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives for hedging or other risk management purposes or as part of its investment strategies. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depend on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index. These assets, rates, and indices may include bonds, stocks, mortgages, commodities, interest rates, currency exchange rates, bond indices and stock indices.

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There are four principal types of derivatives – options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. These principal types of derivative instruments, as well as the ways they may be used by the Fund are described below. Derivatives include listed and cleared transactions where the Fund's derivative trade counterparty is an exchange or clearinghouse, and non-cleared bilateral "over-the-counter" ("OTC") transactions that are privately negotiated and where the Fund's derivative trade counterparty is a financial institution. Exchange-traded or cleared derivatives transactions tend to be subject to less counterparty credit risk than those that are bilateral and privately negotiated. The Fund may use derivatives to earn income and enhance returns, to hedge or adjust the risk profile of a portfolio and either to replace more traditional direct investments or to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets.

Forward Contracts. A forward contract, which may be standardized and exchange-traded or customized and privately negotiated, is an agreement for one party to buy, and the other party to sell, a specific quantity of an underlying security, currency, commodity or other asset for an agreed-upon price at a future date. A forward contract generally is settled by physical delivery of the security, commodity or other tangible asset underlying the forward contract to an agreed-upon location at a future date (rather than settled by cash) or is rolled forward into a new forward contract. Non-deliverable forwards ("NDFs") specify a cash payment upon maturity.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A futures contract is an agreement that obligates the buyer to buy and the seller to sell a specified quantity of an underlying asset (or settle for cash the value of a contract based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specific price on the contract maturity date. Options on futures contracts are options that call for the delivery of futures contracts upon exercise. Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded instruments and are fungible (i.e., considered to be perfect substitutes for each other). This fungibility allows futures contracts to be readily offset or canceled through the acquisition of equal but opposite positions, which is the primary method by which futures contracts are liquidated. A cash-settled futures contract does not require physical delivery of the underlying asset but instead is settled for cash equal to the difference between the values of the contract on the date it is entered into and its maturity date.

Options. An option, which may be standardized and exchange-traded, or customized and privately negotiated, is an agreement that, for a premium payment or fee, gives the option holder (the buyer) the right but not the obligation to buy (a "call") or sell (a "put") the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified price (the exercise price) during a period of time or on a specified date. Likewise, when an option is exercised the writer of the option is obligated to sell (in the case of a call option) or to purchase (in the case of a put option) the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index).

Swaps. A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals (payment dates) based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates (e.g., interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps, currency exchange rates in the case of currency swaps) for a specified amount of an underlying asset (the

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"notional" principal amount). Most swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). Generally, the notional principal amount is used solely to calculate the payment streams but is not exchanged. Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are subject to mandatory central clearing and are required to be executed through a regulated swap execution facility. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants ("FCMs") that are members of central clearinghouses with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Funds post initial and variation margin to support their obligations under cleared swaps by making payments to their clearing member FCMs. Central clearing is intended to reduce counterparty credit risks and increase liquidity, but central clearing does not make swap transactions risk free. The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") may adopt similar clearing and execution requirements in respect of certain security-based swaps under its jurisdiction. Privately negotiated swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors and are not cleared through a third party, nor are these required to be executed on a regulated swap execution facility.

Risks of Derivatives and Other Regulatory Issues. Investment techniques employing such derivatives involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than, the risks presented by more traditional investments. Following is a general discussion of important risk factors and issues concerning the use of derivatives.

-- Market Risk. This is the general risk attendant to all investments that the value of a particular investment will change in a way detrimental to the Fund's interest.

-- Management Risk. Derivative products are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. In particular, the use and complexity of derivatives require the maintenance of adequate controls to monitor the transactions entered into, the ability to assess the risk that a derivative adds to the Fund's investment portfolio, and the ability to forecast price, interest rate or currency exchange rate movements correctly.

-- Credit Risk. This is the risk that a loss may be sustained by the Fund as a result of the failure of another party to a derivative (usually referred to as a "counterparty") to comply with the terms of the derivative contract. The credit risk for derivatives traded on an exchange or through a clearinghouse is generally less than for uncleared OTC derivatives, since the performance of the exchange or clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each derivative, is supported by all the members of such exchange or clearinghouse. The performance of an exchange or

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clearinghouse is further supported by a daily payment system (i.e., margin requirements) operated by the exchange or clearinghouse in order to reduce overall credit risk. There is no similar intermediary support for uncleared OTC derivatives. Therefore, the Fund will effect transactions in uncleared OTC derivatives only with investment dealers and other financial institutions (such as commercial banks) deemed creditworthy by the Adviser, and the Adviser has adopted procedures for monitoring the creditworthiness of such entities.

-- Counterparty Risk. The value of an OTC derivative will depend on the ability and willingness of the Fund's counterparty to perform its obligations under the transaction. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund will have contractual remedies but may choose not to enforce them to avoid the cost and unpredictability of legal proceedings. In addition, if a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, the Fund could miss investment opportunities or otherwise be required to retain investments it would prefer to sell, resulting in losses for the Fund. Participants in OTC derivatives markets generally are not subject to the same level of credit evaluation and regulatory oversight as are exchanges or clearinghouses. As a result, OTC derivatives generally expose the Fund to greater counterparty risk than derivatives traded on an exchange or through a clearinghouse.

Recent regulations affecting derivatives transactions require certain standardized derivatives, including many types of swaps, to be subject to mandatory central clearing. Under these requirements, a central clearing organization is substituted as the counterparty to each side of the derivatives transaction. Each party to derivatives transactions is required to maintain its positions with a clearing organization through one or more clearing brokers. Central clearing is intended to reduce, but not eliminate, counterparty risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that its clearing member or clearing organization will itself be unable to perform its obligations. The Fund may also face the indirect risk of the failure of another clearing member customer to meet its obligations to the clearing member, causing a default by the clearing member on its obligations to the clearinghouse.

-- Illiquid Investments Risk. Illiquid investments risk exists when a particular instrument is difficult to purchase, sell or otherwise liquidate. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many privately negotiated derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous price.

-- Leverage Risk. Since many derivatives have a leverage component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, rate or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount

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invested in the derivative itself. In the case of swaps, the risk of loss generally is related to a notional principal amount, even if the parties have not made any initial investment. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.

-- Regulatory Risk. Various U.S. Government entities, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and the SEC, are in the process of adopting and implementing additional regulations governing derivatives markets required by, among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act, including clearing as discussed above, margin, reporting and registration requirements. In addition, in October 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule regarding the use of derivatives and leverage by registered investment companies requiring, among other things, that a fund entering into derivatives transactions comply with a limit on the amount of leverage-related risk that the fund may obtain based on value-at-risk, or "VaR" and implement a derivatives risk management program, unless the fund's derivatives usage is maintained at limited levels. The new rule, which provides for an 18-month compliance transition period ending in August 2022, may limit the use of derivatives by the Fund. In addition, Congress, various exchanges and regulatory and self-regulatory authorities have undertaken reviews of futures, options and swaps markets in light of market volatility. Among the actions that have been taken or proposed to be taken are new limits and reporting requirements for speculative positions, new or more stringent daily price fluctuation limits, and increased margin requirements for various types of futures. These regulations and actions may adversely affect the Fund's ability to execute its investment strategy.

The CFTC has also issued rules requiring certain OTC derivatives transactions that fall within its jurisdiction to be executed through a regulated securities, futures or swap exchange or execution facility. Such requirements may make it more difficult or costly for the Fund to enter into highly tailored or customized transactions. They may also render certain strategies in which the Fund may otherwise engage impossible or so costly that they will not be economical to implement. If the Fund decides to become a direct member of one or more swap exchange or execution facilities, it will be subject to all of the rules of the exchange or execution facility.

European regulation of the derivatives market is also relevant to the extent the Fund engages in derivatives transactions with a counterparty that is subject to the European Market Infrastructure Regulation ("EMIR"). EMIR introduced uniform requirements in respect of OTC derivative contracts by requiring certain "eligible" OTC derivatives contracts to be submitted for clearing to regulated central clearing counterparties and by mandating the reporting of certain details of OTC

5 

derivatives contracts to trade repositories. In addition, EMIR imposes risk mitigation requirements, including requiring appropriate procedures and arrangements to measure, monitor and mitigate operational and counterparty credit risk in respect of OTC derivatives contracts which are not subject to mandatory clearing. These risk mitigation requirements include the exchange, and potentially the segregation, of collateral by the parties, including by the Fund. While many of the obligations under EMIR have come into force, a number of other requirements have not yet come into force or are subject to phase-in periods, and certain key issues have not been resolved. It is therefore not yet fully clear how the OTC derivatives market will ultimately adapt to the new European regulatory regime for OTC derivatives.

-- Other Risks. Other risks in using derivatives include the risk of mispricing or improper valuation of derivatives and the inability of derivatives to correlate perfectly with underlying assets, rates and indices. Many derivatives, in particular privately negotiated derivatives, are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. Derivatives do not always perfectly or even highly correlate with or track the value of the assets, rates or indices they are designed to closely track. Consequently, the Fund's use of derivatives may not always be an effective means of, and sometimes could be counterproductive to, furthering the Fund's investment objective.

Other. The Fund may purchase and sell derivative instruments only to the extent that such activities are consistent with the requirements of the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") and the rules adopted by the CFTC thereunder. Under CFTC rules, a registered investment company that conducts more than a certain amount of trading in futures contracts, commodity options, certain swaps and other commodity interests is a commodity pool and its adviser must register as a commodity pool operator ("CPO"). Under such rules, registered investment companies that are commodity pools are subject to additional recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure requirements. AllianceBernstein L.P., the Fund's adviser (the "Adviser"), has registered as a CPO with respect to the Fund. This registration subjects the Fund to certain recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure requirements but, under rules adopted by the CFTC, compliance with SEC disclosure and filing requirements will, for the most part, constitutes compliance with comparable CFTC requirements.

Use of Options, Futures Contracts, Forwards and Swaps by the Fund

– Forward Currency Exchange Contracts. A forward currency exchange contract is an obligation by one party to buy, and the other party to sell, a specific amount of a currency for an agreed-upon price at a future date. A forward currency exchange contract may result in the delivery of the underlying asset upon maturity of the contract in return for the agreed-upon payment. NDFs specify a cash payment upon maturity. NDFs are normally used

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when the market for physical settlement of the currency is underdeveloped, heavily regulated or highly taxed.

The Fund may, for example, enter into forward currency exchange contracts to attempt to minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. Dollar and other currencies. The Fund may purchase or sell forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes similar to those described below in connection with its transactions in foreign currency futures contracts. The Fund may also purchase or sell forward currency exchange contracts for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under "Currency Transactions".

If a hedging transaction in forward currency exchange contracts is successful, the decline in the value of portfolio securities or the increase in the cost of securities to be acquired may be offset, at least in part, by profits on the forward currency exchange contract. Nevertheless, by entering into such forward currency exchange contracts, the Fund may be required to forgo all or a portion of the benefits which otherwise could have been obtained from favorable movements in exchange rates.

The Fund may use forward currency exchange contracts to seek to increase total return when the Adviser anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. For example, the Fund may enter into a foreign currency exchange contract to purchase a currency if the Adviser expects the currency to increase in value. The Fund would recognize a gain if the market value of the currency is more than the contract value of the currency at the time of settlement of the contract. Similarly, the Fund may enter into a foreign currency exchange contract to sell a currency if the Adviser expects the currency to decrease in value. The Fund would recognize a gain if the market value of the currency is less than the contract value of the currency at the time of settlement of the contract.

The cost of engaging in forward currency exchange contracts varies with such factors as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign currencies are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.

– Options on Securities. The Fund may write and purchase call and put options on securities. In purchasing an option on securities, the Fund would be in a position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the price of the underlying securities increased (in the case of a call) or decreased (in the case of a put) by an amount in excess of the premium paid; otherwise the Fund would experience a loss not greater than the premium paid for the option. Thus, the Fund would realize a loss if the price of the underlying security declined or remained the same (in the case of a call) or increased or remained the same (in the case of a put) or otherwise did not increase (in the case of a put) or decrease (in the case of a call) by more than the amount of the premium. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund.

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The Fund may write a put or call option in return for a premium, which is retained by the Fund whether or not the option is exercised. The Fund may write covered options or uncovered options. A call option written by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying security, has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security upon conversion or exchange of another security it holds, or holds a call option on the underlying security with an exercise price equal to or less than the exercise price of the call option it has written. A put option written by the Fund is covered if the Fund holds a put option on the underlying securities with an exercise price equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put option it has written. Uncovered options or "naked options" are riskier than covered options. For example, if the Fund wrote a naked call option and the price of the underlying security increased, the Fund would have to purchase the underlying security for delivery to the call buyer and sustain a loss, which could be substantial, equal to the difference between the option price and the market price of the security.

The Fund may also purchase call options to hedge against an increase in the price of securities that the Fund anticipates purchasing in the future. If such increase occurs, the call option will permit the Fund to purchase the securities at the exercise price, or to close out the options at a profit. The premium paid for the call option plus any transaction costs will reduce the benefit, if any, realized by the Fund upon exercise of the option, and, unless the price of the underlying security rises sufficiently, the option may expire worthless to the Fund and the Fund will suffer a loss on the transaction to the extent of the premium paid.

The Fund may purchase put options to hedge against a decline in the value of portfolio securities. If such decline occurs, the put options will permit the Fund to sell the securities at the exercise price or to close out the options at a profit. By using put options in this way, the Fund will reduce any profit it might otherwise have realized on the underlying security by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and by transaction costs.

The Fund may also, as an example, write combinations of put and call options on the same security, known as "straddles", with the same exercise and expiration date. By writing a straddle, the Fund undertakes a simultaneous obligation to sell and purchase the same security in the event that one of the options is exercised. If the price of the security subsequently rises above the exercise price, the call will likely be exercised and the Fund will be required to sell the underlying security at or below market price. This loss may be offset, however, in whole or in part, by the premiums received on the writing of the two options. Conversely, if the price of the security declines by a sufficient amount, the put will likely be exercised. The writing of straddles will likely be effective, therefore, only where the price of the security remains stable and neither the call nor the put is exercised. In those instances where one of the options is exercised, the loss on the purchase or sale of the underlying security may exceed the amount of the premiums received.

By writing a call option, the Fund limits its opportunity to profit from any increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. By writing a put option, the Fund assumes the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying security for an exercise price above its then current market value, resulting in a capital loss unless the security subsequently appreciates in value. Where options are written for hedging

8 

purposes, such transactions constitute only a partial hedge against declines in the value of portfolio securities or against increases in the value of securities to be acquired, up to the amount of the premium.

The Fund may purchase or write options on securities of the types in which it is permitted to invest in privately-negotiated (i.e., OTC) transactions. Options purchased or written in negotiated transactions may be illiquid and it may not be possible for the Fund to effect a closing transaction at a time when the Adviser believes it would be advantageous to do so.

— Options on Securities Indices. An option on a securities index is similar to an option on a security except that, rather than taking or making delivery of a security at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the chosen index is greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option.

The Fund may write (sell) call and put options and purchase call and put options on securities indices. If the Fund purchases put options on securities indices to hedge its investments against a decline in the value of portfolio securities, it will seek to offset a decline in the value of securities it owns through appreciation of the put option. If the value of the Fund's investments does not decline as anticipated, or if the value of the option does not increase, the Fund's loss will be limited to the premium paid for the option. The success of this strategy will largely depend on the accuracy of the correlation between the changes in value of the index and the changes in value of the Fund's security holdings.

The Fund may also write put or call options on securities indices to, among other things, earn income. If the value of the chosen index declines below the exercise price of the put option, the Fund has the risk of loss of the amount of the difference between the exercise price and the closing level of the chosen index, which it would be required to pay to the buyer of the put option and which may not be offset by the premium it received upon sale of the put option. Similarly, if the value of the index is higher than the exercise price of the call option, the Fund has the risk of loss of the amount of the difference between the exercise price and the closing level of the chosen index, which may not be offset by the premium it received upon sale of the call option. If the value of the securities index is significantly below or above the exercise price of the written option, the Fund could experience a substantial loss.

The purchase of call options on securities indices may be used by the Fund to attempt to reduce the risk of missing a broad market advance, or an advance in an industry or market segment, at a time when the Fund holds uninvested cash or short-term debt securities awaiting investment. When purchasing call options for this purpose, the Fund will also bear the risk of losing all or a portion of the premium paid if the value of the index does not rise. The purchase of call options on stock indices when the Fund is substantially fully invested is a form of leverage, up to the amount of the premium and related transaction costs, and involves risks of loss and of increased volatility similar to those involved in purchasing call options on securities the Fund owns.

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— Options on Foreign Currencies. The Fund may purchase and write options on foreign currencies for hedging and non-hedging purposes. For example, a decline in the dollar value of a foreign currency in which portfolio securities are denominated will reduce the dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In order to protect against such diminutions in the value of portfolio securities, the Fund may purchase put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency does decline, the Fund will have the right to sell such currency for a fixed amount in dollars and could thereby offset, in whole or in part, the adverse effect on its portfolio which otherwise would have resulted.

Conversely, where a rise in the dollar value of a currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated is projected, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, the Fund may purchase call options thereon. The purchase of such options could offset, at least partially, the effects of the adverse movements in exchange rates. As in the case of other types of options, however, the benefit to the Fund from purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, where currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent anticipated, the Fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options which would require it to forgo a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in such rates.

The Fund may write options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes or to increase return. For example, where the Fund anticipates a decline in the dollar value of non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities due to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates, it could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a call option on the relevant currency. If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely not be exercised, and the diminution in value of portfolio securities could be offset by the amount of the premium received.

Similarly, instead of purchasing a call option to hedge against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities to be acquired, the Fund could write a put option on the relevant currency, which, if rates move in the manner projected, will expire unexercised and allow the Fund to hedge such increased cost up to the amount of the premium. As in the case of other types of options, however, the writing of a foreign currency option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium, and only if rates move in the expected direction. If this does not occur, the option may be exercised and the Fund will be required to purchase or sell the underlying currency at a loss which may not be offset by the amount of the premium. Through the writing of options on foreign currencies, the Fund also may be required to forgo all or a portion of the benefits that might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements in exchange rates.

In addition to using options for the hedging purposes described above, the Fund may also invest in options on foreign currencies for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies. The Fund may use options on currency to seek to increase total return when the Adviser anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. For example, the Fund may purchase call options in anticipation of an increase in the market value of a currency. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of such currency exceeded the sum

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of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs. Otherwise, the Fund would realize no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option. Put options may be purchased by the Fund for the purpose of benefiting from a decline in the value of a currency that the Fund does not own. The Fund would normally realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying currency decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to more than cover the premium and transaction costs. Otherwise, the Fund would realize no gain or loss on the purchase of the put option. For additional information on the use of options on foreign currencies for non-hedging purposes, see "Currency Transactions" below.

Special Risks Associated with Options on Currencies. An exchange-traded options position may be closed out only on an options exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the Fund will generally purchase or sell 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 the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs on the sale of the underlying currency.

— Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. Futures contracts that the Fund may buy and sell may include futures contracts on fixed-income or other securities, and contracts based on interest rates, foreign currencies or financial indices, including any index of U.S. Government securities. The Fund may, for example, purchase or sell futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in interest rates, securities (through index futures or options) or currencies.

Interest rate futures contracts are purchased or sold for hedging purposes to attempt to protect against the effects of interest rate changes on the Fund's current or intended investments in fixed-income securities. For example, if the Fund owned long-term bonds and interest rates were expected to increase, the Fund might sell interest rate futures contracts. Such a sale would have much the same effect as selling some of the long-term bonds in the Fund's portfolio. However, since the futures market is generally more liquid than the cash market, the use of interest rate futures contracts as a hedging technique allows the Fund to hedge its interest rate risk without having to sell its portfolio securities. If interest rates were to increase, the value of the debt securities in the portfolio would decline, but the value of the Fund's interest rate futures contracts would be expected to increase at approximately the same rate, thereby keeping the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund from declining as much as it otherwise would have. On the other hand, if interest rates were expected to decline, interest rate futures contracts could be purchased to hedge in anticipation of subsequent purchases of long-term bonds at higher prices. Because the fluctuations in the value of the interest rate futures contracts should be similar to those of long-term bonds, the Fund could protect itself against the effects of the anticipated rise in the value of long-term bonds without actually buying them until the necessary cash becomes available or the market has stabilized. At that time, the interest rate futures contracts could be liquidated and the Fund's cash reserves could then be used to buy long-term bonds on the cash market.

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The Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency futures contracts for hedging or risk management purposes in order to protect against fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Such fluctuations could reduce the dollar value of portfolio securities denominated in foreign currencies, or increase the cost of non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities to be acquired, even if the value of such securities in the currencies in which they are denominated remains constant. The Fund may sell futures contracts on a foreign currency, for example, when it holds securities denominated in such currency and it anticipates a decline in the value of such currency relative to the dollar. If such a decline were to occur, the resulting adverse effect on the value of non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities may be offset, in whole or in part, by gains on the futures contracts. However, if the value of the foreign currency increases relative to the dollar, the Fund's loss on the foreign currency futures contract may or may not be offset by an increase in the value of the securities because a decline in the price of the security stated in terms of the foreign currency may be greater than the increase in value as a result of the change in exchange rates.

Conversely, the Fund could protect against a rise in the dollar cost of non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities to be acquired by purchasing futures contracts on the relevant currency, which could offset, in whole or in part, the increased cost of such securities resulting from a rise in the dollar value of the underlying currencies. When the Fund purchases futures contracts under such circumstances, however, and the price in dollars of securities to be acquired instead declines as a result of appreciation of the dollar, the Fund will sustain losses on its futures position which could reduce or eliminate the benefits of the reduced cost of portfolio securities to be acquired.

The Fund may also engage in currency "cross hedging" when, in the opinion of the Adviser, the historical relationship among foreign currencies suggests that the Fund may achieve protection against fluctuations in currency exchange rates similar to that described above at a reduced cost through the use of a futures contract relating to a currency other than the U.S. Dollar or the currency in which the foreign security is denominated. Such "cross hedging" is subject to the same risks as those described above with respect to an unanticipated increase or decline in the value of the subject currency relative to the U.S. Dollar.

The Fund may also use foreign currency futures contracts and options on such contracts for non-hedging purposes. Similar to options on currencies described above, the Fund may use foreign currency futures contracts and options on such contracts to seek to increase total return when the Adviser anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. The risks associated with foreign currency futures contracts and options on futures contracts are similar to those associated with options on foreign currencies, as described above. For additional information on the use of options on foreign currencies for non-hedging purposes, see "Currency Transactions" below.

Purchases or sales of stock or bond index futures contracts may be for investment purposes. They may also be used for hedging or risk management purposes to attempt to protect the Fund's current or intended investments from broad fluctuations in stock or bond prices. For example, the Fund may sell stock or bond index futures contracts in anticipation of or during a

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market decline to attempt to offset the decrease in market value of the Fund's portfolio securities that might otherwise result. If such decline occurs, the loss in value of portfolio securities may be offset, in whole or in part, by gains on the futures position. When the Fund is not fully invested in the securities market and anticipates a significant market advance, it may purchase stock or bond index futures contracts in order to gain rapid market exposure that may, in whole or in part, offset increases in the cost of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. As such purchases are made, the corresponding positions in stock or bond index futures contracts may be closed out.

Options on futures contracts are options that call for the delivery of futures contracts upon exercise. Options on futures contracts written or purchased by the Fund will be traded on U.S. exchanges.

The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the securities in the Fund's portfolio. If the futures price at expiration of the option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund's portfolio holdings. The writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of the securities or other instruments required to be delivered under the terms of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the put option is higher than the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price of securities which the Fund intends to purchase. If a put or call option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it receives. Depending on the degree of correlation between changes in the value of its portfolio securities and changes in the value of its options on futures positions, the Fund's losses from exercised options on futures may to some extent be reduced or increased by changes in the value of portfolio securities.

The Fund may purchase options on futures contracts for hedging purposes instead of purchasing or selling the underlying futures contracts. For example, where a decrease in the value of portfolio securities is anticipated as a result of a projected market-wide decline or changes in interest or exchange rates, the Fund could, in lieu of selling futures contracts, purchase put options thereon. In the event that such a decrease were to occur, it may be offset, in whole or in part, by a profit on the option. If the anticipated market decline were not to occur, the Fund will suffer a loss equal to the price of the put. Where it is projected that the value of securities to be acquired by the Fund will increase prior to acquisition due to a market advance or changes in interest or exchange rates, the Fund could purchase call options on futures contracts, rather than purchasing the underlying futures contracts. If the market advances, the increased cost of securities to be purchased may be offset by a profit on the call. However, if the market declines, the Fund will suffer a loss equal to the price of the call, but the securities that the Fund intends to purchase may be less expensive.

— Credit Default Swap Agreements. The "buyer" in a credit default swap contract is obligated to pay the "seller" a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to an underlying reference obligation. Generally, a credit event means bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration or restructuring. The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the

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transaction. As a seller, the Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, which typically is between one month and ten years, provided that no credit event occurs. If a credit event occurs, the Fund, as seller, typically must pay the contingent payment to the buyer. The contingent payment will be either (i) the "face amount" of the reference obligation in which case the Fund will receive the reference obligation in return, or (ii) an amount equal to the difference between the face amount and the current market value of the obligation. As a buyer, if a credit event occurs, the Fund would be the receiver of such contingent payments, either delivering the reference obligation in exchange for the full notional (face) value of a reference obligation that may have little or no value, or receiving a payment equal to the difference between the face amount and the current market value of the obligation.

The value of the reference obligation received by the Fund as a seller if a credit event occurs, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.

If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund will lose its periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer typically receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value.

Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk and credit risk, and may be illiquid.

— Currency Swaps. The Fund may enter into currency swaps for hedging purposes in an attempt to protect against adverse changes in exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and other currencies or for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under "Currency Transactions". Currency swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of a series of payments in specified currencies. Currency swaps may involve the exchange of actual principal amounts of currencies by the counterparties at the initiation and again upon termination of the transaction. Currency swaps may be bilateral and privately negotiated, with the Fund expecting to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation between its portfolio investments and its currency swaps positions. The Fund will not enter into any currency swap unless the credit quality of the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the counterparty thereto is rated in the highest short-term rating category of at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") at the time of entering into the transaction.

— Swaps: Interest Rate Transactions. The Fund may enter into interest rate swap, swaption and cap or floor transactions, which may include preserving a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. Unless there is a counterparty default, the risk of loss to the Fund from interest rate transactions is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty to an interest rate transaction defaults, the Fund's risk of loss consists of the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive.

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Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of payments calculated by reference to specified interest rates (e.g., an exchange of floating-rate payments for fixed-rate payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or "notional") amount.

An option on a swap agreement, also called a "swaption", is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based "premium". A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.

Interest rate caps and floors are similar to options in that the purchase of an interest rate cap or floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds (in the case of a cap) or falls below (in the case of a floor) a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional amount from the party selling the interest rate cap or floor. It may be more difficult for the Fund to trade or close out interest rate caps and floors in comparison to other types of swaps.

These transactions do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. The Fund will enter into bilateral swap agreements, including interest rate swap, swaptions, cap or floor transactions but excluding currency swaps, which are subject to separate counterparty requirements as addressed above, only with counterparties who have credit ratings of at least A- (or the equivalent) from any one NRSRO or counterparties with guarantors with debt securities having such a rating. For cleared swaps, the Adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of each of the central clearing counterparty, clearing broker and executing broker but there will be no prescribed NRSRO rating requirements for these entities.

— Inflation (CPI) Swaps. Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), and the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swap agreements may be used to protect the NAV of the Fund against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index since the value of these agreements is expected to increase if unexpected inflation increases.

— Total Return Swaps. The Fund may enter into total return swaps in order to take a "long" or "short" position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Fund is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty. Total return swaps may reflect a leveraged investment and incorporate borrowing costs which are borne by the Fund. There is no guarantee that the Fund's investment via a total return swap will deliver returns in excess of the embedded

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borrowing costs and, accordingly, the Fund's performance may be less than would be achieved by a direct investment in the underlying referenced asset.

— Variance and Correlation Swaps. The Fund may enter into variance or correlation swaps in an attempt to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets. Variance swaps are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on an underlying asset or index. Actual "variance" as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset or index (which in effect is a measure of its "volatility") over the length of the contract term. The parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility. Correlation swaps are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the differences between the stated and the actual correlation realized on the underlying equity securities within a given equity index. "Correlation" as used here is defined as the weighted average of the correlations between the daily returns of each pair of securities within a given equity index. If two assets are said to be closely correlated, it means that their daily returns vary in similar proportions or along similar trajectories.

Special Risks Associated with Swaps. Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to a bilateral swap contract to comply with the terms of the swap contract. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Fund, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Fund considers the creditworthiness of the counterparty to a bilateral swap contract. The risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund's exposure to the counterparty.

Additionally, swap values can be highly volatile and expose investors to a high risk of loss. The low initial margin deposits normally required to establish a swap position permit a high degree of leverage. As a result, depending on the type of swap, a relatively small movement in the price of the underlying reference asset or in the market value of the contract may result in a profit or loss which is high in proportion to the amount of funds deposited as initial margin and may result in unquantifiable further loss exceeding any margin deposited. Such risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Fund accrues for the changes in value on swap contracts on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swap contracts on the statement of assets and liabilities. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swap contracts. Fluctuations in the value of swap contracts are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swap contracts on the statement of operations.

Swaps entered into in the OTC market are more likely to be illiquid than exchange-traded instruments as there is no exchange market on which to close out an open OTC swap position. It may therefore be impossible to liquidate an existing position (or to do so at an

16 

advantageous price), to assess the value of the position, or to assess the exposure to risk associated with the position.

— Eurodollar Instruments. Eurodollar instruments are essentially U.S. Dollar-denominated futures contracts or options thereon that are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and are subject to the same limitations and risks as other futures contracts and options. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although widely used LIBOR rates are intended to be published until June 2023, banks are strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. See "LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk" in the Fund's Prospectus for additional information.

— Currency Transactions. The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or un-hedged basis. The Adviser may actively manage the Fund's currency exposures and may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, swaps and options. The Adviser may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

Event-Linked Securities

Event-linked securities are variable rate or fixed-rate fixed income securities or types of equity securities for which the return of principal and payment of interest are contingent on the non-occurrence of various specified catastrophic events, which may be specific trigger events or a diversified group of events, such as hurricanes, typhoons, wind events or earthquakes. The most common type of fixed-income securities are known as "catastrophe" or "CAT" bonds. In some cases, the trigger event(s) will not be deemed to have occurred unless the event(s) happened in a particular geographic area and was of a certain magnitude (based on independent scientific readings) or caused a certain amount of actual or modeled loss. If the trigger event(s) occurs prior to the securities' maturity, the Fund may lose all or a portion of its principal and forgo additional interest.

These securities may have a special condition that states that if the issuer (i.e., an insurance or reinsurance company) suffers a loss from a particular pre-defined catastrophe, then the issuer's obligation to pay interest and/or repay the principal is either deferred or completely forgiven. For example, if the Fund holds a fixed-income security that covers an insurer's losses due to a hurricane with a "trigger" at $1 billion and a hurricane hits causing $1 billion or more in losses to such insurer, then the Fund will lose all or a portion of its principal invested in the security and forgo any future interest payments. If the trigger event(s) does not occur, the Fund will recover its principal plus interest. Interest typically accrues and is paid on a quarterly basis.

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Although principal typically is repaid only on the maturity date, it may be repaid in installments, depending on the terms of the securities.

Event-linked securities may be issued by government agencies, insurance companies, reinsurers, special purpose companies or other on-shore or off-shore entities. Event-linked securities are a relatively new type of financial instrument. As a result, there is no significant trading history of these securities and these securities may be illiquid or the markets for these instruments may not be liquid at all times. These securities may be rated, generally below investment grade or the unrated equivalent, and have the same or equivalent risks as higher yield debt securities ("junk bonds"). The rating primarily reflects the rating agency's calculated probability that a pre-defined trigger event will occur as well as the overall expected loss to the principal of the security.

Forward Commitments and When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities

Forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities may include purchases on a "when-issued" basis or purchases or sales on a "delayed delivery" basis. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring (i.e., a "when, as and if issued" trade). When forward commitment transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time the commitment is made. The Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership of the security, but does not pay for the securities until they are received. If the Fund is fully or almost fully invested when forward commitment purchases are outstanding, such purchases may result in a form of leverage. Leveraging the portfolio in this manner may increase the Fund's volatility of returns.

When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior to the settlement date. If the Fund chooses to dispose of the right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or dispose of its right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may incur a gain or loss. Any significant commitment of Fund assets to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis may increase the volatility of the Fund's NAV.

The use of forward commitments enables the Fund to protect against anticipated changes in exchange rates, interest rates and/or prices. For instance, the Fund may enter into a forward contract when it enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency in order to "lock in" the U.S. Dollar price of the security ("transaction hedge"). In addition, when the Fund believes that a foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. Dollar, it may enter into a forward sale contract to sell an amount of that foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of that Fund's securities denominated in such foreign currency, or when the Fund believes that the U.S. Dollar may suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it may enter into a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign currency for a fixed dollar amount ("position hedge"). If the Adviser were to forecast incorrectly the direction of exchange rate movements, the Fund might be required to complete or settle when-issued or forward transactions at prices inferior to the then current market values.

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Forward commitments include "To be announced" ("TBA") mortgage-backed securities, which are contracts for the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed securities to be delivered at a future agreed-upon date, whereby the specific mortgage pool number or the number of pools that will be delivered to fulfill the trade obligation or terms of the contract are unknown at the time of the trade. Subsequent to the time of the trade, a mortgage pool or pools guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, or GNMA, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or FNMA, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or FHLMC, (including fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgages) are allocated to the TBA mortgage-backed securities transactions.

At the time the Fund enters into a forward commitment, it will record the transaction and thereafter reflect the value of the security purchased or, if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in determining its NAV. Any unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflected in such valuation of a "when, as and if issued" security would be canceled in the event that the required conditions did not occur and the trade was canceled.

Purchases of securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis may involve more risk than other types of purchases. For example, by committing to purchase securities in the future, the Fund subjects itself to a risk of loss on such commitments as well as on its portfolio securities. Also, the Fund may have to sell assets which have been set aside in order to meet redemptions. In addition, if the Fund determines it is advisable as a matter of investment strategy to sell the forward commitment or "when-issued" or "delayed delivery" securities before delivery, the Fund may incur a gain or loss because of market fluctuations since the time the commitment to purchase such securities was made. Any such gain or loss would be treated as a capital gain or loss for tax purposes. When the time comes to pay for the securities to be purchased under a forward commitment or on a "when-issued" or "delayed delivery" basis, the Fund will meet its obligations from the then available cash flow or the sale of securities, or, although it would not normally expect to do so, from the sale of the forward commitment or "when-issued" or "delayed delivery" securities themselves (which may have a value greater or less than the Fund's payment obligation). No interest or dividends accrue to the purchaser prior to the settlement date for securities purchased or sold under a forward commitment. In addition, in the event the other party to the transaction files for bankruptcy, becomes insolvent, or defaults on its obligation, the Fund may be adversely affected.

Illiquid Securities

The Fund will not invest in illiquid securities if immediately after such investment more than 15% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in such securities. Under Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the term illiquid securities means any security or investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.

Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted securities (securities that are subject to restrictions on resale to the general public) or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations

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on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund may also have to take certain steps or wait a certain amount of time in order to remove the transfer restrictions for such restricted securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and delay.

Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") allows a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to restriction on resale to the general public. Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for resales of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers ("Rule 144A Securities"). The Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act (the "LRM Program") and related procedures to categorize the Fund's investments, including Rule 144A Securities, and identify illiquid investments. The LRM Program's administrator will take into account relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations in doing so. An insufficient number of qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing certain restricted securities held by the Fund, however, could affect adversely the marketability of such portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices.

Investment in Exchange-Traded Funds and Other Investment Companies

The Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the 1940 Act, or any applicable rules, exemptive orders or regulatory guidance. ETFs are pooled investment vehicles that seek to track the performance of a specific index or implement actively-managed investment strategies. Index ETFs will not track their underlying indices precisely since the ETFs have expenses and may need to hold a portion of their assets in cash, unlike the underlying indices, and the ETFs may not invest in all of the securities in the underlying indices in the same proportion as the indices for various reasons. The Fund will incur transaction costs when buying and selling ETF shares, and indirectly bear the expenses of the ETFs. In addition, the market value of an ETF's shares, which is based on supply and demand in the market for the ETF's shares, may differ from its NAV. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF's shares trade at a discount to its NAV.

The Fund may also invest in investment companies other than ETFs, as permitted by the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations or exemptive orders thereunder. As with ETF investments, if the Fund acquires shares in other investment companies, shareholders would bear, indirectly, the expenses of such investment companies (which may include management and advisory fees), which to the extent not waived or reimbursed, would be in addition to the Fund's expenses. The Fund intends to invest uninvested cash balances in an affiliated money market fund as permitted by Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act. The Fund's investment in other investment companies, including ETFs, subjects the Fund indirectly to the underlying risks of those investment companies.

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Loans of Portfolio Securities

The Fund may seek to increase income by lending portfolio securities to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions ("borrowers") to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act or the rules or regulations thereunder (as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended from time to time) or by guidance regarding, interpretations of, or exemptive orders under, the 1940 Act. Under the Fund's securities lending program, all securities loans will be secured continuously by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities. Principal risks of lending portfolio securities include that the borrower will fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and, that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities upon the borrower's default.

In determining whether to lend securities to a particular borrower, the Adviser (subject to oversight by the Board) will consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower. The loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be creditworthy, and when, in the judgment of the Adviser, the consideration that can be earned currently from securities loans of this type justifies the attendant risk. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Fund will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the interest earned on cash collateral after a rebate paid to the borrower (in some cases this rebate may be a "negative rebate", or fee paid by the borrower to the Fund in connection with the loan). If the Fund receives non-cash collateral, the Fund will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. For its services, the securities lending agent receives a fee from the Fund.

The Fund will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Fund amounts equal to any income or other distribution from the securities.

The Fund will invest any cash collateral in shares of a money market fund approved by the Board and expected to be managed by the Adviser. Any such investment will be at the Fund's risk. The Fund may pay reasonable finders', administrative, and custodial fees in connection with a loan.

The Fund will not have the right to vote any securities during the existence of a loan., but will have the right to recall loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. When the Fund lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of securities loaned.

Loan Participations and Assignments

The Fund may invest in direct debt instruments, which are interests in amounts owed to lenders or lending syndicates by corporate, governmental, or other borrowers ("Loans") either by participating as co-lender at the time the loan is originated ("Participations") or by buying an interest in the loan in the secondary market from a financial institution or institutional

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investor ("Assignments"). The financial status of an institution interposed between the Fund and a borrower may affect the ability of the Fund to receive principal and interest payments.

The Fund's investment may depend on the skill with which an agent bank administers the terms of the corporate loan agreements, monitors borrower compliance with covenants, collects principal, interest and fee payments from borrowers and, where necessary, enforces creditor remedies against borrowers. Agent banks typically have broad discretion in enforcing loan agreements.

The Fund's investment in Participations typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with the financial institution arranging the Loan with the borrower (the "Lender") and not with the borrower directly. The Fund 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. In connection with purchasing Participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the Loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the Loan in which it has purchased the Participation. As a result, the Fund may be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the Lender that is selling the Participation. In the event of the insolvency of the Lender selling a Participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the Lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the Lender and the borrower. Certain Participations may be structured in a manner designed to avoid purchasers of Participations being subject to the credit risk of the Lender with respect to the Participation; but even under such a structure, in the event of the Lender's insolvency, the Lender's servicing of the Participation may be delayed and the assignability of the Participation impaired. The Fund will acquire Participations only if the Lender interpositioned between the Fund and the borrower is a Lender having total assets of more than $25 billion and whose senior unsecured debt is rated investment grade (i.e., Baa3 or higher by Moody's Investor's Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB- or higher by S&P Global Ratings ("S&P")) or higher.

When the Fund purchases Assignments from Lenders it will acquire direct rights against the borrower on a Loan. Because Assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired by the Fund as the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning Lender. The assignability of certain obligations is restricted by the governing documentation as to the nature of the assignee such that the only way in which the Fund may acquire an interest in a Loan is through a Participation and not an Assignment.

Loans in which the Fund may invest include participations in "bridge loans", which are loans taken out by borrowers for a short period (typically less than six months) pending arrangement of more permanent financing through, for example, the issuance of bonds, frequently high-yield bonds issued for the purpose of an acquisition. The Fund may also participate in unfunded loan commitments, which are contractual obligations for future funding, and receive a commitment fee based on the amount of the commitment.

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The Fund may have difficulty disposing of Assignments and Participations because in order to do so it will have to assign such securities to a third party. Because there is no liquid market for such securities, the Fund anticipates that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular Assignments or Participations when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market for Assignments and Participations also may make it more difficult for the Fund to assign a value to these securities for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio and calculating its asset value.

Mortgage-Related Securities, Other Asset-Backed Securities and Structured Financings

The mortgage-related securities in which the Fund may invest typically are securities representing interests in pools of mortgage loans made by lenders such as savings and loan associations, mortgage bankers and commercial banks and are assembled for sale to investors (such as the Fund) by governmental, government-related or private organizations. Private organizations include commercial banks, savings associations, mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies, special purpose finance entities (called special purpose vehicles or SPVs) and other entities that acquire and package loans for resale as mortgage-related securities. Specifically, these securities may include pass-through mortgage-related securities, collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), CMO residuals, adjustable-rate mortgage securities ("ARMS"), stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBSs"), commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"), TBA mortgage-backed securities, mortgage dollar rolls, collateralized obligations and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in or are secured by and payable from mortgage loans on real property and other assets.

Pass-Through Mortgage-Related Securities. Interests in pools of mortgage-related securities differ from other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. Instead, these securities provide a monthly payment consisting of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a "pass-through" of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying residential property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs that may be incurred. Some mortgage-related securities, such as securities issued by GNMA, are described as "modified pass-through". These securities entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.

The average life of pass-through pools varies with the maturities of the underlying mortgage instruments. In addition, a pool's term may be shortened by unscheduled or early payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social and demographic conditions. As prepayment rates of individual pools vary widely, it is not possible to accurately predict the

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average life of a particular pool. For pools of fixed-rate, 30-year mortgages, common industry practice is to assume that prepayments will result in a 12-year average life. Pools of mortgages with other maturities or different characteristics will have varying average life assumptions. The assumed average life of pools of mortgages having terms of less than 30 years, is less than 12 years, but typically not less than 5 years.

Yields on pass-through securities are typically quoted by investment dealers and vendors based on the maturity of the underlying instruments and the associated average life assumption. In periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the actual average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities. Conversely, in periods of rising interest rates the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the actual average life of the pool. Historically, actual average life has been consistent with the 12-year assumption referred to above. Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield to differ from the assumed average life yield. Reinvestment of prepayments may occur at higher or lower interest rates than the original investment, thus affecting the yield of the Fund. The compounding effect from reinvestment of monthly payments received by the Fund will increase the yield to shareholders compared with bonds that pay interest semi-annually.

The principal governmental (i.e., backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government) guarantor of mortgage-related securities is GNMA. GNMA is a wholly-owned U.S. Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of Federal Housing Administration-insured or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-guaranteed mortgages.

Government-related (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government) guarantors include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA and FHLMC are government-sponsored corporations or corporate instrumentalities of the U.S. Government respectively (government-sponsored entities or "GSEs"), which were owned entirely by private stockholders until 2008 when they were placed in conservatorship by the U.S. Government. After being placed in conservatorship, the GSEs issued senior preferred stock and common stock to the U.S. Department of the Treasury ("U.S. Treasury") in an amount equal to 79.9% of each GSE in return for certain funding and liquidity arrangements. The GSEs continue to operate as going concerns while in conservatorship and each remains liable for all of its obligations associated with its mortgage-backed securities. The U.S. Treasury provided additional funding to the GSEs, but the GSEs have paid dividends to the U.S. Treasury in a cumulative amount that exceeds the payments made to the GSEs by the U.S. Treasury since 2008. The future of the GSEs is unclear as Congress is considering whether to adopt legislation that would severely restrict or even terminate their operations. FNMA purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally-chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA. Participation certificates issued by FHLMC, which represent interests in

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mortgages from FHLMC's national portfolio, are guaranteed by FHLMC as to the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal.

Commercial banks, savings and loan associations, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Securities representing interests in pools created by non-governmental private issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than securities representing interests in pools created by governmental issuers because there are no direct or indirect governmental guarantees of the underlying mortgage payments. However, private issuers sometimes obtain committed loan facilities, lines of credit, letters of credit, surety bonds or other forms of liquidity and credit enhancement to support the timely payment of interest and principal with respect to their securities if the borrowers on the underlying mortgages fail to make their mortgage payments. The ratings of such non-governmental securities are generally dependent upon the ratings of the providers of such liquidity and credit support and would be adversely affected if the rating of such an enhancer were downgraded.

The structuring of the pass-through pool may also provide credit enhancement. Examples of such credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include the issue of senior and subordinated securities (e.g., the issuance of securities by a SPV in multiple classes or "tranches", with one or more classes being senior to other subordinated classes as to payment of principal and interest, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgage loans are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class); creation of "reserve funds" (in which case cash or investments sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the underlying mortgage loans, are held in reserve against future losses); and "overcollateralization" (in which case the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying mortgage loans exceeds that required to make payment of the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). There can be no guarantee that the credit enhancements, if any will be sufficient to prevent losses in the event of defaults on the underlying mortgage loans.

In addition, mortgage-related securities that are issued by private issuers are not subject to the underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-related securities that have a government or GSE guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying private mortgage-related securities may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored, mortgage-related securities and have wider variances in a number of terms, including interest rate, term, size, purposes and borrower characteristics. Privately-issued pools more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value mortgages and manufactured housing loans. The coupon rates and maturities of the underlying mortgage loans in a private-label, mortgage-related pool may vary to a greater extent than those included in a government guaranteed pool, and the pool may include subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their loans. For these reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had in many cases higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements.

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Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. Another form of mortgage-related security is a "pay-through" security, which is a debt obligation of the issuer secured by a pool of mortgage loans pledged as collateral that is legally required to be paid by the issuer, regardless of whether payments are actually made on the underlying mortgages. CMOs are the predominant type of "pay-through" mortgage-related security. In a CMO, a series of bonds or certificates is issued in multiple classes. Each class of a CMO, often referred to as a "tranche", is issued at a specific coupon rate and has a stated maturity or final distribution date. Principal prepayments on collateral underlying a CMO may cause one or more tranches of the CMO to be retired substantially earlier than the stated maturities or final distribution dates of the collateral. Although payment of the principal of, and interest on, the underlying collateral securing privately issued CMOs may be guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC, these CMOs represent obligations solely of the private issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC, any other governmental agency or any other person or entity.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Securities. ARMS bear interest at a rate determined by reference to a predetermined interest rate or index. ARMS may be secured by fixed-rate mortgages or adjustable-rate mortgages. ARMS secured by fixed-rate mortgages generally have lifetime caps on the coupon rates of the securities. To the extent that general interest rates increase faster than the interest rates on the ARMS, these ARMS will decline in value. The adjustable-rate mortgages that secure ARMS will frequently have caps that limit the maximum amount by which the interest rate or the monthly principal and interest payments on the mortgages may increase. These payment caps can result in negative amortization (i.e., an increase in the balance of the mortgage loan). Furthermore, since many adjustable-rate mortgages only reset on an annual basis, the values of ARMS tend to fluctuate to the extent that changes in prevailing interest rates are not immediately reflected in the interest rates payable on the underlying adjustable-rate mortgages.

Stripped Mortgage-Related Securities. Stripped mortgage-related securities ("SMRS") are mortgage-related securities that are usually structured with separate classes of securities collateralized by a pool of mortgages or a pool of mortgage-backed bonds or pass-through securities, with each class receiving different proportions of the principal and interest payments from the underlying assets. A common type of SMRS has one class of interest-only securities ("IOs") receiving all of the interest payments from the underlying assets and one class of principal-only securities ("POs") receiving all of the principal payments from the underlying assets. IOs and POs are extremely sensitive to interest rate changes and are more volatile than mortgage-related securities that are not stripped. IOs tend to decrease in value as interest rates decrease and are extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal prepayments may have a material adverse effect on the yield to maturity of the IO class. POs generally increase in value as interest rates decrease. If prepayments of the underlying mortgages are greater than anticipated, the amount of interest earned on the overall pool will decrease due to the decreasing principal balance of the assets. Due to their structure and underlying cash flows, SMRS may be more volatile than mortgage-related securities that are not stripped. Changes in the values of IOs and POs can be substantial and occur quickly, such as occurred in the first half of 1994 when the value of many POs dropped precipitously due to increases in interest rates.

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With respect to residential SMRS, the Fund will only invest in such SMRS that are issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities and supported by the full faith and credit of the United States or by other U.S. Government-sponsored entities. Although SMRS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, the complexity of these instruments and the smaller number of investors in the sector can lend to illiquid markets in the sector.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities. CMBS are securities that represent an interest in, or are secured by, mortgage loans secured by multifamily or commercial properties, such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, and cooperative apartments, hotels and motels, nursing homes, hospitals and senior living centers. CMBS have been issued in public and private transactions by a variety of public and private issuers using a variety of structures, some of which were developed in the residential mortgage context, including multi-class structures featuring senior and subordinated classes. CMBS may pay fixed or floating rates of interest. The commercial mortgage loans that underlie commercial mortgage-related securities have certain distinct risk characteristics. Commercial mortgage loans generally lack standardized terms, which may complicate their structure, tend to have shorter maturities than residential mortgage loans and may not be fully amortizing. Commercial properties themselves tend to be unique and are more difficult to value than single-family residential properties. In addition, commercial properties, particularly industrial and warehouse properties, are subject to environmental risks and the burdens and costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

GSE Risk-Sharing Bonds. Another type of mortgage-related security, known as GSE Risk-Sharing Bonds or Credit Risk Transfer securities ("CRTs"), transfers a portion of the risk of borrower defaults from the issuing GSE to investors through the issuance of a bond whose return of principal is linked to the performance of a selected pool of mortgages. CRTs are issued by GSEs (and sometimes banks or mortgage insurers) and structured without any government or GSE guarantee in respect of borrower defaults or underlying collateral. Typically, CRTs are issued at par and have stated final maturities. CRTs are structured so that: (i) interest is paid directly by the issuing GSE and (ii) principal is paid by the issuing GSE in accordance with the principal payments and default performance of a certain pool of residential mortgage loans acquired by the GSE.

The risks associated with an investment in CRTs differ from the risks associated with an investment in mortgage-backed securities issued by GSEs because, in CRTs, some or all of the credit risk associated with the underlying mortgage loans is transferred to the end-investor. As a result, in the event that a GSE fails to pay principal or interest on a CRT or goes through bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding, holders of such CRT have no direct recourse to the underlying mortgage loans.

Certain Risks. The value of mortgage-related securities is affected by a number of factors. Unlike traditional debt securities, which have fixed maturity dates, mortgage-related securities may be paid earlier than expected as a result of prepayments of underlying mortgages. Such prepayments generally occur during periods of falling mortgage interest rates. If property owners make unscheduled prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will result in

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the early payment of the applicable mortgage-related securities. In that event, the Fund may be unable to invest the proceeds from the early payment of the mortgage-related securities in investments that provide as high a yield as the mortgage-related securities. Early payments associated with mortgage-related securities cause these securities to experience significantly greater price and yield volatility than is experienced by traditional fixed-income securities. The level of general interest rates, general economic conditions and other social and demographic factors affect the occurrence of mortgage prepayments. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments tends to increase, thereby tending to decrease the life of mortgage-related securities. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective life of mortgage-related securities, subjecting them to greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates. If the life of a mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, the Fund may not be able to realize the rate of return it expected.

As with other fixed-income securities, there is also the risk of nonpayment of mortgage-related securities, particularly for those securities that are backed by mortgage pools that contain subprime loans. Market factors adversely affecting mortgage loan repayments include a general economic downturn, high unemployment, a general slowdown in the real estate market, a drop in the market prices of real estate or higher mortgage payments required to be made by holders of adjustable rate mortgages due to scheduled increases or increases due to higher interest rates. To the extent the Fund invests in mortgage-related securities whose underlying mortgages include subprime or non-performing loans, the risk of default is generally greater.

Subordinated mortgage-related securities may have additional risks. The subordinated mortgage-related security may serve as credit support for the senior securities purchased by other investors. In addition, the payments of principal and interest on these subordinated securities generally will be made only after payments are made to the holders of securities senior to the subordinated securities. Therefore, if there are defaults on the underlying mortgage loans, the holders of subordinated mortgage-related securities will be less likely to receive payments of principal and interest and will be more likely to suffer a loss.

Commercial mortgage-related securities, like all fixed-income securities, generally decline in value as interest rates rise. Moreover, although generally the value of fixed-income securities increases during periods of falling interest rates, this inverse relationship is not as marked in the case of single-family residential mortgage-related securities, due to the increased likelihood of prepayments during periods of falling interest rates, and may not be as marked in the case of commercial mortgage-related securities. The process used to rate commercial mortgage-related securities may focus on, among other factors, the structure of the security, the quality and adequacy of collateral and insurance, and the creditworthiness of the originators, servicing companies and providers of credit support.

Although the market for mortgage-related securities is becoming increasingly liquid, those issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable. There may be a limited market for these securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. In particular, the secondary markets for CMOs, IOs and

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POs may be more volatile and less liquid than those for other mortgage-related securities, thereby potentially limiting the Fund's ability to buy or sell those securities at any particular time. Without an active trading market, mortgage-related securities held in the Fund's portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in the value of the underlying mortgages. In addition, the rating agencies may have difficulties in rating commercial mortgage-related securities through different economic cycles and in monitoring such ratings on a longer-term basis.

As with fixed-income securities generally, the value of mortgage-related securities can also be adversely affected by increases in general interest rates relative to the yield provided by such securities. Such an adverse effect is especially possible with fixed-rate mortgage securities. If the yield available on other investments rises above the yield of the fixed-rate mortgage securities as a result of general increases in interest rate levels, the value of the mortgage-related securities will decline.

Other Asset-Backed Securities. The Fund may invest in other asset-backed securities, including interests in pools of lower-rated debt securities and corporate and consumer loans (including non-performing loans), among other things. Like mortgage-backed securities, these securities are pass-through, and the collateral supporting these securities generally is of short maturities.

The securitization techniques used to develop mortgage-related securities are being applied to a broad range of financial assets. Through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations, various types of assets, including automobile loans and leases, credit card receivables, home equity loans, equipment leases and trade receivables, are being securitized in structures similar to the structures used in mortgage securitizations. For example, the Fund may invest in collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"), which include collateralized bond obligations ("CBOs"), collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs"), and other similarly structured securities. CBOs and CLOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust, which is backed by a diversified pool of high-risk, below investment grade fixed-income securities. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. These asset-backed securities are subject to risks associated with changes in interest rates, prepayment of underlying obligations and defaults similar to the risks of investment in mortgage-related securities discussed above.

Each type of asset-backed security also entails unique risks depending on the type of assets involved and the legal structure used. For example, credit card receivables are generally unsecured obligations of the credit card holder and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. There have also been proposals to cap the interest rate that a credit card issuer may charge. In some transactions, the value of the asset-backed security is dependent on the performance of a third party acting as credit enhancer or servicer. Furthermore, in some transactions (such as those involving the securitization of vehicle loans or leases) it may be

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administratively burdensome to perfect the interest of the security issuer in the underlying collateral and the underlying collateral may become damaged or stolen.

Structured Financings. The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities issued in structured financing transactions, which generally involve aggregating types of debt assets in a pool or special purpose entity and then issuing new securities. Types of structured financings include, for example, mortgage-related real estate and other asset-backed securities. These securities may be privately-negotiated and are generally not publicly traded and are illiquid. The Fund's investments include investments in structured securities that represent interests in entities organized and operated solely for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of debt obligations. This type of restructuring involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, of specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans) and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of securities ("Structured Securities") backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued Structured Securities to create securities with different investment characteristics such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of the payments made with respect to Structured Securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. Because Structured Securities of the type in which the Fund anticipates it will invest typically involve no credit enhancement, the Fund's credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments.

The Fund is permitted to invest in a class of Structured Securities that is either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class. Subordinated Structured Securities typically have higher yields and present greater risks than unsubordinated Structured Securities.

Under the terms of subordinated securities, payments that would be made to their holders may be required to be made to the holders of more senior securities and/or the subordinated or junior securities may have junior liens, if they have any rights at all, in any collateral (meaning proceeds of the collateral are required to be paid first to holders of more senior securities). As a result, subordinated or junior securities will be disproportionately affected by a default or even a perceived decline in the creditworthiness of the issuer.

Preferred Stock

The Fund may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock is an equity security that has features of debt because it generally entitles the holder to periodic payments at a fixed rate of return. Preferred stock is subordinated to any debt the issuer has outstanding but has liquidation preference over common stock. Accordingly, preferred stock dividends are not paid until all debt obligations are first met. Preferred stock may be subject to more fluctuations in market value, due to changes in market participants' perceptions of the issuer's ability to continue to pay dividends, than debt of the same issuer.

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Repurchase Agreements and Buy/Sell Back Transactions

A repurchase agreement is an agreement by which the Fund purchases a security and obtains a simultaneous commitment from the seller to repurchase the security at an agreed-upon price and date, normally one day or a week later. The purchase and repurchase obligations are transacted under one document. The resale price is greater than the purchase price, reflecting an agreed-upon "interest rate" that is effective for the period of time the buyer's money is invested in the security, and which is related to the current market rate of the purchased security rather than its coupon rate. During the term of a repurchase agreement, the Fund monitors on a daily basis the market value of the securities subject to the agreement and, if the market value of the securities falls below the resale amount provided under the repurchase agreement, the seller under the repurchase agreement is required to provide additional securities or cash equal to the amount by which the market value of the securities falls below the resale amount. Because a repurchase agreement permits the Fund to invest temporarily available cash on a fully-collateralized basis, repurchase agreements permit the Fund to earn a return on temporarily available cash while retaining "overnight" flexibility in pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature. Repurchase agreements may exhibit the characteristics of loans by the Fund.

The obligation of the seller under the repurchase agreement is not guaranteed, and there is a risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the underlying security, whether because of the seller's bankruptcy or otherwise. In such event, the Fund would attempt to exercise its rights with respect to the underlying security, including possible sale of the securities. The Fund may incur various expenses in connection with the exercise of its rights and may be subject to various delays and risks of loss, including (a) possible declines in the value of the underlying securities, (b) possible reduction in levels of income and (c) lack of access to the securities (if they are held through a third-party custodian) and possible inability to enforce the Fund's rights. The Board has established procedures, which are periodically reviewed by the Board, pursuant to which the Adviser monitors the creditworthiness of the dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreement transactions.

The Fund may enter into buy/sell back transactions, which are similar to repurchase agreements. In this type of transaction, the Fund enters a trade to buy securities at one price and simultaneously enters a trade to sell the same securities at another price on a specified date. Similar to a repurchase agreement, the repurchase price is higher than the sale price and reflects current interest rates. Unlike a repurchase agreement, however, the buy/sell back transaction, though done simultaneously, constitutes two separate legal agreements. A buy/sell back transaction also differs from a repurchase agreement in that the seller is not required to provide margin payments if the value of the securities falls below the repurchase price because the transaction constitutes two separate transactions. The Fund has the risk of changes in the value of the purchased security during the term of the buy/sell back agreement although these agreements typically provide for the repricing of the original transaction at a new market price if the value of the security changes by a specific amount.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Dollar Rolls

Reverse repurchase agreements are identical to repurchase agreements except that rather than buying securities for cash subject to their repurchase by the seller, the Fund sells

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portfolio assets concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the same assets at a later date at a fixed price slightly higher than the sale price. During the reverse repurchase agreement period, the Fund continues to receive principal and interest payments on these securities. Generally, the effect of a reverse repurchase agreement is that the Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, while it will be able to keep the interest income associated with those portfolio securities. Such transactions are advantageous only if the "interest cost" to the Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction, i.e., the difference between the sale and repurchase price for the securities, is less than the cost of otherwise obtaining the cash invested in portfolio securities.

Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be a loan to the Fund by the counterparty, collateralized by the assets subject to repurchase because the incidents of ownership are retained by the Fund. By entering into reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund obtains additional cash to invest in other securities. The Fund may use reverse repurchase agreements for borrowing purposes if it believes that the cost of this form of borrowing will be lower than the cost of bank borrowing. Reverse repurchase agreements create leverage and are speculative transactions because they allow the Fund to achieve a return on a larger capital base relative to its NAV. The use of leverage creates the opportunity for increased income for the Fund's shareholders when the Fund achieves a higher rate of return on the investment of the reverse repurchase agreement proceeds than it pays in interest on the reverse repurchase transactions. However, there is the risk that returns could be reduced if the rates of interest on the investment proceeds do not exceed the interest paid by the Fund on the reverse repurchase transactions.

Dollar rolls involve sales by the Fund of securities for delivery in the current month and the Fund's simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop") as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale.

Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement or dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Fund's use of the proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities. In addition, the use of these investments results in leveraging the Fund's common stocks because the Fund uses the proceeds to make investments in other securities. See "Borrowing and Use of Leverage" below.

Securities Ratings

The ratings of fixed-income securities by Moody's, S&P, Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") and A.M. Best Company are a generally accepted barometer of credit risk. They are, however, subject to certain limitations from an investor's standpoint. The rating of an issuer is heavily

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weighted by past developments and does not necessarily reflect probable future conditions. There is frequently a lag between the time a rating is assigned and the time it is updated. In addition, there may be varying degrees of difference in credit risk of securities within each rating category.

Securities rated Baa, BBB+, BBB, or BBB- by S&P or Baa1, Baa2 or Baa3 by Moody's are considered by Moody's to have speculative characteristics. Sustained periods of deteriorating economic conditions or rising interest rates are more likely to lead to a weakening in the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal than in the case of higher-rated securities.

Non-rated securities will also be considered for investment by the Fund when the Adviser believes that the financial condition of the issuers of such securities, or the protection afforded by the terms of the securities themselves, limits the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated securities which are consistent with the Fund's objectives and policies.

The Adviser generally uses ratings issued by S&P, Moody's and Fitch. Some securities are rated by more than one of these ratings agencies, and the ratings assigned to the security by the rating agencies may differ. In such an event and for purposes of determining compliance with restrictions on investments for the Fund, the Adviser will deem the security to be rated at the lowest rating.

The Adviser will try to reduce the risk inherent in the Fund's investment approach through credit analysis, diversification and attention to current developments and trends in interest rates and economic conditions. However, there can be no assurance that losses will not occur. In considering investments for the Fund that invests in high-yielding securities, the Adviser will attempt to identify those high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future. The Adviser's analysis focuses on relative values based on such factors as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer.

In the event that the credit rating of a security held by the Fund is downgraded, the credit quality deteriorates after purchase, or the security defaults, the Fund will not be obligated to dispose of that security and may continue to hold the security if, in the opinion of the Adviser, such investment is appropriate in the circumstances.

Unless otherwise indicated, references to securities ratings by one rating agency in this SAI shall include the equivalent rating by another rating agency.

Short Sales

The Fund may make short sales of securities or maintain a short position. A short sale is effected by selling a security that the Fund does not own, or if the Fund does own such security, it is not to be delivered upon consummation of the sale. Among other reasons, the Fund may make short sales of securities or maintain a short position for the purpose of deferring

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realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund may not make a short sale if more than 10% of the Fund's net assets (taken at market value) is held as collateral for short sales at any one time. A short sale of a security involves the risk that, instead of declining, the price of the security sold short will rise. If the price of the securities sold short increases between the time of a short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a gain. The potential for the price of a fixed-income security sold short to rise is a function of both the remaining maturity of the obligation, its creditworthiness and its yield. Unlike short sales of equities or other instruments, the potential for the price of a fixed-income security to rise may be limited due to the fact that the security will be no more than par at maturity. However, the short sale of other instruments or securities generally, including fixed-income securities convertible into equities or other instruments, a fixed-income security trading at a deep discount from par or which pays a coupon that is high in relative or absolute terms, or which is denominated in a currency other than the U.S. Dollar, involves the possibility of a theoretically unlimited loss since there is a theoretically unlimited potential for the market price of the security sold short to increase. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes-Tax Straddles" for a discussion of certain special federal income tax considerations that may apply to short sales which are entered into by the Fund.

Structured Products

The Fund may invest in structured products. Structured products, including indexed or structured securities, combine the elements of futures contracts or options with those of debt, preferred equity or a depositary instrument. Generally, the principal amount, amount payable upon maturity or redemption, or interest rate of a structured product is tied (either positively or negatively) to prices, changes in prices, or differences between prices, of underlying assets, such as securities, currencies, intangibles, goods, articles or commodities, or by reference to an unrelated benchmark related to an objective index, economic factor or other measure such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, commodity indices, and securities indices. The interest rate or (unlike most fixed-income securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of a structured product may be increased or decreased depending on changes in the value of the underlying asset or benchmark.

Structured products may take a variety of forms. Most commonly, they are in the form of debt instruments with interest or principal payments or redemption terms determined by reference to the value of a currency or commodity or securities index at a future point in time, but may also be issued as preferred stock with dividend rates determined by reference to the value of a currency or convertible securities with the conversion terms related to a particular commodity.

Investing in structured products may be more efficient and less expensive for the Fund than investing in the underlying assets or benchmarks and the related derivative. These investments can be used as a means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency hedging, duration management and increased total return. In addition, structured products may be a tax-advantaged investment in that they generate income that may be distributed to shareholders as income rather than short-term capital gains that may otherwise result from a derivatives transaction.

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Structured products, however, have more risk than traditional types of debt or other securities. These products may not bear interest or pay dividends. The value of a structured product or its interest rate may be a multiple of a benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more steeply and rapidly than the benchmark. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a structured product could be zero. Structured products are potentially more volatile and carry greater market risks than traditional debt instruments. The prices of the structured instrument and the benchmark or underlying asset may not move in the same direction or at the same time. Structured products may carry greater trading risk and be more difficult to price than less complex securities or instruments or more traditional debt securities. The risk of these investments can be substantial with the possibility that the entire principal amount is at risk. The purchase of structured products also exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the structured product.

Structured Notes and Indexed Securities: The Fund may invest in a particular type of structured instrument sometimes referred to as a "structured note". The terms of these notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. Structured notes are derivative debt instruments, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator (for example, a currency, security, commodity or index thereof). Indexed securities may include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. The terms of structured notes and indexed securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity, which may result in a total loss of invested capital. Structured notes and indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the unrelated indicator may produce an increase or a decrease in the interest rate or the value of the structured note or indexed security at maturity may be calculated as a specified multiple of the change in the value of the unrelated indicator. Therefore, the value of such notes and securities may be very volatile. Structured notes and indexed securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the unrelated indicator. Structured notes or indexed securities also may be more volatile, carry greater trading risk, and be more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities.

Commodity Index-Linked Notes and Commodity-Linked Notes: Structured products may provide exposure to the commodities markets. These structured notes may include leveraged or unleveraged commodity index-linked notes, which are derivative debt instruments with principal and/or coupon payments linked to the performance of commodity indices. They also include commodity-linked notes with principal and/or coupon payments linked to the value of particular commodities or commodities futures contracts, or a subset of commodities and commodities future contracts. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity, commodity futures contract, subset of commodities or commodities futures contracts or commodity index. These notes expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices. These notes also are subject to risks, such as credit, market and interest rate risks, that in general affect the values of debt securities. In addition, these notes are often leveraged, increasing the volatility of each note's market value relative to changes in the underlying commodity, commodity futures contract or commodity index. Therefore, the Fund might receive interest or principal payments on the note that are determined based upon a specified multiple of the change in value of the underlying commodity, commodity futures contract or index.

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Credit-Linked Securities: Credit-linked securities are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain high-yield or other fixed-income markets. For example, the Fund may invest in credit-linked securities as a cash management tool in order to gain exposure to certain high-yield markets and/or to remain fully invested when more traditional income-producing securities are not available. Like an investment in a bond, investments in credit-linked securities represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the trust's receipt of payments from, and the trust's potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the trust invests. For instance, the trust may sell one or more credit default swaps, under which the trust would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the trust would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par value (or other agreed-upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and principal that the Fund would receive as an investor in the trust. The Fund's investments in these instruments are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, including, among others, credit risk, default or similar event risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk, leverage risk and management risk. These securities are generally Rule 144A Securities and therefore may be freely traded among institutional buyers. However, changes in the market for credit-linked securities or the availability of willing buyers may result in reduced liquidity for the securities.

U.S. Government Securities

U.S. Government securities may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, supported only by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or backed only by the credit of the issuing agency itself. These securities include: (i) the following U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance: U.S. Treasury bills (maturities of one year or less with no interest paid and hence issued at a discount and repaid at full face value upon maturity), U.S. Treasury notes (maturities of one to ten years with interest payable every six months) and U.S. Treasury bonds (generally maturities of greater than ten years with interest payable every six months); (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, such as securities issued by GNMA, the Farmers Home Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Export-Import Bank, the General Services Administration and the Small Business Administration and including obligations that are issued by private issuers that are guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or institutions; and (iii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities that may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government or a right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities issued by the FNMA

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and FHLMC, and governmental collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"). The maturities of the U.S. Government securities listed in paragraphs (i) and (ii) above usually range from three months to 30 years. Such securities, except GNMA certificates, normally provide for periodic payments of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates.

U.S. Government securities also include zero-coupon securities and principal-only securities and certain SMRS. Zero-coupon securities are described in more detail in "Zero-Coupon Securities" below, and SMRS and principal-only securities are described in more detail in "Mortgage-Related Securities, Other Asset-Backed Securities – Stripped Mortgage-Related Securities" above. In addition, other U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities have issued stripped securities that are similar to SMRS.

Inflation-indexed securities such as Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, or TIPS, are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. If the index measuring inflation falls, the principal value of these securities will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of TIPS. For bonds that do not provide a similar guarantee, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal.

Inflation-indexed securities tend to react to changes in real interest rates. In general, the price of these securities can fall when real interest rates rise, and can rise when real interest rates fall. In addition, the value of these securities may be vulnerable to changes in expectations of inflation. Interest payments on these securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation.

TIPS, which are issued by the U.S Treasury, use the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers, or the CPI, as the inflation measure. The principal of a TIPS increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by the CPI. When a TIPS matures, the holder is paid the adjusted principal or original principal, whichever is greater. TIPS pay interest twice a year, at a fixed rate, which is determined by auction at the time the TIPS are issued. The rate is applied to the adjusted principal; so, like the principal, interest payments rise with inflation and fall with deflation. TIPS are issued in terms of 5, 10, and 30 years.

Guarantees of securities by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities guarantee only the payment of principal and interest on the securities, and do not guarantee the securities' yield or value or the yield or value of the shares of the Fund that holds the securities.

U.S. Government securities are considered among the safest of fixed-income investments. As a result, however, their yields are generally lower than the yields available from other fixed-income securities.

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Variable, Floating and Inverse Floating Rate Securities

These securities have interest rates that are reset at periodic intervals, usually by reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate. Some of these securities are backed by pools of mortgage loans. Although the rate adjustment feature may act as a buffer to reduce sharp changes in the value of these securities, they are still subject to changes in value based on changes in market interest rates or changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. Because the interest rate is reset only periodically, changes in the interest rate on these securities may lag behind changes in prevailing market interest rates. Also, some of these securities (or the underlying mortgages) are subject to caps or floors that limit the maximum change in the interest rate during a specified period or over the life of the security.

Zero-Coupon Securities

A zero-coupon security pays no interest to its holder during its life. An investor acquires a zero-coupon security at a discounted price from the face value of the security, which is generally based upon its present value, and which, depending upon the time remaining until maturity, may be significantly less than its face value (sometimes referred to as a "deep discount" price). Upon maturity of the zero-coupon security, the investor receives the face value of the security.

The Fund may invest in zero-coupon Treasury securities, which consist of Treasury bills or the principal components of U.S. Treasury bonds or notes. The Fund may also invest in zero-coupon securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities that are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States, which consist of the principal components of securities of U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities.

Currently, the only U.S. Treasury security issued without coupons is the Treasury bill. The zero-coupon securities purchased by the Fund may consist of principal components held in STRIPS form issued through the U.S. Treasury's STRIPS program, which permits the beneficial ownership of the component to be recorded directly in the Treasury book-entry system. In addition, in the last few years a number of banks and brokerage firms have separated ("stripped") the principal portions ("corpus") from the coupon portions of the U.S. Treasury bonds and notes and sold them separately in the form of receipts or certificates representing undivided interests in these instruments (which instruments are generally held by a bank in a custodial or trust account).

Because zero-coupon securities trade at a discount from their face or par value but pay no periodic interest, they are subject to greater fluctuations of market value in response to changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities which make periodic distributions of interest.

Current federal tax law requires that a holder (such as the Fund) of a zero-coupon security accrue a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased as income each year even though the holder receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year (generally referred to as "original issue discount" or "OID"). As a result, in order to make the

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distributions necessary for the Fund not to be subject to federal income or excise taxes, the Fund may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount, obtained by liquidation of portfolio securities or borrowings if necessary, greater than the total amount of cash that the Fund has actually received as interest during the year. The Fund believes, however, that it is highly unlikely that it would be necessary to liquidate portfolio securities or borrow money in order to make such required distributions or to meet its investment objective.

Certain Risk and Other Considerations

Borrowing and Use of Leverage. The Fund may use borrowings for investment purposes subject to the restrictions of the 1940 Act. The Fund may also use leverage for investment purposes by entering into transactions such as reverse repurchase agreements, forward contracts and dollar rolls. This means that the Fund uses the cash proceeds made available during the term of these transactions to make investments in other securities.

Borrowings by the Fund result in leveraging of the Fund's shares of common stock. The proceeds of such borrowings will be invested in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies. The Adviser anticipates that the difference between the interest expense paid by the Fund on borrowings and the rates received by the Fund from its investment portfolio issuers will provide the Fund's shareholders with a potentially higher yield.

Utilization of leverage, which is usually considered speculative, however, involves certain risks to the Fund's shareholders. These include a higher volatility of the NAV of the Fund's shares of common stock and the relatively greater effect of changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio on the NAV of the shares caused by favorable or adverse changes in market conditions or interest rates. So long as the Fund is able to realize a net return on the portion of its investment portfolio resulting from leverage that is higher than the interest expense paid on borrowings or the carrying costs of leveraged transactions, the effect of leverage will be to cause the Fund's shareholders to realize a higher net return than if the Fund were not leveraged. However, to the extent that the interest expense on borrowings or the carrying costs of leveraged transactions approaches the net return on the leveraged portion of the Fund's investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the Fund's shareholders will be reduced, and if the interest expense on borrowings or other costs of leverage were to exceed the net return to shareholders, the Fund's use of leverage would result in a lower rate of net return than if the Fund were not leveraged. Similarly, the effect of leverage in a declining market would normally be a greater decrease in NAV per share than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme case, if the Fund's current investment income were not sufficient to meet the interest expense on borrowings or the carrying costs of leveraged transactions, it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate certain of its investments in adverse circumstances, potentially significantly reducing its NAV.

Certain transactions, such as derivatives transactions, forward commitments, reverse repurchase agreements and short sales involve leverage and may expose the Fund to potential losses that, in some cases, may exceed the amount originally invested by the Fund. When the Fund engages in such transactions, it will, in accordance with guidance provided by the SEC or its staff in, among other things, regulations, interpretative releases and no-action letters, deposit in a segregated account certain liquid assets with a value at least equal to the

39 

Fund's exposure, on a marked-to-market or other relevant basis, to the transaction. Transactions for which assets have been segregated will not be considered "senior securities" for purposes of the Fund's investment restriction concerning senior securities. The segregation of assets is intended to enable the Fund to have assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to these transactions, but will not limit the Fund's exposure to loss.

Management Risk – Quantitative Models. The Adviser may use investment techniques that incorporate, or rely upon, quantitative models. These models may not work as intended and may not enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. In addition, certain models may be constructed using data from external providers, and these inputs may be incorrect or incomplete, thus potentially limiting the effectiveness of the models. Finally, the Adviser may change, enhance and update its models and its usage of existing models at its discretion.

Investments in Lower-Rated and Unrated Instruments. The Fund may invest in lower-rated securities, which may include securities having the lowest rating for non-subordinated debt securities (i.e., rated C by Moody's or CCC or lower by S&P & Fitch) and unrated securities of equivalent investment quality (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). Debt securities with such a rating are considered by the rating organizations to be subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than higher-rated securities and are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal, which may in any case decline during sustained periods of deteriorating economic conditions or rising interest rates. These securities are considered to have extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing, to have a current identifiable vulnerability to default, to be unlikely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due in the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, and/or to be in default or not current in the payment of interest or principal.

Lower-rated securities generally are considered to be subject to greater market risk than higher-rated securities in times of deteriorating economic conditions. In addition, lower-rated securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities, although the market values of securities rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities tend to react less to fluctuations in interest rate levels than do those of higher-rated securities. The market for lower-rated securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher-quality securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which these securities can be sold. To the extent that there is no established secondary market for lower-rated securities, the Adviser may experience difficulty in valuing such securities and, in turn, the Fund's assets. In addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions about lower-rated securities, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may tend to decrease the market value and liquidity of such lower-rated securities. Transaction costs with respect to lower-rated securities may be higher, and in some cases information may be less available, than is the case with investment grade securities.

Many fixed-income securities, including certain U.S. corporate fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest, contain call or buy-back features that permit the issuer of the security to call or repurchase it. Such securities may present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer exercises such a "call option" and redeems the security, the Fund may

40 

have to replace the called security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased rate of return for the Fund.

In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objectives, there will be times, such as during periods of rising interest rates, when depreciation and realization of capital losses on securities in the Fund's portfolio will be unavoidable. Moreover, medium- and lower-rated securities and non-rated securities of comparable quality may be subject to wider fluctuations in yield and market values than higher-rated securities under certain market conditions. Such fluctuations after a security is acquired do not affect the cash income received from that security but are reflected in the NAV of the Fund.

U.S. Corporate Fixed-Income Securities. The Fund may invest in U.S. corporate fixed-income securities that may include securities issued in connection with corporate restructurings such as takeovers or leveraged buyouts, which may pose particular risks. Securities issued to finance corporate restructurings may have special credit risks due to the highly leveraged conditions of the issuer. In addition, such issuers may lose experienced management as a result of the restructuring. Finally, the market price of such securities may be more volatile to the extent that expected benefits from the restructuring do not materialize. The Fund may also invest in U.S. corporate fixed-income securities that are not current in the payment of interest or principal or are in default, so long as the Adviser believes such investment is consistent with the Fund's investment objectives. The Fund's rights with respect to defaults on such securities will be subject to applicable U.S. bankruptcy, moratorium and other similar laws.

Commercial Paper Funding Facility. The Federal Reserve has established a Commercial Paper Funding Facility ("CPFF") to provide a liquidity backstop to U.S. issuers of commercial paper through a special purpose vehicle ("SPV"). The Federal Reserve will lend money to a SPV that will purchase eligible commercial paper (including asset-backed commercial paper) from eligible issuers until March 17, 2021. Under the CPFF, eligible issuers are U.S.-domiciled issuers of commercial paper (including those with parent companies outside the U.S), and eligible commercial paper must have a three-month maturity, be U.S. dollar-denominated and be rated at least A-1/P-1/F-1 by a major NRSRO (and, if rated by multiple major NRSROs, rated at least A-1/P-1/F-1 by two or more major NRSROs).

Risks of Investments in Foreign Securities. Investors should understand and consider carefully the substantial risks involved in securities of foreign companies and governments of foreign nations, some of which are referred to below, and which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. Investing in securities of non-U.S. companies which are generally denominated in foreign currencies, and utilization of derivative investment products denominated in, or the value of which is dependent upon movements in the relative value of, a foreign currency, involve certain considerations comprising both risk and opportunity not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These considerations include changes in exchange rates and exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than are generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less

41 

government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility.

There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies comparable to reports and ratings that are published about companies in the United States. Foreign issuers are subject to accounting and financial standards and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those applicable to U.S. issuers. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of a foreign issuer may not reflect its financial position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected had the financial statement been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, for an issuer that keeps accounting records in local currency, inflation accounting rules in some of the countries in which the Fund may invest require, for both tax and accounting purposes, that certain assets and liabilities be restated on the issuer's balance sheet in order to express items in terms of currency of constant purchasing power. Inflation accounting may indirectly generate losses or profits. Consequently, financial data may be materially affected by restatements for inflation and may not accurately reflect the real condition of those issuers and securities markets. Substantially less information is publicly available about certain non-U.S. issuers than is available about U.S. issuers.

It is contemplated that foreign securities will be purchased in OTC markets or on stock exchanges located in the countries in which the respective principal offices of the issuers of the various securities are located, if that is the best available market. Foreign securities markets are generally not as developed or efficient as those in the United States. While growing in volume, such markets usually have substantially less volume than the United States securities markets, and securities of some foreign companies are more difficult to trade or dispose of and more volatile than securities of comparable United States companies. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility of price can be greater than in the United States. Fixed commissions on foreign stock exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on United States exchanges, although the Fund will endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies than in the United States.

Expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, political, economic or social instability or other similar developments, such as military coups, have occurred in the past in countries in which the Fund may invest and could adversely affect the Fund's assets should these conditions or events recur.

The United Kingdom ("U.K.") formally withdrew from the European Union ("EU") on January 31, 2020, and was in a transition period until December 31, 2020, during which the U.K. and the EU negotiated an agreement governing their future trading and security relationships. The U.K. Parliament has ratified the agreement and the EU member states have given their support to have the agreement "provisionally applied" from January 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021. The European Parliament is expected to consider the ratification of the agreement before April 30, 2021. The impact on the U.K. and European economies and the broader global economy of the uncertainties associated with ratifying and implementing the

42 

agreement are significant and could have an adverse effect on the value of the Fund's investments and its net asset value. These uncertainties include an increase in the regulatory and customs requirements imposed on cross-border trade between the U.K. and the EU, the negotiation of additional arrangements between the U.K. and the EU affecting important parts of the economy (such as financial services) that are not covered by the agreement, volatility and illiquidity in markets, currency fluctuations, the renegotiation of other existing trading and cross-border cooperation arrangements (whether economic, tax, fiscal, legal, regulatory or otherwise) of the U.K. and the EU, and potentially lower growth for companies in the U.K., Europe and globally.

Foreign investment in certain foreign securities is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude foreign investment in certain foreign securities and increase the costs and expenses of the Fund. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons, limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular issuer, limit the investment by foreign persons only to a specific class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of the countries and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors.

Certain countries may require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, if deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances.

Investing in emerging market securities imposes risks different from, or greater than, risks of investing in domestic securities or in foreign, developed countries. These risks include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; and possible repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales; and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. Dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by the Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.

Additional risks of emerging market securities may include: greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; unavailability of currency hedging techniques; companies that are newly organized and small; differences in the nature and quality of financial information, including auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability or unreliability of material information about issuers; less developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights; and the limited ability of U.S. authorities to bring and enforce actions against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in

43 

such transactions. Settlement problems may cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security.

Income from certain investments held by the Fund could be reduced by foreign income taxes, including withholding taxes. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance. The Fund's NAV may also be affected by changes in the rates or methods of taxation applicable to the Fund or to entities in which the Fund has invested. The Adviser generally will consider the cost of any taxes in determining whether to acquire any particular investments, but can provide no assurance that the tax treatment of investments held by the Fund will not be subject to change. A shareholder otherwise subject to U.S. federal income taxes may, subject to certain limitations, be entitled to claim a credit or deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes for his or her proportionate share of such foreign taxes paid by the Fund. See "U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Dividends and Distributions".

Investors should understand that the expenses of the fund investing in foreign securities may be higher than those of investment companies investing only in domestic securities since, among other things, the cost of maintaining the custody of foreign securities is higher and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities may be subject to higher transaction charges, such as stamp duties and turnover taxes.

Investments in China. Risks of investments in securities of Chinese issuers include market volatility, heavy dependence on exports, which may decrease, sometimes significantly, when the world economy weakens, the continuing importance of the role of the Chinese Government, which may take actions that affect economic and market practices, and political unrest. While the Chinese economy has grown rapidly in recent years, the rate of growth has generally been declining, and there can be no assurance that China's economy will continue to grow in the future. In addition, trade disputes between China and its trading counterparties, including the United States, have arisen and may continue to arise. Such disputes have resulted in trade tariffs and may potentially result in future trade tariffs, as well as embargoes, trade limitations, trade wars and other negative consequences. These consequences could trigger, among other things, a substantial reduction in international trade and adverse effects on, and potential failure of, individual companies and/or large segments of China's export industry, which could have potentially significant negative effects on the Chinese economy as well as the global economy. U.S. or other sanctions imposed on the Chinese Government or certain Chinese companies may adversely impact the Chinese economy and Chinese issuers in which the Fund invests, and may prohibit or limit the Fund's ability to invest in securities of certain Chinese issuers or require the Fund's sale of such securities, potentially on an accelerated schedule or at disadvantageous prices. Risks of investments in issuers based in Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, include heavy reliance on the U.S. economy and regional economies, particularly the Chinese economy, which makes these investments vulnerable to changes in these economies, and political unrest. These and related factors may result in adverse effects on investments in China and Hong Kong and have a negative impact on the Fund's performance.

The Fund may invest in renminbi-denominated bonds issued in China ("RMB Bonds"). RMB Bonds, including government and corporate bonds, are available in the China Interbank Bond Market ("CIBM") to eligible foreign investors through the CIBM Direct Access

44 

Program and through the China-Hong Kong Bond Connect program ("Bond Connect"). Both programs are relatively new. Laws, rules, regulations, policies and guidelines relating to each program are untested and subject to change.

The CIBM Direct Access Program, established by the People's Bank of China, allows eligible foreign institutional investors to conduct trading in the CIBM, subject to other rules and regulations as promulgated by Chinese authorities. Eligible foreign institutional investors who wish to invest directly in the CIBM through the CIBM Direct Access Program may do so through an onshore settlement agent, who would be responsible for making the relevant filings and account opening with the relevant authorities. The Fund is therefore subject to the risk of default or errors on the part of such agent.

Bond Connect provides a channel for overseas investors to invest in the Chinese bond market through investment links between Hong Kong and mainland China. In China, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Central Money Markets Unit holds Bond Connect securities on behalf of the ultimate investors (such as the Fund) in accounts maintained with a China-based custodian (either the China Central Depository & Clearing Co. or the Shanghai Clearing House). This recordkeeping system subjects the Fund to numerous risks, including the risk that the Fund may have a limited ability to enforce its rights as a bondholder and the risks of settlement delays and counterparty default of the Hong Kong sub-custodian. Trading through Bond Connect is subject to other restrictions and risks. For example, Bond Connect is generally only available on business days when both the China and Hong Kong markets are open, which may limit the Fund's ability to trade when it would be otherwise attractive to do so. Investing through Bond Connect also subjects the Fund to the clearance and settlement procedures associated with Bond Connect, which could pose risks to the Fund. Furthermore, securities purchased through Bond Connect generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Bond Connect in accordance with applicable rules.

Uncertainties in China's tax rules related to the taxation of income and gains from investments in Chinese interbank bonds could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. Investing in the CIBM will also expose the Fund to renminbi currency risks. The ability to hedge renminbi currency risks may be limited. In addition, given the renminbi is subject to exchange control restrictions, the Fund could be adversely affected by delays in converting other currencies into renminbi and vice versa and at times when there are unfavorable market conditions.

Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and a corresponding portion of the Fund's revenues will be received in such currencies. In addition, the Fund may conduct foreign currency transactions for hedging and non-hedging purposes on a spot (i.e., cash) basis or through the use of derivatives transactions, such as forward currency exchange contracts, currency futures and options thereon, and options on currencies as described above. The dollar equivalent of the Fund's net assets and distributions will be adversely affected by reductions in the value of certain foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar. Such changes will also affect the Fund's income. The Fund will, however, have the ability to attempt to protect itself against adverse changes in the values of foreign currencies by engaging in certain of the investment practices listed above. While the

45 

Fund has this ability, there is no certainty as to whether and to what extent the Fund will engage in these practices.

Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time causing, along with other factors, the Fund's NAV to fluctuate. Currency exchange rates generally are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or anticipated changes in interest rates and other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective. Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad. To the extent the Fund's total assets adjusted to reflect the Fund's net position after giving effect to currency transactions is denominated or quoted in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments within those countries.

The Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may hold foreign currency received in connection with investments when, in the judgment of the Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such currency into U.S. Dollars at a later date, based on anticipated changes in the relevant exchange rate. If the value of the foreign currencies in which the Fund receives its income falls relative to the U.S. Dollar between receipt of the income and the making of Fund distributions, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities in order to make distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. Dollars to meet, among other things, distribution requirements that the Fund must satisfy to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. Similarly, if the value of a particular foreign currency declines between the time the Fund incurs expenses in U.S. Dollars and the time cash expenses are paid, the amount of the currency required to be converted into U.S. Dollars in order to pay expenses in U.S. Dollars could be greater than the equivalent amount of such expenses in the currency at the time they were incurred. In light of these risks, the Fund may engage in certain currency hedging transactions, which themselves, involve certain special risks. See "Additional Investment Policies and Practices", above.

Additional Risks of Options on Forward Currency Exchange Contracts, Options on Foreign Currencies, Swaps and Other Options. Unlike transactions entered into by the Fund in futures contracts and exchange-traded options, options on foreign currencies and forward currency exchange contracts may not be traded on contract markets regulated by the CFTC or (with the exception of certain foreign currency options) the SEC. Such instruments may instead be traded through financial institutions acting as market-makers, although foreign currency options are also traded on certain national securities exchanges, such as the Nasdaq PHLX and the Chicago Board Options Exchange, subject to SEC regulation. Similarly, options on currencies may be traded OTC. In an OTC trading environment, many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available. For example, there are no daily price fluctuation limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over a period of time. Although the purchaser of an option cannot lose more than the amount of the premium plus related transaction costs, this entire amount could be lost. Moreover, the option writer and a trader of forward currency exchange contracts could lose

46 

amounts substantially in excess of the initial investment due to the margin and collateral requirements associated with such positions.

OTC transactions can be entered into only with a financial institution willing to take the opposite side, as principal, of the Fund's position unless the institution acts as broker and is able to find another counterparty willing to enter into the transaction with the Fund. Where no such counterparty is available, it will not be possible to enter into a desired transaction. There also may be no liquid secondary market in the trading of OTC contracts, and the Fund could be required to retain options purchased or written, or forward currency exchange contracts entered into, until exercise, expiration or maturity. This in turn could limit the Fund's ability to profit from open positions or to reduce losses experienced, and could result in greater losses.

Further, OTC transactions are not subject to the guarantee of an exchange clearinghouse, and the Fund will therefore be subject to the risk of default by, or the bankruptcy of, the financial institution serving as its counterparty. The Fund will enter into an OTC transaction only with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found to be satisfactory by the Adviser.

Transactions in OTC options on foreign currencies are subject to a number of conditions regarding the commercial purpose of the purchaser of such option. The Fund is not able to determine at this time whether or to what extent additional restrictions on the trading of OTC options on foreign currencies may be imposed at some point in the future, or the effect that any such restrictions may have on the hedging strategies to be implemented by them.

Options on foreign currencies traded on national securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the SEC, as are other securities traded on such exchanges. As a result, many of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges will be available with respect to such transactions. In particular, all foreign currency option positions entered into on a national securities exchange are cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the OTC market, potentially permitting the Fund to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements.

The purchase and sale of exchange-traded foreign currency options, however, is subject to the risks of the availability of a liquid secondary market described above, as well as the risks regarding adverse market movements, the margining of options written, the nature of the foreign currency market, possible intervention by governmental authorities and the effects of other political and economic events. In addition, exchange-traded options on foreign currencies involve certain risks not presented by the OTC market. For example, exercise and settlement of such options must be made exclusively through the OCC, which has established banking relationships in applicable foreign countries for this purpose. As a result, if the OCC determines that foreign governmental restrictions or taxes would prevent the orderly settlement of foreign currency option exercises, or would result in undue burdens on the OCC or its clearing member, the OCC may impose special procedures on exercise and settlement, such as technical changes in the mechanics of delivery of currency, the fixing of dollar settlement prices or prohibitions, on exercise.

47 

Options on U.S. Government securities, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency exchange contracts and options on foreign currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in or the prices of foreign currencies or securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during nonbusiness hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser trading volume period.

Sovereign Debt Obligations. No established secondary markets may exist for many of the Sovereign Debt Obligations in which the Fund may invest. Reduced secondary market liquidity may have an adverse effect on the market price and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular instruments when necessary to meet its liquidity requirements or in response to specific economic events such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. Reduced secondary market liquidity for certain Sovereign Debt Obligations may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for the purpose of valuing its portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many Sovereign Debt Obligations only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of those dealers or prices for actual sales.

By investing in Sovereign Debt Obligations, the Fund will be exposed to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social and economic changes in various countries. Political changes in a country may affect the willingness of a foreign government to make or provide for timely payments of its obligations. The country's economic status, as reflected, among other things, in its inflation rate, the amount of its external debt and its gross domestic product, will also affect the government's ability to honor its obligations.

Many countries providing investment opportunities for the Fund have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have adverse effects on the economies and securities markets of certain of these countries. In an attempt to control inflation, wage and price controls have been imposed in certain countries.

Investing in Sovereign Debt Obligations involves economic and political risks. The Sovereign Debt Obligations in which the Fund may invest in most cases pertain to countries that are among the world's largest debtors to commercial banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations and other financial institutions. In recent years, the governments of some of these countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their external debt obligations, which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other things, obtaining new credit to finance interest payments. Certain governments have not been able to make payments

48 

of interest on or principal of Sovereign Debt Obligations as those payments have come due. Obligations arising from past restructuring agreements may affect the economic performance and political and social stability of those issuers.

Central banks and other governmental authorities which control the servicing of Sovereign Debt Obligations may not be willing or able to permit the payment of the principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of the obligations. As a result, the issuers of Sovereign Debt Obligations may default on their obligations. Defaults on certain Sovereign Debt Obligations have occurred in the past. Holders of certain Sovereign Debt Obligations may be requested to participate in the restructuring and rescheduling of these obligations and to extend further loans to the issuers. The interests of holders of Sovereign Debt Obligations could be adversely affected in the course of restructuring arrangements or by certain other factors referred to below. Furthermore, some of the participants in the secondary market for Sovereign Debt Obligations may also be directly involved in negotiating the terms of these arrangements and may therefore have access to information not available to other market participants.

The ability of governments to make timely payments on their obligations is likely to be influenced strongly by the issuer's balance of payments, including export performance, and its access to international credits and investments. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable to a decline in the international prices of one or more of those commodities. Increased protectionism on the part of a country's trading partners could also adversely affect the country's exports and diminish its trade account surplus, if any.

To the extent that a country receives payment for its exports in currencies other than dollars, its ability to make debt payments denominated in dollars could be adversely affected. To the extent that a country develops a trade deficit, it will need to depend on continuing loans from foreign governments, multilateral organizations or private commercial banks, aid payments from foreign governments and on inflows of foreign investment. The access of a country to these forms of external funding may not be certain, and a withdrawal of external funding could adversely affect the capacity of a government to make payments on its obligations. In addition, the cost of servicing debt obligations can be affected by a change in international interest rates since the majority of these obligations carry interest rates that are adjusted periodically based upon international rates.

Another factor bearing on the ability of a country to repay Sovereign Debt Obligations is the level of the country's international reserves. Fluctuations in the level of these reserves can affect the amount of foreign exchange readily available for external debt payments and, thus, could have a bearing on the capacity of the country to make payments on its Sovereign Debt Obligations.

The Fund is permitted to invest in Sovereign Debt Obligations that are not current in the payment of interest or principal or are in default, so long as the Adviser believes it to be consistent with the Fund's investment objectives. The Fund may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default with respect to certain Sovereign Debt Obligations it holds. For example, remedies from defaults on certain Sovereign Debt Obligations, unlike those on private debt, must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself. Legal recourse

49 

therefore may be significantly diminished. Bankruptcy, moratorium and other similar laws applicable to issuers of Sovereign Debt Obligations may be substantially different from those applicable to issuers of private debt obligations. The political context, expressed as the willingness of an issuer of Sovereign Debt Obligations to meet the terms of the debt obligation, for example, is of considerable importance. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of securities issued by foreign governments in the event of default under commercial bank loan agreements.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

Fundamental Investment Policies

The following fundamental investment policies may not be changed without approval by the vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, which means the affirmative vote of the holders of (i) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, whichever is less.

As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund:

(a) may not concentrate investments in an industry, as concentration may be defined under the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations thereunder (as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended from time to time) or by guidance regarding, interpretations of, or exemptive orders under, the 1940 Act or the rules or regulations thereunder published by appropriate regulatory authorities;

(b) may not issue any senior security (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) or borrow money, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations thereunder (as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended from time to time) or by guidance regarding, or interpretations of, or exemptive orders under, the 1940 Act or the rules or regulations thereunder published by appropriate regulatory authorities. For purposes of this restriction, margin and collateral arrangements, including, for example, with respect to permitted borrowings, options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts and other derivatives such as swaps, are not deemed to involve the issuance of a senior security;

(c) may not make loans except through (i) the purchase of debt obligations in accordance with its investment objective and policies; (ii) the lending of portfolio securities; (iii) the use of repurchase agreements; or (iv) the making of loans to affiliated funds as permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder (as such statutes, rules or regulations may

50 

be amended from time to time), or by guidance regarding, and interpretations of, or exemptive orders under, the 1940 Act;

(d) may not purchase or sell real estate except that it may dispose of real estate acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction does not prohibit the Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or in securities of companies engaged in the real estate business;

(e) may purchase or sell commodities to the extent permitted by applicable law; and

(f) may not act as an underwriter of securities, except that the Fund may acquire restricted securities under circumstances in which, if such securities were sold, the Fund might be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act.

As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund is diversified (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act). This means that at least 75% of the Fund's assets consist of:

• Cash or cash items;

• Government securities;

• Securities of other investment companies; and

• Securities of any one issuer that represent not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer of the securities and not more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund.

Non-Fundamental Investment Policy

As a matter of non-fundamental policy, the Fund has adopted a policy that provides that the Fund may not purchase securities on margin, except (i) as otherwise provided under rules adopted by the SEC under the 1940 Act or by guidance regarding the 1940 Act, or interpretations thereof, and (ii) that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions, and the Fund may make margin payments in connection with futures contracts, options, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars and other financial instruments.

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

The Adviser

The Adviser, a Delaware limited partnership with principal offices at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105, has been retained under an investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") to provide investment advice and, in general, to conduct the management and investment program of the Fund under the supervision of the Board (see "Management of the Fund" in the Prospectus"). The Adviser is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

The Adviser is a leading global investment management firm supervising client accounts with assets as of December 31, 2020, totaling approximately $686 billion. The Adviser provides management services for many of the largest U.S. public and private employee benefit plans, endowments, foundations, public employee retirement funds, banks, insurance companies and high net worth individuals worldwide.

As of December 31, 2020, the ownership structure of the Adviser, expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, was as follows:

Equitable Holdings and its subsidiaries	63.3	%
AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.	36.0
Unaffiliated holders	0.7
	100.0	%

Equitable Holdings, Inc. (formerly named AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc.) ("EQH") is a leading financial services company in the U.S. and consists of two well-established principal franchises, Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company and AllianceBernstein.

As of December 31, 2020, EQH owned approximately 4.1% of the issued and outstanding units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in AllianceBernstein Holding LP ("AB Holding"). AllianceBernstein Corporation (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of EQH, "GP") is the general partner of both AB Holding and the Adviser. The GP owns 100,000 general partnership units in AB Holding and a 1% general partnership interest in the Adviser.

Including both the general partnership and limited partnership interests in AB Holding and the Adviser, EQH and its subsidiaries have an approximate 64.8% economic interest in the Adviser as of December 31, 2020.

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See "Management of the Fund – Investment Adviser" in the Fund's Prospectus for additional information about the ownership structure of EQH and the Adviser and related matters.

Advisory Agreement and Expenses

The Adviser serves as investment manager and adviser of the Fund, continuously furnishes an investment program for the Fund, and manages, supervises and conducts the affairs of the Fund, subject to the Board's oversight.

Under the Fund's Advisory Agreement, the Adviser furnishes advice and recommendations with respect to the Fund's portfolio of securities and investments and provides persons satisfactory to the Board to act as officers of the Fund. Such officers and employees may be employees of the Adviser or its affiliates.

The Adviser is, under the Fund's Advisory Agreement, responsible for certain expenses incurred by the Fund, including, for example, office facilities, and any expenses incurred in promoting the sale of Fund shares (other than the portion of the promotional expenses borne by the Fund in accordance with an effective plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, and the costs of printing Fund prospectuses and other reports to shareholders and fees related to registration with the SEC and with state regulatory authorities).

The Fund has, under its Advisory Agreement, assumed the obligation for payment of all of its other expenses. As to the obtaining of services other than those specifically provided to the Fund by the Adviser, the Fund may employ its own personnel. The Advisory Agreements provide for reimbursement to the Adviser of the costs of certain non-advisory services provided to the Fund. Costs currently reimbursed include the costs of the Adviser's personnel performing certain administrative services for the Fund, including clerical, accounting, legal and other services ("administrative services"), and associated overhead costs, such as office space, supplies and information technology. The administrative services are provided to the Fund on a fully-costed basis (i.e., includes each person's total compensation and a factor reflecting the Adviser's total cost relating to that person, including all related overhead expenses). The reimbursement of these costs to the Adviser will be specifically approved by the Board. The Fund paid the Adviser a total of $0 (net of $72,160, waived by the Adviser) and $0 (net of $79,084, waived by the Adviser) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, for these services. For the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2018, the Fund paid the Adviser a total of $0 for these services (net of $11,452 waived by the Adviser). For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, the Fund paid the Adviser a total of $0 for these services (net of $77,405 waived by the Adviser).

In addition, to the extent that the Fund invests in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (except for the investment of any cash collateral from securities lending), the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund's pro rata share of the AB Government Money Market Portfolio's effective management fee. This agreement will remain in effect until April 30, 2022 and may only be terminated or changed with the consent of the Fund's Directors. In addition, the agreement will be

53 

automatically extended for one-year terms unless the Adviser provides notice of termination to the Fund at least 60 days prior to the end of the period. To the extent that the Fund invests securities lending cash collateral in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has also agreed to waive a portion of the Fund's share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio.

The Advisory Agreement provides that it will continue in effect for two years from its effective date and thereafter from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities or by the Board and, in either case, by a vote of a majority of the Directors who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party. The Advisory Agreement for the Fund, as amended, was approved for a two-year period by the Board at their meetings held on November 3-5, 2020.

Any material amendments to the Advisory Agreement must be approved by a vote of the outstanding securities of the Fund and by a vote of a majority of the Directors who are not interested persons of the Fund or the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty on 60 days' written notice by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, by a vote of a majority of the Directors, or by the Adviser, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser, or of reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, the Adviser shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties thereunder.

Effective as of April 30, 2021, under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays a monthly fee to the Adviser at an annual rate of 0.45% of the first $2.5 billion, 0.425% of the excess over $2.5 billion up to $5 billion and 0.40% of the excess over $5 billion as a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets. From February 26, 2018 until April 30, 2021, under the prior investment advisory agreement, the Fund paid the Adviser a base fee calculated and accrued daily at an annualized rate of 0.40% of the Fund's average daily net assets and a performance-related fee that adjusted the base fee upward or downward, depending on the Fund's performance relative to its benchmark. (At the end of this period, from January 1, 2021 until April 30, 2021, the Fund paid the Adviser a fee of 0.20% of the Fund's average daily net assets, the minimum fee payable under the investment advisory agreement in accordance with a contractual fee waiver with the Adviser.) Prior to February 26, 2018, the Fund paid the Adviser a fee at an annualized rate of 0.55% of the first $2.5 billion of the Fund's average daily net assets, 0.50% of the excess over $2.5 billion up to $5 billion of the Fund's average daily net assets, and 0.45% of the excess over $5 billion of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Effective as of April 30, 2021, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or to bear certain expenses of the Fund through April 30, 2022 to the extent necessary to prevent total expenses (excluding management fees, acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB Mutual Funds in which the Fund may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs), on an annualized basis, from exceeding 0.85%, 0.60% and 0.60% of average daily net assets, respectively, for Class A, Advisor Class and Class Z shares ("expense limitations"). Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser through December 31, 2019 under the expense limitation in effect prior to that date may be reimbursed by the Fund until the end of the third

54 

fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne, provided that no reimbursement payment will be made that would cause the Fund's total other expenses to exceed the expense limitations. This fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement may only be terminated or changed with the consent of the Fund's Directors. In addition, the agreement will be automatically extended for one-year terms unless the Adviser provides notice to the Fund at least 60 days prior to the end of the period.

From February 26, 2018 to April 30, 2021, the Adviser had contractually agreed to waive fees and/or to bear certain expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to prevent total expenses (excluding management fees, acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB Mutual Funds in which the Fund may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs), on an annualized basis, from exceeding 0.10% of average daily net assets for Advisor Class shares. Prior to February 26, 2018, the Adviser had contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or bear certain expenses so that total expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB Fund in which the Fund may invest, interest expense, brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, taxes and extraordinary expenses) did not exceed on an annual basis .95%, 1.70%, .70%, 1.20%, .95%, .70% and .70% of average daily net assets, respectively, for Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, Class I and Class Z shares.

In addition, from February 26, 2018 to April 30, 2021, the Adviser had agreed to waive its management fee by limiting the Fund's accrual of the management fee (base fee plus performance adjustment) on any day to the amount corresponding to the maximum fee rate multiplied by the Fund's current net assets as of the preceding day if such amount is less than the amount that would have been accrued based on the Fund's average daily net assets for the performance period.

For the fiscal years or period ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and October 31, 2018, the Advisor received from the Fund advisory fees of $0, $0, $0 and $0 (net of $495,920, $484,978, $157,175 and $618,156, respectively, which were waived by the Adviser pursuant to the expense limitation agreement).

The Adviser acts as an investment adviser to other persons, firms or corporations, including investment companies, and is the investment adviser to AB Cap Fund, Inc., AB Core Opportunities Fund, Inc., AB Corporate Shares, AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc., AB Equity Income Fund, Inc., AB Fixed-Income Shares, Inc., AB Global Bond Fund, Inc., AB Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc., AB Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc., AB High Income Fund, Inc., AB Institutional Funds, Inc., AB Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc., AB Municipal Income Fund, Inc., AB Municipal Income Fund II, AB Relative Value Fund, Inc., AB Sustainable Global Thematic Fund, Inc., AB Sustainable International Thematic Fund, Inc., AB Trust, AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc., Bernstein Fund, Inc., Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc., Sanford C. Bernstein Fund II, Inc., and The AB Portfolios, all registered open-end investment companies; and to AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc., AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund and AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund, Inc., all registered closed-end investment companies. The registered investment companies for which the Adviser serves as

55 

investment adviser are referred to collectively below as the "AB Fund Complex", while all of these investment companies, except Bernstein Fund, Inc., Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. and AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, are referred to collectively below as the "AB Funds".

Board of Directors Information

Certain information concerning the Directors is set forth below.

NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR ELECTED**)	PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION	PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY DIRECTOR	OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.,# Chairman of the Board 79 (2014)	Private Investor since prior to 2016. Former Chairman and CEO of DuPont Photomasks, Inc. (components of semi-conductor manufacturing). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the boards of two education and science-related non-profit organizations. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has been Chairman of the AB Funds since January 2014, and the Chairman of the Independent Directors	74	None

56 

NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR ELECTED**)	PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION	PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY DIRECTOR	OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY DIRECTOR
	Committees of the AB Funds since February 2014.
Jorge A. Bermudez,# 70 (2020)	Private Investor since prior to 2016. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008; Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup's Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007; and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.	74	Moody's Corporation since April 2011
Michael J. Downey,# 77 (2014)	Private Investor since prior to 2016. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2016 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds and member of the	74	None

57 

NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR ELECTED**)	PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION	PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY DIRECTOR	OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY DIRECTOR
	Executive Committee of Prudential Securities Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.
Nancy P. Jacklin,# 72 (2014)	Private Investor since prior to 2016. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.	74	None
Jeanette W. Loeb,# 68 (2020)	Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund,	74	Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011

58 

NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR ELECTED**)	PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION	PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY DIRECTOR	OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY DIRECTOR
	Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.
Carol C. McMullen,# 65 (2016)	Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013.  She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research).  She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a	74	None

59 

NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR ELECTED**)	PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION	PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY DIRECTOR	OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY DIRECTOR
	director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016.
Garry L. Moody,# 69 (2014)	Private Investor since prior to 2016. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Trustee Advisory Board of BoardIQ, a biweekly publication focused on issues and news affecting directors of mutual funds. He is also a member of the Investment Company Institute's Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council's Governing Council. He has served as a director or trustee and as Chairman of the Audit Committees of the AB Funds since 2008.	74	None
Earl D. Weiner,# 81 (2014)	Senior Counsel since 2017, Of Counsel from 2007 to 2016, and Partner prior to then, of the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. He is a former member of the ABA Federal Regulation of Securities Committee Task Force	72	None

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NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR ELECTED**)	PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION	PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY DIRECTOR	OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY DIRECTOR
	to draft editions of the Fund Director's Guidebook. He also serves as a director or trustee of various non-profit organizations and has served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of a number of them. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2007 and served as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2007 until August 2014.
INTERESTED DIRECTOR
Onur Erzan,+ 45 (2021)	Senior Vice President of the Adviser++ and Head of Global Client Group of the Adviser since January 2021; Director and President of the AB Mutual Funds since April 2021. He is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Prior to joining the Adviser, he was a senior partner at McKinsey and co-leader of the firm's Wealth Management & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey's Banking and Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics and digital assets and capabilities) globally. He spent nearly two decades at McKinsey.	74	None

_________________________

* The address for each of the Fund's Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department – Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

** There is no stated term of office for the Fund's Directors.

# Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

+ Mr. Erzan is an "interested person", as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, of the Fund because of his affiliation with the Adviser.

++ The Adviser is an affiliate of the Fund.

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The business and affairs of the Fund are overseen by the Board. Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as "Independent Directors", and Directors who are "interested persons" of the Fund are referred to as "Interested Directors". Certain information concerning the Fund's governance structure and each Director is set forth below.

Experience, Skills, Attributes and Qualifications of the Fund's Directors. The Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board, which is composed of Independent Directors, reviews the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of potential candidates for nomination or election by the Board, and conducts a similar review in connection with the proposed nomination of current Directors for re-election by shareholders at any annual or special meeting of shareholders. In evaluating a candidate for nomination or election as a Director, the Governance and Nominating Committee considers the contribution that the candidate would be expected to make to the diverse mix of experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that the Board believes contributes to good governance for the Fund. In assessing diversity of experience, the Governance and Nominating Committee takes account of a candidate's educational and professional background, but also the diversity of experience a candidate derives from race, gender, ethnicity, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or cultural background. Additional information concerning the Governance and Nominating Committee's consideration of nominees appears in the description of the Committee below.

The Board believes that, collectively, the Directors have balanced and diverse experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, which allow the Board to operate effectively in governing the Fund and protecting the interests of shareholders. The Board has concluded that, based on each Director's experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Directors, each Director is qualified and should continue to serve as such.

In determining that a particular Director was and continues to be qualified to serve as a Director, the Board has considered a variety of criteria, none of which, in isolation, was controlling. In addition, the Board has taken into account the actual service and commitment of each Director during his or her tenure (including the Director's commitment and participation in Board and committee meetings, as well as his or her current and prior leadership of standing and ad hoc committees) in concluding that each should continue to serve. Additional information about the specific experience, skills, attributes and qualifications of each Director, which in each case led to the Board's conclusion that the Director should serve (or continue to serve) as director of the Fund, is provided in the table above and in the next paragraph.

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Among other attributes and qualifications common to all Directors are their ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them (including information requested by the Directors), to interact effectively with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties as Directors. In addition to his or her service as a Director of the Fund and other AB Funds as noted in the table above: Mr. Bermudez has extensive experience in the financial services industry, including risk management, from his service in various senior executive positions, including as Chief Risk Officer, of a large global financial services company, as a director and Audit Chair of a Federal Reserve Bank and a director of a large public company, and as Chairman or director or trustee of numerous non-profit organizations; Mr. Downey has experience in the investment advisory business including as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a large fund complex and as director of a number of non-AB funds and as Chairman of a non-AB closed-end fund; Mr. Erzan has experience as an executive of the Adviser with responsibility for, among other things, the AB Funds; Ms. Jacklin has experience as a financial services regulator, as U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), as a financial services lawyer in private practice, and has served as Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014; Ms. Loeb has extensive experience in the financial services industry and in business more generally, including as a former executive and partner of a large global financial services company and as chief executive officer of a private e-commerce company, a director and audit committee member of a large publicly traded business development company and former director of a fund of hedge funds, and a director or trustee of numerous non-profit organizations including the United Nations Development Corporation and New York City Center; Ms. McMullen has experience in talent management for a global technology consulting firm, serves on the advisory board of a privately held e-commerce company, has served as director of a variety of privately held firms and non-profit boards (including as director of one of the 10 largest healthcare systems in the US and Chair of a top US community hospital), and has extensive asset management industry experience including as Director of Global Investment Research for a major fund company and President of Wealth Management for a regional bank; Mr. Moody, a certified public accountant, has extensive experience in the asset management industry as a senior executive of a large fund complex and as Vice Chairman and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner for a major accounting firm, and is a member of the Trustee Advisory Board of BoardIQ, a biweekly publication focused on issues and news affecting directors of mutual funds, is a governor on the Board of the Investment Company Institute, the leading association representing regulated funds, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds, is a member of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council, a group created by the Investment Company Institute that aims to advance the education, communication and policy positions of investment company independent directors, and has served as a director or trustee and Chairman of the Audit Committees of the AB Funds since 2008; Mr. Turner has experience as a director (including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a number of companies) and as a venture capital investor including prior service as general partner of three institutional venture capital partnerships, and has served as Chairman of the AB Funds since January 2014 and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees of the AB Funds since February 2014; and Mr. Weiner has experience as a securities

63 

lawyer whose practice included registered investment companies and as a director or trustee of various non-profit organizations and as Chairman or Vice Chairman of a number of them, and served as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2007 until August 2014. The disclosure herein of a director's experience, qualifications, attributes and skills does not impose on such director any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations and liability imposed on such director as a member of the Board and any committee thereof in the absence of such experience, qualifications, attributes and skills.

Board Structure and Oversight Function. The Board is responsible for oversight of the Fund. The Company has engaged the Adviser to manage the Fund on a day-to-day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Adviser and the Fund's other service providers in the operations of the Fund in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies and otherwise in accordance with its prospectus, the requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable Federal, state and other securities and other laws, and the Fund's charter and bylaws. The Board typically meets in-person at regularly scheduled meetings four times throughout the year. In addition, the Directors may meet in-person or by telephone at special meetings or on an informal basis at other times. The Independent Directors also regularly meet without the presence of any representatives of management. As described below, the Board has established three standing committees – the Audit, Governance and Nominating and Independent Directors Committees – and may establish ad hoc committees or working groups from time to time, to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. Each committee is composed exclusively of Independent Directors. The responsibilities of each committee, including its oversight responsibilities, are described further below. The Independent Directors have also engaged independent legal counsel, and may from time to time engage consultants and other advisors, to assist them in performing their oversight responsibilities.

An Independent Director serves as Chairman of the Board. The Chairman's duties include setting the agenda for each Board meeting in consultation with management, presiding at each Board meeting, meeting with management between Board meetings, and facilitating communication and coordination between the Independent Directors and management. The Directors have determined that the Board's leadership by an Independent Director and its committees composed exclusively of Independent Directors is appropriate because they believe it sets the proper tone to the relationships between the Fund, on the one hand, and the Adviser and other service providers, on the other, and facilitates the exercise of the Board's independent judgment in evaluating and managing the relationships. In addition, the Fund is required to have an Independent Director as Chairman pursuant to certain 2003 regulatory settlements involving the Adviser.

Risk Oversight. The Fund is subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance and operational risks, including cyber risks. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Fund resides with the Adviser or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk), subject to supervision by the Adviser. The Board has charged the Adviser and its affiliates with (i) identifying events or circumstances, the occurrence of which could have demonstrable and material adverse effects on the Fund; (ii) to the extent appropriate, reasonable or practicable, implementing processes and controls reasonably designed to lessen the possibility that such events or circumstances occur or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances

64 

if they do occur; and (iii) creating and maintaining a system designed to evaluate continuously, and to revise as appropriate, the processes and controls described in (i) and (ii) above.

Risk oversight forms part of the Board's general oversight of the Fund's investment program and operations and is addressed as part of various regular Board and committee activities. The Fund's investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through the Adviser and other service providers. Each of these persons has an independent interest in risk management but the policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the Fund's and each other's in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. Oversight of risk management is provided by the Board and the Audit Committee. The Directors regularly receive reports from, among others, management (including the Chief Risk Officer of the Adviser), the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, its independent registered public accounting firm, the Adviser's internal legal counsel, the Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer and internal auditors for the Adviser, as appropriate, regarding risks faced by the Fund and the Adviser's risk management programs. In addition, the Directors receive regular updates on cyber security matters from the Adviser.

Not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified, nor can controls be developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. It may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, the processes and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness, and some risks are simply beyond the reasonable control of the Fund or the Adviser, its affiliates or other service providers. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund's goals. As a result of the foregoing and other factors the Fund's ability to manage risk is subject to substantial limitations.

Board Committees. The Board has three standing committees -- an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee and an Independent Directors Committee. The members of the Audit, Governance and Nominating and Independent Directors Committees are identified above.

The function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in its oversight of the Fund's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices. The Audit Committee of the Board met three times during the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year.

The function of the Governance and Nominating Committee includes the nomination of persons to fill any vacancies or newly created positions on the Board. The Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board met three times during the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year.

The Board has adopted a charter for its Governance and Nominating Committee. Pursuant to the charter, the Committee assists the Board in carrying out its responsibilities with respect to governance of the Fund and identifies, evaluates, selects and nominates candidates for the Board. The Committee may also set standards or qualifications for Directors and reviews at least annually the performance of each Director, taking into account factors such as attendance at meetings, adherence to Board policies, preparation for and participation at meetings,

65 

commitment and contribution to the overall work of the Board and its committees, and whether there are health or other reasons that might affect the Director's ability to perform his or her duties. The Committee may consider candidates for nomination as Directors submitted by the Fund's current Board members, officers, the Adviser, shareholders and other appropriate sources.

Pursuant to the charter, the Governance and Nominating Committee will consider candidates for nomination as a Director submitted by a shareholder or group of shareholders who have beneficially owned at least 5% of the Fund's common stock or shares of beneficial interest for at least two years prior to the time of submission and who timely provide specified information about the candidates and the nominating shareholder or group. To be timely for consideration by the Governance and Nominating Committee, the submission, including all required information, must be submitted in writing to the attention of the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Fund not less than 120 days before the date of the proxy statement for the previous year's annual meeting of shareholders. If the Fund did not hold an annual meeting of shareholders in the previous year, the submission must be delivered or mailed and received within a reasonable amount of time before the Fund begins to print and mail its proxy materials. Public notice of such upcoming annual meeting of shareholders may be given in a shareholder report or other mailing to shareholders or by other means deemed by the Governance and Nominating Committee or the Board to be reasonably calculated to inform shareholders.

Shareholders submitting a candidate for consideration by the Governance and Nominating Committee must provide the following information to the Governance and Nominating Committee: (i) a statement in writing setting forth (A) the name, date of birth, business address and residence address of the candidate; (B) any position or business relationship of the candidate, currently or within the preceding five years, with the shareholder or an associated person of the shareholder as defined below; (C) the class or series and number of all shares of the Fund owned of record or beneficially by the candidate; (D) any other information regarding the candidate that is required to be disclosed about a nominee in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies for election of Directors pursuant to Section 20 of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (E) whether the shareholder believes that the candidate is or will be an "interested person" of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) and, if believed not to be an "interested person", information regarding the candidate that will be sufficient for the Fund to make such determination; and (F) information as to the candidate's knowledge of the investment company industry, experience as a director or senior officer of public companies, directorships on the boards of other registered investment companies and educational background; (ii) the written and signed consent of the candidate to be named as a nominee and to serve as a Director if elected; (iii) the written and signed agreement of the candidate to complete a directors' and officers' questionnaire if elected; (iv) the shareholder's consent to be named as such by the Fund; (v) the class or series and number of all shares of the Fund owned beneficially and of record by the shareholder and any associated person of the shareholder and the dates on which such shares were acquired, specifying the number of shares owned beneficially but not of record by each, and stating the names of each as they appear on the Fund's record books and the names of any nominee holders for each; and (vi) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the shareholder, the candidate and/or any other person or persons (including their names)

66 

pursuant to which the recommendation is being made by the shareholder. "Associated person of the shareholder" means any person who is required to be identified under clause (vi) of this paragraph and any other person controlling, controlled by or under common control with, directly or indirectly, (a) the shareholder or (b) the associated person of the shareholder.

The Governance and Nominating Committee may require the shareholder to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require or deem necessary to verify any information furnished pursuant to the nominating procedures described above or to determine the qualifications and eligibility of the candidate proposed by the shareholder to serve on the Board. If the shareholder fails to provide such other information in writing within seven days of receipt of written request from the Governance and Nominating Committee, the recommendation of such candidate as a nominee will be deemed not properly submitted for consideration, and will not be considered, by the Committee.

The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider only one candidate submitted by such a shareholder or group for nomination for election at an annual meeting of shareholders. The Governance and Nominating Committee will not consider self-nominated candidates. The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider and evaluate candidates submitted by shareholders on the basis of the same criteria as those used to consider and evaluate candidates submitted from other sources. These criteria include the candidate's relevant knowledge, experience, and expertise, the candidate's ability to carry out his or her duties in the best interests of the Fund, and the candidate's ability to qualify as an Independent Director. When assessing a candidate for nomination, the Committee considers whether the individual's background, skills, and experience will complement the background, skills, and experience of other nominees and will contribute to the diversity of the Board.

The function of the Independent Directors Committee is to consider and take action on matters that the Board or Committee believes should be addressed in executive session of the Independent Directors, such as review and approval of the Advisory and Distribution Services Agreements. The Independent Directors Committee of the Board met seven times during the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year.

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The dollar range of the Fund's securities owned by each Director and the aggregate dollar range of securities of funds in the AB Fund Complex owned by each Director are set forth below.

Name of Director	Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund as of December 31, 2020	Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the AB Fund Complex as of December 31, 2020
Jorge A. Bermudez	None	None
Michael J. Downey	None	Over $100,000
Onur Erzan*	None	None
Nancy P. Jacklin	None	Over $100,000
Jeanette W. Loeb	None	None
Carol C. McMullen	None	Over $100,000
Garry L. Moody	None	Over $100,000
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.	None	Over $100,000
Earl D. Weiner	None	Over $100,000

___________________

* Mr. Erzan was elected as a Director effective April 1, 2021.

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Fund's officers is set forth below.

NAME, ADDRESS,* AND AGE	POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND	PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS
Onur Erzan, 45	President and Chief Executive Officer	See biography above.
Emilie D. Wrapp, 65	Secretary	Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of ABI**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2016.
Michael B. Reyes, 44	Senior Analyst	Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2016.
Joseph J. Mantineo, 62	Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer	Senior Vice President of ABIS**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2016.
Steven M. Woetzel, 49	Controller	Vice President of ABIS**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2016.
Vincent S. Noto, 56	Chief Compliance Officer	Senior Vice President since 2015 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser** since prior to 2016.

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NAME, ADDRESS,* AND AGE	POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND	PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS
Gershon M. Distenfeld, 45	Vice President	Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2016. He is also Co-Head of Fixed-Income.
Jacqueline Pincus, 35	Vice President	Vice President of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2016.
William Smith, 34	Vice President	Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2016. He is a Director of US High Yield Credit.

___________________

* The address for each of the Fund's Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

** The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

The Fund does not pay any fees to, or reimburse expenses of, its Directors who are considered "interested persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund. The aggregate compensation paid by the Fund to each of the Directors during its most recent fiscal year, the aggregate compensation paid to each of the Directors during calendar year 2020 by the AB Fund Complex, and the total number of registered investment companies (and separate investment portfolios within the companies) in the AB Fund Complex with respect to which each of the Directors serves as a director or trustee are set forth below. Neither the Fund nor any other fund in the AB Fund Complex provide compensation in the form of pension or retirement benefits to any of its directors or trustees. Each of the Directors is a director or trustee of one or more other registered investment companies in the AB Fund Complex.

Name of Director	Aggregate Compensation from the Fund		Total Compensation from the AB Fund Complex, including the Fund		Total Number of Registered Investment Companies in the AB Fund Complex, including the Fund, as to which the Director is a Director or Trustee		Total Number of Investment Portfolios within the AB Fund Complex, including the Fund, as to which the Director is a Director or Trustee
Jorge A. Bermudez	$	1,932	$	311,220		27		74
Michael J. Downey	$	1,932	$	311,220		27		74
Onur Erzan*	$	0	$	0		27		74
Nancy P. Jacklin	$	2,068	$	333,220		27		74
Robert M. Keith**	$	0	$	0		0		0
Jeanette W. Loeb***	$	1,486	$	233,415		27		74
Carol C. McMullen	$	1,932	$	311,220		27		74
Garry L. Moody	$	2,205	$	355,220		27		74
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.	$	3,054	$	491,970		27		74
Earl D. Weiner	$	1,932	$	311,220		25		72

___________________

* Mr. Erzan was elected President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Fund effective April 1, 2021.

** Mr. Keith retired as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Fund as of March 31, 2021 and is expected to retire from the Adviser effective June 30, 2021.

*** Ms. Loeb was elected as a Director of the Fund effective April 1, 2020.

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As of February 1, 2021, the Directors and officers of the Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.

Additional Information About the Fund's Portfolio Managers

The management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund's portfolio are made by the Adviser's High Yield Investment Team. Gershon M. Distenfeld, Jacqueline Pincus and William Smith are the investment professionals¹ with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio. For additional information about the portfolio management of the Fund, see "Management of the Fund – Portfolio Managers" in the Fund's Prospectus.

As of December 31, 2020, the Fund's portfolio managers owned none of the Fund's equity securities directly or beneficially.

As of December 31, 2020, employees of the Adviser had approximately $44,872,952 invested in shares of all AB Mutual Funds (excluding AB Government Money Market Portfolio) through their interests in certain deferred compensation plans, including the Partners Compensation Plan, including both vested and unvested amounts.

The following tables provide information regarding registered investment companies other than the Fund, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts over which the Fund's portfolio managers also have day-to-day management responsibilities. The tables provide the numbers of such accounts, the total assets in such accounts and the number of accounts and total assets whose fees are based on performance. The information is provided as of December 31, 2020.

REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES (excluding the Fund)
Portfolio Manager	Total Number of Registered Investment Companies Managed	Total Assets of Registered Investment Companies Managed	Number of Registered Investment Companies Managed with Performance-based Fees	Total Assets of Registered Investment Companies Managed with Performance-based Fees
Gershon M. Distenfeld	7	$11,606,000,000	None	None
Jacqueline Pincus	1	$308,000,000	None	None
William Smith	1	$308,000,000	None	None

________________

¹ Investment professionals at the Adviser include portfolio managers and research analysts. Investment professionals are part of investment groups (or teams) that service individual fund portfolios. The number of investment professionals assigned to a particular fund will vary from fund to fund.

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OTHER POOLED INVESTMENT VEHICLES
Portfolio Manager	Total Number of Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Managed	Total Assets of Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Managed	Number of Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Managed with Performance- based Fees	Total Assets of Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Managed with Performance-based Fees
Gershon M. Distenfeld	64	$54,891,000,000	None	None
Jacqueline Pincus	35	$3,158,000,000	None	None
William Smith	35	$3,158,000,000	None	None

OTHER ACCOUNTS
Portfolio Manager	Total Number of Other Accounts Managed	Total Assets of Other Accounts Managed	Number of Other Accounts Managed with Performance-based Fees	Total Assets of Other Accounts Managed with Performance-based Fees
Gershon M. Distenfeld	14	$4,541,000,000	None	None
Jacqueline Pincus	11	$3,737,000,000	None	None
William Smith	11	$3,737,000,000	None	None

Investment Professional Conflict of Interest Disclosure

As an investment adviser and fiduciary, the Adviser owes its clients and shareholders an undivided duty of loyalty. The Adviser recognizes that conflicts of interest are inherent in its business and accordingly has developed policies and procedures (including oversight monitoring) reasonably designed to detect, manage and mitigate the effects of actual or potential conflicts of interest in the area of employee personal trading, managing multiple accounts for multiple clients, including AB Mutual Funds, and allocating investment opportunities. Investment professionals, including portfolio managers and research analysts, are subject to the above-mentioned policies and oversight monitoring to ensure that all clients are treated equitably. The Adviser places the interests of its clients first and expects all of its employees to meet their fiduciary duties.

Employee Personal Trading. The Adviser has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is designed to detect and prevent conflicts of interest when investment professionals and other personnel of the Adviser own, buy or sell securities which may be owned by, or bought or sold for, clients. Personal securities transactions by an employee may raise a potential conflict of interest when an employee owns or trades in a security that is owned or considered for purchase or sale by a client, or recommended for purchase or sale by an employee

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to a client. Subject to the reporting requirements and other limitations of its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the Adviser permits its employees to engage in personal securities transactions, and also allows them to acquire investments in certain funds managed by the Adviser. The Adviser's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires disclosure of all personal accounts and maintenance of brokerage accounts with designated broker-dealers approved by the Adviser. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics also requires preclearance of all securities transactions (except transactions in U.S. Treasuries and open-end mutual funds other than funds advised by the Adviser) and imposes a 60-day holding period for securities purchased by employees to discourage short-term trading.

Managing Multiple Accounts for Multiple Clients. The Adviser has compliance policies and oversight monitoring in place to address conflicts of interest relating to the management of multiple accounts for multiple clients. Conflicts of interest may arise when an investment professional has responsibilities for the investments of more than one account because the investment professional may be unable to devote equal time and attention to each account. The investment professional or investment professional teams for each client may have responsibilities for managing all or a portion of the investments of multiple accounts with a common investment strategy, including other registered investment companies, unregistered investment vehicles, such as hedge funds, pension plans, separate accounts, collective trusts and charitable foundations. Among other things, the Adviser's policies and procedures provide for the prompt dissemination to investment professionals of initial or changed investment recommendations by analysts so that investment professionals are better able to develop investment strategies for all accounts they manage. In addition, investment decisions by investment professionals are reviewed for the purpose of maintaining uniformity among similar accounts and ensuring that accounts are treated equitably. Investment professional compensation reflects a broad contribution in multiple dimensions to long-term investment success for clients of the Adviser and is generally not tied specifically to the performance of any particular client's account, nor is it generally tied directly to the level or change in level of assets under management.

Allocating Investment Opportunities and Order Aggregation. The investment professionals at the Adviser routinely are required to select and allocate investment opportunities among accounts. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures intended to address conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that information relevant to investment decisions is disseminated promptly within its portfolio management teams and investment opportunities are allocated equitably among different clients. The policies and procedures require, among other things, objective allocation for limited investment opportunities (e.g., on a rotational basis), and documentation and review of justifications for any decisions to make investments only for select accounts or in a manner disproportionate to the size of the account. Portfolio holdings, position sizes, and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar accounts, which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities. Nevertheless, access to portfolio funds or other investment opportunities may be allocated differently among accounts due to the particular characteristics of an account, such as size of the account, cash position, tax status, risk tolerance and investment restrictions or for other reasons.

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Generally, all orders in the same security are aggregated in each trading system by the Adviser to facilitate best execution and to reduce overall trading costs. Executions for aggregated orders with the same executing broker are combined to determine one average price. The securities are then allocated to participating accounts using automated algorithms designed to achieve a fair, equitable and objective distribution of the securities over time. When the liquidity in a market is not sufficient to fill all client orders, the Adviser may give priority to certain orders over others. This prioritization is based on objective factors driving the order. Under such circumstances, the Adviser aggregates orders by these factors and subjects each aggregated order to the trade allocation algorithms discussed above. The factors used, in order of priority, are (1) correction of guideline breaches; (2) avoidance of guideline breaches; (3) investing significant new funding and completing tax strategy implementations; (4) investing in services that focus on specific financial instruments or market sectors; (5) avoidance of tracking error on the service/product level; and (6) portfolio rebalancing and optimization. Separate orders with the same priority may be traded using a rotational process that is fair and objective.

The Adviser may not require orders in the same security from different managers to be aggregated where one manager's investment strategy requires rapid trade execution, provided the Adviser believes that disaggregation will not materially impact other client orders. Certain other clients of the Adviser have investment objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund. The Adviser may, from time to time, make recommendations that result in the purchase or sale of a particular security by its other clients simultaneously with a purchase or sale thereof by the Fund. If transactions on behalf of more than one client during the same period increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price or the quantity of securities available at a particular price. It is the policy of the Adviser to allocate advisory recommendations and the placing of orders in a manner that is deemed equitable by the Adviser to the accounts involved, including the Fund. When two or more clients of the Adviser (including the Fund) are purchasing or selling the same security on a given day through the same broker or dealer, such transactions may be averaged as to price.

The Adviser's procedures are also designed to address potential conflicts of interest that may arise when the Adviser has a particular financial incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, relating to an account. The Adviser is conscious of these potential conflicts. When the Adviser is providing fiduciary services, the goal of the Adviser's policies and procedures is to act in good faith and to treat all client accounts in a fair and equitable manner over time, regardless of their strategy, fee arrangements or the influence of their owners or beneficiaries.

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Portfolio Manager Compensation

The Adviser's compensation program for portfolio managers is designed to align with clients' interests, emphasizing each portfolio manager's ability to generate long-term investment success for the Adviser's clients, including the Fund. The Adviser also strives to ensure that compensation is competitive and effective in attracting and retaining the highest caliber employees.

Portfolio managers receive a base salary, incentive compensation and contributions to AllianceBernstein's 401(k) plan. Part of the annual incentive compensation is generally paid in the form of a cash bonus, and part through an award under the firm's Incentive Compensation Award Plan (ICAP). The ICAP awards vest over a four-year period. Deferred awards are paid in the form of restricted grants of the firm's Master Limited Partnership Units, and award recipients have the ability to receive a portion of their awards in deferred cash. The amount of contributions to the 401(k) plan is determined at the sole discretion of the Adviser. On an annual basis, the Adviser endeavors to combine all of the foregoing elements into a total compensation package that considers industry compensation trends and is designed to retain its best talent.

The incentive portion of total compensation is determined by quantitative and qualitative factors. Quantitative factors, which are weighted more heavily, are driven by investment performance. Qualitative factors are driven by contributions to the investment process and client success.

The quantitative component includes measures of absolute, relative and risk-adjusted investment performance. Relative and risk-adjusted returns are determined based on the benchmark in the Fund's prospectus and versus peers over one-, three- and five-year calendar periods, with more weight given to longer-time periods. Peer groups are chosen by Chief Investment Officers, who consult with the product management team to identify products most similar to our investment style and most relevant within the asset class. Portfolio managers of the Fund do not receive any direct compensation based upon the investment returns of any individual client account, and compensation is not tied directly to the level or change in level of assets under management.

Among the qualitative components considered, the most important include thought leadership, collaboration with other investment colleagues, contributions to risk-adjusted returns of other portfolios in the firm, efforts in mentoring and building a strong talent pool and being a good corporate citizen. Other factors can play a role in determining portfolio managers' compensation, such as the complexity of investment strategies managed, volume of assets managed and experience.

The Adviser emphasizes four behavioral competencies—relentlessness, ingenuity, team orientation and accountability—that support its mission to be the most trusted advisor to its clients. Assessments of investment professionals are formalized in a year-end review process that includes 360-degree feedback from other professionals from across the investment teams and the Adviser.

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EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Distribution Services Agreement

The Fund has entered into a Distribution Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with ABI, the Fund's principal underwriter, to permit ABI to distribute the Fund's shares and to permit the Fund to pay distribution services fees to defray expenses associated with distribution of its Class A shares in accordance with a plan of distribution that is included in the Agreement and that has been duly adopted and approved in accordance with Rule 12b-1 adopted by the SEC under the 1940 Act (the "Plan"). In approving the Plan, the Directors determined that there was a reasonable likelihood that the Plan would benefit the Fund and its shareholders.

The Adviser may, from time to time, and from its own funds or such other resources as may be permitted by rules of the SEC, make payments for distribution services to ABI; the latter may in turn pay part or all of such compensation to brokers or other persons for their distribution assistance. The Plan will continue in effect with respect to the Fund and the class of shares thereof for successive one-year periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Independent Directors who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreement related thereto (the "Qualified Directors") and by a vote of a majority of the entire Board at a meeting called for that purpose. Most recently, the Directors approved the continuance of the Plan for an additional annual term at their meetings held on November 3-5, 2020.

All material amendments to the Agreement will become effective only upon approval as provided in the preceding paragraph, and the Plan may not be amended in order to increase materially the costs that the Fund may bear pursuant to the Agreement without the approval of a majority of the holders of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund or the class or classes of the Fund affected. The Agreement may be terminated (a) by the Fund without penalty at any time by a majority vote of the holders of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, voting separately by class, or by a majority vote of the Qualified Directors or (b) by ABI. To terminate the Agreement, any party must give the other parties 60 days' written notice; to terminate the Plan only, the Fund is not required to give prior notice to ABI. The Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The Plan is of a type known as a "reimbursement plan", which means that it reimburses the distributor for the actual costs of services rendered.

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In the event that the Plan is terminated by either party or not continued with respect to the Class A shares, (i) no distribution services fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Fund to ABI with respect to that class and (ii) the Fund would not be obligated to pay ABI for any amounts expended under the Agreement not previously recovered by ABI from distribution services fees in respect of shares of such class or through deferred sales charges.

Distribution services fees are accrued daily and paid monthly and are charged as expenses of the Fund as accrued. With respect to Class A shares of the Fund, distribution expenses accrued by ABI in one fiscal year may not be paid from distribution services fees received from the Fund in subsequent fiscal years.

Transfer Agency Agreement

ABIS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, located principally at 8000 IH 10 W, 13^th Floor, San Antonio, Texas 78230, acts as the transfer agent for the Fund.

ABIS registers the transfer, issuance and redemption of Fund shares and disburses dividends and other distributions to Fund shareholders.

ABIS receives a transfer agency fee per account holder of each of the Class A, Advisor Class and Class Z shares of the Fund, plus reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the Fund paid ABIS $18,166 for transfer agency services.

Many Fund shares are owned by selected dealers or selected agents (as defined below), financial intermediaries or other financial representatives ("financial intermediaries") for the benefit of their customers. In those cases, the Fund often does not maintain an account for you. Thus, some or all of the transfer agency functions for these accounts are performed by the financial intermediaries. Retirement plans may also hold Fund shares in the name of the plan, rather than the participant. Financial intermediaries and recordkeepers, which may have affiliated financial intermediaries that sell shares of the AB Mutual Funds, may be paid by the Fund, the Adviser, ABI and ABIS (i) account fees in amounts up to $19 per account per annum, (ii) asset-based fees of up to 0.25% (except in respect of a limited number of intermediaries) per annum of the average daily assets held through the intermediary, or (iii) a combination of both. These amounts include fees for shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, sub-accounting and recordkeeping services. These amounts do not include fees for shareholder servicing that may be paid separately by the Fund pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan (the Fund does not currently have such a plan). Amounts paid by the Fund for these services are included in "Other Expenses" under "Fees and Expenses of the Fund" in the Summary Information section of the Prospectus. In addition, financial intermediaries may be affiliates of entities that receive compensation from the Adviser or ABI for maintaining retirement plan "platforms" that facilitate trading by affiliated and non-affiliated financial intermediaries and recordkeeping for retirement plans.

Because financial intermediaries and plan recordkeepers may be paid varying amounts per class for sub-transfer agency and related recordkeeping services, the service

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requirements of which may also vary by class, this may create an additional incentive for financial intermediaries and their financial advisors to favor one fund complex over another or one class of shares over another.

Securities Lending Agreement

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. ("Brown Brothers") serves as the securities lending agent to the Fund and is responsible for the implementation and administration of a securities lending program pursuant to a Securities Lending Agency Agreement ("Securities Lending Agreement"). Pursuant to the Securities Lending Agreement, Brown Brothers provides the following services: effecting loans of Fund securities to any person on a list of approved borrowers; determining whether a loan shall be made and negotiating and establishing the terms and conditions of the loan with the borrower; ensuring that payments relating to distributions on loaned securities are timely and properly credited to the Fund's account; collateral management (including valuation and daily mark-to-market obligations); cash collateral reinvestment in accordance with the Securities Lending Agreement; and maintaining records and preparing reports regarding loans that are made and the income derived therefrom.

The Fund did not engage in any securities lending activities during the most recent fiscal year.

PURCHASE OF SHARES

The following information supplements that set forth in your Prospectus under the heading "Investing in the Fund".

General

Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis at a price equal to their NAV plus an initial sales charge at the time of purchase (the "Class A shares"), to investors eligible to purchase Class Z shares, without any initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") ("Class Z shares"), or to investors eligible to purchase Advisor Class shares, without any initial sales charge or CDSC (the "Advisor Class shares"), and to Group Retirement Plans, as defined below. Class A shares of the Fund are subject to Rule 12b-1 asset-based sales charges. Shares of the Fund that are offered subject to a sales charge are offered through (i) investment dealers that are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") and have entered into selected dealer agreements with ABI ("selected dealers"), (ii) depository institutions and other financial intermediaries or their affiliates, that have entered into selected agent agreements with ABI ("selected agents") and (iii) ABI..

Investors may purchase shares of the Fund either through financial intermediaries or directly through ABI. A transaction, service, administrative or other similar fee may be charged by your financial intermediary with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of shares

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made through the financial intermediary. Such financial intermediary may also impose requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of shares that are different from, or in addition to, those imposed by the Fund, including requirements as to the classes of shares available through that financial intermediary and the minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts. The Fund is not responsible for, and has no control over, the decision of any financial intermediary to impose such differing requirements. Sales personnel of financial intermediaries distributing the Fund's shares may receive differing compensation for selling different classes of shares.

In order to open your account, the Fund or your financial intermediary is required to obtain certain information from you for identification purposes. This information may include name, date of birth, physical address, social security/taxpayer identification number, and ownership/control information (for certain legal entities). Ownership/control information for legal entities may include the name, date of birth, physical address, and identification number (generally a social security or taxpayer identification number) of owners/controlling persons. It will not be possible to establish your account without this information. If the Fund or your financial intermediary is unable to verify the information provided, your account may be closed and other appropriate action may be taken as permitted by law.

Frequent Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares

The Board has adopted policies and procedures designed to detect and deter frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares or excessive or short-term trading that may disadvantage long-term Fund shareholders. These policies are described below. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be able to detect excessive or short-term trading or to identify shareholders engaged in such practices, particularly with respect to transactions in omnibus accounts. Shareholders should be aware that application of these policies may have adverse consequences, as described below, and should avoid frequent trading in Fund shares through purchases, sales and exchanges of shares. The Fund reserves the right to restrict, reject or cancel, without any prior notice, any purchase or exchange order for any reason, including any purchase or exchange order accepted by any shareholder's financial intermediary.

Risks Associated With Excessive or Short-Term Trading Generally. While the Fund will try to prevent market timing by utilizing the procedures described below, these procedures may not be successful in identifying or stopping excessive or short-term trading in all circumstances. By realizing profits through short-term trading, shareholders that engage in rapid purchases and sales or exchanges of the Fund's shares dilute the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. Volatility resulting from excessive purchases and sales or exchanges of Fund shares, especially involving large dollar amounts, may disrupt efficient portfolio management and cause the Fund to sell shares at inopportune times to raise cash to accommodate redemptions relating to short-term trading. In particular, the Fund may have difficulty implementing its long-term investment strategies if it is forced to maintain a higher level of its assets in cash to accommodate significant short-term trading activity. In addition, the Fund may incur increased administrative and other expenses due to excessive or short-term trading, including increased brokerage costs and realization of taxable capital gains.

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Funds that may invest significantly in securities of foreign issuers may be particularly susceptible to short-term trading strategies. This is because securities of foreign issuers are typically traded on markets that close well before the time the Fund ordinarily calculates its NAV at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, which gives rise to the possibility that developments may have occurred in the interim that would affect the value of these securities. The time zone differences among international stock markets can allow a shareholder engaging in a short-term trading strategy to exploit differences in Fund share prices that are based on closing prices of securities of foreign issuers established some time before the Fund calculates its own share price (referred to as "time zone arbitrage"). The Fund has procedures, referred to as fair value pricing, designed to adjust closing market prices of securities of foreign issuers to reflect what is believed to be the fair value of those securities at the time the Fund calculates its NAV. While there is no assurance, the Fund expects that the use of fair value pricing, in addition to the short-term trading policies discussed below, will significantly reduce a shareholder's ability to engage in time zone arbitrage to the detriment of other Fund shareholders.

A shareholder engaging in a short-term trading strategy may also target the Fund that does not invest primarily in securities of foreign issuers. Any Fund that invests in securities that are, among other things, thinly traded or traded infrequently or that have a limited public float has the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A shareholder may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price arbitrage"). The Fund may be adversely affected by price arbitrage.

Policy Regarding Short-Term Trading. Purchases and exchanges of shares of the Fund should be made for investment purposes only. The Fund seeks to prevent patterns of excessive purchases and sales or exchanges of Fund shares to the extent they are detected by the procedures described below, subject to the Fund's ability to monitor purchase, sale and exchange activity. The Fund reserves the right to modify this policy, including any surveillance or account blocking procedures established from time to time to effectuate this policy, at any time without notice.

· Transaction Surveillance Procedures. The Fund, through its agents, ABI and ABIS, maintain surveillance procedures to detect excessive or short-term trading in Fund shares. This surveillance process involves several factors, which include scrutinizing transactions in Fund shares that exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a specified period of time. Generally, more than two exchanges of Fund shares during any 60-day period or purchases of shares followed by a sale within 60 days will be identified by these surveillance procedures. For purposes of these transaction surveillance procedures, the Fund may consider trading activity in multiple accounts under common ownership, control or influence. Trading activity identified by either, or a combination, of these factors, or as a result of any other information available at the time, will be evaluated to determine whether such activity might constitute excessive or short-term trading. With respect to managed or discretionary accounts for which the account owner gives his/her broker,

79 

investment adviser or other third-party authority to buy and sell Fund shares, the Fund may consider trades initiated by the account owner, such as trades initiated in connection with bona fide cash management purposes, separately in their analysis. These surveillance procedures may be modified from time to time, as necessary or appropriate to improve the detection of excessive or short-term trading or to address specific circumstances.

· Account Blocking Procedures. If the Fund determines, in its sole discretion, that a particular transaction or pattern of transactions identified by the transaction surveillance procedures described above is excessive or short-term trading in nature, the Fund will take remedial action that may include issuing a warning, revoking certain account-related privileges (such as the ability to place purchase, sale and exchange orders over the internet or by phone) or prohibiting or "blocking" future purchase or exchange activity. However, sales of Fund shares back to the Fund or redemptions will continue to be permitted in accordance with the terms of the Fund's current Prospectus. As a result, unless the shareholder redeems his or her shares, which may have consequences if the shares have declined in value, a CDSC is applicable or adverse tax consequences may result, the shareholder may be "locked" into an unsuitable investment. A blocked account will generally remain blocked for 90 days. Subsequent detections of excessive or short-term trading may result in an indefinite account block or an account block until the account holder or the associated broker, dealer or other financial intermediary provides evidence or assurance acceptable to the Fund that the account holder did not or will not in the future engage in excessive or short-term trading.

· Applications of Surveillance Procedures and Restrictions to Omnibus Accounts. Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of the Fund, particularly among certain brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries, including sponsors of retirement plans and variable insurance products. The Fund applies its surveillance procedures to the omnibus account arrangements. As required by SEC rules, the Fund has entered into agreements with its financial intermediaries that require the financial intermediaries to provide the Fund, upon the request of the Fund or its agent, with individual account level information about its transactions. If the Fund detect excessive trading through its monitoring of omnibus accounts, including trading at the individual account level, the financial intermediaries will also execute instructions from the Fund to take actions to curtail the activity, which may include applying blocks to accounts to prohibit future purchases and exchanges of Fund shares. For certain retirement plan accounts, the Fund may request that the retirement plan or other intermediary revoke the relevant participant's privilege to effect transactions in Fund shares via the internet or telephone, in which case the relevant participant must submit future transaction orders via the U.S. Postal Service (i.e., regular mail).

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Purchase of Shares

The Fund reserves the right to suspend the sale of its shares to the public in response to conditions in the securities markets or for other reasons. If the Fund suspends the sale of its shares, shareholders will not be able to acquire its shares, including through an exchange.

The public offering price of shares of the Fund is its NAV, plus, in the case of Class A shares, a sales charge. On a Fund business day on which a purchase or redemption order is received by the Fund and trading in the types of securities in which the Fund invests might materially affect the value of the Fund shares, the NAV per share is computed as of the close of regular trading on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, but sometimes earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or unscheduled suspensions of trading) by dividing the value of the total assets attributable to a class, less its liabilities, by the total number of its shares then outstanding. A Fund business day is any day on which the Exchange is open for trading.

The Fund will accept unconditional orders for its shares to be executed at the public offering price equal to its NAV next determined (plus applicable Class A sales charges), as described below. Orders received by ABIS prior to the Fund Closing Time, which is the close of regular trading on each day the Exchange is open (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, but sometimes earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or unscheduled suspensions of trading) are priced at the NAV next computed on that day (plus applicable Class A sales charges). In the case of orders for purchase of shares placed through financial intermediaries, the applicable public offering price will be the NAV as so determined, but only if the financial intermediary receives the order prior to the Fund Closing Time. The financial intermediary is responsible for transmitting such orders by a prescribed time to the Fund or its transfer agents. If the financial intermediary fails to do so, the investor will not receive that day's NAV. If the financial intermediary receives the order after the Fund Closing Time, the price received by the investor will be based on the NAV determined as of the Fund Closing Time on the next business day. The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase orders on the Fund's behalf. In such cases, orders will receive the NAV next computed after such order is properly received by the authorized broker or designee and accepted by the Fund.

The Fund may, at its sole option, accept securities as payment for shares of the Fund, including from certain affiliates of the Fund in accordance with the Fund's procedures, if the Adviser believes that the securities are appropriate investments for the Fund. The securities are valued by the method described under "Net Asset Value" below as of the date the Fund receives the securities and corresponding documentation necessary to transfer the securities to the Fund. This is a taxable transaction to the shareholder.

Following the initial purchase of the Fund's shares, a shareholder may place orders to purchase additional shares by telephone if the shareholder has completed the appropriate portion of the Mutual Fund Application or an "Autobuy" application, both of which may be obtained by calling the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the cover of this

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SAI. Except with respect to certain omnibus accounts, telephone purchase orders with payment by electronic funds transfer may not exceed $500,000. Payment for shares purchased by telephone can be made only by electronic funds transfer from a bank account maintained by the shareholder at a bank that is a member of the National Automated Clearing House Association ("NACHA"). Telephone purchase requests must be received before the Fund Closing Time on a Fund business day to receive that day's public offering price. Telephone purchase requests received after the Fund Closing Time, are automatically placed the following Fund business day, and the applicable public offering price will be the public offering price determined as of the Fund Closing Time on the following day.

Full and fractional shares are credited to a shareholder's account in the amount of his or her subscription. As a convenience, and to avoid unnecessary expense to the Fund, the Fund will not issue share certificates representing shares of the Fund. Ownership of the Fund's shares will be shown on the books of the Fund's transfer agent.

Each class of shares in the Fund represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund, has the same rights and is identical in all respects, except that (i) Class A shares bear the expense of the initial sales charge (or CDSC, when applicable) and (ii) Class A shares have exclusive voting rights with respect to provisions of the Plan pursuant to which its distribution services fee is paid and other matters for which separate class voting is appropriate under applicable law. Each class has different exchange privileges and certain different shareholder service options available.

The Directors have determined that currently no conflict of interest exists between or among the classes of shares of the Fund. On an ongoing basis, the Directors, pursuant to their fiduciary duties under the 1940 Act and state law, will seek to ensure that no such conflict arises.

Alternative Purchase Arrangements

Class A Shares. Class A shares have the following alternative purchase arrangements: Class A shares are generally offered with an initial sales charge. Special purchase arrangements are available for Group Retirement Plans. "Group Retirement Plans" are defined as 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. See "Alternative Purchase Arrangements – Group Retirement Plans and Tax-Deferred Accounts" below. These alternative purchase arrangements permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares, and other circumstances.

Compensation Paid to Principal Underwriter

Class A Shares. The public offering price of Class A shares is the NAV per share plus a sales charge, as set forth below.

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Amount of Purchase	As % of Net Amount Invested			As % of the Public Offering Price			Discount or Commission to Dealers or Agents of up to % of Offering Price
Up to $100,000		4.44	%		4.25	%		4.00	%
$100,000 up to $250,000		3.36			3.25			3.00
$250,000 up to $500,000		2.30			2.25			2.00
$500,000 up to $1,000,000*		1.78			1.75			1.50

_________________

* There is no initial sales charge on transactions of $1,000,000 or more.

All or a portion of the initial sales charge may be paid to your financial representative. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more for the Fund, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a CDSC of up to 1%. The CDSC on Class A shares will be waived on certain redemptions, as described below under
"—Contingent Deferred Sales Charge". The Fund receives the entire NAV of their Class A shares sold to investors. ABI's commission is the sales charge shown in the Prospectus less any applicable discount or commission "re-allowed" to selected dealers and agents. ABI will re-allow discounts to selected dealers and agents in the amounts indicated in the table above. In this regard, ABI may elect to re-allow the entire sales charge to selected dealers and agents for all sales with respect to which orders are placed with ABI. A selected dealer who receives a re-allowance in excess of 90% of such a sales charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities Act.

No initial sales charge is imposed on Class A shares issued (i) pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of income dividends or capital gains distributions or (ii) in exchange for Class A shares of other "AB Mutual Funds" (as that term is defined under "Combined Purchase Privilege" below), except that an initial sales charge will be imposed on Class A shares issued in exchange for Class A shares of AB Government Money Market Portfolio that were purchased for cash without the payment of an initial sales charge and without being subject to a CDSC.

Commissions may be paid to selected dealers or agents who initiate or are responsible for Class A share purchases by a single shareholder of $1,000,000 or more that are not subject to an initial sales charge at up to the following rates: 1.00% on purchase amounts up to $3,000,000, plus 0.75% on purchase amounts over $3,000,000 up to $5,000,000; and 0.50% on purchase amounts over $5,000,000. Commissions are paid based on cumulative purchases by a shareholder over the life of an account with no adjustments for redemptions, transfers or market declines.

In addition to the circumstances described above, certain types of investors may be entitled to pay no initial sales charge in certain circumstances described below.

Class A Shares--Sales at NAV. The Fund may sell its Class A shares at NAV (i.e., without any initial sales charge) to certain categories of investors including:

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(i) investment management clients of the Adviser or its affiliates, including clients and prospective clients of the Adviser's Institutional Investment Management Division;

(ii) officers and present or former Directors of the Fund or other investment companies managed by the Adviser, officers, directors and present or retired full-time employees and former employees (for subsequent investment in accounts established during the course of their employment) of the Adviser, ABI, ABIS and their affiliates; officers, directors and present and full-time employees of selected dealers or agents; or the spouse or domestic partner, sibling, direct ancestor or direct descendant (collectively, "relatives") of any such person; or any trust, individual retirement account or retirement plan account for the benefit of any such person;

(iii) the Adviser, ABI, ABIS and their affiliates; certain employee benefit plans for employees of the Adviser, ABI, ABIS and their affiliates;

(iv) persons participating in a fee-based program, sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, under which persons pay an asset-based fee for services in the nature of investment advisory or administrative services; or clients of broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries who purchase Class A shares for their own accounts through self-directed and/or non-discretionary brokerage accounts with the broker-dealers or financial intermediaries that may or may not charge a transaction fee to its clients;

(v) plan participants who roll over amounts distributed from employer maintained retirement plans to AllianceBernstein-sponsored IRAs where the plan is a client of or serviced by the Adviser's Institutional Investment Management Division or Bernstein Global Wealth Management Division, including subsequent contributions to those IRAs;

(vi) persons participating in a "Mutual Fund Only" brokerage program, sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary;

(vii) certain retirement plan accounts as described under "Alternative Purchase Arrangements–Group Retirement Plans and Tax-Deferred Accounts";

(viii) current Class A shareholders of AB Mutual Funds and investors who receive a "Fair Funds Distribution" (a "Distribution") resulting from a Commission enforcement action against the Adviser and current Class A shareholders of AB Mutual Funds who receive a Distribution resulting from any Commission enforcement action related to trading in shares of AB Mutual Funds who, in each case, purchase shares of an AB Mutual Fund from ABI through deposit with ABI of the Distribution check; and

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(ix) certain firm-specific waivers as disclosed in Appendix C of the Prospectus.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Class A share purchases of $1,000,000 or more will be subject to a CDSC of 1%, as will Class A share purchases by certain Group Retirement Plans (see "Alternative Purchase Arrangements – Group Retirement Plans and Tax-Deferred Accounts" below). The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the cost of the shares being redeemed or their NAV at the time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be imposed on increases in NAV above the initial purchase price. In addition, no charge will be assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.

Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to ABI and are used by ABI to defray the expenses of ABI related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of Fund shares, such as the payment of compensation to selected dealers and agents for selling Fund shares. The combination of the CDSC and the distribution services fee enables the Fund to sell shares without a sales charge being deducted at the time of purchase.

The CDSC is waived on redemptions of shares (i) following the death or disability, as defined in the Code, of a shareholder, (ii) to the extent that the redemption represents a minimum required distribution from an individual retirement account or other retirement plan to a shareholder that has attained the age of 72, (iii) that had been purchased by present or former Directors, by the relative of any such person, by any trust, individual retirement account or retirement plan account for the benefit of any such person or relative or by the estate of any such person or relative, (iv) pursuant to, and in accordance with, a systematic withdrawal plan (see "Sales Charge Reduction Programs – Systematic Withdrawal Plan" below), (v) to the extent that the redemption is necessary to meet a plan participant's or beneficiary's request for a distribution or loan from a Group Retirement Plan or to accommodate a plan participant's or beneficiary's direction to reallocate his or her plan account among other investment alternatives available under a Group Retirement Plan, (vi) due to the complete termination of a trust upon the death of the trustor/grantor, beneficiary or trustee but only if the trust termination is specifically provided for in the trust document, or (vii) that had been purchased with proceeds from a Distribution resulting from any Commission enforcement action related to trading in shares of AB Mutual Funds through deposit with ABI of the Distribution check. The CDSC is also waived for (i) permitted exchanges of shares, or (ii) holders of Class A shares who purchased $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares where the participating broker or dealer involved in the sale of such shares waived the commission it would normally receive from ABI.

Class Z Shares. Class Z shares are available at NAV to certain Group Retirement Plans. Class Z shares generally are not available to traditional and Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, SAR-SEPs, SIMPLE IRAs and individual 403(b) plans. Class Z shares are not currently available to Group Retirement Plans in the AllianceBernstein-sponsored retirement programs known as the "Informed Choice" programs. Class Z shares are also available to certain institutional investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates who invest at least $2 million in the Fund. Class Z shares are also available to persons participating in certain fee-based programs sponsored and

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maintained by registered broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries with omnibus account arrangements with the Fund. Class Z shares are not subject to an initial sales charge, CDSC or distribution services fee.

Advisor Class Shares. Advisor Class shares may be purchased and held solely (i) through accounts established under fee-based programs, sponsored and maintained by registered broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries and approved by ABI, (ii) through self-directed defined contribution employee benefit plans (e.g., 401(k) plans) that purchase shares directly without the involvement of a financial intermediary, (iii) by officers and present or former Directors of the Fund or other investment companies managed by the Adviser, officers, directors and present or retired full-time employees and former employees (for subsequent investments in accounts established during the course of their employment) of the Adviser, ABI, ABIS and their affiliates, relatives of any such person, or any trust, individual retirement account or retirement plan for the benefit of any such person, (iv) by the categories of investors described in clauses (i), (iii) and (iv) under "Class A Shares – Sales at NAV"; or (v) through brokerage platforms of firms that have agreements with ABI to offer such shares when acting solely on an agency basis for the purchase or sale of such shares. Generally, a fee-based program must charge an asset-based or other similar fee and must invest at least $250,000 in Advisor Class shares of the Fund in order to be approved by ABI for investment in Advisor Class shares. A commission or other transaction fee may be charged by your financial intermediary with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares made through such financial intermediary. Advisor Class shares are not subject to an initial sales charge, CDSC or distribution services fees, and thus have a lower expense ratio and pay correspondingly higher dividends than Class A shares.

Alternative Purchase Arrangements – Group Retirement Plans and Tax-Deferred Accounts

The Fund offers special distribution arrangements for Group Retirement Plans. However, plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and other financial intermediaries may establish requirements as to the purchase, sale or exchange of shares of the Fund, including maximum and minimum initial investment requirements, that are different from those described in this SAI. Group Retirement Plans also may not offer all classes of shares of the Fund. In addition, the Class A CDSC may be waived for investments made through certain Group Retirement Plans. Therefore, plan sponsors or fiduciaries may not adhere to these share class eligibility standards as set forth in the Prospectuses and this SAI. The Fund is not responsible for, and has no control over, the decision of any plan sponsor or fiduciary to impose such differing requirements.

Class A Shares. Class A shares are available at NAV to Group Retirement Plans, regardless of size, and to the AllianceBernstein Link, AllianceBernstein Individual 401(k) and AllianceBernstein SIMPLE IRA plans with at least $250,000 in plan assets or 100 or more employees. Effective June 30, 2005, for purposes of determining whether a SIMPLE IRA plan has at least $250,000 in plan assets, all of the SIMPLE IRAs of an employer's employees are aggregated. ABI measures the asset levels and number of employees in these plans once monthly. Therefore, if a plan that is not eligible at the beginning of a month for purchases of Class A shares at NAV meets the asset level or number of employees required for such eligibility, later in that month all purchases by the plan will be subject to a sales charge until the monthly measurement of assets and employees. If the plan terminates the Fund as an investment option within one year, then all plan purchases of Class A shares will be subject to a 1%, 1-year

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CDSC on redemption. Class A shares are also available at NAV to Group Retirement Plans. The 1%, 1-year CDSC also generally applies. However, the 1%, 1-year CDSC may be waived if the financial intermediary agrees to waive all commissions or other compensation paid in connection with the sale of such shares (typically up to a 1% advance payment for sales of Class A shares at NAV) other than the service fee paid pursuant to the Company's distribution services plan.

Class Z Shares. Class Z shares are available to certain Group Retirement Plans. Class Z shares generally are not available to traditional and Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, SAR-SEPs, SIMPLE IRAs and individual 403(b) plans. Class Z shares are not subject to an initial sales charge or CDSC or distribution services fee.

Choosing a Class of Shares for Group Retirement Plans. Plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and other financial intermediaries may establish requirements as to the purchase, sale or exchange of shares of the Fund, including maximum and minimum initial investment requirements, that are different from those described in this SAI. Plan fiduciaries should consider how these requirements differ from the Fund's share class eligibility criteria before determining whether to invest.

Currently, the Fund makes its Class A shares available at NAV to Group Retirement Plans. Unless waived under the circumstances described above, a 1%, 1-year CDSC applies to the sale of Class A shares by a plan. Because Class Z shares have no CDSC or Rule 12b-1 distribution services fees, plans should consider purchasing Class Z shares, if eligible, rather than Class A shares.

Sales Charge Reduction Programs for Class A Shares

The AB Mutual Funds offer shareholders various programs through which shareholders may obtain reduced sales charges or reductions in CDSC through participation in such programs. In order for shareholders to take advantage of the reductions available through the combined purchase privilege, rights of accumulation and letters of intent, the Fund must be notified by the shareholder or his or her financial intermediary that they qualify for such a reduction. If the Fund is not notified that a shareholder is eligible for these reductions, the Fund will be unable to ensure that the reduction is applied to the shareholder's account.

Combined Purchase Privilege. Shareholders may qualify for the sales charge reductions by combining purchases of shares of the Fund (or any other AB Mutual Fund) into a single "purchase". By combining such purchases, shareholders may be able to take advantage of the quantity discounts described under "Alternative Purchase Arrangements". A "purchase" means a single purchase or concurrent purchases of shares of the Fund or any other AB Mutual Fund, by (i) an individual, his or her spouse or domestic partner, or the individual's children under the age of 21 years purchasing shares for his, her or their own account(s); (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary account with one or more beneficiaries involved; or (iii) the employee benefit plans of a single employer. The term "purchase" also includes purchases by any "company", as the term is defined in the 1940 Act, but does not include purchases by any such company that has not been in existence for at least six months or that has no purpose other than the purchase of shares of the Fund or shares of other

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registered investment companies at a discount. The term "purchase" does not include purchases by any group of individuals whose sole organizational nexus is that the participants therein are credit card holders of a company, policy holders of an insurance company, customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.

Currently, the AB Mutual Funds include:

AB Bond Fund, Inc.

- AB All Market Real Return Portfolio

- AB Bond Inflation Strategy

- AB High Yield Portfolio

- AB Income Fund

- AB Limited Duration High Income Portfolio

- AB Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy

- AB Short Duration Income Portfolio

- AB Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio

- AB Total Return Bond Portfolio

AB Cap Fund, Inc.

- AB All China Equity Portfolio

- AB All Market Income Portfolio

- AB Concentrated Growth Fund

- AB Concentrated International Growth Portfolio

- AB Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio

- AB FlexFee ^TM Large Cap Growth Portfolio

- AB FlexFee ^TM US Thematic Portfolio

- AB Global Core Equity Portfolio

- AB International Strategic Core Portfolio

- AB Select US Equity Portfolio

- AB Select US Long/Short Portfolio

- AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio

- AB Small Cap Value Portfolio

AB Core Opportunities Fund, Inc.

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.

AB Equity Income Fund, Inc.

AB Fixed-Income Shares, Inc.

- AB Government Money Market Portfolio

AB Global Bond Fund, Inc.

AB Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.

AB Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc.

AB High Income Fund, Inc.

AB Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc.

AB Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

- AB California Portfolio

- AB High Income Municipal Portfolio

- AB National Portfolio

- AB New York Portfolio

AB Municipal Income Fund II

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- AB Arizona Portfolio

- AB Massachusetts Portfolio

- AB Minnesota Portfolio

- AB New Jersey Portfolio

- AB Ohio Portfolio

- AB Pennsylvania Portfolio

- AB Virginia Portfolio

AB Relative Value Fund, Inc.

AB Sustainable Global Thematic Fund, Inc.

AB Sustainable International Thematic Fund, Inc.

AB Trust

- AB Discovery Value Fund

- AB International Value Fund

- AB Value Fund

The AB Portfolios

- AB All Market Total Return Portfolio

- AB Conservative Wealth Strategy

- AB Growth Fund

- AB Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio

- AB Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

- AB Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc.

- Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio

- Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio

- Intermediate Duration Portfolio

- Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio

- Short Duration Portfolio

Prospectuses for the AB Mutual Funds may be obtained without charge by contacting ABIS at the address or the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the front cover of this SAI or on the Internet at www.abfunds.com.

Cumulative Quantity Discount (Right of Accumulation). An investor's purchase of additional Class A shares of the Fund may be combined with the value of the shareholder's existing accounts, thereby enabling the shareholder to take advantage of the quantity discounts described under "Alternative Purchase Arrangements". In such cases, the applicable sales charge on the newly purchased shares will be based on the total of:

(i) the investor's current purchase;

(ii) the higher of cost or NAV (at the close of business on the previous day) of (a) all shares of the relevant Fund held by the investor and (b) all shares held by the investor of any other AB Mutual Fund, including AB Institutional Funds; and

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(iii) the higher of cost or NAV of all shares described in paragraph (ii) owned by another shareholder eligible to combine his or her purchase with that of the investor into a single "purchase" (see above).

The initial sales charge you pay on each purchase of Class A shares will take into account your accumulated holdings in all classes of shares of AB Mutual Funds. Your accumulated holdings will be calculated as (a) the value of your existing holdings as of the day prior to your additional investment or (b) the amount you have invested including reinvested dividends but excluding appreciation and less any amount of withdrawals, whichever is higher.

For example, if an investor owned shares of an AB Mutual Fund that were purchased for $200,000 and were worth $190,000 at their then current NAV and, subsequently, purchased Class A shares of the Fund worth an additional $100,000, the initial sales charge for the $100,000 purchase would be at the 2.25% rate applicable to a single $300,000 purchase of shares of the Fund, rather than the 3.25% rate.

Letter of Intent. Class A investors may also obtain the quantity discounts described under "Alternative Purchase Arrangements" by means of a written Letter of Intent, which expresses the investor's intention to invest at least $100,000 in Class A shares of the Fund or any AB Mutual Fund within 13 months. Each purchase of shares under a Letter of Intent will be made at the public offering price or prices applicable at the time of such purchase to a single transaction of the dollar amount indicated in the Letter of Intent.

Investors qualifying for the Combined Purchase Privilege described above may purchase shares of the AB Mutual Funds under a single Letter of Intent. The AB Mutual Funds will use the higher of cost or current NAV of the investor's existing investments and of those accounts with which investments are combined via Combined Purchase Privileges toward the fulfillment of the Letter of Intent. For example, if at the time an investor signs a Letter of Intent to invest at least $100,000 in Class A shares of the Fund, the investor and the investor's spouse or domestic partner each purchase shares of the Fund worth $20,000 (for a total of $40,000), but the current NAV of all applicable accounts is $45,000 at the time a $100,000 Letter of Intent is initiated, it will only be necessary to invest a total of $55,000 during the following 13 months in shares of the Fund or any other AB Mutual Fund, to qualify for the 3.25% sales charge on the total amount being invested (the sales charge applicable to an investment of $100,000).

The Letter of Intent is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase the full amount indicated. The minimum initial investment under a Letter of Intent is 5% of such amount. Shares purchased with the first 5% of such amount will be held in escrow (while remaining registered in the name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales charge applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full amount indicated is not purchased, and such escrowed shares will be involuntarily redeemed at their then NAV to pay the additional sales charge, if necessary. Dividends on escrowed shares, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Fund shares, are not subject to escrow. When the full amount indicated has been purchased, the escrow will be released.

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Investors wishing to enter into a Letter of Intent in conjunction with their initial investment in Class A shares of the Fund can obtain a form of Letter of Intent by contacting ABIS at the address or telephone numbers shown on the cover of this SAI.

Reinstatement Privilege. A shareholder who has redeemed any or all of his or her Class A shares may reinvest all or any portion of the proceeds from that redemption in Class A shares of any AB Mutual Fund at NAV without any sales charge, provided that such reinvestment is made within 120 calendar days after the redemption or repurchase date. Shares are sold to a reinvesting shareholder at the NAV next-determined as described above. A reinstatement pursuant to this privilege will not cancel the redemption or repurchase transaction; therefore, any gain or loss so realized will be recognized for federal income tax purposes except that no loss will be recognized to the extent that the proceeds are reinvested in shares of the Fund within 30 calendar days after the redemption or repurchase transaction. Investors may exercise the reinstatement privilege by written request sent to the Fund at the address shown on the cover of this SAI.

Dividend Reinvestment Program. Under the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Program, unless you specify otherwise, your dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested in the same class of shares of the Fund without an initial sales charge or CDSC. If you elect to receive your distributions in cash, you will only receive a check if the distribution is equal to or exceeds $25.00. Distributions of less than $25.00 will automatically be reinvested in Fund shares. To receive distributions of less than $25.00 in cash, you must have bank instructions associated to your account so that distributions can be delivered to you electronically via Electronic Funds Transfer using the Automated Clearing House or "ACH". If you elect to receive distributions by check, your distributions and all subsequent distributions may nonetheless be reinvested in additional shares of the Fund under the following circumstances:

(a) the postal service is unable to deliver your checks to your address of record and the checks are returned to the Fund's transfer agent as undeliverable; or

(b) your checks remain uncashed for nine months.

Additional shares of the Fund will be purchased at the then current NAV. You should contact the Fund's transfer agent to change your distribution option. Your request to do so must be received by the transfer agent before the record date for a distribution in order to be effective for that distribution. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution checks.

Dividend Direction Plan. A shareholder who already maintains accounts in more than one AB Mutual Fund may direct that income dividends and/or capital gains paid by one AB Mutual Fund be automatically reinvested, in any amount, without the payment of any sales or service charges, in shares of any eligible class of one or more other AB Mutual Fund(s) in which the shareholder maintains an account. Further information can be obtained by contacting ABIS at the address or the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the cover of this SAI. Investors wishing to establish a dividend direction plan in connection with their initial investment should complete the appropriate section of the Mutual Fund Application. Current shareholders should contact ABIS to establish a dividend direction plan.

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Systematic Withdrawal Plan

General. Any shareholder who owns or purchases shares of the Fund having a current NAV of at least $5,000 may establish a systematic withdrawal plan under which the shareholder will periodically receive a payment in a stated amount of not less than $50 on a selected date. The $5,000 account minimum does not apply to a shareholder owning shares through an individual retirement account or other retirement plan who has attained the age of 72 who wishes to establish a systematic withdrawal plan to help satisfy a required minimum distribution. Systematic withdrawal plan participants must elect to have their dividends and distributions from the Fund automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

Shares of the Fund owned by a participant in the Fund's systematic withdrawal plan will be redeemed as necessary to meet withdrawal payments and such payments will be subject to any taxes applicable to redemptions and, except as discussed below with respect to Class A shares, any applicable CDSC. Shares acquired with reinvested dividends and distributions will be liquidated first to provide such withdrawal payments and thereafter other shares will be liquidated to the extent necessary, and depending upon the amount withdrawn, the investor's principal may be depleted. A systematic withdrawal plan may be terminated at any time by the shareholder or the Fund.

Withdrawal payments will not automatically end when a shareholder's account reaches a certain minimum level. Therefore, redemptions of shares under the plan may reduce or even liquidate a shareholder's account and may subject the shareholder to the Fund's involuntary redemption provisions. See "Redemption and Repurchase of Shares -- General". Purchases of additional shares concurrently with withdrawals are undesirable because of sales charges applicable when purchases are made. While an occasional lump-sum investment may be made by a holder of Class A shares who is maintaining a systematic withdrawal plan, such investment should normally be an amount equivalent to three times the annual withdrawal or $5,000, whichever is less.

Payments under a systematic withdrawal plan may be made by check or electronically via the ACH network. Investors wishing to establish a systematic withdrawal plan in conjunction with their initial investment in shares of the Fund should complete the appropriate portion of the Mutual Fund Application, while current Fund shareholders desiring to do so can obtain an application form by contacting ABIS at the address or the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the cover of this SAI.

CDSC Waiver for Class A Shares. Under the systematic withdrawal plan, up to 1% monthly, 2% bi-monthly or 3% quarterly of the value at the time of redemption of the Class A shares in a shareholder's account may be redeemed free of any CDSC.

With respect to Class A shares, shares held the longest will be redeemed first and will count toward the foregoing limitations. Redemptions in excess of those limitations will be subject to any otherwise applicable CDSC.

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Payments to Financial Advisors and Their Firms

Financial intermediaries market and sell shares of the Fund. These financial intermediaries employ financial advisors and receive compensation for selling shares of the Fund. This compensation is paid from various sources, including any sales charge, CDSC and/or Rule 12b-1 fee that you or the Fund may pay. Your individual financial advisor may receive some or all of the amounts paid to the financial intermediary that employs him or her.

In the case of Class A shares, all or a portion of the initial sales charge that you pay is paid by ABI to financial intermediaries selling Class A shares. ABI also pays these financial intermediaries a fee of up to 1% on purchases of $1 million or more. Additionally, up to 100% of the Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to Class A shares each year may be paid to financial intermediaries, including your financial intermediary, that sell Class A shares.

In the case of Advisor Class shares, your financial intermediary may charge ongoing fees or transactional fees. ABI may pay a portion of "ticket" or other transactional charges.

Your financial advisor's firm receives compensation from the Fund, ABI and/or the Adviser in several ways from various sources, which include some or all of the following:

· upfront sales commissions;

· Rule 12b-1 fees;

· additional distribution support;

· defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training; and

· payments related to providing recordkeeping and/or transfer agency services.

Please read your Prospectus carefully for information on this compensation. Please also refer to Appendix C—Financial Intermediary Waivers in the Prospectus.

Other Payments for Distribution Services and Educational Support

In addition to the commissions paid to or charged by financial intermediaries at the time of sale and the fees described under "Asset-Based Sales Charges or Distribution and/or Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees", in your Prospectus, some or all of which are paid to financial intermediaries (and, in turn, may be paid to your financial advisor), ABI, at its expense, currently provides additional payments to firms that sell shares of the AB Mutual Funds. Although the individual components may be higher and the total amount of payments made to each qualifying firm in any given year may vary, the total amount paid to a financial intermediary in connection with the sale of shares of the AB Mutual Funds will generally not exceed the sum of (a) 0.25% of the current year's fund sales by that firm and (b) 0.10% of average daily net assets attributable to that firm over the year. These sums include payments for distribution analytical data regarding AB Mutual Fund sales by financial advisors of these firms and to reimburse directly or indirectly the costs incurred by these firms and their employees in connection with educational seminars and training efforts about the AB Mutual Funds for the firms' employees and/or their clients and

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potential clients. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging entertainment and meals.

For 2021, ABI's additional payments to these firms for distribution services and educational support related to the AB Mutual Funds are expected to be approximately 0.05% of the average monthly assets of the AB Mutual Funds, or approximately $23 million. For 2020, ABI paid approximately 0.05% of the average monthly assets of the AB Mutual Funds or approximately $22 million for distribution services and educational support related to the AB Mutual Funds.

A number of factors are considered in determining the additional payments, including each firm's AB Mutual Fund sales, assets and redemption rates, and the willingness and ability of the firm to give ABI access to its financial advisors for educational or marketing purposes. In some cases, firms will include the AB Mutual Funds on a "preferred list". ABI's goal is to make the financial advisors who interact with current and prospective investors and shareholders more knowledgeable about the AB Mutual Funds so that they can provide suitable information and advice about the funds and related investor services.

The Fund and ABI also make payments for recordkeeping and other transfer agency services to financial intermediaries that sell AB Mutual Fund shares. Please see "Expenses of the Fund – Transfer Agency Agreement" above. These expenses paid by the Fund are included in "Other Expenses" under "Fees and Expenses of the Fund - Annual Fund Operating Expenses" in your Prospectus.

If one mutual fund sponsor makes greater distribution assistance payments than another, your financial advisor and his or her firm may have an incentive to recommend one fund complex over another. Similarly, if your financial advisor or his or her firm receives more distribution assistance for one share class versus another, then they may have an incentive to recommend that class.

Please speak with your financial advisor to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial advisor and his or her firm by the Fund, the Adviser, ABI and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your financial advisor at the time of your purchase.

ABI anticipates that the firms that will receive additional payments for distribution services and/or educational support include:

Advisor Group

American Enterprise Investment Services

Cadaret, Grant & Co.

Citigroup Global Markets

Citizens Securities

Commonwealth Financial Network

Equitable Advisors

FIS Brokerage Services

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Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Co.

Institutional Cash Distributors (ICD)

John Hancock Retirement Plan Services

JP Morgan Securities

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

Lincoln Financial Securities Corp.

LPL Financial

Merrill Lynch

Morgan Stanley

Northwestern Mutual Investment Services

PNC Investments

Raymond James

RBC Wealth Management

Robert W. Baird

SunTrust Bank

UBS Financial Services

US Bancorp Investments

Waddell & Reed, Inc.

Wells Fargo Advisors

ABI expects that additional firms may be added to this list from time to time.

Although the Fund may use brokers and dealers that sell shares of the Fund to effect portfolio transactions, the Fund does not consider the sale of AB Mutual Fund shares as a factor when selecting brokers or dealers to effect portfolio transactions.

REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES

The following information supplements that set forth in your Prospectus under the heading "Investing in the Fund". If you are an Advisor Class shareholder through an account established under a fee-based program or commission-based brokerage program, your program may impose requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares of the Fund that are different from those described herein. A commission or other transaction fee may be charged by your financial intermediary with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares made through such financial intermediary. Similarly, if you are a shareholder through a Group Retirement Plan, your plan may impose requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of shares of the Fund that are different from those imposed below. The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund's behalf. In such cases, orders will receive the NAV next computed after such order is properly received by the authorized broker or designee and accepted by the Fund.

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Redemption

The Fund may, but is not obligated to, temporarily delay the disbursement of redemption proceeds from an account held directly with the Fund by a Specified Adult (as defined below) if there is a reasonable belief that financial exploitation of the Specified Adult has occurred, is occurring, has been attempted, or will be attempted. The Fund will provide notice of this temporary delay, and it will be for an initial period of no more than 15 business days while the Fund conducts an internal review of the facts and circumstances of the suspected financial exploitation. If the internal review supports the Fund's belief that actual or attempted financial exploitation has occurred or is occurring, the Fund may extend the hold for up to 10 additional business days. Both the initial and additional hold on the disbursement may be terminated or extended by a state regulator or an agency or court of competent jurisdiction. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "Specified Adult" refers to an individual who is (A) a natural person age 65 and older; or (B) a natural person age 18 and older who is reasonably believed to have a mental or physical impairment that renders the individual unable to protect his or her own interests.

Subject only to the limitations described below, the Fund will redeem the shares tendered to it, as described below, at a redemption price equal to their NAV as next computed following the receipt of shares tendered for redemption in proper form. Except for any CDSC which may be applicable to Class A shares, there is no redemption charge. The Fund expects that it will typically take one to three business days following the receipt of a shareholder's redemption request in proper form to pay out redemption proceeds. However, while not expected, payment of redemption proceeds may take up to seven days after the day it is received in proper form by the Fund by the Fund Closing Time. If a shareholder is in doubt about what documents are required by his or her investment program or employee benefit plan, the shareholder should contact his or her financial intermediary.

The right of redemption may not be suspended or the date of payment upon redemption postponed for more than seven days after shares are tendered for redemption, except for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC determines that trading thereon is restricted, or for any period during which an emergency (as determined by the SEC) exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the Fund.

Payment of the redemption price normally will be made in cash but may be made, at the option of the Fund, in kind. No interest will accrue on uncashed redemption checks. The value of a shareholder's shares on redemption or repurchase may be more or less than the cost of such shares to the shareholder, depending upon the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities at the time of such redemption or repurchase. Redemption proceeds from Cass A shares will reflect the deduction of the CDSC, if any. Payment received by a shareholder upon redemption or repurchase of his or her shares, assuming the shares constitute capital assets in his

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or her hands, will result in long-term or short-term capital gain (or loss) depending upon the shareholder's holding period and basis in respect of the shares redeemed.

To redeem shares of the Fund by mail, the registered owner or owners should forward a letter to the Fund containing a request for redemption. The Fund may require the signature or signatures on the letter to be Medallion Signature Guaranteed. Please contact ABIS to confirm whether a Medallion Signature Guarantee is needed.

Telephone Redemption by Electronic Funds Transfer. Each Fund shareholder is entitled to request redemption by electronic funds transfer by telephone at (800) 221-5672 if the shareholder has completed the appropriate portion of the Mutual Fund Application or, if an existing shareholder has not completed this portion, by an "Autosell" application obtained from ABIS (except for certain omnibus accounts). A telephone redemption request by electronic funds transfer may not exceed $100,000, and must be made before the Fund Closing Time, on a Fund business day as defined above. Proceeds of telephone redemptions will be sent by electronic funds transfer to a shareholder's designated bank account at a bank selected by the shareholder that is a member of NACHA.

Telephone Redemption by Check. Each Fund shareholder is eligible to request redemption by check of Fund shares by telephone at (800) 221-5672 before the Fund Closing Time, on a Fund business day in an amount not exceeding $100,000. Proceeds of such redemptions are remitted by check to the shareholder's address of record. A shareholder otherwise eligible for telephone redemption by check may cancel the privilege by written instruction to ABIS, or by checking the appropriate box on the Mutual Fund Application.

Telephone Redemptions - General. During periods of drastic economic, market or other developments, such as the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, it is possible that shareholders would have difficulty in reaching ABIS by telephone (although no such difficulty was apparent at any time in connection with the attacks). If a shareholder were to experience such difficulty, the shareholder should issue written instructions to ABIS at the address shown on the cover of this SAI. The Fund reserves the right to suspend or terminate their telephone redemption service at any time without notice. Telephone redemption is not available with respect to shares (i) held in nominee or "street name" accounts, (ii) held by a shareholder who has changed his or her address of record within the preceding 30 calendar days or (iii) held in any retirement plan account. Neither the Fund, the Adviser, ABI nor ABIS will be responsible for the authenticity of telephone requests for redemptions that the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine. The Fund will employ reasonable procedures in order to verify that telephone requests for redemptions are genuine, including, among others, recording such telephone instructions and causing written confirmations of the resulting transactions to be sent to shareholders. If the Fund did not employ such procedures, it could be liable for losses arising from unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. Financial intermediaries may charge a commission for handling telephone requests for redemptions.

Redemptions Through Intermediaries. The Fund may redeem shares through ABI or financial intermediaries. The redemption price will be the NAV next determined after ABI receives the request (less the CDSC, if any, with respect to the Class A shares), except that

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requests placed through financial intermediaries before the Fund Closing Time will be executed at the NAV determined as of the Fund Closing Time if received by ABI prior to a designated later time (pursuant to an agreement between the financial intermediary and ABI permitting such an arrangement; the designated time will vary by financial intermediary). The financial intermediary is responsible for transmitting the request to ABI on time. If the financial intermediary fails to do so, the shareholder's right to receive that day's closing price must be settled between the shareholder and that financial intermediary. Neither the Fund nor ABI charges a fee or commission in connection with the redemption of shares (except for the CDSC, if any, with respect to Class A shares). Normally, if shares of the Fund are offered through a financial intermediary, the redemption is settled by the shareholder as an ordinary transaction with or through that financial intermediary, who may charge the shareholder for this service.

Account Closure

The Fund reserves the right to close out an account that has remained below $1,000 for 90 days. No CDSC will be deducted from the proceeds of this redemption. In the case of a redemption or repurchase of shares of the Fund recently purchased by check, redemption proceeds will not be made available until the Fund is reasonably assured that the check has cleared, normally up to 15 calendar days following the purchase date.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

The following information supplements that set forth in your Prospectus under the heading "Investing in the Fund". The shareholder services set forth below are applicable to all classes of shares unless otherwise indicated.

If you are an Advisor Class shareholder through an account established under a fee-based program or commission-based brokerage program or a shareholder in a Group Retirement Plan, your fee-based program or retirement plan may impose requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of shares of the Fund that are different from those described herein. A commission or other transaction fee may be charged by your financial intermediary with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares made through such intermediary.

Automatic Investment Program

Investors may purchase shares of the Fund through an automatic investment program utilizing electronic funds transfer drawn on the investor's own bank account. Under such a program, pre-authorized monthly drafts for a fixed amount are used to purchase shares through the financial intermediary designated by the investor at the public offering price next determined after ABI receives the proceeds from the investor's bank. The monthly drafts must be in minimum amounts of either $50 or $200, depending on the investor's initial purchase. If an investor makes an initial purchase of at least $2,500, the minimum monthly amount for pre-

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authorized drafts is $50. If an investor makes an initial purchase of less than $2,500, the minimum monthly amount for pre-authorized drafts is $200 and the investor must commit to a monthly investment of at least $200 until the investor's account balance is $2,500 or more. In electronic form, drafts can be made on or about a date each month selected by the shareholder. Investors wishing to establish an automatic investment program in connection with their initial investment should complete the appropriate portion of the Mutual Fund Application. Current shareholders should contact ABIS at the address or telephone numbers shown on the cover of this SAI to establish an automatic investment program.

Exchange Privilege

You may exchange your investment in the Fund for shares of the same class of other AB Mutual Funds (including AB Government Money Market Portfolio, a money market fund managed by the Adviser) if the other AB Mutual Fund in which you wish to invest offers shares of the same class. In addition, (i) present officers and full-time employees of the Adviser, (ii) present Directors or Trustees of any AB Mutual Fund, (iii) certain employee benefit plans for employees of the Adviser, ABI, ABIS and their affiliates and (iv) certain persons participating in a fee-based program, sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and approved by ABI, under which such persons pay an asset-based fee for service in the nature of investment advisory or administrative services may, on a tax-free basis, exchange Class A and Class Z shares of the Fund for Advisor Class shares of the Fund.

Exchanges of shares are made at the NAV next determined and without sales or service charges. Exchanges may be made by telephone or written request. In order to receive a day's NAV, ABIS must receive and confirm a telephone exchange request by the Fund Closing Time on that day.

Please read carefully the prospectus of the AB Mutual Fund into which you are exchanging before submitting the request. Call ABIS at (800) 221-5672 to exchange shares. Except with respect to exchanges of Class A or Z shares of the Fund for Advisor Class shares of the Fund, exchanges of shares as described above in this section are taxable transactions for federal income tax purposes. The exchange service may be modified, restricted, or terminated on 60 days' written notice.

All exchanges are subject to the minimum investment requirements and any other applicable terms set forth in the prospectus for the AB Mutual Fund whose shares are being acquired. An exchange is effected through the redemption of the shares tendered for exchange and the purchase of shares being acquired at their respective NAVs as next determined following receipt by the AB Mutual Fund whose shares are being exchanged of (i) proper instructions and all necessary supporting documents as described in such fund's prospectus, or (ii) a telephone request for such exchange in accordance with the procedures set forth in the following paragraph. Exchanges of shares of AB Mutual Funds will generally result in the realization of a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.

Each Fund shareholder and the shareholder's financial intermediary are authorized to make telephone requests for exchanges unless ABIS receives written instruction to the

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contrary from the shareholder, or the shareholder declines the privilege by checking the appropriate box on the Mutual Fund Application. Shares acquired pursuant to a telephone request for exchange will be held under the same account registration as the shares redeemed through such exchange.

Eligible shareholders desiring to make an exchange should telephone ABIS with their account number and other details of the exchange at (800) 221-5672 before the Fund Closing Time, on a Fund business day as defined above. Telephone requests for exchanges received before the Fund Closing Time, on a Fund business day will be processed as of the close of business on that day. During periods of drastic economic, market or other developments, such as the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, it is possible that shareholders would have difficulty in reaching ABIS by telephone (although no such difficulty was apparent at any time in connection with the attacks). If a shareholder were to experience such difficulty, the shareholder should issue written instructions to ABIS at the address shown on the cover of this SAI.

A shareholder may elect to initiate a monthly "Auto Exchange" whereby a specified dollar amount's worth of his or her Fund shares (minimum $25) is automatically exchanged for shares of another AB Mutual Fund.

None of the AB Mutual Funds, the Adviser, ABI or ABIS will be responsible for the authenticity of telephone requests for exchanges that the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine. The Fund will employ reasonable procedures in order to verify that telephone requests for exchanges are genuine, including, among others, recording such telephone instructions and causing written confirmations of the resulting transactions to be sent to shareholders. If the Fund did not employ such procedures, it could be liable for losses arising from unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. Financial intermediaries may charge a commission for handling telephone requests for exchanges.

The exchange privilege is available only in states where shares of the AB Mutual Funds being acquired may legally be sold. Each AB Mutual Fund reserves the right, at any time on 60 days' notice to its shareholders, to reject any order to acquire its shares through exchange or otherwise to modify, restrict or terminate the exchange privilege.

Statements and Reports

The Fund transmits to shareholders its semi-annual and annual reports which include a portfolio of investments, financial statements and, in the case of the annual report, the report of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, 5 Times Square, New York, New York 10036. In addition, shareholders also receive a confirmation of each purchase and redemption. By contacting his or her financial intermediary or ABIS, a shareholder can arrange for copies of his or her account statements to be sent to another person.

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NET ASSET VALUE

The NAV of the Fund is calculated at the close of regular trading on any day the Exchange is open (ordinarily, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, but sometimes earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or unscheduled suspensions of trading) following receipt of a purchase or redemption order by the Fund on each Fund business day on which such an order is received and on such other days as the Board deems appropriate or necessary in order to comply with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act. The Fund's per share NAV is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets, less its liabilities, by the total number of its shares then outstanding.

Portfolio securities are valued at current market value or, if market quotations are not readily available or are unreliable, at fair value as determined in accordance with applicable rules under the 1940 Act and the Fund's pricing policies and procedures (the "Pricing Policies") established by and under the general supervision of the Board. The Board has delegated to the Adviser, subject to the Board's continuing oversight, certain of the Board's duties with respect to the Pricing Policies. The Adviser has established a Valuation Committee, which operates under policies and procedures approved by the Board, to value the Fund's assets on behalf of the Fund.

Whenever possible, all securities are valued based on market information on the business day as of which the value is being determined, as follows:

(a)       an equity security listed on the Exchange, or another national or foreign exchange (other than securities listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange ("NASDAQ")), is valued at the last sale price reflected on the consolidated tape at the close of the exchange. If there has been no sale on the relevant business day, the security is valued at the closing price provided by the exchange. If there is no closing price, then the security is priced at the last-traded price available;

(b)       an equity security traded on NASDAQ is valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If there is no Official Closing Price provided by NASDAQ, the composite price (which represents trading on other exchanges) for the current day is utilized. If there is no composite price available, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price from the prior day is utilized;

(c)       an OTC equity security is valued at the mid-level between the current bid and asked prices. If the mid-price is not available, the security will be valued at the bid price. An equity security traded on more than one exchange is valued in accordance with paragraph (a) above by reference to the principal exchange on which the security is traded (as determined by the Adviser);

(d)       a listed or OTC put or call option is valued at the mid-level between the current bid and asked prices (for options on futures contracts, see item (e)). If neither a current bid nor a current ask price is available, the Adviser will have discretion to determine the best

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valuation (e.g., last trade price) and then bring the issue to the Valuation Committee the following day;

(e)       an open futures contract and any option thereon are valued at the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the relevant business day, the security is valued at the last available closing settlement price;

(f)       a listed right is valued at the last-traded price provided by approved vendors. If there has been no sale on the relevant business day, the right is valued at the last-traded price from the previous day. On the following day, the security is valued in good faith at fair value. For an unlisted right, the calculation used in determining a value is the price of the reference security minus the subscription price multiplied by the terms of the right. There may be some instances when the subscription price is greater than the reference security price. In such instances, the right would be valued as worthless;

(g)       a listed warrant is valued at the last-traded price provided by approved vendors. If there has been no sale on the relevant business day, the warrant is valued at the last-traded price from the previous day. On the following day, the security is valued in good faith at fair value. All unlisted warrants are valued in good faith at fair value. Once a warrant has expired, it will no longer be valued;

(h)       preferred securities are valued based on prices from approved vendors that use last trade data for listed preferreds and evaluated bid side prices for non-listed preferreds, as well as for listed preferreds when there is no trade activity;

(i)       U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology pertains to short-term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. The factors the Valuation Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. The Adviser is responsible for monitoring any instances when a market price is not applied to a short-term security and will report any instances to the Valuation Committee for review;

(j)       a fixed-income security is typically valued on the basis of bid prices provided by an approved pricing vendor when the Adviser reasonably believes that such prices reflect the fair market value of the security. In certain markets, the market convention may be to use the mid-price between bid and offer. Fixed-income securities may be valued on the basis of the mid-prices when such prices reflect the convention of the particular markets. The prices provided by an approved pricing vendor may take into account many factors, including institutional size trading in similar groups of securities and any developments related to specific securities. If the Adviser determines that an appropriate pricing vendor does not exist for a security in a market that typically values such security on the basis of a bid price, the security is

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valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread over the applicable yield curve (a bid spread) by a broker/dealer in such security. If the Adviser receives multiple broker quotes, the Adviser will utilize the broker quote that it believes is the most reliable (e.g., the market maker for that security). If multiple brokers are deemed equally reliable market makers, the Adviser will utilize the second highest broker quote. If an appropriate pricing vendor does not exist for a security in a market where convention is to use the mid-price, the security is valued on the basis of a quoted mid-price by a broker-dealer in such security;

(k)       bank loans are valued on the basis of bid prices provided by a pricing vendor;

(l)       bridge loans are valued at fair value, which equates to the outstanding loan amount, unless it is determined by the Adviser that any particular bridge loan should be valued at something other than the outstanding loan amount. This may occur, due to, for example, a significant change in the high yield market and/or a significant change in the perceived credit quality of any particular issuer or issuers of bridge loans;

(m)       whole loans: residential and commercial mortgage whole loans and whole loan pools are fair market priced by an approved independent pricing vendor or broker-dealer;

(n)       forward and spot currency pricing is provided by an independent pricing vendor. The rate provided by the approved vendor is a mid-price close for forward and spot rates. In most instances whenever both an "onshore" rate and an "offshore" (i.e., NDF) rate is available, the Adviser will use the offshore (NDF) rate. NDF contracts are used for currencies where it is difficult (and sometimes impossible) to take actual delivery of the currency;

(o)       OTC derivatives pricing: various independent pricing vendors are used to obtain derivatives values or obtain information used to derive a price for each investment. This information is placed into various pricing models that can be sourced by the Adviser or from approved vendors (depending on the type of derivative) to derive a price for each investment. These pricing models are monitored/reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Adviser;

(p)       mutual funds and other pooled vehicles: the Adviser receives pricing information for mutual funds and other pooled vehicles from various sources (including AB Global Fund Administration and the external custodian banks). Open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share and closed-end funds and ETFs are valued at the closing market price per share;

(q)       repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements: repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements will be valued based on their original cost plus accrued interest;

(r)       hedge funds: hedge funds will be priced at the most recent available closing NAV per share;

(s)       equity-linked notes: prices are sourced at the end of the pricing day from approved vendors. The vendor methodology is to source the relevant underlying non-U.S. dollar exchange closing prices and convert them to U.S. dollars; and

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(t)       credit-linked notes: prices are sourced on the reference bond consistent with fixed-income security methodology as noted above, which are passed through as the price on the credit-linked note. Alternatively, broker marks are obtained.

If the Adviser becomes aware of any news/market events that would cause the Valuation Committee to believe the last traded or market-based price, as applicable, does not reflect fair value, the security is then valued in good faith at fair value by, or in accordance with, procedures approved by the Board.

When the Fund uses fair value pricing, it may take into account any factors it deems appropriate. The Fund may determine fair value based upon developments related to a specific security, current valuations of foreign stock indices (as reflected in U.S. futures markets) and/or U.S. sector or broader stock market indices. The prices of securities used by the Fund to calculate its NAV may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security.

The Fund expects to use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded on U.S. exchanges only under very limited circumstances, such as the early closing of the exchange on which a security is traded or suspension of trading in the security. The Fund may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund ordinarily values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim. For example, the Fund believes that foreign security values may be affected by events that occur after the close of foreign securities markets. To account for this, the Fund may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

The Board may suspend the determination of its NAV (and the offering and sale of shares), subject to the rules of the SEC and other governmental rules and regulations, at a time when: (1) the Exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (2) an emergency exists as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or to determine fairly the value of its net assets; or (3) for the protection of shareholders, the SEC by order permits a suspension of the right of redemption or a postponement of the date of payment on redemption.

For purposes of determining the Fund's NAV per share, all assets and liabilities initially expressed in a foreign currency will be converted into U.S. Dollars at the mean of the current bid and asked prices of such currency against the U.S. Dollar last quoted by a major bank that is a regular participant in the relevant foreign exchange market or on the basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes provided by a number of such major banks. If such quotations are not available as of the close of the Exchange, the rate of exchange will be determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board.

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The assets attributable to the Class A, Class Z and Advisor Class shares are invested together in a single portfolio. The NAV of each class will be determined separately by subtracting the liabilities allocated to that class from the assets belonging to that class in conformance with the provisions of a plan adopted by the Fund in accordance with Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act.

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

Dividends paid by the Fund, if any, with respect to Class A, Class Z and Advisor Class shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time on the same day and will be in the same amount, except that the distribution services fee applicable to a class of shares (if any), and the transfer agency costs relating to a class of shares, will be borne exclusively by the class to which they relate.

This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning shares to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special rules. This summary is based upon the advice of counsel for the Fund and upon current law and interpretations thereof. No confirmation has been obtained from the relevant tax authorities. There is no assurance that the applicable laws and interpretations will not change.

In view of the individual nature of tax consequences, each shareholder is advised to consult the shareholder's own tax adviser with respect to the specific tax consequences of being a shareholder of the Fund, including the effect and applicability of federal, state, local, foreign and other tax laws and the effects of changes therein.

United States Federal Income Taxation of Dividends and Distributions

General. The Fund intends for each taxable year to qualify to be taxed as a "regulated investment company" under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). To so qualify, the Fund must, among other things: (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currency, certain other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward currency exchange contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in stock, securities or currency or net income derived from interests in "qualified publicly traded partnerships"; and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of its taxable year, the following two conditions are met: (a) at least 50% of the value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities with respect to which the Fund's investment is limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's assets is invested in securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies), securities (other than securities of other regulated investment companies) of any two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which

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are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or securities of one or more "qualified publicly traded partnerships".

If the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company for any taxable year and makes timely distributions to its shareholders of 90% or more of its investment company taxable income for that year (calculated without regard to its net capital gain, i.e., the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss) it will not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of its taxable income for the year (including any net capital gain) that it distributes to shareholders.

It is the present policy of the Fund to distribute to shareholders all net investment income monthly and to distribute net realized capital gains, if any, annually. The amount of any such distributions must necessarily depend upon the realization by the Fund of income and capital gains from investments.

The Fund will also avoid the 4% federal excise tax that would otherwise apply to certain undistributed income for a given calendar year if it makes timely distributions to the shareholders equal to at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for that year, (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain net income and foreign currency gains for the twelve-month period ending on October 31 of that year or, if later during the calendar year, the last day of the Fund's taxable year (i.e., November 30 or December 31) if the Fund is permitted to so elect and so elects, and (iii) any ordinary income or capital gain net income from the preceding calendar year that was not distributed during such year. For this purpose, income or gain retained by the Fund that is subject to corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed by the Fund during such year. For federal income and excise tax purposes, dividends declared and payable to shareholders of record as of a date in October, November or December of a given year but actually paid during the immediately following January will be treated as if paid by the Fund on December 31 of such earlier calendar year, and will be taxable to these shareholders in the year declared, and not in the year in which the shareholders actually receive the dividend.

The information set forth in the Prospectus and the following discussion relate solely to the significant United States federal income taxes on dividends and distributions by the Fund and assume that the Fund qualifies to be taxed as a regulated investment company. An investor should consult his or her own tax advisor with respect to the specific tax consequences of being a shareholder in the Fund, including the effect and applicability of federal, state, local and foreign tax laws to his or her own particular situation and the possible effects of changes therein.

Dividends and Distributions. The Fund intends to make timely distributions of the Fund's taxable income (including any net capital gain) so that the Fund will not be subject to federal income and excise taxes. Dividends of the Fund's net ordinary income and distributions of any net realized short-term capital gain are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

Some or all of the distributions from the Fund may be treated as "qualified dividend income", taxable to individuals, trusts and estates at the reduced tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that both the fund and the shareholder satisfy certain holding

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period and other requirements. Based upon the investment policy of the Fund, it is expected that only a small portion, if any, of the Fund's distributions would be treated as "qualified dividend income".

Distributions of net capital gain are taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares in the Fund. Any dividend or distribution received by a shareholder on shares of the Fund will have the effect of reducing the NAV of such shares by the amount of such dividend or distribution. Furthermore, a dividend or distribution made shortly after the purchase of such shares by a shareholder, although in effect a return of capital to that particular shareholder, would be taxable to him or her as described above. Dividends are taxable in the manner discussed regardless of whether they are paid to the shareholder in cash or are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. The investment objective of the Fund is such that only a small portion, if any, of the Fund's distributions is expected to qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.

Income dividends generally are declared daily and paid monthly; capital gains distributions generally occur annually in December. After the end of the calendar year, the Fund will notify shareholders of the federal income tax status of any distributions made by the Fund to shareholders during such year.

Sales and Redemptions. Any gain or loss arising from a sale or redemption of Fund shares generally will be a capital gain or loss if Fund shares are held as a capital asset, and will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder has held such shares for more than one year at the time of the sale or redemption; otherwise it will be a short-term capital gain or loss. If a shareholder has held shares in the Fund for six months or less and during that period has received a distribution of net capital gain, any loss recognized by the shareholder on the sale of those shares during the six-month period will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the distribution. In determining the holding period of such shares for this purpose, any period during which a shareholder's risk of loss is offset by means of options, short sales or similar transactions is not counted.

Any loss realized by a shareholder on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are reacquired within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are sold or exchanged. For this purpose, acquisitions pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan would constitute a reacquisition if made within the period. If a loss is so disallowed, then such loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

Cost Basis Reporting. As part of the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, mutual funds are required to report to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") the "cost basis" of shares acquired by a shareholder on or after January 1, 2012 ("covered shares") and subsequently redeemed. These requirements do not apply to investments through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement plan. The "cost basis" of a share is generally its purchase price adjusted for dividends, return of capital, and other corporate actions. Cost basis is used to determine whether a sale of the shares results in a gain or loss. The amount of gain or loss recognized by a shareholder on the sale or redemption of shares is

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generally the difference between the cost basis of such shares and their sale price. If you redeem covered shares during any year, then the Fund will report the cost basis of such covered shares to the IRS and you on Form 1099-B along with the gross proceeds received on the redemption, the gain or loss realized on such redemption and the holding period of the redeemed shares.

Your cost basis in your covered shares is permitted to be calculated using any one of three alternative methods: Average Cost, First In-First Out (FIFO) and Specific Share Identification. You may elect which method you want to use by notifying the Fund. This election may be revoked or changed by you at any time up to the date of your first redemption of covered shares. If you do not affirmatively elect a cost basis method then the Fund's default cost basis calculation method, which is currently the Average Cost method - will be applied to your account(s). The default method will also be applied to all new accounts established unless otherwise requested.

If you hold Fund shares through a broker (or another nominee), please contact that broker (nominee) with respect to the reporting of cost basis and available elections for your account.

You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor regarding the application of the new cost basis reporting rules and, in particular, which cost basis calculation method you should elect.

Qualified Plans. A dividend or capital gains distribution with respect to shares of the Fund held by a tax-deferred or qualified plan, such as an individual retirement account, section 403(b)(7) retirement plan or corporate pension or profit-sharing plan, generally will not be taxable to the plan. Distributions from such plans will be taxable to individual participants under applicable tax rules without regard to the character of the income earned by the qualified plan.

Backup Withholding. Any distributions and redemption proceeds payable to a shareholder may be subject to "backup withholding" tax (at a rate of 24%) if such shareholder fails to provide the Fund with his or her correct taxpayer identification number, fails to make certain required certifications or is notified by the IRS that he or she is subject to backup withholding. Corporate shareholders and certain other shareholders specified in the Code are exempt from such backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, a shareholder generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under backup withholding rules that exceed such shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

Foreign Income Taxes. Investment income received by the Fund also may be subject to foreign income taxes, including taxes withheld at the source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries which entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of such taxes or exemption from taxes on such income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of the Fund's assets to be invested within various countries is not known.

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If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stocks or securities of foreign corporations (which for this purpose should include obligations issued by foreign governments), the Fund will be eligible and intends to file an election with the IRS to pass through to its shareholders the amount of foreign taxes paid by the Fund. However, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to do so. If the Fund makes this election, a shareholder will be required to (i) include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received), his or her pro rata share of foreign taxes paid by the Fund, (ii) treat his or her pro rata share of such foreign taxes as having been paid by him and (iii) either deduct such pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing his or her taxable income or treat such foreign taxes as a credit against U.S. federal income taxes. Shareholders who are not liable for federal income taxes, such as retirement plans qualified under section 401 of the Code, will not be affected by any such pass-through of taxes by the Fund. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by an individual shareholder who does not itemize deductions. In addition, certain shareholders may be subject to rules which limit or reduce their ability to fully deduct, or claim a credit for, their pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund. A shareholder's foreign tax credit with respect to a dividend received from the Fund will be disallowed unless the shareholder holds shares in the Fund on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 other days during the 30-day period beginning 15 days prior to the ex-dividend date. Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will pass through for that year and, if so, such notification will designate (i) the shareholder's portion of the foreign taxes paid, to each such country and (ii) the portion of dividends that represents income derived from sources within each such country.

The federal income tax status of each year's distributions by the Fund will be reported to shareholders and to the IRS. The foregoing is only a general description of the treatment of foreign taxes under the U.S. federal income tax laws. Because the availability of a foreign tax credit or deduction will depend on the particular circumstances of each shareholder, potential investors are advised to consult their own tax advisers.

U.S. Federal Income Taxation of the Fund

The following discussion relates to certain significant U.S. federal income tax consequences to the Fund with respect to the determination of its "investment company taxable income" each year. This discussion assumes that the Fund will be taxed as a regulated investment company for each of its taxable years.

Original Issue Discount and Market Discount Obligations. Under the original issue discount rules, the Fund will receive net investment income in the form of interest by virtue of holding debt obligations that have an issue price that is less than their stated redemption price at maturity (a "discount obligation"). These rules require that a holder (such as the Fund) of a discount obligation accrue a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased as income each year even though the Fund receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. Accordingly, the Fund may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions will be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary. If a distribution of cash necessitates the liquidation of portfolio

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securities, the Adviser will select which securities to sell. The Fund may realize a gain or loss from such sales. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than they would have in the absence of such transactions. Under the market discount rules, the Fund may recognize ordinary income from the sale of bonds which it purchased at a discount to their issue price in the secondary market.

Options, Futures Contracts, and Forward Currency Exchange Contracts. Certain listed options, regulated futures contracts, and forward currency exchange contracts are considered "section 1256 contracts" for federal income tax purposes. Section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year will be "marked to market" and treated for federal income tax purposes as though sold for fair market value on the last business day of such taxable year. Gain or loss realized by the Fund on section 1256 contracts other than forward currency exchange contracts will be considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, although the Fund may elect to have the gain or loss it realizes on certain contracts taxed as "section 988" gain or loss. Gain or loss realized by the Fund on forward currency exchange contracts generally will be treated as section 988 gain or loss and will therefore be characterized as ordinary income or loss and will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's net investment income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, as described above. The Fund can elect to exempt its section 1256 contracts which are part of a "mixed straddle" (as described below) from the application of section 1256.

With respect to OTC put and call options, gain or loss realized by the Fund upon the lapse or sale of such options held by the Fund will be either long-term or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon the Fund's holding period with respect to such option. However, gain or loss realized upon the lapse or closing out of such options that are written by the Fund will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. In general, if the Fund exercises an option, or if an option that the Fund has written is exercised, gain or loss on the option will not be separately recognized but the premium received or paid will be included in the calculation of gain or loss upon disposition of the property underlying the option.

Gain or loss realized by the Fund on the lapse or sale of put and call options on foreign currencies which are traded OTC or on certain foreign exchanges will be treated as section 988 gain or loss and will therefore be characterized as ordinary income or loss and will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's net investment income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, as described above. The amount of such gain or loss shall be determined by subtracting the amount paid, if any, for or with respect to the option (including any amount paid by the Fund upon termination of an option written by the Fund) from the amount received, if any, for or with respect to the option (including any amount received by the Fund upon termination of an option held by the Fund). In general, if the Fund exercises such an option on a foreign currency, or if such an option that the Fund has written is exercised, gain or loss on the option will be recognized in the same manner as if the Fund had sold the option (or paid another person to assume the Fund's obligation to make delivery under the option) on the date on which the option is exercised, for the fair market value of the option. The foregoing rules will also apply to other put and call options which have as their underlying property foreign

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currency and which are traded OTC or on certain foreign exchanges to the extent gain or loss with respect to such options is attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Stripped-Mortgage Related Securities. Certain classes of SMRS which are issued at a discount, the payments of which are subject to acceleration by reason of prepayments of the underlying mortgage assets securing such classes, are subject to special rules for determining the portion of the discount at which the class was issued which must be accrued as income each year. Under Code section 1272(a)(6), a principal-only class or a class which receives a portion of the interest and a portion of the principal from the underlying mortgage assets is subject to rules which require accrual of interest to be calculated and included in the income of a holder (such as the Fund) based on the increase in the present value of the payments remaining on the class, taking into account payments includable in the class's stated redemption price at maturity which are received during the accrual period. For this purpose, the present value calculation is made at the beginning of each accrual period (i) using the yield to maturity determined for the class at the time of its issuance (determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each accrual period and properly adjusted for the length of the accrual period), calculated on the assumption that certain prepayments will occur, and (ii) taking into account any prepayments that have occurred before the close of the accrual period. Since interest included in the Fund's income as a result of these rules will have been accrued and not actually paid, the Fund may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest it actually received, with possible results as described above.

Tax Straddles. Any option, futures contract or other position entered into or held by the Fund in conjunction with any other position held by the Fund may constitute a "straddle" for federal income tax purposes. A straddle of which at least one, but not all, the positions are section 1256 contracts may constitute a "mixed straddle". In general, straddles are subject to certain rules that may affect the character and timing of the Fund's gains and losses with respect to straddle positions by requiring, among other things, that: (i) loss realized on disposition of one position of a straddle not be recognized to the extent that the Fund has unrealized gains with respect to the other position in such straddle; (ii) the Fund's holding period in straddle positions be suspended while the straddle exists (possibly resulting in gain being treated as short-term capital gain rather than long-term capital gain); (iii) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions which are part of a mixed straddle and which are non-section 1256 positions be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital loss; (iv) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions which would otherwise constitute short-term capital losses be treated as long-term capital losses; and (v) the deduction of interest and carrying charges attributable to certain straddle positions may be deferred. Various elections are available to the Fund which may mitigate the effects of the straddle rules, particularly with respect to mixed straddles. In general, the straddle rules described above do not apply to any straddles held by the Fund, all of the offsetting positions of which consist of section 1256 contracts.

Currency Fluctuations — "Section 988" Gains and Losses. Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, gains or losses from the

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disposition of foreign currencies, from the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, or from the disposition of a forward currency exchange contract denominated in a foreign currency which are attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the asset and the date of disposition also are treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under the Code as "section 988" gains or losses, increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income available to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount of the Fund's net capital gain. Because section 988 losses reduce the amount of ordinary dividends the Fund will be allowed to distribute for a taxable year, such section 988 losses may result in all or a portion of prior dividend distributions for such year being recharacterized as a non-taxable return of capital to shareholders, rather than as an ordinary dividend, reducing each shareholder's basis in his or her Fund shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed such shareholder's basis, each will be treated as a gain from the sale of shares.

Other Taxation

The Fund may be subject to other state and local taxes. A shareholder's state of residence may impose income tax on distributions of tax-exempt interest income, which are exempt from Federal income tax. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the state and local income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.

Taxation of Foreign Shareholders

Taxation of a shareholder who, under the Code, is a nonresident alien individual, foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation or foreign partnership ("foreign shareholder"), depends on whether the income from the Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the foreign shareholder.

If the income from the Fund is not effectively connected with the foreign shareholder's U.S. trade or business, then, except as discussed below, distributions of the Fund attributable to ordinary income paid to a foreign shareholder by the Fund will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate) upon the gross amount of the distribution. Distributions of the Fund attributable to U.S. source portfolio interest income are not subject to this withholding tax if so designated.

A foreign shareholder generally would be exempt from Federal income tax on distributions of the Fund attributable to net long-term and net short-term capital gain and on gain realized from the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund. Special rules apply in the case of a shareholder that is a foreign trust or foreign partnership.

If the income from the Fund is effectively connected with a foreign shareholder's U.S. trade or business, then ordinary income distributions, capital gain distributions, and any gain realized upon the sale of shares of the Fund will be subject to Federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. citizens or U.S. corporations.

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The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein.

The tax rules of other countries with respect to an investment in the Fund can differ from the Federal income taxation rules described above. These foreign rules are not discussed herein. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the consequences of foreign tax rules with respect to an investment in the Fund.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Subject to the general oversight of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for the investment decisions and the placing of orders for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Adviser determines the broker or dealer to be used in each specific transaction with the objective of negotiating a combination of the most favorable commission (for transactions on which a commission is payable) and the best price obtainable on each transaction (generally defined as "best execution"). In connection with seeking best price and execution, the Fund does not consider sales of shares of the Fund or other investment companies managed by the Adviser as a factor in the selection of brokers and dealers to effect portfolio transactions and has adopted a policy and procedures reasonably designed to preclude such considerations.

Most transactions for the Fund, including transactions in listed securities, are executed in the OTC market by market maker dealers with whom the Adviser maintains regular contact. Most transactions made by the Fund will be principal transactions at net prices and the Fund will incur little or no brokerage costs. Where possible, securities will be purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the securities unless the Adviser believes a better price and execution are available elsewhere. Purchases from underwriters of newly-issued securities for inclusion in the Fund usually will include a concession paid to the underwriter by the issuer and purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include the spread between the bid and asked price.

When consistent with the objective of obtaining best execution, brokerage may be directed to persons or firms supplying investment information to the Adviser. There may be occasions where the transaction cost charged by a broker may be greater than that which another broker may charge if it is determined in good faith that the amount of such transaction cost is reasonable in relation to the value of brokerage, research and statistical services provided by the executing broker.

No Fund has an obligation to enter into transactions in portfolio securities with any broker, dealer, issuer, underwriter or other entity. In placing orders, it is the policy of the Fund to obtain the best price and execution for its transactions. Where best price and execution may be obtained from more than one broker or dealer, the Adviser may, in its discretion, purchase and sell securities through brokers and dealers who provide research, statistical and other information to the Adviser. Such services may be used by the Adviser for all of its investment advisory accounts and, accordingly, not all such services may be used by the Adviser

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in connection with the Fund. The supplemental information received from a dealer is in addition to the services required to be performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreements, and the expenses of the Adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such information.

Neither the Fund nor the Adviser have entered into agreements or understandings with any brokers regarding the placement of securities transactions because of research services they provide. To the extent that such persons or firms supply investment information to the Adviser for use in rendering investment advice to the Fund, such information may be supplied at no cost to the Adviser and, therefore, may have the effect of reducing the expenses of the Adviser in rendering advice to the Fund. While it is impracticable to place an actual dollar value on such investment information, the Adviser believes that its receipt probably does not reduce the overall expenses of the Adviser to any material extent.

The investment information provided to the Adviser is of the type described in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and investment strategy capabilities. Research services furnished by brokers through which the Fund effects securities transactions are used by the Adviser in carrying out its investment management responsibilities with respect to all its clients' accounts but not all such services may be used by the Adviser in connection with the Fund.

Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those for other investment companies and other advisory accounts managed by the Adviser. It may happen, on occasion, that the same security is held in the portfolio of the Fund and one or more of such other companies or accounts. Simultaneous transactions are likely when several funds or accounts are managed in accordance with a similar strategy by the Adviser, particularly when a security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one of such companies or accounts. When two or more companies or accounts managed by the Adviser are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the transactions are allocated to the respective companies or accounts both as to amount and price, in accordance with a method deemed equitable to each company or account. In some cases, this system may adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the position obtainable for the Fund.

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Allocations are made by the officers of the Fund or of the Adviser. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are determined by the Adviser and are placed with broker-dealers by the order department of the Adviser.

The Adviser continuously monitors and evaluates the performance and execution capabilities of brokers that transact orders for the Fund to ensure consistent quality executions. This information is reported to the Adviser's Research Allocation Committee and Best Execution Committee, which oversee broker-selection issues. In addition, the Adviser periodically reviews the Fund's transaction costs in light of current market circumstances using internal tools and analysis as well as statistical analysis and other relevant information from external vendors.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Fund paid brokerage commissions amounting in the aggregate to $1,114 and $594, respectively. During the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2018, the Fund paid brokerage commissions amounting in the aggregate to $157. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, the Fund paid brokerage commissions amounting in the aggregate to $1,265.

The Fund may, from time to time, place orders for the purchase or sale of securities (including listed call options) with SCB & Co. and SCB Limited (a U.K. broker-dealer), affiliates of the Adviser (the "Affiliated Brokers"). In such instances, the placement of orders with the Affiliated Brokers would be consistent with the Fund's objective of obtaining best execution and would not be dependent upon the fact that the Affiliated Brokers are affiliates of the Adviser. With respect to orders placed with the Affiliated Brokers for execution on a national securities exchange, commissions received must conform to Section 17(e)(2)(A) of the 1940 Act and Rule 17e-1 thereunder, which permit an affiliated person of a registered investment company (such as the Fund), or any affiliated person of such person, to receive a brokerage commission from such registered investment company provided that such commission is reasonable and fair compared to the commissions received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities during a comparable period of time.

The Fund paid no brokerage commissions to the Affiliated Brokers during the three most recent fiscal years.

As of the end of the most recent fiscal year or period, the Fund owned securities of its regular brokers or dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents as follows:

Broker/Dealer	Aggregate Value of Securities Held
Barclays PLC Citigroup, Inc. Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)	$        20,641 $      176,881 $        44,389
JPMorgan Chase & Co	$      134,527

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Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

The Fund believes that the ideas of the Adviser's investment staff should benefit the Fund and its shareholders, and does not want to afford speculators an opportunity to profit by anticipating Fund trading strategies or using Fund information for stock picking. However, the Fund also believes that knowledge of the Fund's portfolio holdings can assist shareholders in monitoring their investment, making asset allocation decisions, and evaluating portfolio management techniques.

The Adviser has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities. The policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund's operation or useful to the Fund's shareholders without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. Except when there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure and other conditions (designed to protect the Fund and its shareholders) are met, the Fund does not provide or permit others to provide information about the Fund's portfolio holdings on a selective basis.

The Fund includes portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal or state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. In addition, the Adviser may post portfolio holdings information on the Adviser's website (www.abfunds.com). The Adviser generally posts on the website a complete schedule of the Fund's portfolio securities, generally as of the last day of each calendar month, approximately 30 days after the end of that month. This posted information generally remains accessible on the website for three months. For each portfolio security, the posted information includes its name, the number of shares held by the Fund, the market value of the Fund's holdings, and the percentage of the Fund's assets represented by the Fund's holdings. In addition to the schedule of portfolio holdings, the Adviser may post information about the number of securities the Fund holds, a summary of the Fund's top ten holdings (including name and the percentage of the Fund's assets invested in each holding), and a percentage breakdown of the Fund's investments by country, sector, and industry, as applicable approximately 10-15 days after the end of the month. The day after portfolio holdings information is publicly available on the website, it may be mailed, e-mailed or otherwise transmitted to any person.

The Adviser may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings that is not publicly available, on the website or otherwise, to the Adviser's employees and affiliates that provide services to the Fund. In addition, the Adviser may distribute or authorize distribution of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings that is not publicly available, on the website or otherwise, (i) to the Fund's service providers who require access to the information in order to fulfill their contractual duties relating to the Fund (including, without limitation, pricing services and proxy voting services), (ii) to facilitate the review of the Fund by ratings agencies, (iii) for the purpose of due diligence regarding a merger or acquisition, (iv) for the purpose of effecting in-kind redemption of securities to facilitate orderly redemption of portfolio assets and minimal impact on remaining Fund shareholders, or (v) to other persons approved by the Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer (or his designee) in

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accordance with the conditions described below that are part of the policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities.. The Adviser does not expect to disclose information about the Fund's portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to the Fund's individual or institutional investors or to intermediaries that distribute the Fund's shares. Information may be disclosed with any frequency and any lag, as appropriate.

Before any non-public disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings is permitted, however, the Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer (or his designee) must determine that the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for providing the portfolio holdings information, that the disclosure is in the best interests of the Fund's shareholders, and that the recipient agrees or has a duty to keep the information confidential and agrees not to trade directly or indirectly based on the information or to use the information to form a specific recommendation about whether to invest in the Fund or any other security. Under no circumstances may the Adviser or its affiliates receive any consideration or compensation for disclosing the information.

The Adviser has established procedures to ensure that the Fund's portfolio holdings information is only disclosed in accordance with these policies. Only the Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer (or his designee) may approve the disclosure, and then only if he or she and a designated senior officer in the Adviser's product management group determine that the disclosure serves a legitimate business purpose of the Fund and is in the best interest of the Fund's shareholders. The Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer (or his designee) approves disclosure only after considering the anticipated benefits and costs to the Fund and its shareholders, the purpose of the disclosure, any conflicts of interest between the interests of the Fund and its shareholders and the interests of the Adviser or any of its affiliates, and whether the disclosure is consistent with the policies and procedures governing disclosure. Only someone approved by the Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer (or his designee) may make approved disclosures of portfolio holdings information to authorized recipients. The Adviser reserves the right to request certifications from senior officers of authorized recipients that the recipient is using the portfolio holdings information only in a manner consistent with the Adviser's policy and any applicable confidentiality agreement. The Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer (or his designee) or another member of the compliance team reports all arrangements to disclose portfolio holdings information to the Board on a quarterly basis. If the Board determines that disclosure was inappropriate, the Adviser will promptly terminate the disclosure arrangement.

In accordance with these procedures, each of the following third parties has been approved to receive information concerning the Fund's portfolio holdings: (i) the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, for use in providing audit opinions; (ii) Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc., Data Communique International and, from time to time, other financial printers, for the purpose of preparing Fund regulatory filings; (iii) the Fund's custodian in connection with its custody of the Fund's assets; (iv) Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. for proxy voting services; (v) the Investment Company Institute, a trade association that represents registered investment companies such as mutual funds, closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds, in connection with confidential industry matters; and (vi) data aggregators, such as Vestek. Information may be provided to these parties at any time with no time lag. Each of

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these parties is contractually and ethically prohibited from sharing the Fund's portfolio holdings information unless specifically authorized.

Tax Management

Bernstein Private Wealth Management ("Bernstein"), an affiliate of the Adviser, provides certain tax management services to its private clients that invest in the Fund through investment programs administered by Bernstein. As part of such services, Bernstein conducts year-end tax trading on behalf of these private clients to offset capital gains taxes where possible, which may result in buying and selling shares in the Fund, which could in turn result in the Fund experiencing temporary asset inflows or outflows at year end. Bernstein coordinates with the Adviser to try to ensure that the implementation of Bernstein's tax management strategies does not compromise the interests the Fund or its shareholders, and the Adviser considers that it has a fiduciary duty to both the Fund and the private clients. However, the implementation of Bernstein's tax management strategies may require the Fund to increase asset allocations to cash or cash equivalents in order to meet expected redemption requests. If a significant amount of the Fund's assets are allocated to cash or cash equivalents, it may be more difficult for the Fund to achieve its investment objective. Implementation of Bernstein's tax management strategies may also require the Fund to incur transaction costs, which will reduce its return.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Description of the Fund

The Fund is a series of AB Bond Fund, Inc. (the "Company"), a Maryland corporation organized in 1973 under the name "Alliance Bond Fund, Inc." The Company's name was changed to "AllianceBernstein Bond Fund, Inc." on March 31, 2003 and "AB Bond Fund, Inc." on January 20, 2015. The Fund was organized in 2014 under the name "AllianceBernstein High Yield Portfolio". The name of the Fund was changed from "AllianceBernstein High Yield Portfolio" to "AB High Yield Portfolio" on January 20, 2015. The name of the Fund was changed from "AB High Yield Portfolio" to "AB FlexFee™ High Yield Portfolio" on February 26, 2018. The name of the Fund was changed from "AB FlexFee™ High Yield Portfolio" to "AB High Yield Portfolio" on April 30, 2021.

It is anticipated that annual shareholder meetings will not be held; shareholder meetings will be held only when required by federal or state law. Shareholders have available certain procedures for the removal of directors.

A shareholder will be entitled to share pro rata with other holders of the same class of shares all dividends and distributions arising from the Fund's assets and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the then current NAV of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable CDSC. The Fund is empowered to establish, without shareholder approval, additional portfolios, which may have different investment objectives and policies than

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those of the Fund, and additional classes of shares within the Fund. If an additional portfolio or class were established in the Fund, each share of the portfolio or class would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally, shares of each portfolio and class would vote together as a single class on matters, such as the election of Directors, that affect each portfolio and class in substantially the same manner. Shares are, when issued, fully paid and non-assessable, freely transferable, entitled to dividends as determined by the Directors and, in liquidation of the Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund.

The Board may, without shareholder approval, increase or decrease the number of authorized but unissued shares of the Fund's Advisor Class Common Stock.

Principal and Controlling Holders

AB HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

To the knowledge of the Fund, the persons below owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the noted class of outstanding shares of the Fund as of February 1, 2021. A shareholder who beneficially owns more than 25% of the Fund's outstanding voting securities is presumed to "control" the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, and may have a significant impact on matters submitted to a shareholder vote.

Name and Address	No. of Shares of Class	% of Class
Advisor Class
AllianceBernstein L.P. Attn: Brent Mather-Seed Account One Nashville Place, 21st Floor 150 4th Ave. N. Nashville, TN 37219-2415	1,808,029	46.31%
LPL Financial Omnibus Customer Account Attn: Mutual Fund Trading 4707 Executive Dr. San Diego, CA 92121-3091	417,847	10.70%
National Financial Services LLC For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers Attn: Mutual Funds Dept. 499 Washington Blvd., 4th Floor Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	695,381	17.81%
Sanford Bernstein & Co. LLC 1 N. Lexington Ave. White Plains, NY 10601	468,667	12.00%

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Custodians and Accounting Agents

Brown Brothers, 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, acts as the custodian for the assets of, and as accounting agent for, the Fund, but plays no part in deciding on the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. Subject to the supervision of the Fund's Directors, Brown Brothers may enter into sub-custodial agreements for the holding of the Fund's foreign securities.

Principal Underwriter

ABI, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105, is the Principal Underwriter of shares of the Fund, and as such may solicit orders from the public to purchase shares of the Fund. Under the Distribution Services Agreement, the Fund has agreed to indemnify ABI, in the absence of its willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

Counsel

Legal matters in connection with the issuance of the shares of the Fund offered hereby are passed upon by Seward & Kissel LLP, 901 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20001.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP, 5 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, has been appointed as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund.

Code of Ethics and Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

The Fund, the Adviser and ABI have each adopted codes of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These codes of ethics permit personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund.

The Fund has adopted the Adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures. A description of the Adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures is attached to this SAI as Appendix A.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies related to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available: (1) without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 227-4618; or through the Fund's website at www.abfunds.com; or both; and (2) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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Additional Information

Shareholder inquiries may be directed to the shareholder's financial intermediary or to ABIS at the address or telephone numbers shown on the front cover of this SAI. This SAI does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained at a reasonable charge from the SEC or may be examined, without charge, at the offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C., or on the Internet at www.abfunds.com.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and the report of Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm, are incorporated herein by reference to the Fund's annual report. The annual report for the Fund was filed on Form N-CSR with the SEC on March [__], 2021. It is available without charge upon request by calling ABIS at (800) 227-4618 or on the Internet at www.abfunds.com.

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Appendix A

Proxy Voting and Governance Policy Statement

Introduction

As an investment adviser, we are shareholder advocates and have a fiduciary duty to make investment decisions that are in our clients' best interests by maximizing the value of their shares. Proxy voting is an integral part of this process, through which we support strong corporate governance structures, shareholder rights and transparency.

We have an obligation to vote proxies in a timely manner and we apply the principles in our Proxy Voting and Governance Policy ("Proxy Voting and Governance Policy" or "Policy") and this policy statement ("Statement") to our proxy decisions. We believe a company's environmental, social and governance ("ESG") practices may have a significant effect on the value of the company, and we take these factors into consideration when voting. For additional information regarding our ESG policies and practices, please refer to our firm's Responsible Investing Report ("RI Report").

Our Proxy Voting and Governance Policy, which outlines our policies for proxy voting and includes a wide range of issues that often appear on proxies, applies to all of AB's investment management subsidiaries and investment services groups investing on behalf of clients globally. Both this Statement and the Policy are intended for use by those involved in the proxy voting decision-making process and those responsible for the administration of proxy voting ("members of the Responsible Investing team"), in order to ensure that our proxy voting policies and procedures are implemented consistently. Copies of the Policy, the RI Report and our voting records, as noted below in "Voting Transparency", can be found on our Internet site (www.alliancebernstein.com).

We sometimes manage accounts where proxy voting is directed by clients or newly-acquired subsidiary companies. In these cases, voting decisions may deviate from the Policy.

Research Underpins Decision Making

As a research-driven firm, we approach our proxy voting responsibilities with the same commitment to rigorous research and engagement that we apply to all our investment activities. The different investment philosophies utilized by our investment teams may occasionally result in different conclusions being drawn regarding certain proposals and, in turn, may result in the members of the Responsible Investing team making different voting decisions on the same proposal. Nevertheless, the members of the Responsible Investing team vote proxies with the goal of maximizing the value of the securities in client portfolios.

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In addition to our firm-wide proxy voting policies, we have a Proxy Voting and Governance Committee, which provides oversight and includes senior investment professionals from Equities, Legal personnel and Operations personnel. It is the responsibility of the Proxy Voting and Governance Committee to evaluate and maintain proxy voting procedures and guidelines, to evaluate proposals and issues not covered by these guidelines, to consider changes in policy, and to review this Statement and the Policy no less frequently than annually. In addition, the Proxy Voting and Governance Committee meets at least three times a year and as necessary to address special situations.

Research Services

We subscribe to the corporate governance and proxy research services of vendors such as Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") and Glass Lewis at different levels. All our investment professionals can access these materials via the members of the Responsible Investing team and/or the Proxy Voting and Governance Committee.

Engagement

In evaluating proxy issues and determining our votes, we welcome and seek out the points of view of various parties. Internally, the members of the Responsible Investing team may consult the Proxy Voting and Governance Committee, Chief Investment Officers, Directors of Research, and/or Research Analysts across our equities platforms, and Portfolio Managers in whose managed accounts a stock is held. Externally, we may engage with companies in advance of their Annual General Meeting, and throughout the year. We believe engagement provides the opportunity to share our philosophy, our corporate governance values, and more importantly, affect positive change. Also, these meetings often are joint efforts between the investment professionals, who are best positioned to comment on company-specific details, and the members of the Responsible Investing, who offer a more holistic view of governance practices and relevant trends. In addition, we engage with shareholder proposal proponents and other stakeholders to understand different viewpoints and objectives.

Proxy Voting Guidelines

Our proxy voting guidelines are both principles-based and rules-based. We adhere to a core set of principles that are described in the Proxy Voting and Governance Policy. We assess each proxy proposal in light of these principles. Our proxy voting "litmus test" will always be what we view as most likely to maximize long-term shareholder value. We believe that authority and accountability for setting and executing corporate policies, goals and compensation generally should rest with the board of directors and senior management. In return, we support strong investor rights that allow shareholders to hold directors and management accountable if they fail to act in the best interests of shareholders.

Our proxy voting guidelines pertaining to specific issues are set forth in the Policy and include guidelines relating to board and director proposals, compensation proposals, capital changes and anti-takeover proposals, auditor proposals, shareholder access and voting proposals, and environmental, social and disclosure proposals. The following are examples of specific issues within each of these broad categories:

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Board and Director Proposals: Election of Directors

The election of directors is an important vote. We expect directors to represent shareholder interests at the company and maximize shareholder value. We generally vote in favor of the management-proposed slate of directors while considering a number of factors, including local market best practice. We believe companies should have a majority of independent directors and independent key committees. However, we will incorporate local market regulation and corporate governance codes into our decision making. We may support more progressive requirements than those implemented in a local market if we believe more progressive requirements may improve corporate governance practices. We will generally regard a director as independent if the director satisfies the criteria for independence (i) espoused by the primary exchange on which the company's shares are traded, or (ii) set forth in the code we determine to be best practice in the country where the subject company is domiciled and may take into account affiliations, related-party transactions and prior service to the company. We consider the election of directors who are "bundled" on a single slate to be a poor governance practice and vote on a case-by-case basis considering the amount of information available and an assessment of the group's qualifications.

Capital Changes and Anti-Takeover Proposals: Authorize Share Repurchase

We generally support share repurchase proposals that are part of a well-articulated and well-conceived capital strategy. We assess proposals to give the board unlimited authorization to repurchase shares on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, we would generally support the use of derivative instruments (e.g., put options and call options) as part of a share repurchase plan absent a compelling reason to the contrary. Also, absent a specific concern at the company, we will generally support a repurchase plan that could be continued during a takeover period.

Auditor Proposals: Appointment of Auditors

We believe that the company is in the best position to choose its accounting firm, and we generally support management's recommendation.

We recognize that there may be inherent conflicts when a company's independent auditors perform substantial non-audit related services for the company. Therefore, in reviewing a proposed auditor, we will consider the amount of fees paid for non-audit related services performed compared to the total audit fees paid by the company to the auditing firm, and whether there are any other reasons for us to question the independence or performance of the firm's auditor such as, for example, tenure. We generally will deem as excessive the non-audit fees paid by a company to its auditor if those fees account for 50% or more of total fees paid. In the U.K. market, which utilizes a different standard, we adhere to a non-audit fee cap of 100% of audit fees. Under these circumstances, we generally vote against the auditor and the directors, in particular the members of the company's audit committee. In addition, we generally vote against authorizing the audit committee to set the remuneration of such auditors. We exclude from this analysis non-audit fees related to IPOs, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs and other extraordinary events. We may vote against or abstain due to a lack of disclosure of the name of the auditor while taking into account local market practice.

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Shareholder Access and Voting Proposals: Proxy Access for Annual Meetings

These proposals allow "qualified shareholders" to nominate directors. We generally vote in favor of management and shareholder proposals for proxy access that employ guidelines reflecting the SEC framework for proxy access (adopted by the US Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in 2010, but vacated by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals in 2011), which would have allowed a single shareholder, or group of shareholders, who hold at least 3% of the voting power for at least three years continuously to nominate up to 25% of the current board seats, or two directors, for inclusion in the subject company's annual proxy statement alongside management nominees.

We may vote against proposals that use requirements that are stricter than the SEC's framework including implementing restrictions and against individual board members, or entire boards, who exclude from their ballot properly submitted shareholder proxy access proposals or include their own competing, more strict, proposals on the same ballot.

We will evaluate on a case-by-case basis proposals with less stringent requirements than the vacated SEC framework.

From time to time we may receive requests to join with other shareholders to support a shareholder action. We may, for example, receive requests to join a voting block for purposes of influencing management. If the third parties requesting our participation are not affiliated with us and have no business relationships with us, we will consider the request on a case-by-case basis. However, where the requesting party has a business relationship with us (e.g., the requesting party is a client or a significant service provider), agreeing to such a request may pose a potential conflict of interest. As a fiduciary we have an obligation to vote proxies in the best interest of our clients (without regard to our own interests in generating and maintaining business with our other clients) and given our desire to avoid even the appearance of a conflict, we will generally decline such a request.

Environmental, Social and Disclosure Proposals: Lobbying and Political Spending

We generally vote in favor of proposals requesting increased disclosure of political contributions and lobbying expenses, including those paid to trade organizations and political action committees, whether at the federal, state, or local level. These proposals may increase transparency.

We generally vote proposals in accordance with these guidelines but, consistent with our "principles-based" approach to proxy voting, we may deviate from the guidelines if warranted by the specific facts and circumstances of the situation (i.e., if, under the circumstances, we believe that deviating from our stated policy is necessary to help maximize long-term shareholder value). In addition, these guidelines are not intended to address all issues that may appear on all proxy ballots. Proposals not specifically addressed by these guidelines, whether submitted by management or shareholders, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, always keeping in mind our fiduciary duty to make voting decisions that, by maximizing long-term shareholder value, are in our clients' best interests.

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Conflicts of Interest

As a fiduciary, we always must act in our clients' best interests. We strive to avoid even the appearance of a conflict that may compromise the trust our clients have placed in us, and we insist on strict adherence to fiduciary standards and compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws. We have adopted a comprehensive Code of Business Conduct and Ethics ("Code") to help us meet these obligations. As part of this responsibility and as expressed throughout the Code, we place the interests of our clients first and attempt to avoid any perceived or actual conflicts of interest.

We recognize that there may be a potential material conflict of interest when we vote a proxy solicited by an issuer that sponsors a retirement plan we manage (or administer), that distributes AB-sponsored mutual funds, or with which we or one or more of our employees have another business or personal relationship that may affect how we vote on the issuer's proxy. Similarly, we may have a potential material conflict of interest when deciding how to vote on a proposal sponsored or supported by a shareholder group that is a client. In order to avoid any perceived or actual conflict of interest, we have established procedures for use when we encounter a potential conflict to ensure that our voting decisions are based on our clients' best interests and are not the product of a conflict. These procedures include compiling a list of companies and organizations whose proxies may pose potential conflicts of interest (e.g., if such company is our client) and reviewing our proposed votes for these companies and organizations in light of the Policy and proxy advisors' recommendations. If our proposed vote is contrary to, or not contemplated in, the Policy, is consistent with a client's position and is contrary to proxy advisors' recommendation, we refer to proposed vote to our Conflicts Officer for his determination.

In addition, our Proxy Voting and Governance Committee takes reasonable steps to verify that our primary proxy advisor, ISS, continues to be independent, including an annual review of ISS's conflict management procedures. When reviewing these conflict management procedures, we consider, among other things, whether ISS (i) has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues; and (ii) can offer research in an impartial manner and in the best interests of our clients.

Voting Transparency

We publish our voting records on our Internet site (www.alliancebernstein.com) quarterly, 30 days after the end of the previous quarter. Many clients have requested that we provide them with periodic reports on how we voted their proxies. Clients may obtain information about how we voted proxies on their behalf by contacting their Advisor. Alternatively, clients may make a written request to the Chief Compliance Officer.

Recordkeeping

All of the records referenced in our Policy will be kept in an easily accessible place for at least the length of time required by local regulation and custom, and, if such local regulation requires that records are kept for less than five years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, we will follow the U.S. rule of five years. If the local regulation requires that records are kept for more than five years, we will comply with the local regulation. We maintain the vast majority of these records electronically.

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years, we will comply with the local regulation. We maintain the vast majority of these records electronically.

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PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 28. EXHIBITS:

(a)	(1)	Articles of Amendment and Restatement to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant dated, February 1, 2006 and filed February 23, 2006 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) to Post–Effective Amendment No. 87 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2007.
	(2)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated November 2, 2007 and filed June 18, 2008 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) to Post–Effective Amendment No. 89 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2009.
	(3)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated November 30, 2009 and filed December 3, 2009 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(3) to Post–Effective Amendment No. 93 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2009.
	(4)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated December 17, 2009 and filed December 21, 2009 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(4) to Post–Effective Amendment No. 95 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 2010.
	(5)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated and filed September 22, 2010 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(5) to Post–Effective Amendment No. 99 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2011.
	(6)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated and filed September 21, 2011 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(6) to Post–Effective Amendment No. 103 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 23, 2011.
	(7)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated January 6, 2012 and filed January 12, 2012 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(7) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 115 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2013.

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(8)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated March 5, 2013 and filed March 6, 2013 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(8) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 115 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2013.
(9)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated November 21, 2013 and filed November 25, 2013 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(9) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 11, 2013.
(10)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated December 30, 2013 and filed January 13, 2014 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 122 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2014.
(11)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated February 6, 2014 and filed February 7, 2014 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(11) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2014.
(12)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated and filed April 22, 2014 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(12) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2014.
(13)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated November   11, 2014 and filed December 1, 2014 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(13) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 131 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 12, 2014.
(14)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated and filed December 12, 2014 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(14) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 133 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 30, 2015.
(15)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, effective and filed January 20, 2015 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(15) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 133 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 30, 2015.

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(16)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated and filed August 6, 2015 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(16) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the  Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2015.
(17)	Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(17) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the  Securities and Exchange Commission on November 7, 2016.
(18)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated and filed December 29, 2016 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(18) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 156 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the  Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2016.
(19)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, effective February 26, 2018 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(19) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2018.
(20)	Articles Supplementary to the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant filed August 3, 2018 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(20) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2018.
(21)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, effective July 12, 2019 and filed July 10, 2019 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(21) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2019.
(22)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, effective and filed May 9, 2017 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(22) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 200 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2020.
(23)	Articles Supplementary to the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated February 4, 2021 and filed February 5, 2021 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(23) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 204 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2021.
(24)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant – To be filed by amendment.

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(b)	Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.77Q1 – Other Exhibits of the Registrant’s Semi-Annual Report on Form NSAR-A (File No. 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2006.
(c)	Not applicable.
(d)	(1)	Investment Advisory Contract between the Registrant and AllianceBernstein L.P., dated November 13, 2019 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2020.
	(2)	Form of Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the AB Performance Fee Series – International Bond Portfolio – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 163 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2017.
	(3)	Form of Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of AB FlexFee High Yield Portfolio – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2018.
	(4)	Form of Investment Advisory Contract between the Registrant and AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc., dated November 13, 2019, as amended May 1, 2021 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 204 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2021.
	(5)	Investment Advisory Contract between the Registrant and AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. – To be filed by amendment.
(e)	(1)	Selected Dealer Agreement between Alliance Bernstein Investments, Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated making available shares of the Registrant effective April 30, 2009 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(8) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 33-49530 and 811-06730), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 2009.
	(2)	Loading Fund Operating Agreement between Alliance Bernstein Investments, Inc. and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. making available shares of the Registrant, dated as of June 1, 2007 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(9) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1-A of AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 33-49530 and 811-06730), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 2009.

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	(3)	Cooperation Agreement between AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (formerly known as AllianceBernstein Research and Management, Inc.) and UBS AG, dated November 1, 2005 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 33-49530 and 811-06730), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 2009.
	(4)	Form of Selected Agent Agreement for Depository Institutions and their Subsidiaries between AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. and selected agents making available shares of the Registrant - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(8) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of The AB Portfolios (File Nos. 33-12988 and 811-05088), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2017.
	(5)	Form of Selected Agreement for Broker-Dealers between AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. and selected dealers offering shares of the Registrant - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 166 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 2-10768 and 811-00204), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2019.
	(6)	Distribution Services Agreement between the Registrant and AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc., dated November 13, 2019 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 200 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2020.
	(7)	Form of Amendment to Distribution Services Agreement between the Registrant and AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc., amended as of February [_], 2021 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(7) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 204 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2021.
(f)	Not applicable.
(g)	(1)	Master Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective August 3, 2009 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 33-18647 and 811-05398), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2010.

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	(2)	Amendment to the Master Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective April 22, 2016 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2016.
	(3)	Form of Novation and Amendment Agreement to Custodian Agreement dated, as of December 5, 2011 between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., regarding the AllianceBernstein International Bond Portfolio - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 117 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AB Cap Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 2-29901 and 811-01716), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2012.
	(4)	Novation and Amendment Agreement, between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., regarding the AB High Yield Portfolio - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(19) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 215 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AB Cap Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 2-29901 and 811-01716), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 28, 2016.
	(5)	Amendment to Custodian Agreement, dated August 8, 2017, between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., regarding the AB FlexFee International Bond Portfolio - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(21) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 248 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AB Cap Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 2-29901 and 811-01716), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 29, 2017.
	(6)	Form of Novation and Amendment Agreement, between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., regarding the AB FlexFee International Bond Portfolio and AB High Yield Portfolio - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(21) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 255 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AB Cap Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 2-29901 and 811-01716), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2018.
	(7)	Amendment to Custodian Agreement, dated July 25, 2018, between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(21) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 255 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AB Cap Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 2-29901 and 811-01716) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2019.
(h)	(1)	Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (formerly known as Alliance Fund Services, Inc.), dated as of September 14, 1988 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 1997.

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(2)	Form of Expense Limitation Undertaking by AllianceBernstein L.P. (formerly known as Alliance Capital Management L.P.), with respect to Quality Bond Portfolio – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2005.
(3)	Expense Limitation Agreement by AllianceBernstein L.P. with respect to AllianceBernstein Credit Long/Short Portfolio, dated May 7, 2014 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2014.
(4)	Expense Limitation Agreement by AllianceBernstein L.P. with respect to AllianceBernstein High Yield Portfolio, dated July 15, 2014 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(7) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2014.
(5)	Expense Limitation Agreement by AllianceBernstein L.P., with respect to AB Income Fund, dated April 22, 2016 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(8) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2016.
(6)	Expense Limitation Undertaking by AllianceBernstein L.P., with respect to AB Bond Inflation Strategy, dated January 29, 2016 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(9) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2017.
(7)	Expense Limitation Undertaking by AllianceBernstein L.P., with respect to AB All Market Real Return Portfolio, dated January 29, 2016 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the  Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2017.
(8)	Amendment to Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., dated as of June 14, 2006 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(11) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2018.

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(9)	Expense Limitation Agreement by AllianceBernstein L.P. with respect to AllianceBernstein Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio, dated December 11, 2013 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(12) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2018.
(10)	Expense Limitation Undertaking by AllianceBernstein L.P., with respect to AB Income Fund, dated January 29, 2017 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(13) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2018.
(11)	Expense Limitation Undertaking by AllianceBernstein L.P., with respect to AllianceBernstein Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy, dated January 30, 2015 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(14) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 169 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2018.
(12)	Management Fee Waiver Undertaking, dated June 1, 2016, amended as of May 1, 2019, by AllianceBernstein L.P. – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(47) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 274 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AB Cap Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 2-29901 and 811-01716), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 29, 2019.
(13)	Expense Limitation Agreement by AllianceBernstein L.P. with respect to AB Limited High Income Portfolio, dated December 7, 2011 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(16) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2020.
(14)	Expense Limitation Undertaking by AllianceBernstein L.P. with respect to AB Limited Duration High Income Portfolio, dated January 1, 2017 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(17) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2020.
(15)	Expense Limitation Undertaking by AllianceBernstein L.P. with respect to AB Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio, dated January 1, 2017 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(18) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2020.

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	(16)	Expense Limitation Undertaking by AllianceBernstein L.P. with respect to AB Intermediate Bond Portfolio, dated February 1, 2017 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(19) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2020.
	(17)	Expense Limitation Agreement by AllianceBernstein L.P., with respect to AB Short Duration Income Portfolio, dated November 15, 2018 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(20) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2020.
	(18)	Expense Limitation Agreement by AllianceBernstein L.P., with respect to AB FlexFee International Bond Portfolio, dated June 28, 2017 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(18) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 200 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2020.
	(19)	Expense Limitation Agreement by AllianceBernstein L.P., with respect to AB FlexFee High Yield Portfolio, dated February 26, 2018 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(19) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 200 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2020.
	(20)	Expense Limitation Undertaking by AllianceBernstein L.P. with respect to AB FlexFee International Bond Portfolio, dated January 1, 2019 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(20) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 200 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2020.
	(21)	Form of Expense Limitation Agreement, dated May [_], 2021, between the Registrant, on behalf of the AB Sustainable Thematic Credit Portfolio, and AllianceBernstein L.P. – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(21) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 204 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2021.
	(22)	Expense Limitation Undertaking by AllianceBernstein L.P. – To be filed by amendment.
(i)		Opinion and Consent of Seward & Kissel LLP – To be filed by amendment.
(j)		Consent of Independent Public Accounting Firm – Filed herewith.
(k)		Not applicable.

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(l)		Not applicable.
(m)		Rule 12b-1 Plan - To be filed by amendment.
(n)		Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan, dated August 1, 2019 – Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (n) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2020.
(o)		Reserved.
(p)	(1)	Code of Ethics for the Fund - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2000.
	(2)	Code of Ethics for AllianceBernstein L.P. and AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of AB Institutional Funds, Inc. (File Nos. 333-37177 and 811-08403), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2021.

Other Exhibits:

(1) Powers of Attorney for: Michael J. Downey, Nancy P. Jacklin, Robert M. Keith, Carol C. McMullen, Garry L. Moody, Marshall C. Turner, Jr. and Earl D. Weiner – Incorporated by reference to Other Exhibits to Post-Effective Amendment No. 177 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.

(2) Power of Attorney for: Jorge A. Bermudez –- Incorporated by reference to Other Exhibits (2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 200 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2020.

(3) Power of Attorney for: Jeanette W. Loeb – Incorporated by reference to Other Exhibits (3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 202 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-02383), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2021.

ITEM 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Fund.

None.

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ITEM 30. Indemnification.

It is the Registrant’s policy to indemnify its directors and officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by Section 2-418 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Maryland, which is incorporated by reference herein, and as set forth in Article EIGHTH of Registrant’s Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Articles of Incorporation, Article IX of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated By-laws filed as Exhibit (b) and Section 10(a) of the Distribution Services Agreement filed as Exhibit (e)(1), all as set forth below.

The liability of the Registrant’s directors and officers is dealt with in Article EIGHTH of Registrant’s Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Articles of Incorporation, as set forth below. The Investment Adviser’s liability for any loss suffered by the Registrant or its shareholders is set forth in Section 4 of the Investment Advisory Contract filed as Exhibit (d) as set forth below.

ARTICLE EIGHTH OF THE REGISTRANT’S ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION READS AS FOLLOWS:

(1)       To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no present or former director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages.

(2)       The Corporation shall have the power, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to obligate itself to indemnify, and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to, (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation or (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner or trustee of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his status as a present or former director or officer of the Corporation. The Corporation shall have the power, with the approval of the Board of Directors, to provide such indemnification and advancement of expenses to a person who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation.

(3)       The provisions of this Article EIGHTH shall be subject to the limitations of the Investment Company Act.

(4)       Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article EIGHTH, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or Bylaws inconsistent with this Article EIGHTH, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sections of this Article EIGHTH with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

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ARTICLE IX OF THE REGISTRANT’S AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS READS AS FOLLOWS:

To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, the Corporation shall indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in any such capacity or (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner or trustee of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in any such capacity. The Corporation may, with the approval of its Board of Directors or any duly authorized committee thereof, provide such indemnification and advance for expenses to a person who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation. The termination of any claim, action, suit or other proceeding involving any person, by judgment, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction or upon a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that such person did not meet the standards of conduct required for indemnification or payment of expenses to be required or permitted under Maryland law, these Bylaws or the Charter. Any indemnification or advance of expenses made pursuant to this Article shall be subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. The indemnification and payment of expenses provided in these Bylaws shall not be deemed exclusive of or limit in any way other rights to which any person seeking indemnification or payment of expenses may be or may become entitled under any bylaw, regulation, insurance, agreement or otherwise.

Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Bylaws or Charter inconsistent with this Article, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding paragraph with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

Section 10(a) of the Distribution Services Agreement reads as follows:

Section 10. Indemnification.

(a)       The Fund agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Underwriter, and any person who controls the Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Underwriter or any such controlling person may incur, under the Securities Act, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Fund’s Registration Statement. Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information in effect from time to time under the Securities Act or arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact required to be any one in either thereof or necessary to make the statements in any one thereof not misleading; provided, however, that in no event shall anything herein contained be so construed as to protect the Underwriter against any liability to the Fund or its security holders to which the Underwriter would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of the Underwriter’s reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. The Fund’s agreement to indemnify the Underwriter and any such controlling person as aforesaid is expressly conditioned

C-12 

upon the Fund’s being notified of the commencement of any action brought against the Underwriter or any such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or by telegram addressed to the Fund at its principal office in New York, New York, and sent to the Fund by the person against whom such action is brought within ten days after the summons or other first legal process shall have been served. The failure to so notify the Fund of the commencement of any such action shall not relieve the Fund from any liability which it may have to the person against whom such action is brought by reason of any such alleged untrue statement or omission otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 10. The Fund will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such claim, and to retain counsel of good standing chosen by the Fund and approved by the Underwriter. In the event the Fund does not elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain counsel of good standing approved by the Underwriter, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case the Fund does not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, or in case the Underwriter does not approve of counsel chosen by the Fund, the Fund will reimburse the Underwriter or the controlling person or persons named as defendant or defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel retained by the Underwriter or such persons. The indemnification agreement contained in this Section 10 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Underwriter or any controlling person and shall survive the sale of any of the Fund’s shares made pursuant to subscriptions obtained by the Underwriter. This agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the benefit of the Underwriter, to the benefit of its successors and assigns, and to the benefit of any controlling persons and their successors and assigns. The Fund agrees promptly to notify the Underwriter of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against the Fund in connection with the issue and sale of any of its shares.

Section 4 of the Investment Advisory Contract reads as follows:

4.       We shall expect of you, and you will give us the benefit of, your best judgment and efforts in rendering these services to us, and we agree as an inducement to your undertaking these services that you shall not be liable hereunder for any mistake of judgment or in any event whatsoever, except for lack of good faith, provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect, or purport to protect, you against any liability to us or to our security holders to which you would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of your duties hereunder, or by reason of your reckless disregard of your obligations and duties hereunder.

The foregoing excerpts are qualified by the entire text of Registrant’s Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Articles of Incorporation, Amended and Restated By-laws, the Distribution Services Agreement between Registrant and AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”) and the Investment Advisory Contract between Registrant and AllianceBernstein L.P.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, 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 Securities 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 director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer of controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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In accordance with Release No. IC-11330 (September 2, 1980), the Registrant will indemnify its directors, officers, investment manager and principal underwriters only if (1) a final decision on the merits was issued by the court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the person to be indemnified (the “indemnitee”) was not liable by reason or willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office ("disabling conduct") or (2) a reasonable determination is made, based upon a review of the facts, that the indemnitee was not liable by reason of disabling conduct, by (a) the vote of a majority of a quorum of the directors who are neither "interested persons" of the Registrant as defined in section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 nor parties to the proceeding (“disinterested, non-party directors”), or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. The Registrant will advance attorneys fees or other expenses incurred by its directors, officers, investment adviser or principal underwriters in defending a proceeding, upon the undertaking by or on behalf of the indemnitee to repay the advance unless it is ultimately determined that he is entitled to indemnification and, as a condition to the advance, (1) the indemnitee shall provide a security for his undertaking, (2) the Registrant shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or (3) a majority of a quorum of disinterested, non-party directors of the Registrant, or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall determine, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

The Registrant participates in a joint directors’ liability insurance policy issued by the ICI Mutual Insurance Company. Under this policy, outside trustees and directors are covered up to the limits specified for any claim against them for acts committed in their capacities as trustee or director. A pro rata share of the premium for this coverage is charged to each participating investment company. In addition, the Adviser’s liability insurance policy, which is issued by a number of underwriters, including Greenwich Insurance Company as primary underwriter, extends to officers of the Registrant and such officers are covered up to the limits specified for any claim against them for acts committed in their capacities as officers of the investment companies sponsored by the Adviser.

ITEM 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.

The descriptions of AllianceBernstein L.P. under the captions “Management of the Fund” in the Prospectuses and in the Statements of Additional Information constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of this Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein.

The information as to the directors and executive officers of AllianceBernstein L.P., set forth in its Form ADV filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2014 (File No. 801-56720) and amended through the date hereof, is incorporated by reference.

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ITEM 32. Principal Underwriters

(a)       ABI is the Registrant’s Principal Underwriter in connection with the sale of shares of the Registrant. ABI is also the Principal Underwriter or Distributor for the following investment companies:

AB Cap Fund, Inc.

AB Core Opportunities Fund, Inc.

AB Corporate Shares

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.

AB Equity Income Fund, Inc.

AB Fixed-Income Shares, Inc.

AB Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.

AB Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc.

AB High Income Fund, Inc.

AB Institutional Funds, Inc.

AB Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio¹

AB Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio²

AB Intermediate Duration Portfolio³

AB Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio¹

AB International Portfolio⁴

AB Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc.

AB Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

AB Municipal Income Fund II

AB Relative Value Fund, Inc.

AB Short Duration Portfolio⁵

AB Sustainable Global Thematic Fund, Inc.

AB Sustainable International Thematic Fund, Inc.

AB Tax-Managed International Portfolio⁴

AB Trust

AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.

Emerging Markets Portfolio⁶

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund II, Inc.

The AB Portfolios

______________________

¹ This is a Portfolio of Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc., which consists of Classes A, C and Advisor Class Shares.

² This is a Portfolio of Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc., which consists of Classes A, C, Z and Advisor Class Shares.

³ This is a Portfolio of Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc., which consists of Classes A, Z and Advisor Class Shares.

⁴ This is a Portfolio of Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc., which consists of Classes A, C and Z Shares.

⁵ This is a Portfolio of Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc., which consists of Classes A and C Shares.

⁶ This is a Portfolio of Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc., which consists of Class Z Shares.

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(b)       The following are the Directors and Officers of ABI, the principal place of business of which is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105.

NAME	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH REGISTRANT
Directors
Robert M. Keith	Director	President and Chief Executive Officer
Lawrence E. Cranch	Director
Gary Krueger	Director, and Chief Financial Officer
David M. Lesser	Director	Assistant Secretary
Mark R. Manley	Director, and Secretary
Officers
Emilie D. Wrapp	Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary	Secretary
Laurence H. Bertan	Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary
Richard A. Brink	Senior Vice President
Peter G. Callahan	Senior Vice President
Michael A. Capella	Senior Vice President
Nelson Kin Hung Chow	Senior Vice President
Flora Chi Ju Chuang	Senior Vice President
Russell R. Corby	Senior Vice President
John W. Cronin	Senior Vice President
Silvio Cruz	Senior Vice President
John C. Endahl	Senior Vice President
John Edward English	Senior Vice President

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NAME	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH REGISTRANT
Robert K. Forrester	Senior Vice President
Mark A. Gessner	Senior Vice President
Kenneth L. Haman	Senior Vice President
Michael S. Hart	Senior Vice President
Ajai M. Kaul	Senior Vice President
Scott M. Krauthamer	Senior Vice President
Jonathan M. Liang	Senior Vice President
Karen (Yeow Ping) Lim	Senior Vice President
James M. Liptrot	Senior Vice President and Assistant Controller
William Marsalise	Senior Vice President
Brendan Murray	Senior Vice President
Masaru Nakabachi	Senior Vice President
John J. O’Connor	Senior Vice President
John D. Prosperi	Senior Vice President
Miguel A. Rozensztroch	Senior Vice President
Craig T. Schorr	Senior Vice President
Elizabeth M. Smith	Senior Vice President
Stephen M. Woetzel	Senior Vice President	Assistant Controller
Derek Yung	Senior Vice President
Robert J. Amberger	Vice President
Armand H. Amritt	Vice President
Eric Anderson	Vice President

C-17 

NAME	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH REGISTRANT
Constantin L. Andreae	Vice President
Corey S. Beckerman	Vice President
DeAnna D. Beedy	Vice President
Chris Boeker	Vice President
Brandon W. Born	Vice President
James J. Bracken	Vice President
Robert A. Brazofsky	Vice President
Christopher J. Carrelha	Vice President
Josh Tso Hsiang Chang	Vice President
Mikhail Cheskis	Vice President
Daisy (Sze Kie) Chung	Vice President
Dwight P. Cornell	Vice President
Massimo Dalla Vedova	Vice President
Francesca Dattola	Vice President
Kevin M. Dausch	Vice President
Frank de Wit	Vice President
Marc J. Della Pia	Vice President
Patrick R. Denis	Vice President
Jonathon A. Diegel	Vice President
Ralph A. DiMeglio	Vice President
Joseph T. Dominguez	Vice President
Barbara Anne Donovan	Vice President
Gregory M. Erwinski	Vice President

C-18 

NAME	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH REGISTRANT
Susan A. Flanagan	Vice President
Nataliya Fomenko	Vice President
Carey Fortnam	Vice President
Eric C. Freed	Vice President and Counsel	Assistant Secretary
Yuko Funato	Vice President
Joseph Haag	Vice President
Kenneth Handler	Vice President
Brian P. Hanna	Vice President
Terry L. Harris	Vice President
Sarah Entzeroth Hartzke	Vice President
Nancy E. Hay	Vice President and Counsel	Assistant Secretary
Philippe Hemery	Vice President
Olivier Herson	Vice President
Alexander Hoffmann	Vice President
Brian Horvath	Vice President
Eric S. Indovina	Vice President
Anthony E. Kafouros	Vice President
Tina Kao	Vice President
Jeffrey Kelly	Vice President
Gunnar Knierim	Vice President
Anthony D. Knight	Vice President
Tomas Kukla	Vice President
Stephen J. Laffey	Vice President and Counsel	Assistant Secretary
Chang Hyun Lee	Vice President

C-19 

NAME	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH REGISTRANT
Ginnie Li-Chin Li	Vice President
Albert Yen Po Lien	Vice President
Darren L. Luckfield	Vice President
Jim (Chi-Hsiung) Liu	Vice President
Matthew J. Malvey	Vice President
Robert Mancini	Vice President
Todd Mann	Vice President
Osama Mari	Vice President
Daniel P. Melehan	Vice President
Nicola Meotti	Vice President
Yuji Mihashi	Vice President
Aimee Minora	Vice President
David Mitchell	Vice President
Benjamin Moore	Vice President
Robert D. Nelms	Vice President
Jamie A. Nieradka	Vice President
Daryl N. Northrop	Vice President
Markus Novak	Vice President
Bryan R. Pacana	Vice President
David D. Paich	Vice President
Kim Chu Perrington	Vice President
Joseph J. Proscia	Vice President
Damien Ramondo	Vice President
Carol H. Rappa	Vice President

C-20 

NAME	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER	POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH REGISTRANT
Jessie A. Reich	Vice President
Claudio Rondolini	Vice President
David Saslowsky	Vice President
Richard A. Schwam	Vice President
John F. Skahan	Vice President
Chang Min Song	Vice President
Daniel L. Stack	Vice President
Jason P. Stevens	Vice President
Scott M. Tatum	Vice President
Wendy Weng	Vice President
Isabella (Hsin-I) Yen	Vice President
Oscar Zarazua	Vice President
Martin J. Zayac	Vice President
Isabelle Husson	Assistant Vice President
Charissa A. Pal	Assistant Vice President
Brian W. Paulson	Assistant Vice President
Pablo Perez	Assistant Vice President
Michiyo Tanaka	Assistant Vice President
Laurence Vandecasteele	Assistant Vice President
William Wielgolewski	Assistant Vice President

(c)       Not applicable.

ITEM 33. Location of Accounts and Records.

The majority of the accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder are maintained as follows: journals, ledgers, securities records and other original records are maintained principally at the offices of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., P.O. Box 786003, San Antonio, Texas 78278-6003, and at the offices of State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Registrants Custodian, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.  All other records so required to be maintained are maintained at the offices of AllianceBernstein L.P., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105.

ITEM 34. Management Services.

Not applicable.

ITEM 35. Undertakings.

Not applicable.

C-21 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City and State of New York, on the 1^st day of March, 2021.

AB BOND FUND, INC.
By:	/s/ Robert M. Keith
	Robert M. Keith
	President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

Signature					Title	Date
1)	Principal Executive Officer:
	/s/		Robert M. Keith		President and	March 1, 2021
			Robert M. Keith		Chief Executive
					Officer
2)	Principal Financial And Accounting Officer:
	/s/	Joseph J. Mantineo			Treasurer and	March 1, 2021
		Joseph J. Mantineo			Chief Financial
					Officer
3)	All of the Directors: Jorge A. Bermudez* Michael J. Downey* Nancy P. Jacklin* Robert M. Keith* Jeanette W. Loeb* Carol C. McMullen* Garry L. Moody* Marshall C. Turner, Jr.* Earl D. Weiner*
	*By:	/s/		Stephen J. Laffey		March 1, 2021
				Stephen J. Laffey (Attorney-in-fact)

C-22 

Index to Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description of Exhibits
(j)	Consent of Independent Public Accounting Firm

C-23