485BPOS 1 d83198e485bpos.htm 485BPOS e485bpos
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2011
1933 Act File No. 033-11387
1940 Act File No. 811-04984
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933            þ
Pre-Effective Amendment No. ____           o
Post-Effective Amendment No. 113            þ
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940            þ
Amendment No. 112            þ
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
4151 Amon Carter Boulevard, MD 2450
Fort Worth, Texas 76155
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (817) 391-6100
     
Gene L. Needles, Jr., President   With copies to:
4151 Amon Carter Boulevard   Francine J. Rosenberger, Esq.
MD 2450   K&L Gates LLP
Fort Worth, Texas 76155   1601 K Street, NW
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)   Washington, D.C. 20006-1601
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
  o   immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
  þ   on July 5, 2011 pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
  o   60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
 
  o   on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
 
  o   75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
 
  o   on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
  o   This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
 
 

 


Table of Contents

AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This registration statement is comprised of the following:
Cover Sheet
Contents of Registration Statement
Prospectus for the A Class, C Class, Institutional Class, Y Class and Investor Class shares of the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund
Statement of Additional Information for the A Class, C Class, Institutional Class, Y Class and Investor Class shares of the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund
Part C
Signature Page
Exhibits

 


Table of Contents

(AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS LOGO)
 
 
PROSPECTUS
 
July 6, 2011
 
American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund
A CLASS [AFXAX]
C CLASS [AFXCX]
INVESTOR CLASS [AFXPX]
Y CLASS [AFXYX]
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS [AFXIX]
 
 
This Prospectus contains important information you should know before investing, including information about risks. Please read it before you invest and keep it for future reference.
 
 
The Securities and Exchange Commission does not guarantee that the information in this prospectus or any other mutual fund’s prospectus is accurate or complete, nor does it judge the investment merits of the Fund. To state otherwise is a criminal offense.


Table of Contents

(AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS LOGO)
 
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Prospectus
i


Table of Contents

American Beacon
 
Flexible Bond Fund

 
Investment Objective
 
The Fund seeks to provide a positive total return regardless of market conditions.
 
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. You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and on page 18 under “Choosing Your Share Class” in the prospectus and on page 50 under “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” in the statement of additional information.
 
Shareholder fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
 
                                         
    Share classes
    A   C   Institutional   Y   Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)     4.75 %     None       None       None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge load1 (as a % of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds)     None       1.00 %     None       None       None  
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
 
                                         
    Share classes
    A   C   Institutional   Y   Investor
Management fees
    0.62 %     0.62 %     0.62 %     0.62 %     0.62 %
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees
    0.25 %     1.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %
Other expenses2
    0.87 %     0.87 %     0.62 %     0.72 %     1.00 %
                                         
Total annual fund operating expenses
    1.74 %     2.49 %     1.24 %     1.34 %     1.62 %
                                         
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement
    0.35 %     0.35 %     0.34 %     0.35 %     0.35 %
                                         
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursements3
    1.39 %     2.14 %     0.90 %     0.99 %     1.27 %
                                         
 
1
The CDSC is eliminated 12 months after purchase.
 
2
Expenses are based on estimated expenses expected to be incurred for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2011.
 
3
The Manager has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse the A Class, C Class, Institutional Class, Y Class and Investor Class of the Fund for Distribution Fees and Other Expenses, as applicable, through July 6, 2012 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.39% for the A Class, 2.14% for the C Class, 0.90% for the Institutional Class, 0.99% for the Y Class, and 1.27% for the Investor Class (excluding taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and other extraordinary expenses such as litigation). The contractual expense arrangement can be changed by approval of a majority of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager’s own reduction or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the percentage limit contractually agreed.
 
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
 
                 
Share classes
  1 year   3 years
A
  $ 610     $ 965  
C
  $ 317     $ 742  
Institutional
  $ 92     $ 360  
Y
  $ 101     $ 390  
Investor
  $ 129     $ 477  
 
Assuming no redemption of shares:
 
                 
Share class
  1 year   3 years
C Class
  $ 217     $ 742  
 
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and 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 costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover rate for the Fund’s last fiscal year is not provided because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus.
 
 
 
Prospectus Summary
1


Table of Contents

American Beacon
 
Flexible Bond Fund — (continued)

 
Principal Investment Strategies
 
The Fund’s investment approach is flexible, allocating investments across a wide range of investment opportunities globally to attempt to achieve positive total return regardless of market conditions over a full market cycle. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing under normal market conditions at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in fixed-income instruments of varying maturities and derivative instruments that provide exposure to fixed income instruments. Fixed-income instruments include obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and non-U.S. governments, their agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions, including inflation index linked securities, debt securities of supranational organizations, quasi-sovereign debt, emerging markets debt, corporate bonds, convertible and non-convertible notes, convertible debt, municipal securities, trust preferred securities, Rule 144A securities, pay-in-kind securities, variable and floating rate securities, commercial paper, mortgage-backed securities (commercial and residential), collateralized mortgage obligations and other mortgage-related products, asset-backed securities, and bank loans and loan participation interests. The Fund will invest in fixed income instruments without restrictions on their credit quality, although it is anticipated that under normal market conditions, the Fund’s investments in non-investment grade securities, known also as high yield or “junk” bonds, will be limited to 35% of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in a particular geographic region or country, including emerging markets.
 
The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments include options, futures contracts, forward contracts, warrants, swaps and structured notes. The Fund uses these derivative instruments to enhance total return, to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency exchange rates, to change the effective duration of its portfolio, to manage certain investment risks or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of the underlying currencies or securities. The Fund’s use of derivatives may be extensive.
 
The Fund may have significant exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. or emerging market currencies, non-U.S. currency futures contracts, options on non-U.S. currencies and non-U.S. currency futures and swaps for cross-currency investments. The Fund may also make direct investments in non-U.S. currencies and in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Investments in currencies and currency hedging are established to extract value or reduce risk.
 
The Fund’s investments may expose the Fund to U.S. and foreign interest rates. The Fund may also make equity investments, including preferred stocks, common stocks and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund may invest in companies of all market capitalizations, including small-and medium-capitalization companies.
 
In selecting investments for the Fund, the Fund’s sub-advisors develop long- and short-term views of global economic themes suggested by macro economic factors, interest rates, market cycles, credit cycles and other relevant factors. The sub-advisors seek to capitalize on these themes by investing where opportunities exist by either making long investments where they believe favorable return conditions exist, or by establishing short positions where the lack of absolute return opportunities could result in favorable returns for a short position. The sub-advisors examine the relative risk and return characteristics of each investment to determine the ultimate positioning of their individual portfolios. The Fund’s sub-advisors will sell securities when their economic views change and an investment idea, based on its return potential or level of risk no longer fits within their overall macro strategy or when better ideas are uncovered to improve the Fund’s portfolio.
 
The Fund’s weighted average portfolio duration is expected to range from -5 to +8 years depending upon the sub-advisors forecast of interest rates and assessment of market risk generally. Duration is a measure of the life expectancy of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity a security’s price to changes in interest rates. Generally, the price of a security with a positive duration will fall when interest rates rise, and vice versa. Moreover, larger absolute values of duration correspond to larger price changes. A duration of “one year” means that a security’s price would be expected to decrease by approximately 1% with a 1% increase in interest rates and, conversely, a negative duration of one year generally will increase the price of the security by 1%. The Fund may have a negative weighted average duration through the use of short futures, put option positions and total return swaps. Such instruments have durations roughly equal to the negative duration of the securities that underlie those positions and have the effect of reducing portfolio duration by approximately the same amount that selling an equivalent amount of the underlying securities would.
 
 
 
Summary Prospectus
2


Table of Contents

American Beacon
 
Flexible Bond Fund — (continued)

 
The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it is not limited to a percentage of assets that it may invest in any one issuer.
 
Principal Risks
 
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not designed for investors who need an assured level of income and is intended to be a long-term investment. The Fund is not a complete investment program and may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund are:
 
Flexible Strategy Risk
The Fund uses a variety of investment strategies to provide a positive total return regardless of market conditions. The Sub-advisors do not attempt to keep the portfolio structure or the Fund’s performance consistent with any designated stock, bond or market index, and during times of market rallies, the Fund may not perform as well as other funds that seek to outperform an index. Over time, the investment performance of flexible strategies is typically substantially independent of longer term movements in the stock and bond market. Interest rate levels and currency valuations will not always respond as the Sub-advisors expect and portfolio securities may remain over- or under-valued.
 
Bank Loans and Senior Loan Risk
Bank loans and senior loans are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. In addition, bank loans and senior loans are subject to the risk that the value of the collateral, if any, securing a loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower, or be difficult to liquidate. In the event of a default, the Fund may have difficulty collecting on any collateral and would not have the ability to collect on any collateral for an uncollateralized loan.
 
Credit Risk
An issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a loan may fail to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations. A decline in an issuer’s credit rating for any reason can cause the price of its bonds to go down. Since the Fund can invest significantly in lower-quality debt securities considered speculative in nature, this risk will be substantial.
 
Currency Risk
Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect the Fund’s investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.
 
Derivatives Risk
Derivatives may involve significant risk. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund’s initial investment. Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy derivatives not traded on an exchange which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives are subject to counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty to a derivative instrument becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties. As a result the Fund may obtain no recovery of its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:
 
•  Futures and Forward Contracts.  There may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures contracts. There may not be a liquid secondary market for the futures contracts. Forward currency transactions include the risks associated with fluctuations in currency.
•  Hedging Risk.  If the Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Fund’s return, or create a loss.
•  Options.  There may be an imperfect correlation between the prices of options and movements in the price of the securities (or indices) hedged or used for cover which may cause a given hedge not to achieve its objective.
•  Structured Notes.  Structured notes are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. The price of structured notes may be very volatile and they may have a limited trading market, making it difficult to value them or sell them at an acceptable price.
•  Swap Agreements.  Swaps are subject to counterparty risk. Credit default swaps, including credit default swaps on baskets of securities (such as the CDX indices), are subject to credit risk on the underlying
 
 
 
Prospectus Summary
3


Table of Contents

American Beacon
 
Flexible Bond Fund — (continued)

investment. Interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate and credit risk. Total return swaps may be subject to credit risk and market risk.

•  Warrants.  The value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities and ceases to have a value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.
 
Equity Securities Risk
Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include preferred stocks, common stocks and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). Preferred stocks are sensitive to movements in interest rates. In addition, preferred stocks are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Common stocks are subject to market risk, their prices may be volatile at times, and rank below preferred stocks and bonds in claims for dividends or assets of a company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small- or mid-capitalization companies, such investments involve greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating history, product lines, and financial resources.
 
Foreign Investing & Emerging Markets Risk
Investing in foreign securities, foreign sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt, and American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) carries potential risks not associated with domestic investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity and greater volatility of foreign investments, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) less government regulation and supervision of foreign banks, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, (6) increased price volatility, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. The risks of foreign investing mentioned above are heightened when investing in emerging markets. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region. At such times, the Fund may be more volatile than a more geographically diversified fund.
 
High Yield Securities Risk
Investing in high yield, below investment-grade securities generally involves significantly greater risks of loss of your money than an investment in investment-grade securities. Compared with issuers of investment grade securities, high yield securities are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and to be materially affected by these difficulties. Rising interest rates may compound these difficulties and reduce an issuer’s ability to repay principal and interest obligations. Issuers of lower-rated securities also have a greater risk of default or bankruptcy.
 
Interest Rate Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the market value of fixed income securities or derivatives it holds will decline due to rising interest rates. When interest rates rise, the prices of most fixed income securities go down. The prices of fixed income securities or derivatives are also affected by their maturity. Fixed income securities or derivatives with longer maturities generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
 
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you sell your shares of the Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.
 
Leveraging Risk
Certain transactions of the Fund, such as investments in derivative instruments and selling securities short may give rise to leverage. Leverage can magnify the gains and losses in the Fund’s investments and make such investments more volatile. The Fund may also have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations.
 
Loan Participation Interests and Investments in Loan Investment Pools Risk
Loan participation interests may be collateralized or uncollateralized and are subject to the credit risk of the servicing agent as well as the credit risk of the borrower. If the Fund purchases a participation interest, it may be only able to enforce its rights through the lender. The Fund can also buy interests in trusts and other entities that hold loan obligations. In that case the Fund will be subject to the trust’s credit risks as well as the credit risk of the underlying loans. In some cases, these participation interests, whether held directly or indirectly through an interest in a trust or other entity, may be partially “unfunded” meaning that the Fund may be required to advance additional money on future dates.
 
 
 
Summary Prospectus
4


Table of Contents

American Beacon
 
Flexible Bond Fund — (continued)

 
Market Risk
Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market, can affect the value of the Fund’s shares. The Fund’s fixed-income investments are subject to the risk that the lack of liquidity or other adverse credit market conditions may hamper the Fund’s ability to purchase and sell the debt securities. The Fund’s equity investments are subject to stock market risk, which involves the possibility that the value of the Fund’s investments in stocks will decline due to drops in the stock market. From time to time, certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices. If the Fund is forced to sell such holdings to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may have to sell them at a loss.
 
Municipal Securities Risk
Municipal securities are subject to credit risk where a municipal issuer of a security might not make interest and principal payments on a security as they become due. A downgrade in the issuer’s or security’s credit rating can reduce the market value of the security. Municipal securities are also subject to interest rate risk.
 
Non-Diversification Risk
The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may invest a high percentage of its assets in a limited number of securities. Since the Fund is non-diversified, its net asset value and total return may fluctuate more or fall greater in times of weaker markets than a diversified mutual fund.
 
Prepayment and Extension Risk
The Fund’s investments in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to the risk that the principal amount of the underlying collateral may be repaid prior to the bond’s maturity date. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment and the Fund may have to invest at a lower rate. Conversely, a decrease in expected prepayments may result in the extension of a security’s effective maturity and a decline in its price.
 
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected by the Manager or a sub-advisor for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.
 
Short Sale Risk
Short sales may involve the potential loss of more money than the actual cost of the investment. Third parties to a short sale may fail to honor the contract terms, causing a loss to the Fund.
 
Supranational Risk
Obligations of supranational entities are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support. Obligations of a supranational entity that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investments in foreign currencies.
 
Rule 144A Securities Risk
Rule 144A securities may be less liquid than other investments because, at times, such securities cannot be readily sold in broad public markets and the Fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. A restricted security that was liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid.
 
U.S. Government Securities and Government Sponsored Enterprises Risk
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed by the applicable entity only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Securities held by the Fund that are issued by government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. U.S. Government securities are also subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.
 
Fund Performance
 
Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus.
 
Management
 
The Manager
The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager.
 
Sub-Advisors
The Fund’s assets are currently allocated among three investment sub-advisors:
 
  ►  Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC
 
 
 
Prospectus Summary
5


Table of Contents

American Beacon
 
Flexible Bond Fund — (continued)

 
  ►  GAM International Management Ltd.
 
  ►  Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”)
 
Portfolio Managers
 
         
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
 
Gene Needles, Jr.
President & CEO
    Since Fund Inception (2011 )
Wyatt L. Crumpler
Vice President, Asset Management
    Since Fund Inception (2011 )
Adriana R. Posada
Senior Portfolio Manager
    Since Fund Inception (2011 )
 
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC
 
David F. Hoffman, CFA
Managing Director and Portfolio Manager
    Since Fund Inception (2011 )
Stephen S. Smith
Managing Director and Portfolio Manager
    Since Fund Inception (2011 )
Jack P. McIntyre, CFA
Associate Portfolio Manager and Senior Research Analyst
    Since Fund Inception (2011 )
 
GAM International Management Ltd.
 
Tim Haywood
Investment Director
    Since Fund Inception (2011 )
Daniel Sheard
Investment Manager
    Since Fund Inception (2011 )
 
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”)
 
Saumil H. Parikh, CFA
Managing Director
    Since Fund Inception (2011 )
 
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
 
You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the Fund on any business day, which is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. You may purchase, redeem or exchange Institutional Class, Investor Class, and Y Class shares directly from the Fund by calling 1-800-658-5811, writing to the Fund at P.O. Box 219643, Kansas City, MO 64121, or visiting www.americanbeaconfunds.com. For overnight delivery, please mail your request to American Beacon Funds, c/o BFDS, 330 West 9thStreet, Kansas City, MO 64105. You also may purchase, redeem or exchange all classes of shares offered in this prospectus through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary. The minimum initial purchase into the Fund is $2,500 for A Class, C Class or Investor Class shares, $100,000 for Y Class shares, and $250,000 for Institutional Class shares. The minimum subsequent investment by wire is $500 for A Class, C Class and Investor Class shares. No minimums apply to subsequent investments by wire for other classes of shares. For all classes, the minimum subsequent investment is $50 if the investment is made by ACH, check or exchange.
 
Tax Information
 
Dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, which you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income taxes and may also be subject to state and local taxes, unless your account is tax-exempt or tax deferred (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account).
 
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), the Fund and the Fund’s distributor or the Manager 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 intermediary and your individual financial adviser to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
 
 
 
Summary Prospectus
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Table of Contents

­ ­
 
To help you better understand the Fund, this section provides a detailed discussion of the Fund’s investment policies, its principal strategies and risks and performance benchmarks. However, this prospectus does not describe all of the Fund’s investment practices. For additional information, please see the Fund’s statement of additional information, which is available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com or by contacting us by telephone at 1-800-658-5811, by U.S. mail at P.O. Box 219643, Kansas City, MO 64121-9643, or by e-mail at americanbeaconfunds@americanbeacon.com.
 
Additional Information About Investment Policies and Strategies
 
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is “non-fundamental,” which means that it may be changed by the Board of Trustees without the approval of Fund shareholders.
 
80% Policy
The Fund has a policy to invest under normal market conditions at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in fixed-income instruments of varying maturities and derivative instruments that provide exposure to fixed income instruments. If the Fund changes this policy, a notice will be sent to shareholders at least 60 days in advance of the change and this prospectus will be supplemented.
 
Temporary Defensive Policy
The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy by taking temporary defensive or interim positions in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During these times, the Fund may not achieve its investment goal.
 
Additional Information About the Multi-Manager Strategy
 
The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager. The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while minimizing volatility and downside risk. The Manager provides or oversees the provision of all administrative, investment advisory and portfolio management services to the Fund. The Manager;
 
•  develops overall investment strategies for the Fund,
•  selects and changes sub-advisors,
•  allocates assets among sub-advisors,
•  monitors and evaluates the sub-advisors’ investment performance,
•  monitors the sub-advisors compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions,
•  oversees the Fund’s securities lending activities and actions taken by the securities lending agent to the extent applicable, and
•  invests the portion of Fund assets that the sub-advisors determine should be allocated to short-term investments, and
 
The Fund’s assets are allocated among one or more sub-advisors by the Manager. Each sub-advisor has discretion to purchase and sell securities for its segment of the Fund’s assets in accordance with the Fund’s objectives, policies, restrictions and more specific strategies provided by the Manager.
 
Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, the Manager is permitted to enter into new or modified investment advisory agreements with existing or new sub-advisors without approval of the Fund’s shareholders, but subject to approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (“Board”). The prospectus will be supplemented if additional sub-advisors are retained or the contract with any existing sub-advisor is materially changed or terminated. The Fund’s advisory arrangements are set forth below.
 
The Fund’s assets are allocated among three investment sub-advisors:
 
•  Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC
•  GAM International Management Ltd.
•  Pacific Investment Management Company LLC
 
Additional Information About Investments
 
This section provides more detailed information regarding the securities the Fund may invest in as well as information regarding the Fund’s strategy with respect to investment of cash balances.
 
Asset-Backed Securities
Asset-backed securities are fractional interests in pools of loans, receivable or other assets. They are issued by trusts or other special purpose vehicles and are collateralized by the loans, receivables or other assets that make up the pool. The trust or other issuer passes the income from the underlying asset pool to the investor. The Fund, the Manager, and the sub-advisors do not select the loans or other assets that are included in the collateral backing those pools.
 
Cash Management Investments
The Fund can invest cash balances in money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including money market funds that are sponsored or advised by the Manager or a Sub-Advisor, and in futures contracts. If the Fund invests in money market funds, shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including, for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the money market funds in which the
 
 
 
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Fund invests. Shareholders also would be exposed to the risks associated with money market funds and the portfolio investments of such money market funds, including that a money market fund’s yield will be lower than the return that the Fund would have derived from other investments that would provide liquidity.
 
To gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs, the Fund also may purchase and sell futures contracts that relate to securities in which it may invest directly and indices comprised of such securities.
 
Currencies
The Fund may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities and may also purchase and sell foreign currency options and foreign currency futures contracts and related options as well as currency swaps (see “Derivative Investments”), and may engage in foreign currency transactions either on a spot (cash) basis at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market at the time or through forward currency contracts (“forwards”). The Fund may engage in these transactions in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates in the purchase and sale of securities. The Fund also may use foreign currency options and foreign currency forward contracts to increase exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another.
 
Derivative Investments
Derivatives are financial instruments that have a value which depends upon, or is derived from, a reference asset, such as one or more underlying securities, pools of securities, options, futures, indexes or currencies. The derivatives that the Fund may invest in include:
 
•  Futures.  A futures contact is a contract to purchase or sell a particular security, or the cash value of an index, at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Under such contracts, no delivery of the actual securities is required. Rather, upon the expiration of the contract, settlement is made by exchanging cash in an amount equal to the difference between the contract price and the closing price of a security or index at expiration, net of the variation margin that was previously paid.
•  Forward Contracts.  Forward contracts are two-party contracts pursuant to which one party agrees to pay the counterparty a fixed price for an agreed upon amount of commodities, securities, or the cash value of the commodities, securities or the securities index, at an agreed upon date. A forward currency contract is an obligation to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract.
•  Options.  An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency.
•  Options on Futures Contracts.  An option on a futures contract provides the holder with the right to enter into a “long” position in the underlying futures contract, in the case of a call option, or a “short” position in the underlying futures contract in the case of a put option, at a fixed exercise price to a stated expiration date. Upon exercise of the option by the holder, the contract market clearing house establishes a corresponding short position for the writer of the option, in the case of a call option, or a corresponding long position, in the case of a put option.
•  Structured Notes.  “Structured” notes are specially-designed derivative debt instruments. The terms of the instrument may be determined or “structured” by the purchaser and the issuer of the note. Payments of principal or interest on these notes may be linked to the value of an index (such as a currency or securities index), one or more securities, a commodity or the financial performance of one or more borrowers. The value of these notes will normally rise or fall in response to the changes in the performance of the underlying security, index, currency, commodity or borrower.
•  Swap Agreements.  A credit default swap enables an investor to buy or sell protection against a credit event, such as an issuer’s failure to make timely payments of interest or principal, bankruptcy or restructuring. The terms of the instrument are generally negotiated by a Sub-Advisor and the swap counterparty. In an interest rate swap, the Fund and another party exchange the right to receive interest payments on a security or other reference rate. The terms of the instrument are generally negotiated by a Sub-Advisor and the swap counterparty. In a total return swap, one party agrees to pay the other party an amount equal to the total return on a defined underlying asset or a non-asset reference during a specified period of time. The underlying asset might be a security or basket of securities or a non-asset reference such as a securities index. In return, the other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on a total return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference. A currency swap involves the exchange of payments denominated in one currency for payments denominated in another. Payments are based on a notional principal amount the value of which is fixed in exchange rate terms at the swap’s inception.
•  Warrants.  Warrants are derivative securities that give the holder the right to purchase a proportionate amount of securities at a specified price. Detachable warrants are often independently traded on a stock exchange. Nondetachable warrants cannot be traded independently from their reference bond. Warrants normally have a life that is measured in years and entitle the holder to buy securities at a price that is
 
 
 
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  usually higher than the market price at the time the warrant is issued. Corporations often issue warrants to make the accompanying debt security more attractive.
 
Equity Investments
The Fund’s equity investments include:
 
•  Preferred Stock.  Preferred stock blends the characteristics of a bond and common stock. It can offer the higher yield of a bond and has priority over common stock in equity ownership, but does not have the seniority of a bond and its participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Preferred stock has preference over common stock in the receipt of dividends and in any residual assets after payment to creditors should the issuer be dissolved. Although the dividend is typically set at a fixed annual rate, in some circumstances it can be variable, changed or omitted by the issuer.
•  Common Stock.  Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an ownership interest. It ranks bellow preferred stock and debt securities in claims for dividends and for assets of the company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. Common stock may be exchange-traded or over-the-counter. Over the counter stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.
•  Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”).  REITs are pooled investment vehicles that own, and usually operate, income producing real estate. REITs typically are subject to management fees and other expenses that are separate from those of the Fund.
 
Fixed Income Instruments
The Fund’s investments in fixed income instruments include:
 
•  Bank Loans and Senior Loans.  Bank loans are fixed and floating rate loans arranged through private negotiations between a company or a non-U.S. government and one or more financial institutions (lenders). The Fund may invest in senior loans, which are floating rate loans that hold a senior position in the capital structure of U.S. and foreign corporations, partnerships or other business entities that, under normal circumstances, allow them to have priority of claim ahead of other obligations of a borrower in the event of liquidation. Bank loans and senior loans may be collateralized or uncollateralized. They pay interest at rates that float above, or are adjusted periodically based on, a benchmark that reflects current interest rates. The Fund may invest in such loans in the form of participations in loans and assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties. In connection with purchasing participations in such instruments, 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 benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan.
•  Convertible Securities.  Convertible securities are generally preferred stocks and other securities, including bonds and warrants that are convertible into or exercisable for common stock at a stated price or rate. Convertible debt securities may offer greater appreciation potential than non-convertible debt securities. Convertible securities are senior to common stock in an issuer’s capital structure, but are usually subordinated to similar non-convertible securities. While typically providing a fixed-income stream, a convertible security also gives an investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the issuing company depending upon a market price advance in the convertible security’s underlying common stock.
•  Debt Securities of Supranational Organizations.  Supranational organizations are entities designated or supported by a government or governmental group to promote economic development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for payments of interest and principal. Obligations of a supranational entity may be denominated in foreign currencies.
•  Quasi-Sovereign Debt.  Quasi-sovereign debt securities are debt securities either explicitly guaranteed by a foreign government or their agencies or whose majority shareholder is a foreign government.
•  Emerging Markets Debt.  The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in a particular geographic region or country, including emerging markets. The Fund may consider a country to be an emerging market country based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, if the country is classified as an emerging or developing economy by any surpranational organization such as the World Bank or the United Nations, or related entities, or if the country is considered an emerging market country for purposes of constructing emerging market indices.
•  Trust Preferred Securities.  Trust preferred securities are issued by a special purpose trust subsidiary backed by subordinated debt of the corporate parent. Trust preferred securities are hybrid securities with characteristics of both subordinated debt and preferred stock. Such characteristics include long maturities (typically 30 years or more), early redemption by the issuer, periodic fixed or variable interest payments, and maturities at face value. Holders of the trust preferred securities have limited voting rights to control the activities of the trust and no voting rights with respect to the parent company.
•  Pay-In-Kind Securities.  Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by delivery of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities. The Fund accrues income with respect to
 
 
 
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pay-in-kind securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. Pay-in-kind securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities paying cash interest at regular interest payment periods.
•  Government-Sponsored Enterprises.  The Fund may invest in debt obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, including the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), Federal Farm Credit Banks (“FFCB”) and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Although chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, these entities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are supported by the issuers’ right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, the discretionary authority of the U.S. Treasury to lend to the issuers and the U.S. Treasury’s commitment to purchase stock to ensure the issuers’ positive net worth through at least 2012.
•  High Yield Securities.  High yield securities are debt obligations rated below investment grade (such as BB or lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services or Fitch, Inc. and/or Ba or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.) or not rated, but considered by a sub-advisor to be of similar quality. These types of securities are also commonly referred to as “junk bonds”.
•  Mortgage-Related Securities.  The Fund can buy interests in pools of residential or commercial mortgages in the form of “pass-through” mortgage securities. They may be issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, or its agencies and instrumentalities, or by private issuers. Mortgage-related securities may be issued in different series, each having different interest rates and maturities. The prices and yields of mortgage-related securities are determined, in part, by assumptions about the rate of payments of the underlying mortgages. Mortgage-related securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), issued by private issuers are not U.S. Government securities.
•  Municipal Securities.  Municipal securities are debt obligations generally issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including general financing for state and local governments, or financing for a specific project or public facility. Municipal securities may be fully or partially backed by the taxing authority of the local government, by the credit of a private issuer, by the current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets or by domestic or foreign entities providing credit support, such as letters of credit, guarantees or insurance, and are generally classified into general obligation bonds and special revenue obligations.
•  Investment Grade Securities.  Investment grade securities that the Fund may purchase, either as part of its principal investment strategy or to implement its temporary defensive policy, include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, as well as securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories by a rating organization rating that security (such as Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or Fitch, Inc.) or comparably rated by a sub-advisor if unrated by a rating organization. The Fund, at the discretion of the applicable sub-advisor, may retain a security that has been downgraded below the initial investment criteria.
•  Inflation Indexed Linked Securities.  Inflation-indexed securities, also known as inflation-protected securities, are fixed income instruments structured such that their interest and principal payments are adjusted to keep up with inflation. In periods of deflation when the inflation rate is declining, the principal value of an inflation-indexed security will be adjusted downward. This will result in a decrease in the interest payments. The U.S. Treasury guarantees to repay at least the original principal value at maturity for inflation-indexed securities issued directly by the U.S. Government.
 
Restricted Securities/Rule 144A Securities
The Fund may invest in Rule 144A securities, which are restricted securities that are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) and only can be offered to and sold by “qualified institutional buyers”. Rule 144A securities may be illiquid or less liquid than other investments because, at times, such securities cannot be readily sold in broad public markets and the Fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. A restricted security that was liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid.
 
Additional Information About Principal Risks
 
The greatest risk of investing in a mutual fund is that its returns will fluctuate and you could lose money. The following are principal risk factors of the Fund in light of its principal investment strategies.
 
Flexible Strategy Risk
The Fund uses a variety of investment strategies to provide a positive total return regardless of market conditions. The sub-advisors do not attempt to keep the portfolio structure or the Fund’s performance consistent with any designated stock, bond or market index, and during times of market rallies, the Fund may not perform as well as other funds that seek to outperform an index. Over time, the investment performance of flexible strategies is typically substantially independent of longer term movements in the stock and bond market. Interest rate levels and currency valuations will not always respond as the sub-advisors’ expect and portfolio securities may remain over- or under-valued. Because a significant portion of the Fund’s assets may be invested in a particular geographic region or country, the value of Fund shares may be affected by events that adversely affect that region
 
 
 
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or country and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that is not so invested.
 
Bank Loans and Senior Loan Risk
The Fund may have difficulty disposing of bank and senior loans because, in certain cases, the market for such instruments is not highly liquid. The lack of a highly liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such instruments and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of the bank loan in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. Bank loans and senior loans are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. In addition, bank loans and senior loans are subject to the risk that the value of the collateral, if any, securing a loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower, or be difficult to liquidate. In the event of a default, the Fund may have difficulty collecting on any collateral and would not have the ability to collect on any collateral for an uncollateralized loan. Bank loans and senior loans usually have mandatory and optional prepayment provisions. If a borrower prepays a senior loan, the Fund will have to reinvest the proceeds in other loans or securities that may pay lower interest rates. Senior loans also are subject to the risk that a court could subordinate a senior loan to presently existing or future indebtedness or take other action detrimental to the holders of senior loans.
 
Convertible Securities Risk
The value of a convertible security (“convertible”) is influenced by both the yield of non-convertible securities of comparable issuers and by the value of the underlying common stock. The investment value of a convertible is based on its yield and tends to decline as interest rates increase. The conversion value of a convertible is the market value that would be received if the convertible were converted to its underlying common stock. The conversion value will decrease as the price of the underlying common stock decreases. When conversion value is substantially below investment value, the convertible’s price tends to be influenced more by its yield, so changes in the price of the underlying common stock may not have as much of an impact. Conversely, the convertible’s price tends to be influenced more by the price of the underlying common stock when conversion value is comparable to or exceeds investment value. The value of a synthetic convertible security will respond differently to market fluctuations than a convertible security, because a synthetic convertible is composed of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Convertible securities may be subject to market risk, credit risk and interest rate risk.
 
Credit Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a loan will fail to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations. A decline in the credit rating of an individual security held by the Fund may have an adverse impact on its price. Rating agencies might not always change their credit rating on an issuer or security in a timely manner to reflect events that could affect the issuer’s ability to make timely payments on its obligations. Since the Fund can invest significantly in lower-quality debt securities considered speculative in nature, this risk will be substantial.
 
Currency Risk
If the Fund invests directly in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, it will be subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad. As a result, the Fund’s investments in foreign currency denominated securities may reduce the returns of the Fund. Currency futures, forwards or options may not always work as intended, and in specific cases the Fund may be worse off than if it had not used such instrument(s). There may not always be suitable hedging instruments available. Even where suitable hedging instruments are available, the Fund may not hedge its currency risks.
 
Derivatives Risk
Derivatives may involve significant risk. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund’s initial investment. Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy derivatives not traded on an exchange which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives are subject to counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty to a derivative instrument becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties. As a result the Fund may obtain no recovery of its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.
 
Certain of the different risks to which the Fund might be exposed due to its use of derivatives include the following:
•  Credit Default Swaps.  Credit default swaps are subject to credit risk on the underlying investment and to counterparty risk. If the counterparty fails to meet its obligations the Fund may lose money. Credit default swaps are also subject to the risk that the Fund will not properly assess the cost of the underlying investment. If the Fund is selling credit protection, there is a risk that a credit event will occur and that the Fund will have to pay the counterparty. If the Fund is buying
 
 
 
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  credit protection, there is the risk that no credit event will occur and the Fund will receive no benefit for the premium paid.
•  Currency Swaps.  Currency swaps are subject to currency risk. They also involve exchange risk on principal and therefore are subject to credit risk.
•  Futures Contracts Risk.  There may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures contracts. There may not be a liquid secondary market for the futures contract.
•  Forward Contracts.  The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a forward contract in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. If such a default occurs, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor. Forward currency transactions including risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency.
•  Hedging Risk.  Gains or losses from positions in hedging instruments, such as options, may be much greater than the instrument’s original cost. The counterparty may be unable to honor its financial obligation to the Fund. In addition, a Sub-advisor may be unable to close the transaction at the time it would like or at the price it believes the security is currently worth. If the Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Fund’s return, or create a loss.
•  Interest Rate Swaps.  Interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate, credit and counterparty risk. An interest rate swap transaction could result in losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. If the counterparty fails to meet its obligations the Fund may lose money.
•  Options Risk.  There may be an imperfect correlation between the prices of options and movements in the price of the securities (or indices) hedged or used for cover which may cause a given hedge not to achieve its objective. When the Fund writes cash-secured put options, it bears the risk of loss if the value of the underlying stock declines below the exercise price minus the put premium. If the option is exercised, the Fund could incur a loss if it is required to purchase the stock underlying the put option at a price greater than the market price of the stock at the time of exercise plus the put premium the Fund received when it wrote the option. In the event that an option is exercised, the parties will be subject to all the risks associated with the trading of futures contracts, such as payment of variation margin deposits. In addition, the writer of an option on a futures contract, unlike the holder, is subject to initial and variation margin requirements on the option position.
•  Structured Notes Risk.  Structured notes are subject to interest rate risk. They are also subject to credit risk with respect both to the issuer and, if applicable, to the underlying security or borrower. If the underlying investment or index does not perform as anticipated, the structured note might pay less interest than the stated coupon payment or repay less principal upon maturity. The price of structured notes may be very volatile and they may have a limited trading market, making it difficult to value them or sell them at an acceptable price. In some cases, the Fund may enter into agreements with an issuer of structured notes to purchase minimum amounts of those notes over time.
•  Total Return Swaps Risk.  Total return swaps are subject to counterparty risk. If the counterparty fails to meet its obligations the Fund may lose money. The Fund may also lose money if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. Total return swaps can have the potential for unlimited losses.
•  Warrants.  Investments warrants may be more speculative than certain other types of investments because 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. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. Detached warrants may be traded on a stock exchange; however, nondetached warrants can only be exercised by the bondholder.
 
Equity Securities Risk
Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Fund’s investments in U.S. and foreign securities may include equity securities such as, preferred stocks, common stocks, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and companies within any capitalization range. Investing in such securities may expose the Fund to additional risks.
 
•  Preferred Stocks.  If interest rates rise, the dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stocks may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as provisions for their call or redemption prior to maturity which can have a negative effect on their prices when interest rates decline. Preferred stocks are equity securities because they do not constitute a liability of the issuer and therefore do not offer the same degree of protection of capital or continuation of income as debt securities. The rights of a preferred stock on distribution of a corporation’s assets in the event of its liquidation are generally subordinated to the rights associated with a corporation’s debt securities. Preferred stocks may also be subject to credit risk.
•  Common Stocks.  The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made its management or decreased demand the company’s products or services. A stock’s value may also decline because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or sector. The price of a company’s stock may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the
 
 
 
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company, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates or industry regulation. Companies that pay dividends on their common stock generally only do so after they invest in their own business and make required payments to bondholders and on other debt and preferred stock. Therefore, the value of a company’s common stock will usually be more volatile than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock.
•  Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”).  REITs or other real estate-related securities are subject to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, overbuilding, changes in interest rates, and liabilities resulting from environmental problems. Equity and mortgage REITs are dependent on management skills and generally are not diversified. Equity REITs are affected by the changes in the value of the properties owned by the trust. Mortgage REITs are affected by the quality of the credit extended. Both equity and mortgage REITs may not be diversified with regard to the types of tenants, may not be diversified with regard to the geographic locations of the properties, are subject to cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers, and could fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Internal Revenue Code. REITs typically incur fees that are separate from those incurred by the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund’s investment in REITs will result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the REITs’ operating expenses, in addition to paying Fund.
•  Small and Medium Capitalization Companies Risk.  Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating history, product lines, and financial resources. The securities of these companies also may lack sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
 
Extension Risk
If interest rates rise rapidly, repayments of principal of certain debt securities, especially mortgage-related and other types of asset backed securities, may occur at a slower rate than expected and the expected maturity of these securities could lengthen as a result. Securities that are subject to extension risk generally have greater potential for loss when prevailing interest rates rise, which could cause their values to fall sharply.
 
Foreign Investing & Emerging Markets Risk
Investing in foreign securities, foreign sovereign and quasi sovereign debt, and American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) carries potential risks not associated with domestic investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity and greater volatility of foreign investments, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) less government regulation and supervision of foreign banks, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, (6) increased price volatility, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. The risks of foreign investing mentioned above are heightened when investing in emerging markets. In addition, the economies and political environments of emerging market countries tend to be more unstable than those of developed countries, resulting in more volatile rates of return than the developed markets and substantially greater risk to investors. There may be very limited oversight of certain foreign banks or securities depositories that hold foreign securities and currency and the laws of certain countries may limit the ability to recover such assets if a foreign bank or depository or their agents goes bankrupt. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region. At such times, the Fund may be more volatile than a more geographically diversified fund.
 
Hedging Risk
Gains or losses from positions in hedging instruments may be much greater than the instrument’s original cost. The counterparty may be unable to honor its financial obligation to the Fund. In addition, a sub-advisor may be unable to close the transaction at the time it would like or at the price it believes the security is currently worth.
 
High Yield Securities Risk
Investments in securities rated below investment grade, or “junk bonds,” generally involve significantly greater risks of loss of your money than an investment in investment grade bonds. Compared with issuers of investment grade bonds, high yield bonds are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and to be materially affected by these difficulties. Rising interest rates may compound these difficulties and reduce an issuer’s ability to repay principal and interest obligations. Issuers of lower-rated securities also have a greater risk of default or bankruptcy. High yield securities also may be less liquid than higher quality investments. A security whose credit rating has been lowered may be particularly difficult to sell.
 
Interest Rate Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the market value of the fixed income securities or derivatives it holds, particularly mortgage backed and other asset backed securities, will decline due to rising interest rates. When interest rates rise, the prices of most fixed income securities go down. The prices of fixed income securities or derivatives are also affected by their maturity. Fixed income securities or derivatives with longer maturities generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
 
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
 
 
 
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Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you sell your shares of the Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.
 
Leveraging Risk
Leverage is the ability to earn a return on a capital base that is larger than the Fund’s net assets. Leverage can magnify the effects of changes in the value of the Fund’s investments and makes such investments more volatile. Leveraging could cause investors to lose more money in adverse environments. The Fund may experience the effects of leveraging when holding futures, forward contracts, swaps, reverse repurchase agreements, other derivatives, and other instruments. To mitigate leveraging risk, the Fund will segregate or “earmark” liquid assets or otherwise cover the transactions that may give rise to such risk. Leveraging may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation requirements when it may not be advantageous to do so. Certain types of leveraging transactions, such as short sales that are not “against the box”, could theoretically be subject to unlimited losses in cases where the Fund, for any reason, is unable to close out the transaction. In addition, to the extent the Fund borrows money, interest costs on such borrowings may not be recovered by any appreciation of the securities purchased with the borrowed amounts and could exceed the Fund’s investment returns, resulting in greater losses.
 
Loan Participation Interests and Investments in Loan Investment Pools Risk
These securities represent an undivided fractional interest in a loan obligation of a borrower. They are typically purchased from banks or dealers that have made the loan, or are members of the loan syndicate, and that act as the servicing agent for the interest. The loans may be to U.S. or foreign companies. Participation interests may be collateralized or uncollateralized and are subject to the credit risk of the servicing agent as well as the credit risk of the borrower. If the Fund purchases a participation interest, it may be only able to enforce its rights through the lender. The Fund can also buy interests in trusts and other entities that hold loan obligations. In that case the Fund will be subject to the trust’s credit risks as well as the credit risk of the underlying loans. In some cases, these participation interests, whether held directly or indirectly through an interest in a trust or other entity, may be partially “unfunded” meaning that the Fund may be required to advance additional money on future dates.
 
Market Risk
Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market, can affect the value of the Fund’s shares. Equity investments are subject to stock market risk, which involves the possibility that the value of the Fund’s investments in stocks will decline due to drops in the stock market due to general market, regulatory, political and economic conditions. These fluctuations could be a sustained trend or a drastic movement. The stock markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.
 
Fixed-income market risks include political, regulatory, market and economic developments, including developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market. For example, in 2008, developments relating to subprime mortgages have adversely affected fixed-income markets worldwide. These developments reduced the willingness of some lenders to extend credit and have made it more difficult for borrowers to obtain financing. In addition, certain market participants have been less willing to make a market in some types of debt instruments. There is a risk that the lack of liquidity or other adverse credit market conditions may hamper the Fund’s ability to purchase and sell the debt securities. Fixed income market risk also involves the possibility that the value of the Fund’s investments in high yield securities will decline due to drops in the overall high yield bond market. Changes in the economic climate, investor perceptions and stock market volatility also can cause the prices of the Fund’s fixed-income and high yield investments to decline regardless of the conditions of the issuers held by the Fund.
 
From time to time, certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices. If the Fund is forced to sell such holdings to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may have to sell them at a loss.
 
Municipal Securities Risk
Municipal securities are subject to credit risk where a municipal issuer of a security might not make interest and principal payments on a security as they become due. A downgrade in the issuer’s or security’s credit rating can reduce the market value of the security. Municipal securities are also subject to interest rate risk.
 
Non-Diversification Risk
The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may invest a high percentage of its assets in a limited number of securities, issuers, industries or currencies. When the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers it may be more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a more diversified portfolio might be. Some of those issuers also may present substantial credit or other risks. Since the Fund is non-diversified, its net asset value and total return may also fluctuate more or fall greater in times of weaker markets than a diversified mutual fund.
 
Prepayment Risk
When interest rates fall, borrowers will repay the loans that underlie certain debt securities, especially mortgage-related and other types of asset backed securities, more quickly than expected, causing the issuer of the security to repay the principal prior to the securities expected maturity date. The Fund may need to reinvest the proceeds at a lower interest rate, reducing its income. Securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when prevailing interest rates fall. If
 
 
 
Additional Information About the Fund Prospectus
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the Fund buys those securities at a premium, accelerated prepayments on those securities could cause the Fund to lose a portion of its principal investment. The impact of prepayments on the price of a security may be difficult to predict and may increase the security’s price volatility. Interest-only and principal-only securities are especially sensitive to interest rate changes, which can affect not only the prices but can also change the income flows and repayment assumptions about those investments.
 
Restricted Securities/Rule 144A Securities Risk
Rule 144A Securities are restricted securities. They may be less liquid than other investments because such securities may not be readily marketable in broad public markets. The Fund may not be able to sell a restricted security when the Sub-Advisors consider it desirable to do so and/or may have to sell the security at a lower price. Although there is a substantial institutional market for Rule 144A securities, it is not possible to predict exactly how the market for Rule 144A securities will develop. A restricted security that was liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid. In addition, transaction costs may be higher for restricted securities than for more liquid securities. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering Rule 144A securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.
 
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected by a sub-advisor may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.
 
Short Sale Risk
The Fund’s short sales are subject to special risks. A short sale involves the sale by the Fund of a security that it does not own with the hope of purchasing the same security at a later date at a lower price. The Fund may also enter into a short position through a forward commitment or a short derivative position through a futures contract or swap agreement. If the price of the security or derivative has increased during this time, then the Fund will incur a loss equal to the increase in price from the time that the short sale was entered into plus any premiums and interest paid to the third party. Therefore, short sales involve the risk that losses may be exaggerated, potentially losing more money than the actual cost of the investment. Also, there is the risk that the third party to the short sale may fail to honor its contract terms, causing a loss to the Fund.
 
Supranational Risk
Supranational organizations are entities designated or supported by a government or governmental group to promote economic development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for payments of interest and principal. Further, the lending activities of such entities are limited to a percentage of their total capital, reserves and net income. Obligations of supranational entities are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support. Obligations of a supranational entity that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investments in foreign currencies, as described above in the section “Currency Risk.”
 
U.S. Government Securities and Government Sponsored Enterprises Risk
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is only guaranteed by the applicable entity only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Securities held by the Fund that are issued by government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. U.S. Government securities are also subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.
 
Additional Information About Non-Principal Investment Risks
 
The Fund has principal investment strategies that come with inherent risks. The following is a list of non-principal risks to which the Fund may be subject because of its investments in various types of securities or engagement in various practices.
 
Allocation and Correlation Risk
This is the risk that a sub-advisor’s judgments about, and allocations between, asset classes and market exposures may adversely affect the Fund’s performance. This risk can be increased by the use of derivatives to increase allocations to various market exposures. This is because derivatives can create investment leverage, which will magnify the impact to the Fund of its investment in any underperforming market exposure.
 
Market Events
Turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide which could affect the Fund.
 
Market Timing Risk
Because of specific securities in which the Fund may invest, it could be subject to the risk of market timing activities by shareholders. Some examples of these types of securities are high yield and foreign securities. The limited trading activity of some high yield securities may result in market prices that do not reflect the true market value of these securities. The Fund generally prices these foreign securities using their closing prices from the foreign markets in which they trade, typically prior to the Fund’s calculation of its NAV. These prices may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares. In such
 
 
 
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instances, the Fund may fair value high yield and foreign securities. However, some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in the Fund to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the NAV of the Fund’s shares. There is no assurance that fair valuation of securities can reduce or eliminate market timing. While the Manager monitors trading in the Fund, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.
 
Segregated Assets Risk
In connection with certain transactions that may give rise to future payment obligations, including many types of derivatives, the Fund may be required to maintain a segregated amount of, or otherwise earmark, cash or liquid securities to cover the position. Segregated or earmarked securities cannot be sold while the position they are covering is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other securities of equal value. As a result, there is the possibility that the segregation or earmarking of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets may, in some circumstances, limit the portfolio managers’ flexibility or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests.
 
Unrated Securities Risk
Because the Fund may purchase securities that are not rated by any rating organization, a Sub-Advisor may internally assign ratings to certain of those securities, after assessing their credit quality, in categories of those similar to those of rating organizations. Some unrated securities may not have an active trading market or may be difficult to value, which means the Fund might have difficulty selling them promptly at an acceptable price.
 
Valuation Risk
This is the risk that the Fund has valued certain securities at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as derivatives, which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid.
 
Additional Information About Performance Benchmarks
 
The annual total return of the Fund will be compared to a broad-based market index. Set forth below is additional information regarding the indices to which the Fund’s performance is compared.
 
Benchmark
 
The Fund’s benchmark index is the 3 Month USD LIBOR Index (resets quarterly). The Fund’s performance is also compared to the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index.
 
•  LIBOR (London Intrabank Offered Rate) is an average interest rate, determined by the British Bankers Association, that banks charge one another for the use of short-term money (3 months) in England’s Eurodollar market, resetting quarterly.
•  The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index represents securities that are SEC-registered, taxable, and dollar denominated. The index covers the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities. These major sectors are subdivided into more specific indices that are calculated and reported on a regular basis.
 
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The Manager
 
American Beacon Advisors, Inc. serves as the Manager of the Fund. The Manager, located at 4151 Amon Carter Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76155, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. The Manager was organized in 1986 to provide investment management, advisory, administrative and asset management consulting services. As of March 31, 2011, the Manager had approximately $51.6 billion of assets under management, including approximately $16.7 billion under active management and $34.9 billion as named fiduciary or financial advisor.
 
The management fees, including sub-advisory fees, to be paid by the Fund for the current fiscal year ending August 31, 2011 is 0.62% of the average net assets of the Fund.
 
A discussion of the Board’s consideration and approval of the Management Agreement between the Funds and the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreements between the sub-advisors and the Manager will be available in the Fund’s annual reports dated August 31, 2011.
 
Wyatt L. Crumpler is the leader of the Manager’s portfolio management team that has joint responsibility for the day-to-day oversight of the Fund. Mr. Crumpler is responsible for developing the Fund’s investment program and recommending sub-advisors to the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In addition, Mr. Crumpler, Gene L. Needles, Jr. and Adriana R. Posada oversee the Sub-advisors, review each Sub-advisor’s performance and allocate the Fund’s assets among the Sub-advisors and the Manager, as applicable.
 
Mr. Crumpler is Vice President, Asset Management. Mr. Crumpler joined the Manager in January 2007 as Vice President of Trust Investments and a member of the portfolio management team. Mr. Crumpler’s title was redesignated as Vice President, Asset Management in July 2009. From January 2004 to January 2007, Mr. Crumpler was Managing Director of Corporate Accounting at American Airlines, Inc. Prior to that time, he was Director of IT Strategy and Finance for American Airlines, Inc. Mr. Needles has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Manager since April 2009 and has served on the portfolio management team since June 2011. Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Needles was President of Touchstone Investments from 2008 to 2009, President of AIM
 
 
 
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Distributors from 2003 to 2007 and CEO of AIM Distributors from 2004 to 2007. Ms. Posada is Senior Portfolio Manager, Asset Management, and became a member of the team in October 1998. The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides additional information about the members of the portfolio management team, including other accounts they manage, their ownership in the Funds they manage and their compensation.
 
The Sub-Advisors
 
Set forth below is a brief description of each sub-advisor and the portfolio managers with primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers, including other accounts they manage, their ownership in the Funds they manage and their compensation.
 
BRANDYWINE GLOBAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC (“Brandywine Global”), formerly known as Brandywine Asset Management, LLC, 2929 Arch Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, is a professional investment advisory firm founded in 1986. Brandywine Global is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. As of March 31, 2011, Brandywine Global had assets under management totaling approximately $31.9 billion, including approximately $4.7 billion of assets of AMR Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities. Brandywine Global serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Flexible Bond, Balanced, Large Cap Value and Small Cap Value Funds.
 
David Hoffman is co-lead portfolio manager for the Firm’s Global Fixed Income and related strategies. He joined the firm in 1995 as a co-lead portfolio manager Previously, Mr. Hoffman was president of Hoffman Capital, a global financial futures investment firm (1991-1995); head of fixed income investments at Columbus Circle Investors (1983-1990); senior vice president and portfolio manager at INA Capital Management (1979-1982), and fixed income portfolio manager at Provident National Bank (1975-1979). Mr. Hoffman is a CFA charter holder. He has been a member of the Firm’s Executive Board since 2000, currently serving as the Board’s chair since 2007. Stephen Smith is co-lead portfolio manager for the Firm’s Global Fixed Income and related strategies since 1995. He joined the Firm in 1991 as a portfolio manager to diversify the Firm’s investment strategies and start the global fixed income product. Previously, Mr. Smith was with Mitchell Hutchins Asset Management, Inc. as managing director of taxable fixed income (1988-1991); Provident Capital Management, Inc. as senior vice president overseeing taxable fixed income (1984-1988); Munsch & Smith Management as a founding partner (1980-1984), and First Pennsylvania Bank as vice president and portfolio manager in the fixed income division (1976-1980). Jack McIntyre has been an Associate Portfolio Manager and Senior Research Analyst for the Firm’s Global Fixed Income and related strategies since 2006. From 1998, when he joined the firm, until 2006, Mr. McIntyre was a Fixed Income Analyst. Prior to joining Brandywine Global, he held positions as market strategist with McCarthy, Crisanti & Maffei, Inc. (1995-1998); senior fixed income analyst with Technical Data, a division of Thomson Financial Services (1992-1995); quantitative associate with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (1990), and investment analyst with the Public Employee Retirement Administration of Massachusetts (1987-1989). Mr. McIntyre is a CFA charterholder.
 
GAM INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT LTD.  (“GAM”), 12 St. James Place, London, SW1A 1NX is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAM Group AG, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAM Holdings AG, an independent asset management firm headquartered in Zurich Switzerland. GAM, established in 1983, is an independent, active investment manager. As of December 31, 2010, GAM had assets under management totaling $50.1 billion. GAM serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund.
 
Tim Haywood is an Investment Director Business-Unit Head for fixed income, responsible for the absolute return bond family of funds and various long only fixed income mandates. Mr. Haywood joined GAM following its acquisition of the fixed income and foreign exchange specialist, Augustus, in May 2009 and has held the same title for the past five years. Mr. Haywood joined Augustus (then Julius Baer Investments Limited) in 1998 from Orient Overseas International Limited in Hong Kong, where he was CIO. He has worked as both CIO and CEO of Augustus, established the hedge fund business, as well as being the founder and original investment manager of an emerging market bond fund.
 
Daniel Sheard is an Investment Manager, responsible for the absolute return bond family of funds and various long only fixed income mandates. Mr. Sheard joined GAM in his current position following its acquisition of the fixed income and foreign exchange specialist, Augustus, in May 2009. He joined Augustus (then Julius Baer Investments Limited) in 2006 as deputy chief investment officer and became chief investment officer in 2008. Mr. Sheard previously worked at Prudential M&G, where he was a director of the Institutional Fixed Income group. Prior to that he was a principal within the Advanced Strategies group at Barclays Global Investors, and before that was an associate director within the Fixed Income unit at Schroders.
 
PACIFIC INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC (“PIMCO”), 840 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 is a global investment firm founded in 1971. PIMCO provides investment management and advisory services to private accounts of institutional and individual clients and to mutual funds. As of March 31, 2011, PIMCO had assets under management totaling approximately $1.3 trillion. PIMCO serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund.
 
Mr. Parikh is a managing director in the Newport Beach office, generalist portfolio manager and a member of the PIMCO Investment Committee. He has been a portfolio
 
 
 
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manager since 2000 and managing director since 2010. Prior to becoming a managing director he was vice president between 2003 and 2005, senior vice president between 2006 and 2009, and executive vice president between 2008 and 2009. He leads the firm’s cyclical economic forums and also serves as a member of the short-term, mortgage and global specialist portfolio management teams. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2000, Mr. Parikh was a financial economist and market strategist at UBS Warburg. He has 12 years of investment experience.
 
Valuation of Shares
 
The price of the Fund’s shares is based on its net asset value (“NAV”) per share. The Fund’s NAV is computed by adding total assets, subtracting all of the Fund’s liabilities, and dividing the result by the total number of shares outstanding.
 
The NAV of each class of the Fund’s shares is determined based on a pro rata allocation of the Fund’s investment income, expenses and total capital gains and losses. The Fund’s NAV per share is determined as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“Exchange”), generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day on which it is open for business. Foreign exchanges may permit trading in foreign securities on days when the Fund is not open for business, which may result in the Fund’s portfolio investments being affected when you are unable to buy or sell shares.
 
Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued based on market value. Debt securities and certain derivative instruments (other than short-term securities) usually are valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service. In some cases, the price of debt securities is determined using quotes obtained from brokers.
 
The valuation of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets on which they primarily trade, unless a significant event has occurred. When the Fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the Fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
 
Securities may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, under certain limited circumstances. For example, fair value pricing will be used when market quotations are not readily available or reliable, as determined by the Manager, such as when (i) trading for a security is restricted or stopped; (ii) a security’s trading market is closed (other than customary closings); or (iii) a security has been de-listed from a national exchange. A security with limited market liquidity may require fair value pricing if the Manager determines that the available price does not reflect the security’s true market value. In addition, if a significant event that the Manager determines to affect the value of one or more securities held by the Fund occurs after the close of a related exchange but before the determination of the Fund’s NAV, fair value pricing may be used on the affected security or securities. The Fund may fair value securities as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. In addition, the Fund may invest in illiquid securities requiring fair value pricing. Securities of small capitalization companies are also more likely to require a fair value determination because they are more thinly traded and less liquid than the securities of larger capitalization companies.
 
Attempts to determine the fair value of securities introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities. As a result, the price of a security determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the market value of the security when trading resumes. If a reliable market quotation becomes available for a security formerly valued through fair valuation techniques, the Manager compares the new market quotation to the fair value price to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fund’s fair valuation procedures. If any significant discrepancies are found, the Manager may adjust the Fund’s fair valuation procedures.
 
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Choosing Your Share Class
 
Each share class represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities, but each class has its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to choose the class that best fits your situation.
 
Factors you should consider when choosing a class of shares include:
 
•  how long you expect to own the shares;
•  how much you intend to invest;
•  total expenses associated with owning shares of each class;
•  whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges;
•  whether you plan to take any distributions in the near future; and
•  availability of share classes.
 
Each investor’s financial considerations are different. You should speak with your financial adviser to help you decide which share class is best for you.
 
The Fund offers various classes of shares; A Class, C Class, Investor Class, Y Class, and Institutional Class, shares. Each class has a different combination of purchase restrictions, sales charges and ongoing fees, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your needs. The following sections explain the sales charges or other fees you may pay when investing in each class.
 
 
 
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A Class Shares
A Class shares of the Fund are available to investors using intermediaries such as broker-dealers, at their offering price, which is equal to the NAV per share plus the applicable front-end sales charge that you pay when you buy your A Class shares. The front-end sales charge is generally deducted directly from the amount of your investment. A Class shares are also subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee of up to 0.25% and a separate shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
 
C Class Shares
C Class shares are available to investors using intermediaries such as broker-dealers, at the Fund’s NAV per share, without an initial sales charge. If you sell your shares within 12 months after buying them, you will normally pay a CDSC of 1%. C Class shares also are subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee of up to 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets and a separate shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
 
Investor Class Shares
Investor Class shares are offered without a sales charge to all investors, including investors using intermediary organizations such as broker-dealers or plan sponsors and retirement accounts. Investor Class shares pay no Rule 12b-1 fee. Investor Class shares are subject to a separate shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.375% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Investor Class shares are also available to Traditional and Roth IRA shareholders investing directly in the Fund.
 
Y Class Shares
Y Class shares are offered without a sales charge to all investors who make an initial investment of at least $100,000. Y Class Shares do not pay a Rule 12b-1 fee. Y Class shares are subject to a shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
 
Institutional Class Shares
Institutional Class shares are offered without a sales charge to investors who make an initial investment of at least $250,000. Institutional Class shares pay no Rule 12b-1 or shareholder servicing fees.
 
A Class Charges and Waivers
 
The table below shows the amount of sales charges you will pay on purchases of A Class shares of the Fund both as a percentage of offering price and as a percentage of the amount you invest. The sales charge differs depending upon the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger purchases as indicated below. If you invest more, the sales charge will be lower.
 
Any applicable sales charge will be deducted directly from your investment. Because of rounding of the calculation in determining the sales charges, you may pay more or less than what is shown in the table below. Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to a front-end sales charge. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge or the sales charge may be waived as described below in “A Class Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers.”
 
                         
            Dealer
            Commission
    As a %
      as a %
Amount of
  Offering
  As a %
  Offering
Sale/Account Value
  Price   Investment   Price
Less than $50,000
    4.75 %     4.99 %     4.00 %
$50,000 but less than $100,000
    4.25 %     4.44 %     3.50 %
$100,000 but less than -$250,000
    3.50 %     3.63 %     2.75 %
$250,000 but less than $500,000
    2.75 %     2.83 %     2.05 %
$500,000 but less than $1 million
    2.00 %     2.04 %     1.50 %
$1 million and above
    0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %
 
The Distributor may also retain any portion of the commissions that are not paid to financial intermediaries, which may be used to pay distribution-related expenses.
 
A Class Sales Charge
Reductions & Waivers
 
A shareholder may qualify for a waiver or reduction in sales charges under certain circumstances. To receive a waiver or reduction in your A Class sales charge, you must advise the Fund’s transfer agent, your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary of your eligibility at the time of purchase. If you or your financial intermediary do not let the Fund’s transfer agent know that you are eligible for a reduction, you may not receive a sales charge discount to which you are otherwise entitled.
 
Waiver of Sales Charges
There is no sales charge if you invest $1 million or more in A Class shares.
 
Sales charges also may be waived for certain shareholders, such as:
 
•  Present and former directors, trustees, officers, employees of the Manager, the Manager’s parent company, and the American Beacon Funds Trust (and their “immediate family” as defined in the SAI), and retirement plans established by them for their employees;
•  Registered representative or employees of intermediaries that have selling agreement with the Fund;
•  Shares acquired through merger or acquisition;
•  Insurance company separate accounts;
•  Employer-sponsored retirement plans;
•  Dividend reinvestment programs; and
•  Purchases through certain fee-based programs.
 
Reduced Sales Charges
Under a “Rights of Accumulation Program,” a “Letter of Intent” or through “Concurrent Purchases” you may be eligible to buy A Class shares of the Fund at the reduced sales charge rates that would apply to a larger purchase.
 
 
 
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The Fund reserves the right to modify or to cease offering these programs at any time.
 
This information is available, free of charge, on the Funds’ website. Please visit http://www.americanbeaconfunds.com (click on the link title “Sales Charge Information”). You may also call (800) 658-5811 or consult with your financial advisor.
 
Rights of Accumulation Program
Under the Rights of Accumulation Program, you may qualify for a reduced sales charge by aggregating all of your investments held in certain accounts (“Qualified Accounts”). The following Qualified Accounts held in A Class shares of any American Beacon Funds mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge may be grouped together to qualify for the reduced sales charge under the Rights of Accumulation Program or Letter of Intent:
 
•  Accounts owned by you, your spouse or your minor children under the age of 21, including trust or other fiduciary accounts in which you, your spouse or your minor children are the beneficiary;
•  Uniform gift to minor accounts (“UGTMA”);
•  IRA accounts, including Traditional, Roth, SEP and SIMPLE; and
•  Coverdell Education Savings Accounts or qualified 529 plans.
 
A fiduciary can apply a right of accumulation to all shares purchased for a trust, estate or other fiduciary account that has multiple accounts.
 
You must notify your financial intermediary or the Fund’s transfer agent in the case of shares held directly with the Fund, at the time of purchase that a purchase qualifies for a reduced sales charge under the Rights of Accumulation Program and must provide either a list of account numbers or copies of account statements verifying your qualification. If your shares are held directly in an American Beacon Funds mutual fund or through a financial intermediary, you may combine the historical cost or current NAV, determined as of the last close of the New York Stock Exchange, generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, (whichever is higher) of your existing A Class shares of any American Beacon Funds mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge with the amount of your current purchase in order to take advantage of the reduced sales charge. Historical cost is the price you actually paid for the shares you own, plus your reinvested dividends and capital gains. If you are using historical cost to qualify for a reduced sales charge, you should retain any records to substantiate your historical costs since the Fund, its transfer agent or your financial intermediary may not maintain this information.
 
If your shares are held through financial intermediaries and/or in a retirement account (such as a 401(k) or employee benefit plan), you may combine the current NAV of your existing A Class shares of any American Beacon Funds mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge with the amount of your current purchase in order to take advantage of the reduced sales charge. You or your financial intermediary must notify the Fund’s transfer agent at the time of purchase that a purchase qualifies for a reduced sales charge under the Rights of Accumulation Program and must provide copies of account statements dated within three months of your current purchase verifying your qualification.
 
Upon receipt of the above referenced supporting documentation, the financial intermediary or the Fund’s transfer agent will calculate the combined value of all of your Qualified Accounts to determine if the current purchase is eligible for a reduced sales charge. Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts (securities held in the name of a dealer or another nominee such as a bank trust department instead of the customer) may not be aggregated with purchases for other accounts and may not be aggregated with other nominee or street name accounts unless otherwise qualified as described above.
 
Letter of Intent
If you plan to invest at least $50,000 (excluding any reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions) during the next 13 months in A Class shares of the Fund or any other American Beacon Funds mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge, you may qualify for a reduced sales charge by completing the Letter of Intent section of your account application. A Letter of Intent indicates your intent to purchase at least $50,000 in A Class shares of any American Beacon Funds mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge over the next 13 months in exchange for a reduced sales charge indicated on the above tables. The minimum initial investment under a Letter of Intent is $2,500. You are not obligated to purchase additional shares if you complete a Letter of Intent. However, if you do not buy enough shares to qualify for the projected level of sales charge by the end of the 13-month period (or when you sell your shares, if earlier), your sales charge will be recalculated to reflect your actual purchase level. During the term of the Letter of Intent, shares representing 5% of your intended purchase will be held in escrow. If you do not purchase enough shares during the 13-month period to qualify for the projected reduced sales charge, the additional sales charge will be deducted from your account. If you have purchased A Class shares of any American Beacon mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge within 90 days prior to signing a Letter of Intent, they may be included as part of your intended purchase, however, previous purchase transactions will not be recalculated with the proposed new breakpoint. You must provide either a list of account numbers or copies of account statements verifying your purchases within the past 90 days.
 
Concurrent Purchases
You may combine simultaneous purchases in A Class shares of American Beacon Funds to qualify for a reduced A Class sales charge.
 
 
 
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Contingent Deferred Sales Charge — C Class Shares
 
If you redeem C Class shares within 12 months of purchase, you may be charged a CDSC of 1%. The CDSC generally will be deducted from your redemption proceeds. In some circumstances, you may be eligible for one of the waivers described herein or in the statement of additional information. You must advise the transfer agent of your eligibility for a waiver when you place your redemption request.
 
How CDSCs will be Calculated
 
A CDSC is imposed on redemptions of C Class shares as described above. The amount of the CDSC will be based on the NAV of the redeemed shares at the time of the redemption or the original NAV, whichever is lower. Because of the rounding of the calculation in determining the CDSC, you may pay more or less than the indicated rate. Your CDSC holding period is based upon the date of your purchase. The CDSCs will be deducted from the proceeds of your redemption, not from amounts remaining in your account. A contingent deferred sales charge is not imposed on any increase in NAV over the initial purchase price or shares you received through the reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions.
 
To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a request to sell shares, the Fund will redeem your shares in the following order:
 
•  shares acquired by the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions;
•  other shares that are not subject to the CDSC;
•  shares held the longest during the holding period.
 
Waiver of CDSCs — C Class Shares
 
A shareholder may qualify for a C Class CDSC waiver under certain circumstances. To have your CDSC waived, you must advise the Fund’s transfer agent, your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary of your eligibility at the time of redemption. If you or your financial intermediary do not let the Fund’s transfer agent know that you are eligible for a waiver, you may not receive a waiver to which might otherwise be otherwise entitled.
 
The CDSC may be waived if:
 
•  The redemption is due to a shareholder’s death or post-purchase disability;
•  The redemption is from a systematic withdrawal plan and represents no more than 10% of your annual account value;
•  The redemption is a benefit payment made from a qualified retirement plan, unless the redemption is due to the termination of the plan or the transfer of the plan to another financial institution;
•  The redemption is for a mandatory withdrawal from a traditional IRA account after age 701/2;
•  The redemption is due to involuntary redemptions by the Fund as a result of your account not meeting the minimum balance requirements, the termination and liquidation of the Fund, or other actions;
•  The redemption is from accounts for which the broker-dealer of record has entered into a special agreement with the Distributor (or Manager) allowing this waiver;
•  The redemption is to return excess contributions made to a retirement plan;
•  The redemption is to return contributions made due to a mistake of fact.
 
The SAI contains further details about the CDSC and the conditions for waiving the CDSC.
 
Information regarding CDSC waivers for C Class shares is available, free of charge, on the Funds’ website. Please visit http://www.americanbeaconfunds.com (click on the link title “Sales Charge Information”). You may also call (800) 658-5811 or consult with your financial advisor.
 
Purchase and Redemption of Shares
 
Eligibility
 
The A Class, C Class, Investor Class, Y Class and Institutional Class shares offered in this prospectus are available to all investors who meet the minimum initial investment. American Beacon Funds does not accept accounts registered to foreign individuals or entities, including foreign correspondent accounts. A Class and C Class shares are available to retail investors who invest directly through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries, or through employee directed benefit plans. Investor Class shares are available for Traditional and Roth IRA accounts investing directly through American Beacon.
 
Our investors include:
 
•  agents or fiduciaries acting on behalf of their clients (such as employee benefit plans, personal trusts and other accounts for which a trust company or financial advisor acts as agent or fiduciary);
•  endowment funds and charitable foundations;
•  employee welfare plans that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”);
•  qualified pension and profit sharing plans;
•  cash and deferred arrangements under Section 401(k) of the Code;
•  corporations; and
•  other investors who make an initial investment of at least the minimum investment amounts.
 
Subject to your eligibility, you may invest in the Fund directly through us or through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, plan sponsors, third party administrators and retirement accounts.
 
 
 
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If you invest directly through us, the fees and policies with respect to the Fund’s shares that are outlined in this prospectus are set by the Fund.
 
If you invest through a financial intermediary, most of the information you will need for managing your investment will come from your financial intermediary. This includes information on how to buy, sell and exchange shares of the Fund. If you establish an account through a financial intermediary, the investment minimums described in this section may not apply. Investors investing in the Fund through a financial intermediary should consult with their financial intermediary to ensure they obtain any proper “breakpoint” discount and regarding the differences between available share classes. Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary also may charge fees that are in addition to those described in this prospectus. Please contact your intermediary for information regarding investment minimums, how to purchase and redeem shares and applicable fees.
 
Minimum Initial Investment
 
A Class, C Class, and Investor Class Shares — $2,500
 
Y Class Shares — $100,000
 
Institutional Class Shares — $250,000
 
The Manager may allow a reasonable period of time after opening an account for an Institutional Class or Y Class investor to meet the initial investment requirement. In addition, for investors such as trust companies and financial advisors who make investments for a group of clients, the minimum initial investment can be met through an aggregated purchase order for more than one client.
 
Because in most cases it is more advantageous to purchase A Class shares than C Class shares for amounts of $1 million or more, the Fund will decline a request to purchase C Class shares for $1 million or more.
 
Opening an Account
 
You may open an account through your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary. Please contact your financial intermediary for more information on how to open an account. Shares you purchase through your broker dealer will normally be held in your account with that firm.
 
You may also open an account directly through us. A completed, signed application is required. You may download an account application from the Funds’ web site at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You also may obtain an application form by calling:
 
•  1-800-658-5811
 
Complete the application, sign it and send it
 
 
Regular Mail to:
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

For Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o BFDS
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
 
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account with the Fund or your financial institution, you will be asked for information that will allow the Fund or your financial institution to identify you. Non-public corporations and other entities may be required to provide articles of incorporation, trust or partnership agreements, tax ID numbers, Social Security numbers for persons authorized to provide instructions on the account or other documentation. The Fund and your financial institution are required by law to reject your new account application if the required identifying information is not provided.
 
Purchase Policies
 
Shares of the Fund are offered and purchase orders are typically accepted until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (whichever comes first) on each day on which the NYSE is open for business. If a purchase order is received by the Fund in good order prior to the Fund’s deadline, the purchase price will be the net asset value (“NAV”) per share next determined on that day, plus any applicable sales charges. If a purchase order is received in good order after the applicable deadline, the purchase price will be the NAV per share of the following day that the Fund is open for business plus any applicable sales charge.
 
The Fund has authorized certain third party financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, third party administrators and trust companies, to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund and to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund. The Fund is deemed to have received such orders when they are received by the financial intermediaries or their designees. Thus, an order to purchase or sell Fund shares will be priced at the Fund’s next determined NAV after receipt by the financial intermediary or its designee. You should contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to find out by what time your purchase order must be received so that it can be processed the same day. It is the responsibility of your broker-dealer or financial intermediary to transmit orders that will be
 
 
 
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received by the Fund in proper form and in a timely manner.
 
The Fund has the right to reject any purchase order or cease offering shares at any time. Checks to purchase shares are accepted subject to collection at full face value in U.S. funds and must be drawn in U.S. dollars on a U.S. bank. The Fund will not accept “starter” checks, credit card checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, official checks, or third party checks.
 
Please refer to the section titled “Frequent Trading and Market Timing” for information on the Fund’s policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.
 
Redemption Policies
 
If you purchased shares of the Fund through your financial intermediary, please contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to sell shares of the Fund.
 
If you purchased your shares directly from the Fund, your shares may be redeemed by telephone by calling 1-800-658-5811, via the Funds’ website, or by mail on any day that the Fund is open for business.
 
The redemption price will be the NAV next determined after a redemption request is received in good order, minus any applicable CDSC and/or redemption fees. In order to receive the redemption price calculated on a particular business day, redemption requests must be received in good order by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or by the close of the NYSE (whichever comes first). You should contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to find out by what time your order must be received so that it can be processed the same day.
 
You may, within 90 days of redemption, reinvest all or part of the proceeds of your redemption of A Class shares of a Fund, without incurring an additional sales charge, in the same class of another American Beacon Fund, by sending a written request and a check to your financial intermediary or directly to the Fund. Reinvestment must be into the same account from which you redeemed the shares or received the distribution. Proceeds from a redemption and all dividend payments and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the same share class from which the original redemption or distribution was made. Reinvestment will be at the NAV next calculated after the Fund receives your request. You must notify the Fund and your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary at the time of investment if you decide to exercise this privilege.
 
Wire proceeds from redemption requests received in good order by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or by the close of the Exchange (whichever comes first) generally are transmitted to shareholders on the next day the Fund is open for business. In any event, proceeds from a redemption request will typically be transmitted to a shareholder by no later than seven days after the receipt of a redemption request in good order. Delivery of proceeds from shares purchased by check or pre-authorized automatic investment may be delayed until the funds have cleared, which may take up to ten days.
 
The Fund reserves the right to suspend redemptions or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) when the Exchange is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) when trading on the Exchange is restricted; (iii) when the SEC determines that an emergency exists so that disposal of the Fund’s investments or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) by order of the SEC for protection of the Fund’s shareholders.
 
Although the Fund intends to redeem shares in cash, the Fund reserves the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution of securities or other assets held by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund redeems its shares in this manner, the shareholder assumes the risk of a subsequent change in the market value of those securities, the cost of liquidating the securities and the possibility of a lack of a liquid market for those securities.
 
Please refer to the section titled “Frequent Trading and Market Timing” for information on the Fund’s policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.
 
Exchange Policies
 
If you purchased shares of the Fund through your financial intermediary, please contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to determine if you may take advantage of the exchange policies described in this section and for its policies to effect an exchange.
 
If you purchased shares of the Fund directly through us, your shares may be exchanged by calling 1-800-658-5811 to speak to a representative, through our website, www.americanbeaconfunds.com or use the Automated Voice Response System for Investor Class shares.
 
Shares of any class of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of another American Beacon Fund under certain limited circumstances. Since an exchange involves a concurrent purchase and redemption, please review the sections titled “Purchase Policies” and “Redemption Policies” for additional limitations that apply to purchases and redemptions. There is no front-end sales charge on exchanges between A Class shares of the Fund for A Class shares of another Fund. Shares otherwise subject to a CDSC will not be charged a CDSC in an exchange. However, when you redeem the shares acquired through the exchange, the shares you redeem may be subject to a CDSC, depending on when you originally purchased the exchanged shares. For purposes of computing the CDSC, the length of time you owned your shares will be measured from the date of original purchase and will not be affected by any exchange.
 
Before exchanging shares, shareholders should consider how the exchange may affect any CDSC that might be
 
 
 
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imposed on the subsequent redemption of remaining shares.
 
If shares were purchased by check, to exchange out of one Fund and into another, a shareholder must have owned shares of the redeeming Fund for at least ten days.
 
Shares of any class of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of another class of the same Fund under certain limited circumstances. The eligibility and minimum investment requirement must be met for the class into which the shareholder is exchanging. Fund shares may be acquired through exchange only in states in which they can be legally sold. For Federal income tax purposes, exchanges of one share class for a different share class of the same Fund should not result in the realization by the investor of a capital gain or loss. There can be no assurance of any particular tax treatment, however, and you are urged and advised to consult with your own tax advisor before entering into a share class exchange. Please refer to the section titled “Frequent Trading and Market Timing” for information on the Fund’s policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.
 
The Fund reserves the right to charge a fee and to modify or terminate the exchange privilege at any time. Each Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange purchases if, in the judgment of a Fund, the transaction would adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders.
 
Payments to Financial Intermediaries
 
The Fund and its affiliates (at their own expense) may pay compensation to financial intermediaries for shareholder-related services and, if applicable, distribution-related services, including administrative, sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping and shareholder communication services. For example, compensation may be paid to make Fund shares available to sales representatives and/or customers of a fund supermarket platform or similar program sponsor or for services provided in connection with such fund supermarket platforms and programs.
 
The amount of compensation paid to different financial intermediaries may differ. The compensation paid to a financial intermediary may be based on a variety of factors, including average assets under management in accounts distributed and/or serviced by the financial intermediary, gross sales by the financial intermediary and/or the number of accounts serviced by the financial intermediary that invest in the Fund. To the extent that the Fund pays (a portion) of such compensation, it is designed to compensate the financial intermediary for providing services that would otherwise be provided by the Fund or its transfer agent. To the extent a Fund affiliate pays such compensation, it would likely include amounts from that affiliate’s own resources and constitute what is sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing.”
 
Compensation received by a financial intermediary from the Manager or another Fund affiliate may include payments for marketing and/or training expenses incurred by the financial intermediary, including expenses incurred by the financial intermediary in educating (itself and) its salespersons with respect to Fund shares. For example, such compensation may include reimbursements for expenses incurred in attending educational seminars regarding the Fund, including travel and lodging expenses. It may also cover costs incurred by financial intermediaries in connection with their efforts to sell Fund shares, including costs incurred compensating (registered) sales representatives and preparing, printing and distributing sales literature.
 
Any compensation received by a financial intermediary, whether from the Fund or its affiliate(s), and the prospect of receiving it may provide the financial intermediary with an incentive to recommend the shares of the Fund, or a certain class of shares of the Fund, over other potential investments. Similarly, the compensation may cause financial intermediaries to elevate the prominence of the Fund within its organization by, for example, placing it on a list of preferred funds.
 
How to Purchase Shares
Through your Broker-Dealer or Other Financial Intermediary
Contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to purchase shares of the Fund. Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary can help you open a new account, review your financial needs and formulate long-term investment goals and objectives. Your broker dealer or financial intermediary will transmit your request to the Fund and may charge you a fee for this service. The Fund will not accept a purchase order of $1,000,000 or more for C Class shares if the purchase is known to be on behalf of a single investor (not including dealer “street name” or omnibus accounts Dealers or other financial intermediaries purchasing shares for their customers in omnibus accounts are responsible for determining the suitability of a particular share class for an investor.
 
By Check
•  The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements for investments by check are:
 
                 
    Minimum
  Minimum
    Initial
  Subsequent
    Investment
  Investment
Share Class
  Amount   Amount
A Class
  $ 2,500     $ 50  
C Class
  $ 2,500     $ 50  
Investor Class
  $ 2,500     $ 50  
Y Class
  $ 100,000     $ 50  
Institutional Class
  $ 250,000     $ 50  
 
•  Make the check payable to American Beacon Funds.
•  Include the shareholder’s account number, Fund name and Fund number on the check.
•  Mail the check to:
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
 
 
 
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For Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o BFDS
330 West 9thStreet
Kansas City, MO 64105
 
By Wire
•  The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements for investments by wire are:
 
                 
    Minimum
  Minimum
    Initial
  Subsequent
    Investment
  Investment
Share Class
  Amount   Amount
A Class
  $ 2,500     $ 500  
C Class
  $ 2,500     $ 500  
Investor Class
  $ 2,500     $ 500  
Y Class
  $ 100,000       None  
Institutional Class
  $ 250,000       None  
 
•  If your account has been established, call 1-800-658-5811 to purchase shares by wire.
•  Send a bank wire to State Street Bank and Trust Co.  with these instructions:
•  ABA# 0110-0002-8; AC-9905-342-3,
•  Attn: American Beacon Funds
•  the Fund name and Fund number, and
•  shareholder account number and registration.
 
By Exchange
•  The minimum requirements to establish an account by making an exchange and to make subsequent exchanges are as follows:
 
                 
    Minimum
  Minimum
    Amount to
  Subsequent
    Establish a
  Exchange
Share Class
  New Account   Amount
A Class
  $ 2,500     $ 50  
C Class
  $ 2,500     $ 50  
Investor Class
  $ 2,500     $ 50  
Y Class
  $ 100,000     $ 50  
Institutional Class
  $ 250,000     $ 50  
 
•  To exchange shares, send a written request to the address above, or call 1-800-658-5811 and speak to a representative. You may use the Automated Voice Response System for exchanges in the Investor Class only.
•  You also may exchange shares by visiting www.americanbeaconfunds.com via “My Account.”
•  If you purchased shares through a financial intermediary, please contact your broker dealer or other financial intermediary to exchange your shares.
 
Via “My Account” on www.americanbeaconfunds.com
•  You may purchase shares of all classes via “My Account” on www.americanbeaconfunds.com.
•  Funds will be transferred automatically from your bank account via Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) if valid bank instructions were included on your application.
•  If not, please call 1-800-658-5811 for assistance with establishing bank instructions.
•  A $50 minimum applies.
 
By Pre-Authorized Automatic Investment (A Class, C Class and Investor Class shares only)
•  The minimum account size of $2,500 must be met before establishing an automatic investment plan.
•  Fill in required information on the account application, including amount of automatic investment ($50 minimum). Attach a voided check to the account application.
•  You may also establish an automatic investment plan through www.americanbeaconfunds.com.
•  Funds will be transferred automatically from your bank account via ACH on or about the 5th day of each month or quarter, depending upon which periods you specify.
•  If you establish your automatic investment plan through www.americanbeaconfunds.com, you can choose the date and frequency of transfer.
 
How to Redeem Shares
Through your Broker-Dealer or other Financial Intermediary
Contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to sell shares of the Fund. Your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary is responsible for transmitting your sale request to the transfer agent in proper form and in a timely manner. Your financial intermediary may charge you a fee for selling your shares.
 
By Telephone
•  Call 1-800-658-5811 to request a redemption.
•  Minimum redemption amounts and applicable class limitations, and policies as to the disposition of the proceeds of telephone redemptions are as follows:
 
             
    Minimum
      Disposition of
Share Class
  Redemption   Limitations   Redemption Proceeds
A, C and Investor Classes
  $500 by wire or
$50 by check or ACH
  $50,000 per account   Mailed to account address of record; or
Transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form.
Y and Institutional Classes
  None   None   Transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form.
 
By Mail
•  Write a letter of instruction including:
 
  ►  the Fund name and Fund number,
 
  ►  shareholder account number,
 
  ►  shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, and
 
  ►  authorized signature(s) of all persons required to sign for the account.
 
Mail to:
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
 
 
 
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For Overnight Delivery
American Beacon Funds
c/o BFDS
330 West 9thStreet
Kansas City, MO 64105
 
•  Proceeds will be mailed to the account address of record or transmitted to the commercial bank designated on the account application form.
•  Minimum redemption amounts are as follows:
 
     
Share Class
 
Minimum Redemption
A, C and Investor Classes
  $500 by wire, $50 by check or ACH
Y and Institutional Classes
  None
 
Supporting documents may be required for redemptions by estates, trusts, guardianships, custodians, corporations, and welfare, pension and profit sharing plans. Call 1-800-658-5811 for instructions.
 
To protect the Funds and your account from fraud, a STAMP 2000 Medallion signature guarantee is required for redemption orders:
 
•  with a request to send the proceeds to an address or commercial bank account other than the address or commercial bank account designated on the account application, or
•  for an account whose address has changed within the last 30 days if proceeds are sent by check.
 
The Funds only accept STAMP 2000 Medallion signature guarantees, which may be obtained at most banks, broker-dealers and credit unions. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee. Call 1-800-658-5811 for instructions and further assistance.
 
By Exchange
•  Send a written request to the address above.
•  Call 1-800-658-5811 and use the Automated Voice Response System (for Investor Class only) or speak to a representative to exchange shares.
•  Visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com and select “My Account.”
•  The minimum requirement to redeem shares by making an exchange is $50.
•  If you purchased shares through a financial intermediary, please contact your broker dealer or other financial intermediary to exchange your shares.
 
Via “My Account” on www.americanbeaconfunds.com
 
•  If you have established bank instructions for your account, you may request a redemption via ACH or wire by selecting “My Account” on www.americanbeaconfunds.com.
•  If bank instructions were not included on the account application form, please call 1-800-658-5811 to establish bank instructions.
•  Minimum wire, ACH and check redemption amounts and policies as to the disposition of the proceeds of redemptions via “My Account” on www.americanbeaconfunds.com are as follows:
 
             
        Minimum
   
    Minimum
  ACH or
  Disposition of
Share Class
  Wire Amount   Check Amount   Redemption Proceeds
A, C and Investor Classes
  $500   $50   Check mailed to account address of record; Wire transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form; or Funds transferred via ACH to bank account designated on application form.
Y and Institutional Classes
  None   Not Available   Transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form.
 
By Pre-Authorized Automatic Redemption (A, C and Investor Class shares only)
•  Fill in required information on the account application or establish via www.americanbeaconfunds.com ($50 minimum).
 
Proceeds will be transferred automatically from your Fund account to your bank account via ACH.
 
General Policies
 
If a shareholder’s A Class, C Class, Investor Class, Institutional Class, or Y Class account balance falls below the following minimum levels, the shareholder may be asked to increase the balance.
 
         
    Account
Share Class
  Balance
A Class
  $ 2,500  
C Class
  $ 2,500  
Investor Class
  $ 2,500  
Institutional Class
  $ 75,000  
Y Class
  $ 25,000  
 
If the account balance remains below the applicable minimum account balance after 45 days, the Funds reserve the right to close the account and send the proceeds to the shareholder. IRA accounts will be charged an annual maintenance fee of $15.00 by the Custodian for maintaining either a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. The Funds reserve the authority to modify minimum account balances in its discretion.
 
A Signature Validation Program (“SVP”) stamp may be required in order to change an account’s registration or banking instructions. You may obtain a SVP stamp at banks, broker-dealers and credit unions, but not from a notary public. The SVP stamp is analogous to the STAMP 2000 Medallion guarantee in that it is provided at similar institutions. However, it is used only for non-financial transactions.
 
The following policies apply to instructions you may provide to the Funds by telephone:
 
•  The Funds, their officers, trustees, employees, or agents are not responsible for the authenticity of
 
 
 
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instructions provided by telephone, nor for any loss, liability, cost or expense incurred for acting on them.
•  The Funds employ procedures reasonably designed to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.
•  Due to the volume of calls or other unusual circumstances, telephone redemptions may be difficult to implement during certain time periods.
 
The Fund reserves the right to:
 
•  liquidate a shareholder’s account at the current day’s NAV and remit proceeds via check if the Fund or a financial institution are unable to verify the shareholder’s identity within three business days of account opening,
•  seek reimbursement from the shareholder for any related loss incurred by the Fund if payment for the purchase of Fund shares by check does not clear the shareholder’s bank, and
•  reject a purchase order and seek reimbursement from the shareholder for any related loss incurred by the Fund if funds are not received by the applicable wire deadline.
 
A shareholder will not be required to pay a CDSC when the registration for C Class shares is transferred to the name of another person or entity. The transfer may occur by absolute assignment, gift or bequest, as long as it does not involve, directly or indirectly, a public sale of the shares. When C Class shares are transferred, the applicable CDSC will continue to apply to the transferred shares and will be calculated as if the transferee had acquired the shares in the same manner and at the same time as the transferring shareholder.
 
Unclaimed accounts may be subject to State escheatment laws, where the holdings in an account may be transferred to the appropriate State if no activity occurs in the account within the time period specified by State law. The Fund and the Transfer Agent will not be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with those escheatment laws.
 
Frequent Trading and Market Timing
 
Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in that Fund, including (i) the dilution of the Fund’s NAV, (ii) an increase in the Fund’s expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager’s ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Frequent, short-term trading of Fund shares in an attempt to profit from day-to-day fluctuations in the Fund’s NAV is known as market timing. The Fund’s Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures intended to discourage frequent trading and market timing. Shareholders may transact one “round trip” in the Fund in any rolling 90-day period. A “round trip” is defined as two transactions, each in an opposite direction. A round trip may involve (i) a purchase or exchange into a Fund followed by a redemption or exchange out of the same Fund or (ii) a redemption or exchange out of a Fund followed by a purchase or exchange into the same Fund. If the Manager detects that a shareholder has exceeded one round trip in a Fund in any rolling 90-day period, the Manager, without prior notice to the shareholder, will prohibit the shareholder from making further purchases of that Fund. In general, the Fund reserve the right to reject any purchase order, terminate the exchange privilege, or liquidate the account of any shareholder that the Manager determines has engaged in frequent trading or market timing, regardless of whether the shareholder’s activity violates any policy stated in this prospectus.
 
The round-trip limit does not apply to the following transaction types:
 
•  shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions;
•  systematic purchases and redemptions;
•  shares redeemed to return excess IRA contributions; or
•  certain transactions made within a retirement or employee benefit plan, such as payroll contributions, minimum required distributions, loans, and hardship withdrawals, or other transactions that are initiated by a party other than the plan participant.
 
Financial intermediaries that offer Fund shares, such as broker-dealers, third party administrators of retirement plans, and trust companies, will be asked to enforce the Fund’s policies to discourage frequent trading and market timing by investors. However, certain intermediaries that offer Fund shares have informed the Funds that they are currently unable to enforce the Fund’s policies on an automated basis. In those instances, the Manager will monitor trading activity of the intermediary in an attempt to detect patterns of activity that indicate frequent trading or market timing by underlying investors. In some cases, intermediaries that offer Fund shares have their own policies to deter frequent trading and market timing that differ from the Fund’s policies. The Fund may defer to an intermediary’s policies. For more information, please contact the financial intermediary through which you invest in the Funds.
 
The Manager monitors trading activity in the Fund to attempt to identify shareholders engaged in frequent trading or market timing. The Manager may exclude transactions below a certain dollar amount from monitoring and may change that dollar amount from time to time. The ability of the Manager to detect frequent trading and market timing activity by investors who own shares through an intermediary is dependent upon the intermediary’s provision of information necessary to identify transactions by the underlying investors. The Fund has entered agreements with the intermediaries that service the Fund’s investors, pursuant to which the intermediaries agree to provide information on investor transactions to the Fund and to act on the Fund’s instructions to restrict transactions by investors who the Manager has identified as having violated the Fund’s policies and procedures to deter frequent trading and market timing.
 
 
 
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Wrap programs offered by certain intermediaries may be designated “Qualified Wrap Programs” by the Fund based on specific criteria established by the Funds and a certification by the intermediary that the criteria have been met. A Qualified Wrap Program is: (i) a wrap program whose sponsoring intermediary certifies that it has investment discretion over $50 million or more in client assets invested in mutual funds at the time of the certification, (ii) a wrap program whose sponsoring intermediary certifies that it directs transactions in accounts participating in the wrap program(s) in concert with changes in a model portfolio; (iii) managed by an intermediary that agrees to provide the Manager a description of the wrap program(s) that the intermediary seeks to qualify; and (iv) managed by an intermediary that agrees to provide the Manager sufficient information to identify individual accounts in the intermediary’s wrap program(s). For purposes of applying the round-trip limit, transactions initiated by clients invested in a Qualified Wrap Program will not be matched to transactions initiated by the intermediary sponsoring the Qualified Wrap Program. For example, a client’s purchase of a Fund followed within 90 days by the intermediary’s redemption of the same Fund would not be considered a round trip. However, transactions initiated by a Qualified Wrap Program client are subject to the round-trip limit and will be matched to determine if the client has exceeded the round-trip limit. In addition, the Manager will monitor transactions initiated by Qualified Wrap Program intermediaries to determine whether any intermediary has engaged in frequent trading or market timing. If the Manager determines that an intermediary has engaged in activity that is harmful to the Fund, the Manager will revoke the intermediary’s Qualified Wrap Program status. Upon termination of status as a Qualified Wrap Program, all account transactions will be matched for purposes of testing compliance with the Fund’s frequent trading and market timing policies, including any applicable redemption fees.
 
The Fund reserves the right to modify the frequent trading and market timing policies and procedures and grant or eliminate waivers to such policies and procedures at any time without advance notice to shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s policies and procedures to deter frequent trading and market timing will have the intended effect nor that the Manager will be able to detect frequent trading and market timing.
 
Distributions and Taxes
 
The Fund distributes most or all of its net earnings in the form of dividends from net investment income and distributions of realized net capital gains and gains from foreign currency transactions. The Fund does not have a fixed dividend rate and does not guarantee they will pay any dividends or capital gains distributions in any particular period. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, but dividends on different classes of shares may be different as a result of the service and/or distribution fees applicable to certain classes of shares. The fund intends to declare income dividends daily and distribute them monthly to shareholders of record. In addition, the Fund distributes net capital gains, if any, on an annual basis.
 
Options for Receiving Dividends and Distributions
 
When you open your Fund account, you can specify on your application how you want to receive distributions of dividends and capital gains. To change that option, you must notify the Transfer Agent. Unless the account application instructs otherwise, distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares. There are four payment options available:
 
•  Reinvest All Distributions in the Fund. You can elect to reinvest all dividends and capital gains distributions in additional shares of the Fund.
•  Reinvest Only Dividends or Capital Gains. You can elect to reinvest some types of distributions in the Fund while receiving the other types of distributions by check or having them sent to your bank account by ACH. Different treatment is available for distributions of dividends and long-term capital gains.
•  Receive All Distributions in Cash. You can elect to receive all dividends and capital gains distributions by check or have them sent to your bank by ACH.
•  Reinvest Your Distributions in another American Beacon Fund. You can reinvest all of your dividends and capital gains distributions in another American Beacon Fund that is available for exchanges. You must have an existing account in the same share class in the selected fund.
 
Usually, any dividends and distributions of net realized gains are taxable events. However, the portion of the Fund’s dividends derived from its investments in certain direct U.S. Government obligations is generally exempt from state and local income taxes. The following table outlines the typical tax liabilities for transactions in taxable accounts:
 
     
Type of Transaction
 
Tax Status
Dividends from net investment income*
  Ordinary income**
Distributions of excess net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss*
  Ordinary income
Distributions of gains from certain foreign currency transactions*
  Ordinary income
Distributions of excess net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss*
  Long-term capital gains
Redemptions or exchanges of shares owned for more than one year
  Long-term capital gains or losses
 
 
 
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Type of Transaction
 
Tax Status
Redemptions or exchanges of shares owned for one year or less
  Net gains are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income; net losses are subject to special rules
 
*
Whether reinvested or taken in cash.
 
**
Except for dividends that are attributable to qualified dividend income.
 
To the extent distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss are attributable to net capital gain that the Fund recognizes on sales or exchanges of capital assets through its last taxable year beginning before January 1, 2013, they are subject to a 15% maximum federal income tax rate for individual shareholders.
 
Some foreign countries may impose taxes on dividends paid to and gains realized by the Fund. The Fund may treat these taxes as a deduction or, under certain conditions, “flow the tax through” to its shareholders. In the latter event, a shareholder may either deduct the taxes or use them to calculate a credit against his or her federal income tax.
 
A portion of the dividends paid by the Fund may be eligible for the 15% maximum federal income tax rate applicable to dividends that individuals receive through the year 2012.
 
The eligible portion may not exceed the Fund’s qualified dividend income (“QDI”). QDI is the aggregate of dividends the Fund receives from most domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations. If the Fund’s QDI is at least 95% of its gross income (as specially computed) and the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions with respect to the shares on which the dividends are paid (and the shareholder meets similar restrictions with respect to its Fund shares), the entire dividend will qualify for the 15% maximum federal income tax rate. A portion of the dividends paid by the Fund may also be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations, subject to similar holding period, debt-financing and other restrictions, but the eligible portion will not exceed the aggregate dividends the Fund receives from domestic corporations. However, dividends that a corporate shareholder receives and deducts pursuant to the dividends-received deduction may be subject indirectly to the federal alternative minimum tax.
 
Shareholders may realize a taxable gain or loss when redeeming or exchanging shares. That gain or loss generally is treated as a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the redeemed or exchanged shares were held. Any capital gain an individual shareholder recognizes through the year 2012 on a redemption or exchange of Fund shares that have been held for more than one year will qualify for the 15% maximum federal income tax rate mentioned above.
 
Dividends and distributions of net realized gains from the Fund and gains recognized from the redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares will be subject to a 3.8% U.S. Federal Medicare contribution tax on “net investment income,” beginning in 2013, for individuals with incomes exceeding $200,000 (or $250,000 if married and filing jointly).
 
This is only a summary of some of the important income tax considerations that may affect Fund shareholders. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding specific questions as to the effect of federal, state and local income taxes on an investment in the Fund. Each year, shareholders will receive tax information from the Funds to assist them in preparing their tax returns.
 
 
Distribution and Service Plans
 
The A Class and C Class, shares of the Fund have each adopted a Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which allows the A Class and C Class shares to pay distribution and other fees for the sale of Fund shares and for other services provided to shareholders. Each Plan also authorizes the use of any fees received by the Manager in accordance with the Administrative Services and Management Agreements, and any fees received by the sub-advisors pursuant to their Investment Advisory Agreements with the Manager, to be used for the sale and distribution of Fund shares.
 
The Plans provide that the A Class shares of the Fund will pay up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the A Class and the C Class shares of the Funds will pay up to 1.00% per annum of the average daily net assets of the C Class, to the Manager (or another entity approved by the Board).
 
The Fund has also adopted a shareholder services plan for its A Class, C Class, Investor Class and Y Class shares for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries. The shareholder services plan authorizes annual payment of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the A Class shares, up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the C Class shares, up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares, and up to 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the Y Class shares of the Funds.
 
Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s A Class, C Class, Investor Class, and Y Class assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may result in costs higher than other types of sales charges.
 
Portfolio Holdings
 
A complete list of the Fund’s holdings is made available on the Funds’ website on a quarterly basis. The holdings information is generally posted to the website
 
 
 
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approximately sixty days after the end of the month and remains available for six months thereafter. A list of the Fund’s ten largest holdings is made available on the Funds’ website on a quarterly basis. The ten largest holdings of the Funds are generally posted to the website approximately fifteen days after the end of each calendar quarter and remain available until the next quarter. To access the holdings information, go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and select “Fund Holdings” under the “I want info on . . .” menu on the home page. A Fund’s ten largest holdings may also be accessed by selecting the “Funds Info” tab on the home page and then clicking on the name of the Fund.
 
A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, which you may access on the Funds’ website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-658-5811 to request a free copy.
 
Delivery of Documents
 
If you are interested in electronic delivery of the Fund’s summary prospectuses or shareholder reports, please go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and click on “Register for e-delivery.”
 
To reduce expenses, your financial institution may mail only one copy of the prospectus, Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please contact your financial institution. Delivery of individual copies will commence thirty days after receiving your request.
 
 
 
 
 
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Financial Highlights
 
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the period of the Fund’s operations. Financial highlights are not provided because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus.
  
 
 
 
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Additional Information
 
Additional information about the Fund is found in the documents listed below. Request a free copy of these documents by calling 1-800-658-5811 or you may access them on the Funds’ website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.
 
         
         
Annual Report/Semi-Annual Report
  Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”)    
The Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports will list the Fund’s actual investments as of the report’s date. They also include a discussion by the Manager of market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance. The report of the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm will be included in the Annual Report.
  The SAI contains more details about the Funds and their investment policies. The SAI is incorporated in this prospectus by reference (it is legally part of this prospectus). A current SAI is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).    
 
To obtain more information about the Fund or to request a copy of the documents listed above:
 
             
(TELEPHONE GRAPHIC)   (MAILBOX GRAPHIC)   (KEYBOARD GRAPHIC)   (MOUSE GRAPHIC)
By Telephone:
  By Mail:   By E-mail:   On the Internet:
Call 1-800-658-5811   American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
  americanbeaconfunds@ambeacon.com   Visit our website at
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Visit the SEC website at
www.sec.gov
 
The SAI and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic mail to publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. The SAI and other information about the Fund may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.
 
Fund Service Providers:
 
             
             
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, Massachusetts
 
Transfer Agent
Boston Financial Data Services
Kansas City, Missouri
 
Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
 
Distributor
Foreside Fund Services, LLC
Portland, Maine
 
 
(AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS LOGO)
 
American Beacon is a registered service mark of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. The American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
 
SEC File Number 811-4984
 
 
 
Additional Information Prospectus


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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AMERICAN BEACON FUNDSSM
July 6, 2011
Flexible Bond Fund
A CLASS [AFXAX]
C CLASS [AFXCX]
INVESTOR CLASS [AFXPX]
Y CLASS [AFXYX]
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS [AXFIX]
     This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated July 6, 2011 (the “Prospectus”) for the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund, a separate series of the American Beacon Funds (the “Fund”). Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 658-5811. You also may obtain copies of the Prospectus without charge by visiting the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. This SAI is incorporated by reference to the Fund’s Prospectus. In other words, it is legally a part of the Prospectus. This SAI is not a prospectus and is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only if preceded or accompanied by a current Prospectus.
     The Fund has not commenced operations as of the date hereof. Accordingly, financial statements for the Fund are not available. Copies of the Fund’s Annual Report may be obtained when available, without charge, upon request by calling (800) 658-5811.

 


 

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ORGANIZATION AND HISTORY OF THE FUND
     The Fund is a separate investment portfolio of the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 16, 1987. The Fund is non-diversified. The Fund is comprised of multiple classes of shares designed to meet the needs of different groups of investors. This SAI relates to the A Class, C Class, Investor Class, Y Class, and Institutional Class of the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
     The investment objective and principal investment strategies and risks of the Fund are described in the Prospectus. This section contains additional information about the Fund’s investment policies and risks and types of securities the Fund may purchase. The composition of the Fund’s portfolio and the strategies the Fund may use in selecting portfolio securities may vary over time. The Fund is not required to use all of the investment strategies described below in pursuing their investment objectives. It may use some of the investment strategies only at some times or it may not use them at all.

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     Asset-Backed Securities — Asset-backed securities are securities issued by trusts and special purpose entities that are backed by pools of assets, such as automobile and credit-card receivables and home equity loans, which pass through the payments on the underlying obligations to the security holders (less servicing fees paid to the originator or fees for any credit enhancement). Typically, loans or accounts receivable paper are transferred from the originator to a specially created trust, which repackages the trust’s interests as securities with a minimum denomination and a specific term. The securities are then privately placed or publicly offered. Examples include certificates for automobile receivables and so-called plastic bonds, backed by credit card receivables. The Fund is permitted to invest in asset-backed securities, subject to the Fund’s rating and quality requirements.
     The value of an asset-backed security is affected by, among other things, changes in the market’s perception of the asset backing the security, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans and the financial institution providing any credit enhancement. Payments of principal and interest passed through to holders of asset-backed securities are frequently supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit, surety bond, limited guarantee by another entity or by having a priority to certain of the borrower’s other assets. The degree of credit enhancement varies, and generally applies to only a portion of the asset-backed security’s par value. Value is also affected if any credit enhancement has been exhausted.
     Bank Capital Securities — The Fund may invest in bank capital securities. Bank capital securities are issued by banks to help fulfill their regulatory capital requirements. There are two common types of bank capital: Tier I and Tier II. Bank capital is generally, but not always, of investment grade quality. Tier I securities often take the form of trust preferred securities. Tier II securities are commonly thought of as hybrids of debt and preferred stock, are often perpetual (with no maturity date), callable and, under certain conditions, allow for the issuer bank to withhold payment of interest until a later date.
     Bank Deposit Notes — Bank deposit notes are obligations of a bank, rather than bank holding company corporate debt. The only structural difference between bank deposit notes and certificates of deposit is that interest on bank deposit notes is calculated on a 30/360 basis, as are corporate notes/bonds. Similar to certificates of deposit, deposit notes represent bank level investments and, therefore, are senior to all holding company corporate debt.
     Bank Loans — Bank loans are fixed and floating rate loans arranged through private negotiations between a company or a non-U.S. government and one or more financial institutions (lenders). 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 benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of bank loans because, in certain cases, the market for such instruments is not highly liquid. The lack of a highly liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such instruments and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of the bank loan in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower.
     Borrowing Risks — The Fund may borrow for temporary purposes. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the Fund’s NAV and in its total return. Interest expense and other fees associated with borrowing may reduce the Fund’s return.
     Callable Securities — The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities with call features. A call feature allows the issuer of the security to redeem or call the security prior to its stated maturity date. In periods of falling interest rates, issuers may be more likely to call in securities that are paying higher coupon rates than prevailing interest rates. In the event of a call, the Fund would lose the income that would have been earned to maturity on that security, and the proceeds received by the Fund may be invested in securities paying lower coupon rates. Thus, the Fund’s income could be reduced as a result of a call. In addition, the market value of a callable security may decrease if it is perceived by the market as likely to be called, which could have a negative impact on the Fund’s total return.
     Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents include certificates of deposit, bearer deposit notes, bankers’ acceptances, government obligations, commercial paper, short-term corporate debt securities and repurchase agreements.
     Bankers’ acceptances are short-term credit instruments designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then “accepted” by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270

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days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.
     Certificates of deposit are issued against funds deposited in an eligible bank (including its domestic and foreign branches, subsidiaries and agencies), are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return and are normally negotiable.
     Collateralized Bond Obligations (“CBOs”) — A CBO is a trust which is often backed by a diversified pool of high risk, below investment grade fixed income securities. The collateral can be from many different types of fixed income securities such as high yield debt, residential privately issued mortgage-related securities, commercial privately issued mortgage-related securities, trust preferred securities and emerging market debt.
     Collateralized Debt Obligations (“CDOs”) — A CDO is a security backed by a pool of bonds, loans and other debt obligations. CDOs are not limited to investing in one type of debt and accordingly, a CDO may own corporate bonds, commercial loans, asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and emerging market debt. The CDO’s securities are typically divided into several classes, or bond tranches, that have differing levels of investment grade or credit tolerances. Most CDO issues are structured in a way that enables the senior bond classes and mezzanine classes to receive investment-grade credit ratings. Credit risk is shifted to the most junior class of securities. If any defaults occur in the assets backing a CDO, the senior bond classes are first in line to receive principal and interest payments, followed by the mezzanine classes and finally by the lowest rated (or non-rated) class, which is known as the equity tranche. Similar in structure to a collateralized mortgage obligation (described above) CDOs are unique in that they represent different types of debt and credit risk.
     Collateralized Loan Obligations (“CLOs”) — CLOs are debt instruments backed solely by a pool of other debt securities. The risks of an investment in a CLO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CLO in which the Fund invests. Some CLOs have credit ratings, but are typically issued in various classes with various priorities. Normally, CLOs are privately offered and sold (that is, they are not registered under the securities laws) and may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities; however, an active dealer market may exist for CLOs that qualify for Rule 144A transactions. In addition to the normal interest rate, default and other risks of fixed income securities, CLOs carry additional risks, including the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments, the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default, the Fund may invest in CLOs that are subordinate to other classes, values may be volatile, and disputes with the issuer may produce unexpected investment results.
     Commercial Paper — Commercial paper refers to promissory notes representing an unsecured debt of a corporation or finance company with a fixed maturity of no more than 270 days. A variable amount master demand note (which is a type of commercial paper) represents a direct borrowing arrangement involving periodically fluctuating rates of interest under a letter agreement between a commercial paper issuer and an institutional lender pursuant to which the lender may determine to invest varying amounts.
     Common Stock — Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an ownership interest. It ranks bellow preferred stock and debt securities in claims for dividends and for assets of the company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made its management or decreased demand the company’s products or services. A stock’s value may also decline because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or sector. The price of a company’s stock may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates or industry regulation. Companies that pay dividends on their common stock generally only do so after they invest in their own business and make required payments to bondholders and on other debt and preferred stock. Therefore, the value of a company’s common stock will usually be more volatile than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock. Common stock may be exchange-traded or over-the-counter. Over the counter stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.
     Contracts for Differences — A contract for difference is a contract which one party agrees to pay the other party an amount of money based on the difference between the current value of a security or instrument and its value on a specified date in the future. Contracts for differences are similar to total return swaps and allow the Fund to take a long or short position without having to own the reference security or index.
     Convertible Securities — Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the issuer’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to

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increase as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they do enable the investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. Holders of convertible securities have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders, but may be subordinated to holders of similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer. Because of the conversion feature, the Manager may consider some convertible securities to be equity equivalents.
     Cover and Asset Segregation — The Fund may make investments or employ trading practices that obligate the Fund, on a fixed or contingent basis, to deliver an asset or make a cash payment to another party in the future. The Fund will comply with guidance from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and other applicable regulatory bodies with respect to coverage of certain investments and trading practices. This guidance requires segregation (which may include earmarking) by the Fund of cash or liquid securities with its custodian or a designated sub-custodian to the extent the Fund’s obligations with respect to these strategies are not otherwise “covered” through ownership of the underlying security or financial instrument or by offsetting portfolio positions,.
     For example, if the Fund enters into a currency forward contract to sell foreign currency on a future date, the Fund may cover its obligation to deliver the foreign currency by segregating cash or liquid securities having a value at least equal to the value of the deliverable currency. Alternatively, the Fund could cover its obligation by entering into an offsetting transaction to acquire an amount of foreign currency at least equal to the deliverable amount at a price at or below the sale price received by the Fund under the currency forward contract.
     The Fund’s approach to asset coverage may vary among different types of swaps. With respect to most swap agreements (but excluding, for example, credit default swaps), the Fund calculates the obligations of the parties to the agreement 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). Consequently, the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under these swap agreements will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s current obligation, if any, under a swap agreement will generally be covered by segregating cash or liquid securities having an aggregate value at least equal the amount, if any, that the Fund would owe, based on current market values, of all swaps with the same counterparty were terminated. To the extent that the obligations of the parties under these swaps are not calculated on a net basis, the amount segregated will be the full amount of the Fund’s obligations, if any.
     With respect to credit default swaps, typically, if the Fund enters into a credit default swap as the buyer of credit protection, then it will earmark or otherwise segregate an amount of cash or liquid securities at least equal to any accrued payment or delivery obligations under the swap. Alternatively, if the Fund enters into a credit default swap as the seller of credit protection, then the Fund will earmark or otherwise segregate an amount of cash or liquid securities at least equal to the full notional amount of the swap. Alternatively, the Fund could cover its obligation by other means consistent with applicable regulatory policies.
     Inasmuch as the Fund covers its obligations under these transactions as described above, the Manager and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities. Earmarking or otherwise segregating a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede the Sub-Advisors’ ability to manage the Fund’s portfolio.
     Creditor Liability and Participation on Creditors Committees — When the Fund holds bonds or other similar fixed income securities of an issuer, the Fund becomes a creditor of the issuer. If the Fund is a creditor of an issuer it may be subject to challenges related to the securities that it holds, either in connection with the bankruptcy of the issuer or in connection with another action brought by other creditors of the issuer, shareholders of the issuer or the issuer itself. The Fund may from time to time participate on committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled issuers of securities held by the Fund. Such participation may subject the Fund to expenses such as legal fees and may make the Fund an “insider” of the issuer for purposes of the federal securities laws, and therefore may restrict such Fund’s ability to trade in or acquire additional positions in a particular security when it might otherwise desire to do so. Participation on such committees also may expose the Fund to potential liabilities under the federal bankruptcy laws or other laws governing the rights of creditors and debtors.
     Currencies — The Fund may have significant exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. or emerging market currencies, non-U.S. currency futures contracts, options on non-U.S. currencies and non-U.S. currency futures, swaps for cross-currency investments, direct investments in non- U.S. currencies and in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect the Fund’s investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

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     Debentures — Debentures are unsecured debt securities. The holder of a debenture is protected only by the general creditworthiness of the issuer.
     Delayed Funding Loans and Revolving Credit Facilities — The Fund may enter into, or acquire participations in, delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities are borrowing arrangements in which the lender agrees to make loans up to a maximum amount upon demand by the borrower during a specified term. A revolving credit facility differs from a delayed funding loan in that as the borrower repays the loan, an amount equal to the repayment may be borrowed again during the term of the revolving credit facility. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities usually provide for floating or variable rates of interest. These commitments may have the effect of requiring the Fund to increase its investment in a company at a time when it might not otherwise decide to do so (including at a time when the company’s financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid). To the extent that the Fund is committed to advance additional funds, it will at all times segregate or “earmark” assets, determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments.
     The Fund may invest in delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities with credit quality comparable to that of issuers of its securities investments. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities may be subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may exist to resell such instruments. As a result, the Fund may be unable to sell such investments at an opportune time or may have to resell them at less than fair market value.
     Depositary Receipts: American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) — ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form traded in U.S. securities markets. EDRs are in bearer form and traded in European securities markets. GDRs are in bearer form and traded in both the U.S. and European securities markets. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Investing in depositary receipts entails substantially the same risks as direct investment in foreign securities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. In addition, such companies may use different accounting and financial standards (and certain currencies may become unavailable for transfer from a foreign currency), resulting in the Fund’s possible inability to convert immediately into U.S. currency proceeds realized upon the sale of portfolio securities of the affected foreign companies. In addition, the Fund may invest in unsponsored depositary receipts, the issuers of which are not obligated to disclose material information about the underlying securities to investors in the United States. Ownership of unsponsored depositary receipts may not entitle the Fund to the same benefits and rights as ownership of a sponsored depositary receipt or the underlying security. Please see “Foreign Securities” below for a description of the risks associated with investments in foreign securities.
     Derivatives — Generally, a derivative is a financial arrangement, the value of which is based on, or “derived” from, a traditional security, asset, currency or market index. Some “derivatives” such as mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are in many respects like any other investment, although they may be more volatile or less liquid than more traditional debt securities. There are, in fact, many different types of derivatives and many different ways to use them. Certain derivative securities are described more accurately as index/structured securities. Index/structured securities are derivative securities whose value or performance is linked to other equity securities (such as depositary receipts), currencies, interest rates, indices or other financial indicators (reference indices).
     The Fund may invest in a number of different types of swaps, options, swaptions, futures, forwards, warrants, structured products, contracts for difference, interest rate caps, floors, collars, reverse collars, and other derivative instruments. Derivatives may involve significant risk. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund’s initial investment. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy derivatives not traded on an exchange which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk.
     Dollar Rolls — A dollar roll is a contract to sell mortgage-backed securities as collateral against a commitment to repurchase similar, but not identical, mortgage-backed securities on a specified future date. The other party to the contract is entitled to all principal, interest, and prepayment cash flows while it holds the collateral. The Fund maintains with its custodian a segregated account containing liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the forward purchase obligation.
     Emerging Market Investments — The Fund may invest in the securities and derivatives of issuers domiciled in various countries with emerging capital markets. Investments in the securities of issuers domiciled in countries with emerging capital markets involve significantly higher risks not involved in investments in securities of issuers in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities of comparable issuers in more developed capital markets, (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability,

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increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments, (iii) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other non-U.S. or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments, (iv) national policies that may limit the Fund’s investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests, (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property, and (vi) less diverse or immature economic structures. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gain taxes on foreign investors.
     Such capital markets are emerging in a dynamic political and economic environment brought about by events over recent years that have reshaped political boundaries and traditional ideologies. In such a dynamic environment, there can be no assurance that these capital markets will continue to present viable investment opportunities for the Fund. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such event, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets.
     The economies of emerging market countries may be based predominately on only a few industries or may be dependent on revenues from participating commodities or on international aid or developmental assistance, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates.
     Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the U.S., such as price/earnings ratios, may not be applicable. Emerging market securities may be substantially less liquid and more volatile than those of mature markets, and companies may be held by a limited number of persons. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of the Fund’s acquisition or disposal of securities.
     Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because the Fund will need to use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable.
     The Fund may consider a country to be an emerging market country based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, if the country is classified as an emerging or developing economy by any supranational organization such as the World Bank or the United Nations, or related entities, or if the country is considered an emerging market country for purposes of constructing emerging markets indices.
     Event-Linked Exposure — The Fund may obtain event-linked exposure by investing in “event-linked bonds” or “event-linked swaps,” or by implementing “event-linked strategies”. Event-linked exposure results in gains that typically are contingent on the nonoccurrence of a specific “trigger” event, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or other physical or weather-related phenomena. Some event-linked bonds are commonly referred to as “catastrophe bonds.” They may be issued by government agencies, insurance companies, reinsurers, special purpose corporations or other on-shore or off-shore entities (such special purpose entities are created to accomplish a narrow and well-defined objective, such as the issuance of a note in connection with a reinsurance transaction). If a trigger event causes losses exceeding a specific amount in the geographic region and time period specified in a bond, the Fund may lose a portion or all of its principal invested in the bond. If no trigger event occurs, the Fund will recover its principal plus interest. For some event-linked bonds, the trigger event or losses may be based on company-wide losses, index-portfolio losses, industry indices, or readings of scientific instruments rather than specified actual losses. Often the event-linked bonds provide for extensions of maturity that are mandatory, or optional at the discretion of the issuer, in order to process and audit loss claims in those cases where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. In addition to the specified trigger events, event-linked bonds also may expose the Fund to certain unanticipated risks including but not limited to issuer risk, credit risk, counterparty risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations, and adverse tax consequences. Event-linked bonds are a relatively new type of financial instrument. As such, there is no significant trading history of these securities, and there can be no assurance that a liquid market in these instruments will develop. See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities”. Lack of a liquid market may impose the risk of higher transaction costs and the possibility that the Fund may be forced to liquidate positions when it would not be advantageous to do so.
     Eurodollar and Yankeedollar Obligations — Eurodollar obligations are U.S. dollar obligations issued outside the United States by

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domestic or foreign entities, while Yankeedollar obligations are U.S. dollar obligations issued inside the United States by foreign entities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign issuers and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. Foreign issuers may use different accounting and financial standards, and the addition of foreign governmental restrictions may affect adversely the payment of principal and interest on foreign investments. In addition, not all foreign branches of United States banks are supervised or examined by regulatory authorities as are United States banks, and such branches may not be subject to reserve requirements.
     Fixed Income Securities — The Fund may hold debt and other fixed-income securities. Typically, the values of fixed-income securities change inversely with prevailing interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed-income securities is interest rate risk, which is the risk that their value will generally decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause the Fund’s net asset value to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed-income securities may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. For example, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, they also tend to be more sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates and are therefore more volatile than shorter-term securities and are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the credit strength of an issuer of a fixed-income security will weaken and/or that the issuer will be unable to make timely principal and interest payments and that the security may go into default. In addition, there is prepayment risk, which is the risk that during periods of falling interest rates, certain fixed-income securities with higher interest rates, such as mortgage- and asset-backed securities, may be prepaid by their issuers thereby reducing the amount of interest payments. This may result in the Fund having to reinvest its proceeds in lower yielding securities. Securities underlying mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which may include subprime mortgages, also may be subject to a higher degree of credit risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. See “High Yield Bonds” disclosure below for the risks associated with low-quality, high-risk corporate bonds, a type of fixed income security.
     Foreign Debt Securities — The Fund may invest in foreign fixed and floating rate income securities (including emerging market securities) all or a portion of which may be non-U.S. dollar denominated and which include: (a) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities, including Brady Bonds; (b) debt obligations of supranational entities; (c) debt obligations of the U.S. Government issued in non-dollar securities; (d) debt obligations and other fixed income securities of foreign corporate issuers (both dollar and non-dollar denominated); and (e) U.S. corporate issuers (both Eurodollar and non-dollar denominated). There is no minimum rating criteria for the Fund’s investments in such securities. Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves special considerations that are not typically associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, emerging markets are markets that have risks that are different and higher than those in more developed markets. See “Eurodollar and Yankeedollar Obligations” for a further discussion of these risks.
     Foreign Securities — The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated and non-U.S. dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers and foreign branches of U.S. banks, including negotiable certificates of deposit (“CDs”), bankers’ acceptances, and commercial paper. Foreign issuers are issuers organized and doing business principally outside the United States and include banks, non-U.S. governments, and quasi-governmental organizations. While investments in foreign securities are intended to reduce risk by providing further diversification, such investments involve sovereign and other risks, in addition to the credit and market risks normally associated with domestic securities. These additional risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the potentially adverse effects of unavailability of public information regarding issuers, less governmental supervision and regulation of financial markets, reduced liquidity of certain financial markets, and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or the application of standards that are different or less stringent than those applied in the United States; different laws and customs governing securities tracking; and possibly limited access to the courts to enforce the Fund’s rights as an investor.
     The Fund also may invest in equity, debt, or other income-producing securities that are denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, including (1) common and preferred stocks, (2) CDs, commercial paper, fixed time deposits, and bankers’ acceptances issued by foreign banks, (3) obligations of other corporations, and (4) obligations of foreign governments and their subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities, international agencies, and supranational entities. Investing in foreign currency denominated securities involves the special risks associated with investing in non-U.S. issuers, as described in the preceding paragraph, and the additional risks of (1) adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and (2) adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations (which could prevent cash from being brought back to the United States). Additionally, dividends and interest payable on foreign securities (and gains realized on disposition thereof) may be subject to foreign taxes, including taxes withheld from those payments. Commissions on foreign securities exchanges are often at fixed rates and are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on portfolio transactions.

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     Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and in less volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities may include higher custodial fees than apply to domestic custody arrangements and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions.
     Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures. In certain markets, there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.
     Interest rates prevailing in other countries may affect the prices of foreign securities and exchange rates for foreign currencies. Local factors, including the strength of the local economy, the demand for borrowing, the government’s fiscal and monetary policies, and the international balance of payments, often affect interest rates in other countries. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position.
     Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward currency contracts”). A forward currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specified currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
     Forward currency contracts may serve as long hedges — for example, the Fund may purchase a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar price of a security denominated in a foreign currency that it intends to acquire. Forward currency contract transactions also may serve as short hedges — for example, the Fund may sell a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of a security or from a dividend or interest payment on a security denominated in a foreign currency.
     The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts to sell a foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount approximating the value of some or all of their respective portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. In addition, the Fund may use forward currency contracts when a sub-advisor wishes to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of a security when the Fund is purchasing or selling a security denominated in a foreign currency or anticipates receiving a dividend or interest payment denominated in a foreign currency.
     The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future date either with respect to specific transactions or with respect to portfolio positions in order to minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies.
     The Fund may seek to hedge against changes in the value of a particular currency by using forward currency contracts on another foreign currency or a basket of currencies, the value of which the applicable sub-advisor believes will have a positive correlation to the values of the currency being hedged. Use of a different foreign currency magnifies the risk that movements in the price of the forward contract will not correlate or will correlate unfavorably with the foreign currency being hedged.
     In addition, the Fund may use forward currency contracts to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. For example, if the Fund owned securities denominated in a foreign currency that a sub-advisor believed would decline relative to another currency, it might enter into a forward currency contract to sell an appropriate amount of the first foreign currency, with payment to be made in the second currency. Transactions that use two foreign currencies are sometimes referred to as “cross hedging.” Use of a different foreign currency magnifies the Fund’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
     The cost to the Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency contracts usually are entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. When the Fund enters into a forward currency contract, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.

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     Sellers or purchasers of forward currency contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, similar to closing transactions on futures, by purchasing or selling, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument sold or bought, respectively. Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, however, with the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward currency contract at a favorable price prior to maturity. In addition, in the event of insolvency of the counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency contract at any time prior to maturity. In either event, the Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position, and would continue to be required to maintain a position in the securities or currencies that are the subject of the hedge or to maintain cash or securities.
     The precise matching of forward currency contract amounts and the value of the securities involved generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the forward currency contract has been established. Thus, the Fund might need to purchase or sell foreign currencies in the spot (cash) market to the extent such foreign currencies are not covered by forward contracts. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
     Futures Contracts — Futures contracts obligate a purchaser to take delivery of a specific amount of an obligation underlying the futures contract at a specified time in the future for a specified price. Likewise, the seller incurs an obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying obligation against receipt of the specified price. Futures are traded on both U.S. and foreign commodities exchanges. Futures contracts will be traded for the same purposes as entering into forward contracts. The purchase of futures can serve as a long hedge, and the sale of futures can serve as a short hedge.
     No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the inception of a futures contract the Fund is required to deposit “initial deposit” consisting of cash or U.S. Government Securities in an amount generally equal to 10% or less of the contract value. Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith deposit that is returned to the Fund at the termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, the Fund may be required by a futures exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.
     Subsequent “variation margin” payments are made to and from the futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as “marking-to-market.” Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather represents a daily settlement of the Fund’s obligations to or from a futures broker. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.
     Purchasers and sellers of futures contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold. Positions in futures contracts may be closed only on a futures exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market. The Fund intends to enter into futures contracts only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures contract.
     Although futures contracts by their terms call for the actual delivery or acquisition of securities or currency, in most cases the contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the contract without having to make or take delivery of the securities or currency. The offsetting of a contractual obligation is accomplished by buying (or selling, as appropriate) on a commodities exchange an identical futures contract calling for delivery in the same month. Such a transaction, which is effected through a member of an exchange, cancels the obligation to make or take delivery of the securities or currency. Since all transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the contracts are traded, the Fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases or sells futures contracts.
     Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract can vary from the previous day’s settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions.

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     If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the futures contract or option thereon or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated account.
     To the extent that the Fund enters into futures contracts, in each case other than for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”)), the aggregate initial margin will not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any contracts that the Fund has entered into.
     The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures market, due to differences in the nature of those markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to initial deposit and variation margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional variation margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting transactions that could distort the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the margin deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of distortion, a correct forecast of securities price or currency exchange rate trends by a sub-advisor may still not result in a successful transaction.
     In addition, futures contracts entail risks. Although a sub-advisor may believe that use of such contracts will benefit a particular Fund, if that sub-advisor’s investment judgment about the general direction of, for example, an index is incorrect, the Fund’s overall performance would be worse than if it had not entered into any such contract. In addition, there are differences between the securities and futures markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between the markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives.
     High Yield Bonds — High yield, non-investment grade bonds (also known as junk bonds) are low-quality, high-risk corporate bonds that generally offer a high level of current income. These bonds are considered speculative by rating organizations. For example, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s rate them below Baa and BBB, respectively. Please see “Appendix C Ratings Definitions” below for an explanation of the ratings applied to high-yield bonds. High yield bonds are often issued as a result of corporate restructurings, such as leveraged buyouts, mergers, acquisitions, or other similar events. They may also be issued by smaller, less creditworthy companies or by highly leveraged firms, which are generally less able to make scheduled payments of interest and principal than more financially stable firms. Because of their low credit quality, high yield bonds must pay higher interest to compensate investors for the substantial credit risk they assume. In order to minimize credit risk, the Fund intends to diversify its holdings among multiple bond issuers.
     Lower-rated securities are subject to certain risks that may not be present with investments in higher-grade securities. Investors should consider carefully their ability to assume the risks associated with lower-rated securities before investing in the Fund. The lower rating of certain high yielding corporate income securities reflects a greater possibility that the financial condition of the issuer or adverse changes in general economic conditions may impair the ability of the issuer to pay income and principal. Changes by rating agencies in their ratings of a fixed income security also may affect the value of these investments. However, allocating investments in the fund among securities of different issuers should reduce the risks of owning any such securities separately. The prices of these high yielding securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During economic downturns or periods of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that adversely affects their ability to service principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals or to obtain additional financing, and the markets for their securities may be more volatile. If an issuer defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. Additionally, accruals of interest income for the Fund may have to be adjusted in the event of default. In the event of an issuers default, the Fund may write off prior income accruals for that issuer, resulting in a reduction in the Fund’s current dividend payment. Frequently, the higher yields of high-yielding securities may not reflect the value of the income stream that holders of such securities may expect, but rather the risk that such securities may lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of their issuer’s financial restructuring or default. Additionally, an economic downturn or an increase in interest rates could have a negative effect on the high yield securities market and on the market value of the high yield securities held by the Fund, as well as on the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and interest on their borrowings.
     Illiquid and Restricted Securities — Generally, an illiquid asset is an asset that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price at which it has been valued.

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     Section 4(2) securities are restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, and generally are sold to institutional investors, such as the Fund, that agree they are purchasing the securities for investment and not with an intention to distribute to the public. Any resale by the purchaser must be pursuant to an exempt transaction and may be accomplished in accordance with Rule 144A. Section 4(2) securities normally are resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of the issuer or dealers that make a market in the Section 4(2) securities, thus providing liquidity.
     The Board and the applicable sub-advisors will carefully monitor the Fund’s investments in Section 4(2) securities offered and sold under Rule 144A, focusing on such important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity, and availability of information. Investments in Section 4(2) securities could have the effect of reducing the Fund’s liquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers no longer wish to purchase these restricted securities.
     Historically, illiquid securities have included securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under the 1933 Act, securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days. Securities that have not been registered under the 1933 Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. These securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the 1933 Act, including repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on an issuer’s ability to honor a demand for repayment. However, the fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale of such investments to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of their liquidity.
     In recognition of the increased size and liquidity of the institutional market for unregistered securities and the importance of institutional investors in the formation of capital, the SEC has adopted Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent privately placed securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, that Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the 1933 Act. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Fund’s illiquidity. The Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, acting under guidelines established by the Board, may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. Regulation S under the 1933 Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States.
     Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities, and the 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 calendar days. In addition, the Fund may get only limited information about an issuer, so it may be less able to predict a loss. The Fund also might have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.
     Income Deposit Securities — The Fund may purchase income deposit securities (“IDSs”). Each IDS represents two separate securities, shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by the same company, that are combined into one unit that trades like a stock on an exchange. Holders of IDSs receive dividends on the common shares and interest at a fixed rate on the subordinated notes to produce a blended yield. An IDS is typically listed on a stock exchange, but the underlying securities typically are not listed on the exchange until a period of time after the listing of the IDS or upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., a change of control of the issuer of the IDS). When the underlying securities are listed, the holders of IDSs generally have the right to separate the components of the IDSs and trade them separately.
     There may be a thinner and less active market for IDSs than that available for other securities. The value of an IDS will be affected by factors generally affecting common stock and subordinated debt securities, including the issuer’s actual or perceived ability to pay interest and principal on the notes and pay dividends on the stock.
     The U.S. federal income tax treatment of IDSs is not entirely clear and there is no authority that directly addresses the tax treatment of securities with terms substantially similar to IDSs. Among other things, although it is expected that the subordinated notes portion of an IDS will be treated as debt, if it is characterized as equity rather than debt, then interest paid on the notes could be treated as dividends (to the extent paid out of the issuer’s earnings and profits). Such dividends would not likely qualify for favorable

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long-term capital gains rates currently available to dividends on other types of equity.
     Income Trusts — The Fund may invest in shares of income trusts, including Canadian royalty trusts. An income trust is an investment trust which holds income producing assets and passes the income on to its security holders. The main attraction of an income trust is its ability to generate constant cash flows. Income trusts have the potential to deliver higher yields than bonds. During periods of low interest rates, income trusts may achieve higher yields compared with cash investments. During periods of increasing rates, the opposite may be true. Income trusts may experience losses during periods of both low and high interest rates.
     Income trusts are structured to avoid taxes at the entity level. In a traditional corporate tax structure, net income is taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends to its shareholders. Under current law, an income trust generally pays no Canadian tax on earnings distributed directly to its security holders and, if properly structured, should not be subject to U.S. Federal income tax. This flow-through structure means that the distributions to income trust investors are generally higher than dividends from an equivalent corporate entity.
     Despite the potential for attractive regular payments, income trusts are equity investments, not fixed-income securities, and they share many of the risks inherent in stock ownership. In addition, an income trust may lack diversification and potential growth may be sacrificed because revenue is passed on to security holders, rather than reinvested in the business. Income trusts do not guarantee minimum distributions or even return of capital; therefore, if the business starts to lose money, the trust can reduce or even eliminate distributions. The tax structure of income trusts described above, which would allow income to flow through to investors and be taxed only at the investor level, could be challenged under existing laws, or the tax laws could change.
     Index Futures Contracts and Options on Index Futures Contracts — The Fund may invest in index futures contracts, options on index futures contracts and options on securities indices. The Fund may invest in index futures contracts for investment purposes, including for short term cash management purposes.
     Index Futures Contracts — U.S. futures contracts traded on exchanges that have been designated “contracts markets” by the CFTC and must be executed through a futures commission merchant, or brokerage firm, which is a member of the relevant contract market. Futures contracts trade on a number of exchange markets.
     At the same time a futures contract on an index is purchased or sold, the Fund must allocate cash or securities as a deposit payment (“initial deposit”). It is expected that the initial deposit would be approximately 2% to 5% of a contract’s face value. Daily thereafter, the futures contract is valued and the payment of “variation margin” may be required.
     Options on Index Futures Contracts — The purchase of a call option on an index futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on such an index.
     The writing of a call option on a futures contract with respect to an index constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the underlying securities that are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. 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 holdings. The writing of a put option on an index futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of the underlying securities that are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the 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 that the Fund intends to purchase. If a put or call option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss that 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 futures positions, the Fund’s losses or gains from existing options on futures may to some extent be reduced or increased by changes in the value of portfolio securities.
     The purchase of a put option on a futures contract with respect to an index is similar in some respects to the purchase of protective put options on the Index. For example, the Fund may purchase a put option on an index futures contract to hedge against the risk of lowering securities values.
     The amount of risk the Fund assumes when it purchases an option on a futures contract with respect to an index is the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs. In addition to the correlation risks discussed above, the purchase of such an option also entails the risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures contract will not be fully reflected in the value of the option purchased.

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     Futures Contracts on Stock Indices — The Fund may enter into contracts providing for the making and acceptance of a cash settlement based upon changes in the value of an index of securities (“Index Futures Contracts”). This investment technique is used only to hedge against anticipated future change in general market prices which otherwise might either adversely affect the value of securities held by the Fund or adversely affect the prices of securities which are intended to be purchased at a later date for the Fund.
     In general, each transaction in Index Futures Contracts involves the establishment of a position that will move in a direction opposite to that of the investment being hedged. If these hedging transactions are successful, the futures positions taken for the Fund will rise in value by an amount that approximately offsets the decline in value of the portion of the Fund’s investments that are being hedged. Should general market prices move in an unexpected manner, the full anticipated benefits of Index Futures Contracts may not be achieved or a loss may be realized.
     Transactions in Index Futures Contracts involve certain risks. These risks could include a lack of correlation between the Futures Contract and the equity market, a potential lack of liquidity in the secondary market and incorrect assessments of market trends, which may result in worse overall performance than if a Futures Contract had not been entered into.
     Brokerage costs will be incurred and “margin” will be required to be posted and maintained as a good-faith deposit against performance of obligations under Futures Contracts written into by the Fund.
     Options on Securities Indices — The Fund may write (sell) covered call and put options to a limited extent on an index (“covered options”) in an attempt to increase income. Such options give the holder the right to receive a cash settlement during the term of the option based upon the difference between the exercise price and the value of the index. The Fund may forgo the benefits of appreciation on the index or may pay more than the market price for the index pursuant to call and put options written by the Fund.
     By writing a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, in exchange for the premium less the commission (“net premium”), the opportunity to profit during the option period from an increase in the market value of an index above the exercise price. By writing a put option, the Fund, in exchange for the net premium received, accept the risk of a decline in the market value of the index below the exercise price.
     The Fund may terminate its obligation as the writer of a call or put option by purchasing an option with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option previously written.
     When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the net premium received by the Fund is included in the liability section of the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a deferred credit. The amount of the deferred credit will be subsequently marked to market to reflect the current market value of the option written. The current market value of a traded option is the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the mean between the closing bid and asked price. If an option expires unexercised on its stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, the Fund will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold), and the deferred credit related to such option will be eliminated.
     The Fund has adopted certain other non-fundamental policies concerning index option transactions that are discussed above.
     The hours of trading for options on an index may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying securities markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets. It is impossible to predict the volume of trading that may exist in such options, and there can be no assurance that viable exchange markets will develop or continue.
     Because options on securities indices require settlement in cash or the sub-advisor may be forced to liquidate portfolio securities to meet settlement obligations.
     Options on Stock Indices — The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on stock indices listed on stock exchanges. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stocks included in the index. Options on stock indices generally are similar to options on stock except that the delivery requirements are different. Instead of giving the right to take or make delivery of stock at a specified price, an option on a stock index gives the holder the right to receive a cash “exercise settlement amount” equal to (a) the amount, if any, by which the fixed exercise price of the option exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the

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case of a put) the closing value of the underlying index on the date of exercise, multiplied by (b) a fixed “index multiplier.” The writer of the option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The writer may offset its position in stock index options prior to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an exchange or the option may expire unexercised.
     Because the value of an index option depends upon movements in the level of the index rather than the price of a particular stock, whether the Fund will realize a gain or loss from the purchase or writing of options on an index depends upon movements in the level of stock prices in the stock market generally or, in the case of certain indices, in an industry or market segment, rather than movements in the price of a particular stock.
     Inflation-Indexed Securities — Inflation-indexed securities, also known as inflation-protected securities, are fixed income instruments structured such that their interest and principal payments are adjusted to keep up with inflation.
     In periods of deflation when the inflation rate is declining, the principal value of an inflation-indexed security will be adjusted downward. This will result in a decrease in the interest payments. The U.S. Treasury guarantees to repay at least the original principal value at maturity for inflation-indexed securities issued directly by the U.S. Government. However, inflation-indexed securities of other issuers may or may not have the same principal guarantee and may repay an amount less than the original principal value at maturity.
     Changes in market expectations for real interest rates may result in volatility in the Fund’s share price. There can be no assurance that the designated inflation index for an inflation-indexed security will accurately reflect the real inflation rate.
     Initial Public Offerings — The Fund can invest in initial public offerings (“IPOs”). By definition, securities issued in IPOs have not traded publicly until the time of their offerings. Special risks associated with IPOs may include, among others, the fact that there may only be a limited number of shares available for trading. The market for those securities may be unseasoned. The issuer may have a limited operating history. These factors may contribute to price volatility. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may also make it more difficult for the Fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. In addition, some companies initially offering their shares publicly are involved in relatively new industries or lines of business, which may not be widely understood by investors. Some of the companies involved in new industries may be regarded as developmental state companies, without revenues or operating income, or the near-term prospects of them. Many IPOs are by small- or micro-cap companies that are undercapitalized.
     Interfund Lending — Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the American Beacon Funds may participate in a credit facility whereby each American Beacon Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other American Beacon Funds for temporary purposes. The credit facility can provide a borrowing Fund with significant savings at times when the cash position of the Fund is insufficient to meet temporary cash requirements. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain Funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions. When the Funds liquidate portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to three days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). However, redemption requests normally are satisfied immediately. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities.
     The credit facility will reduce the Fund’s potential borrowing costs and enhance the ability of the lending Funds to earn higher rates of interest on their short-term lending. Although the credit facility will reduce the Fund’s need to borrow from banks, the Fund remains free to establish lines of credit or other borrowing arrangements with banks.
     Indebtedness, Loan Participations and Assignments — The Fund may purchase indebtedness and participations in commercial loans. Such investments may be secured or unsecured. Indebtedness is different from traditional debt securities in that debt securities are part of a large issue of securities to the public and indebtedness may not be a security, but may represent a specific commercial loan to a borrower. Loan participations typically represent direct participation, together with other parties, in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by banks or other financial institutions or lending syndicates. The Fund may participate in such syndications, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a part lender. When purchasing indebtedness and loan participations, the Fund assumes the credit risk associated with the corporate borrower and may assume the credit risk associated with an interposed bank or other financial intermediary. The indebtedness and loan participations in which the Fund intends to invest may not be rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

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     The Fund may invest in debtor-in-possession financings (commonly known as “DIP financings”). DIP financings are arranged when an entity seeks the protections of the bankruptcy court under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. These financings allow the entity to continue its business operations while reorganizing under Chapter 11. Such financings constitute senior liens on unencumbered security (i.e., security not subject to other creditors’ claims). There is a risk that the entity will not emerge from Chapter 11 and be forced to liquidate its assets under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In the event of liquidation, the Fund’s only recourse will be against the property securing the DIP financing.
     A loan is often administered by an agent bank acting as agent for all holders. The agent bank administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. In addition, the agent bank is normally responsible for the collection of principal and interest payments from the corporate borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the credit of all institutions which are parties to the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the Fund has direct recourse against the corporate borrower, the Fund may have to rely on the agent bank or other financial intermediary to apply appropriate credit remedies against a corporate borrower.
     A financial institution’s employment as agent bank might be terminated in the event that it fails to observe a requisite standard of care or becomes insolvent. A successor agent bank would generally be appointed to replace the terminated agent bank, and assets held by the agent bank under the loan agreement should remain available to holders of such indebtedness. However, if assets held by the agent bank for the benefit of the Fund were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent bank’s general creditors, the Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. In situations involving other interposed financial institutions (e.g., an insurance company or governmental agency) similar risks may arise.
     Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the corporate borrower for payment of principal and interest. If the Fund does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, the Fund’s share price and yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer the Fund more protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated.
     The Fund may invest in loan participations with credit quality comparable to that of issuers of its securities investments. Indebtedness of companies whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks, and may be highly speculative. Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Consequently, when investing in indebtedness of companies with poor credit, the Fund bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount invested. The Fund may make investments in indebtedness and loan participations to achieve capital appreciation, rather than to seek income.
     Loans and other types of direct indebtedness may not be readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. In some cases, negotiations involved in disposing of indebtedness may require weeks to complete. Consequently, some indebtedness may be difficult or impossible to dispose of readily at what a sub-advisor believes to be a fair price. In addition, valuation of illiquid indebtedness involves a greater degree of judgment in determining the Fund’s net asset value than if that value were based on available market quotations, and could result in significant variations in the Fund’s daily share price. At the same time, some loan interests are traded among certain financial institutions and accordingly may be deemed liquid. As the market for different types of indebtedness develops, the liquidity of these instruments is expected to improve. Investments in loans through a direct assignment of the financial institution’s interests with respect to the loan may involve additional risks to the Fund. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, the Fund could be held liable as co-lender. It is unclear whether loans and other forms of direct indebtedness offer securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation.
     Issuer Risk — The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets.
     Market Events — Turbulence in the financial sector has resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets. Both domestic and foreign equity markets have been experiencing increased volatility and turmoil, with issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets particularly affected, and it is uncertain whether or for how long these conditions could continue. The U.S. Government has taken a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that have experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack

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of liquidity.
     Reduced liquidity in credit and fixed-income markets may adversely affect many issuers worldwide. This reduced liquidity may result in less money being available to purchase raw materials, goods and services from emerging markets, which may, in turn, bring down the prices of these economic staples. It may also result in emerging market issuers having more difficulty obtaining financing, which may, in turn, cause a decline in their stock prices. These events and possible continued market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Fund.
     Master Demand Notes — Master demand notes are direct arrangements of obligations, between a lender and a corporate borrower, that permit the investment of fluctuating amounts of money at varying rates of interest. They permit daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The lender has the right to increase or decrease the amount it lends under the note at any time, up to the full amount provided by the note agreement. The borrower may prepay up to the full amount of the note without penalty. These notes may or may not be backed by bank letters of credit.
These notes are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower and there is no secondary market for them. The principal plus accrued interest is redeemable at any time, however. This right to redeem the notes depends on the ability of the borrower to make the specified payment on demand. The sub-advisors will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of an issuer, and its ability to pay principal and interest on demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes make demand simultaneously. Investments in master demand notes are subject to the limitation on investments in illiquid securities.
     Mortgage-Backed Securities — Mortgage-backed securities consist of both collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage pass-through certificates.
     Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”) — CMOs and interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”) are debt securities collateralized by mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities. CMOs divide the cash flow generated from the underlying mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities into different groups referred to as “tranches,” which are then retired sequentially over time in order of priority. The principal governmental issuers of such securities are the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), a government sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), a corporate instrumentality of the United States created pursuant to an act of Congress that is owned entirely by the Federal Home Loan Banks. The issuers of CMOs are structured as trusts or corporations established for the purpose of issuing such CMOs and often have no assets other than those underlying the securities and any credit support provided. A REMIC is a mortgage securities vehicle that holds residential or commercial mortgages and issues securities representing interests in those mortgages. A REMIC may be formed as a corporation, partnership, or segregated pool of assets. A REMIC itself is generally exempt from federal income tax, but the income from its mortgages is taxable to its investors. For investment purposes, interests in REMIC securities are virtually indistinguishable from CMOs.
     Mortgage Pass-Through Securities — Mortgage pass-through securities are securities representing interests in “pools” of mortgages in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are generally made monthly, in effect “passing through” monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on the residential mortgage loans that underlie the securities (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities). They are issued by governmental, government-related and private organizations which are backed by pools of mortgage loans.
     Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage pass-through securities (but not the market value of the securities themselves) may be guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, as in the case of securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, as in the case of securities guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), which are supported only by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency’s obligations.
     Mortgage pass-through securities created by nongovernmental issuers (such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers) may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit, which may be issued by governmental entities, private insurers or the mortgage poolers.
     There are a number of important differences among the agencies, instrumentalities and government-sponsored enterprises of the U.S. government that issue mortgage-related securities and among the securities that they issue. Such agencies and securities

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include:
     (1) GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (“Ginnie Maes”) — GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ginnie Maes represent an undivided interest in a pool of mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration or the Farmers Home Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. Ginnie Maes entitle the holder to receive all payments (including prepayments) of principal and interest owed by the individual mortgagors, net of fees paid to GNMA and to the issuer which assembles the mortgage pool and passes through the monthly mortgage payments to the certificate holders (typically, a mortgage banking firm), regardless of whether the individual mortgagor actually makes the payment. Because payments are made to certificate holders regardless of whether payments are actually received on the underlying mortgages, Ginnie Maes are of the “modified pass-through” mortgage certificate type. The GNMA is authorized to guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on the Ginnie Maes. The GNMA guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, and the GNMA has unlimited authority to borrow funds from the U.S. Treasury to make payments under the guarantee. The market for Ginnie Maes is highly liquid because of the size of the market and the active participation in the secondary market of security dealers and a variety of investors.
     (2) Mortgage-Related Securities Issued by Private Organizations — Pools created by non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government guarantees of payments in such pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools is often partially supported by various enhancements such as over-collateralization and senior/subordination structures and by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance. The insurance and guarantees are issued by government entities, private insurers or the mortgage poolers. Although the market for such securities is becoming increasingly liquid, securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable.
     (3) FHLMC Mortgage Participation Certificates (“Freddie Macs”) — Freddie Macs represent interests in groups of specified first lien residential conventional mortgages underwritten and owned by the FHLMC. Freddie Macs entitle the holder to timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by the FHLMC. The FHLMC guarantees either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. In cases where the FHLMC has not guaranteed timely payment of principal, the FHLMC may remit the amount due because of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable. Freddie Macs are not guaranteed by the United States or by any of the Federal Home Loan Banks and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the United States or of any Federal Home Loan Bank. Please see “Additional Information Regarding Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae” below for further information.
     (4) FNMA Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (“Fannie Maes”) — Fannie Maes represent an undivided interest in a pool of conventional mortgage loans secured by first mortgages or deeds of trust, on one family or two to four family, residential properties. The FNMA is obligated to distribute scheduled monthly installments of principal and interest on the mortgages in the pool, whether or not received, plus full principal of any foreclosed or otherwise liquidated mortgages. The obligation of the FNMA under its guarantee is solely its obligation and is not backed by, nor entitled to, the full faith and credit of the United States. Please see “Additional Information Regarding Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae” below for further information.
The U.S. Treasury has historically had the authority to purchase obligations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. However, in 2008, due to capitalization concerns, Congress provided the U.S. Treasury with additional authority to lend emergency funds to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and to purchase their stock. In September 2008, those capital concerns lead the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) to announce that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had been placed in conservatorship.
Since that time, the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have received significant capital support through U.S. Treasury preferred stock purchases, as well as Treasury and Federal Reserve purchases of their mortgage backed securities (“MBS”). The FHFA and the U.S. Treasury (through its agreement to purchase Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock) have imposed strict limits on the size of their mortgage portfolios. While the MBS purchase programs ended in 2010, the U.S. Treasury announced in December 2009 that it would continue its support for the entities’ capital as necessary to prevent a negative net worth through at least 2012. While the U.S. Treasury is committed to offset negative equity at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae through its preferred stock purchases through 2012, no assurance can be given that any Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury, or FHFA initiatives will ensure that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will remain successful in meeting their obligations with respect to the debt and mortgage-backed securities they issue beyond that date.
In addition, the problems faced by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac resulting in their being placed into federal conservatorship and

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receiving significant U.S. Government support have sparked serious debate among federal policy makers regarding the continued role of the U.S. Government in providing liquidity for mortgage loans. The Obama Administration produced a report to Congress on February 11, 2011 outlining a proposal to wind down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by increasing their guarantee fees, reducing their conforming loan limits (the maximum amount of each loan they are authorized to purchase), and continuing progressive limits on the size of their investment portfolio. Serious discussions among policymakers continue, however, as to whether Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae should be nationalized, privatized, restructured, or eliminated altogether. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also are the subject of several continuing legal actions and investigations over certain accounting, disclosure or corporate governance matters, which (along with any resulting financial restatements) may continue to have an adverse effect on the guaranteeing entities. Importantly, the future of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae is in serious question as the U.S. Government considers multiple options.
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property. Many of the risks of investing in commercial mortgage-backed securities reflect the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. Commercial mortgage-backed securities may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.
Other Mortgage-Related Securities. Other mortgage-related securities include securities other than those described above that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans on real property, including mortgage dollar rolls, CMO residuals or stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”). Other mortgage-related securities may be equity or debt securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks, partnerships, trusts and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
CMO Residuals. CMO residuals are mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing. The cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses and any management fee of the issuer. The residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the pre-payment experience on the mortgage assets. In particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is extremely sensitive to pre-payments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in the same manner as an interest-only (“IO”) class of stripped mortgage-backed securities. See “Other Mortgage-Related Securities—Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities.” In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain circumstances the Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual.
CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. Transactions in CMO residuals are generally completed only after careful review of the characteristics of the securities in question. In addition, CMO residuals may, or pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). CMO residuals, whether or not registered under the 1933 Act, may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, and may be deemed “illiquid” and subject to the Fund’s limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities. SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or

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“PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including pre-payments) on the related 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. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated pre-payments of principal, the Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.
     Municipal Securities — Municipal securities may include general obligation bonds, municipal lease obligations, resource recovery obligations, revenue obligations, anticipation notes, private activity bonds and municipal warrants. The Fund may invest in both taxable and tax-exempt municipal securities. Municipal securities are subject to credit risk where a municipal issuer of a security might not make interest or principal payments on a security as they become due. A downgrade in the issuer’s or security’s credit rating can reduce the market value of the security. A number of municipalities are facing severe financial hardship making the possibility of their defaulting on obligations, and/or declaring bankruptcy where allowable, a risk to the value of municipal securities held by the Fund. Municipal securities are also subject to interest rate risk.
     General obligation bonds are secured by the pledge of the issuer’s full faith, credit, and usually, taxing power. The taxing power may be an unlimited ad valorem tax or a limited tax, usually on real estate and personal property. Most states do not tax real estate, but leave that power to local units of government.
     Municipal lease obligations are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land and a wide variety of equipment and facilities. These obligations typically are not fully backed by the municipality’s credit and thus interest may become taxable if the lease is assigned. If funds are not appropriated for the following year’s lease payments, a lease may terminate with the possibility of default on the lease obligation.
     Resource recovery obligations are a type of municipal revenue obligation issued to build facilities such as solid waste incinerators or waste-to-energy plants. Usually, a private corporation will be involved and the revenue cash flow will be supported by fees or units paid by municipalities for use of the facilities. The viability of a resource recovery project, environmental protection regulations and project operator tax incentives may affect the value and credit quality of these obligations.
     Revenue obligations are backed by the revenue cash flow of a project or facility. The interest on such obligations is payable only from the revenues derived from a particular project, facility, specific excise tax or other revenue source. Revenue obligations are not a debt or liability of the local or state government and do not obligate that government to levy or pledge any form of taxation or to make any appropriation for payment.
     Tax, revenue or bond anticipation notes are issued by municipalities in expectation of future tax or other revenues that are payable from those taxes or revenues. Bond anticipation notes usually provide interim financing in advance of an issue of bonds or notes, the proceeds of which are used to repay the anticipation notes. Tax-exempt commercial paper is issued by municipalities to help finance short-term capital or operating needs in anticipation of future tax or other revenue.
     Private activity bonds are issued to finance, among other things, privately operated housing facilities, pollution control facilities, convention or trade show facilities, mass transit, airport, port or parking facilities and certain facilities for water supply, gas, electricity, sewage or solid waste disposal. Private activity bonds are also issued to privately held or publicly owned corporations in the financing of commercial or industrial facilities. The principal and interest on these obligations may be payable from the general revenues of the users of such facilities. See “Tax Information — Taxation of the Fund’s Shareholders.”
     Municipal warrants are essentially call options on municipal bonds. In exchange for a premium, municipal warrants give the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a Municipal Bond in the future. The Fund may purchase a warrant to lock in forward supply in an environment where the current issuance of bonds is sharply reduced. Like options, warrants may expire worthless and they may have reduced liquidity.
     Options — The Fund may purchase and sell put options and call options on securities and foreign currencies in standardized contracts traded on recognized securities exchanges, boards of trade, or similar entities, or quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System. The Fund will only write (sell) covered call and put options. For a further description, see “Cover and Asset Segregation.”
     An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option to

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deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency.
     By writing a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, in exchange for the premium less the commission (“net premium”), the opportunity to profit during the option period from an increase in the market value of the underlying security or currency above the exercise price. By writing a put option, the Fund, in exchange for the net premium received, accepts the risk of a decline in the market value of the underlying security or currency below the exercise price.
     The Fund may terminate its obligation as the writer of a call or put option by purchasing an option with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option previously written.
     When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the net premium received by the Fund is included in the liability section of the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a deferred credit. The amount of the deferred credit will be subsequently marked to market to reflect the current market value of the option written. The current market value of a traded option is the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the mean between the closing bid and asked price. If an option expires on its stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, the Fund will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold), and the deferred credit related to such option will be eliminated.
     The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying securities markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets. It is impossible to predict the volume of trading that may exist in such options, and there can be no assurance that viable exchange markets will develop or continue.
     Other Investment Company Securities — The Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, exchange-traded funds, unit investment trusts, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Fund may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager or a sub-advisor. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in its prospectus, if applicable. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.
     The Fund can invest free cash balances in registered open-end investment companies regulated as money market funds under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to provide liquidity or for defensive purposes. The Fund would invest in money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. The Fund may choose to invest in money market mutual funds advised by the Manager or a sub-advisor. The Fund may purchase shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). ETFs trade like a common stock and usually represent a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. Typically, the Fund would purchase ETF shares for the same reason it would purchase (and as an alternative to purchasing) futures contracts: to obtain exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market. ETF shares enjoy several advantages over futures. Depending on the market, the holding period, and other factors, ETF shares can be less costly and more tax-efficient than futures. In addition, ETF shares can be purchased for smaller sums, offer exposure to market sectors and styles for which there is no suitable or liquid futures contract, and do not involve leverage. As a shareholder of an ETF, the Fund would be subject to its ratable share of ETFs expenses, including its advisory and administration expenses. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange traded) that has the same investment objective, strategies, and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate within a wide range, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (1) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to their net asset value; (2) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; or (3) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. Most ETFs are investment companies. Therefore, the Fund’s purchases of ETF shares generally are subject to the limitations on, and the risks of, the Fund’s investments in other investment companies, which are described below.
     Pay-in-Kind Securities — Pay-in-kind securities are debt securities that do not make regular cash interest payments. Pay-in-kind securities pay interest through the issuance of additional securities. Because these securities do not pay current cash income, their price can be volatile when interest rates fluctuate. Federal income tax law requires the holders of pay-in-kind securities to include in income each year the portion of the original issue discount (or deemed discount) and other non-cash income on such securities accrued

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during that year. In order to qualify for treatment as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and avoid excise tax, the Fund may be required to distribute a portion of such discount and may be required to dispose of other portfolio securities (which may occur in periods of adverse market prices) in order to generate cash to meet these distribution requirements.
     Preferred Stock — A preferred stock blends the characteristics of a bond and common stock. It can offer the higher yield of a bond and has priority over common stock in equity ownership, but does not have the seniority of a bond and its participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Preferred stock has preference over common stock in the receipt of dividends and in any residual assets after payment to creditors should the issuer be dissolved. Although the dividend is set at a fixed or variable rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer. Preferred stocks are subject to the risks associated with other types of equity securities, as well as additional risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, potentially greater volatility and risks related to deferral, non-cumulative dividends, subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights, and special redemption rights.
     Publicly Traded Partnerships; Master Limited Partnerships — The Fund may invest in publicly traded partnerships such as master limited partnerships (“MLPs”). MLPs issue units that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and are freely tradable on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. An MLP may have one or more general partners, who conduct the business, and one or more limited partners, who contribute capital. The general partner or are jointly and severally responsible for the liabilities of the MLP. The Fund invests as a limited partner, and normally would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amounts the Fund has contributed but it would not be shielded to the same extent that a shareholder of a corporation would be. In certain instances, creditors of an MLP would have the right to seek a return of capital that had been distributed to a limited partner. The right of an MLP’s creditors would continue even after the Fund had sold its investment in the partnership. MLPs typically invest in real estate, oil and gas equipment leasing assets, but they also finance entertainment, research and development, and other projects.
     Real Estate Related Investments— The Fund may gain exposure to the real estate sector by investing in real estate-linked derivatives, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), and common, preferred and convertibles securities of issuers in real estate-related industries. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. Investing in securities issued by real estate and real estate-related companies may subject the Fund to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. Changes in interest rates, debt leverage ratios, debt maturity schedules, and the availability of credit to real estate companies may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in real estate securities. Real estate securities are dependent upon specialized management skills at the operating company level, have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of properties. Real estate securities are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers. The real estate industry tends to be cyclical. Such cycles may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund will indirectly bear a proportionate share of a REIT’s ongoing operating fees and expense. In addition, U.S.-qualified REITs are subject to the possibility of failing to a) qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) and b) maintain exemption eligibility from the investment company registration requirements.
     Repurchase Agreements — A repurchase agreement is a fixed income security in the form of an agreement between the Fund as purchaser and an approved counterparty as seller. The agreement is backed by collateral in the form of securities and/or cash transferred by the seller to the buyer to be held by an eligible third-party custodian. Under the agreement the Fund acquires securities from the seller and the seller simultaneously commits to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price and date, normally within a week. The price for the seller to repurchase the securities is greater than the Fund’s purchase price, reflecting an agreed upon “interest rate” that is effective for the period of time the purchaser’s money is invested in the security. During the term of the repurchase agreement, the Fund monitors on a daily basis the market value of the collateral subject to the agreement and, if the market value of the securities falls below the seller’s repurchase amount provided under the repurchase agreement, the seller is required to transfer additional securities or cash collateral equal to the amount by which the market value of the securities falls below the repurchase 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 income while retaining “overnight” flexibility in pursuit of longer-term investments. Repurchase agreements may exhibit the economic 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 securities, 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 collateral, including possible sale of the securities. The Fund may incur various expenses in the 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 collateral, (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 Portfolio’s rights. The Fund’s Board of Trustees has established procedures pursuant to which the sub-advisors monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreement transactions.

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     The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or registered broker-dealers who, in the opinion of a sub-advisor, present a minimal risk of default during the term of the agreement. The underlying securities which serve as collateral for repurchase agreements may include equity and fixed income securities such as U.S. government and agency securities, municipal obligations, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, common and preferred stock, American Depository Receipts, exchange-traded funds, corporate obligations and convertible securities.
     Reverse Repurchase Agreements — The Fund may borrow funds by entering into reverse repurchase agreements. Pursuant to such agreements, the Fund would sell portfolio securities to financial institutions such as banks and broker/dealers and agree to repurchase them at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. At the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will place in a segregated custodial account assets such as liquid high quality debt securities having a value not less than 100% of the repurchase price (including accrued interest), and will subsequently monitor the account to ensure that such required value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price at which the Fund is obligated to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings by an investment company under the 1940 Act.
     Rights and Warrants — Rights are short-term warrants issued in conjunction with new stock or bond issues. Warrants are options to purchase an issuer’s securities at a stated price during a stated term. If the market price of the underlying common stock does not exceed the warrant’s exercise price during the life of the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Warrants usually have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the value of a warrant may be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the value of the underlying common stock. Warrants may be purchased with values that vary depending on the change in value of one or more specified indexes (“index warrants”). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of the exercise. The market for warrants or rights may be very limited and it may be difficult to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. There is no specific limit on the percentage of assets the Fund may invest in rights and warrants.
     Sale Buybacks — The Fund may effect simultaneous purchase and sale transactions that are known as “sale-buybacks”. A sale buyback is similar to a reverse repurchase agreement, except that in a sale-buyback, the counterparty that purchases the security is entitled to receive any principal or interest payments make on the underlying security pending settlement of the Fund’s repurchase of the underlying security. The Fund’s obligations under a sale-buyback typically would be offset by liquid assets equal in value to the amount of the Fund’s forward commitment to repurchase the subject security.
     Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities and Zero Coupon Obligations — Separately traded registered interest and principal securities or “STRIPS” and zero coupon obligations are securities that do not make regular interest payments. Instead they are sold at a discount from their face value. The Fund will take into account as income a portion of the difference between these obligations’ purchase prices and their face values. Because they do not pay coupon income, the prices of STRIPS and zero coupon obligations can be very volatile when interest rates change. STRIPS are zero coupon bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury.
     Senior Loans — The Fund may invest in senior loans, which are floating rate loans (sometimes referred to as “adjustable rate loans”) that hold a senior position in the capital structure of U.S. and foreign corporations, partnerships or other business entities. Under normal circumstances, senior loans have priority of claim ahead of other obligations of a borrower in the event of liquidation. Senior loans may be collateralized or uncollateralized. They pay interest at rates that float above, or are adjusted periodically based on, a benchmark that reflects current interest rates. . In addition to the risks typically associated with debt securities, such as credit and interest rate risk discussed above, senior loans are also subject to the risk that a court could subordinate a senior loan, which typically holds a senior position in the capital structure of a borrower, to presently existing or future indebtedness or take other action detrimental to the holders of senior loans. Senior loans usually have mandatory and optional prepayment provisions. If a borrower prepays a Senior Loan, the Fund will have to reinvest the proceeds in other senior loans or securities that may pay lower interest rates.
     The Fund may acquire Senior Loan assignments or participations. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, the purchaser’s rights can be more restricted than those of the assigning institution, and, in any event, the Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. A participation typically results in a contractual relationship only with the institution participating out the interest, not with the Borrower. In purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the Borrower with the terms of the loan agreement against the Borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has

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purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the Borrower and the institution selling the participation.
     Short Sales — In connection with the use of certain instruments based upon or consisting of one or more baskets of securities, the Manager or a sub-advisor may sell a security the Fund does not own, or in an amount greater than the Fund owns (i.e., make short sales). Generally, to complete a short sale transaction, the Fund will borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed. If the price at the time of replacement is more than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund, the Fund will incur a loss. Conversely, the Fund will realize a gain if the price of the security decreases between selling short and replacement. Although the Fund’s gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay to the lender any interest that accrues during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements until the short position is closed out. Until the Fund replaces the borrowed security, it will (a) maintain in a segregated account with its custodian cash or liquid securities at such a level that the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current market value of the security sold short or (b) otherwise cover its short position.
     Supranational Risk — Supranational organizations are entities designated or supported by a government or governmental group to promote economic development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for payments of interest and principal. Further, the lending activities of such entities are limited to a percentage of their total capital, reserves and net income. Obligations of supranational entities are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support. Obligations of a supranational entity that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investments in foreign currencies, as described above in the section “Currency Risk.”
     Standby Commitment Agreements — The Fund may enter into standby commitment agreements, which are agreements that obligate a party, for a set period of time, to buy a certain amount of a security that may be issued and sold at the option of the issuer. The price of a security purchased pursuant to a standby commitment agreement is set at the time of the agreement. In return for its promise to purchase the security, the Fund receives a commitment fee based upon a percentage of the purchase price of the security. The Fund receives this fee whether or not it is ultimately required to purchase the security. There is no guarantee that the securities subject to a standby commitment agreement will be issued or, if such securities are issued, the value of the securities on the date of issuance may be more or less than the purchase price.
     The Fund maintains with the Custodian segregated liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the when-issued or forward commitment transaction. When entering into a when-issued or forward commitment transaction, the Fund will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so, the Fund may be disadvantaged.
     Structured Products — The Fund may invest in structured products, including instruments such as credit-linked securities, and structured notes, which are potentially high-risk derivatives. For example, a structured product may combine a traditional stock or bond with an option or forward contract. Generally, the principal amount, amount payable upon maturity or redemption, or interest rate of a structured product is tied (positively or negatively) to the price of some currency or securities index or another interest rate or some other economic factor (each a “benchmark”). 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 benchmark.
Structured products can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency hedging, duration management, and increased total return. Structured 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. These benchmarks may be sensitive to economic and political events, such as commodity shortages and currency devaluations, which cannot be readily foreseen by the purchaser of a structured product. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a structured product could be zero. Thus, an investment in a structured product may entail significant market risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional, U.S. dollar-denominated bond that has a fixed principal amount and pays a fixed rate or floating rate of interest.
The purchase of structured products also exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the structured product. These risks may cause significant fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund.

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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 the 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 (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. It is expected that the securities will be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the securities and they may constitute illiquid investments.
     Structured Notes — The Fund may invest in structured notes, which are derivative debt instruments with principal and/or interest payments linked to the value of a commodity, a foreign currency, an index of securities, an interest rate or other financial indicators (“reference instruments”). The payments on a structured note may vary based on changes in one or more specified reference instruments, such as a floating interest rate compared to a fixed interest rate, the exchange rates between two currencies, one or more securities or a securities or commodities index. A structured note may be positively or negatively indexed. For example, its principal amount and/or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument increases, depending upon the terms of the instrument. The change in the principal amount payable with respect to, or the interest rate of, a structured note may be a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument or instruments. Structured notes can be used to increase the Fund’s exposure to changes in the value of assets or to hedge the risks of other investments that the Fund holds. Structured notes are subject to interest rate and credit risk.
     Structured notes are subject to interest rate risk. They are also subject to credit risk with respect both to the issuer and, if applicable, to the underlying security or borrower. If the underlying investment or index does not perform as anticipated, the structured note might pay less interest than the stated coupon payment or repay less principal upon maturity. The price of structured notes may be very volatile and they may have a limited trading market, making it difficult to value them or sell them at an acceptable price. In some cases, the Fund may enter into agreements with an issuer of structured notes to purchase minimum amounts of those notes over time. In some cases, the Fund may invest in structured notes that pay an amount based on a multiple of the relative change in value of the asset or reference. This type of note increases the potential for income but at a greater risk of loss than a typical debt security of the same maturity and credit quality.
     Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. As a result, the Fund’s investments in these structured products may be subject to limits applicable to investments in investment companies.
     Swap Agreements — Considered a derivative, a swap agreement is a two-party contract entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year whereby the two parties agree to exchange payments based on changes in the value of a specified index, rate or other instrument. In an interest rate swap, one party agrees to exchange with another party its commitment to pay or receive interest. For example, a party may exchange floating rate interest payments for fixed rate interest payments with respect to a designated principal amount.
     Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement generally will be equal to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term. Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, if a swap is entered into on a net basis, if the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to a swap agreement entered into

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on a net basis will be accrued daily and an amount of cash or liquid asset having an aggregate NAV at least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in an account with the custodian that satisfies the 1940 Act. The Fund also will establish and maintain such accounts with respect to its total obligations under any swaps that are not entered into on a net basis. Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be “senior securities” for purposes of the Fund’s investment restriction concerning senior securities.
     The counterparty to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker-dealer. The counterparty will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular underlying securities, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund will agree to pay to the counterparty a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in the underlying securities. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the underlying securities less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.
     The use of swap agreements requires special skills, knowledge and investment techniques that differ from those required for normal portfolio management. If a sub-advisor to the Fund incorrectly forecasts interest rate changes, interest rate swaps based upon those expectations may result in losses for the Fund. The counterparty to a swap agreement may default on its obligations to the Fund. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. To mitigate this risk, the Fund will only enter swap agreements with counterparties considered by a sub-advisor to present minimum risk of default. In addition, swaps may be considered illiquid investments; see “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” for a description of liquidity risk. The swaps market is relatively new and unregulated. The introduction of new regulation or other developments may affect the Fund’s ability to receive payments or complete its obligations under existing swap agreements.
     Interest Rate and Inflation Swaps — In an interest rate swap, the parties exchange their rights to receive interest payments on a security or other reference rate. For example, they might swap the right to receive floating rate payments for the right to receive for fixed rate payments. Interest rate swap agreements entail both interest rate risk and credit risk. There is a risk that based on movements of interest rates, the payments made under a swap agreement will be greater than the payments received. The Fund may also invest in inflation swaps, where an inflation rate index is used in place of an interest rate index.
     Total Return Swaps — In a total return swap transaction, one party agrees to pay the other party an amount equal to the total return on a defined underlying asset or a non-asset reference during a specified period of time. The underlying asset might be a security or basket of securities or a non-asset reference such as a securities index. In return, the other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the total return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference. Total return swap agreements may be used to gain exposure to price changes in an overall market or an asset. In a total return swap, the purchaser will receive the price appreciation of an index, a portion of an index, or a single asset in exchange for paying an agreed-upon fee. Total return swaps could result in losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. Total return swaps can have the potential for unlimited losses. They are also subject to counterparty risk. If the counterparty fails to meet its obligations, the Fund may lose money.
     Credit Default Swaps — Credit default swaps may be acquired, both directly (“unfunded swaps”) and indirectly in the form of a swap embedded within a structured note (“funded swaps”), to seek protection against the risk that a security will default. Credit default swaps may be on a single security, or on a basket of securities. The purchaser pays a fee during the life of the swap. A credit default swap may represent a short position (also known as “buying credit protection”) or a long position (also known as “selling credit protection”). If there is a credit event (bankruptcy, failure to timely pay interest or principal, a restructuring or other specified occurrence) with respect to a short position in a credit default swap, the Fund will deliver the defaulted bonds and the swap counterparty will pay the par amount of the bonds. Alternatively, the credit default swap may be cash settled where the swap counterparty will pay the Fund the difference between the par value and the market value of the defaulted bonds. If the swap is on a basket of securities (such as the CDX indices), the notional amount of the swap is reduced by the par amount of the defaulted bond, and the fixed payments are then made on the reduced notional amount. Taking a long position in a credit default swap increases the exposure to the specific issuers. If there is a credit event with respect to a long credit default swap position, the swap counterparty will deliver the bonds and the Fund will pay the counterparty the par amount. Alternatively, the credit default swap may be cash settled where the Fund will pay the swap counterparty the difference between the par value and market value of the defaulted bonds. If the swap is on a basket of securities, the notional amount of the swap is reduced by the par amount of the defaulted bond, and the fixed payments are then made on the reduced notional amount. The risks of credit default swaps include the cost of paying for credit protection if there are no credit events, pricing transparency when assessing the cost of a credit default swap, counterparty risk, and the

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need to fund any delivery obligation, particularly in the event of adverse pricing when purchasing bonds to satisfy a delivery obligation.
     Currency Swaps — A currency swap involves the exchange of payments denominated in one currency for payments denominated in another. Payments are based on a notional principal amount the value of which is fixed in exchange rate terms at the swap’s inception. Currency swaps are subject to currency risk. They also involve exchange risk on principal and therefore are subject to credit risk.
     Volatility Swaps — A volatility swap is a forward contract on the future realized volatility of an underlying asset, such as a stock. A volatility swap involves exposure to volatility, not the actual underlying asset. Volatility swaps can be used to speculate on future volatility or as a hedge against volatility. A volatility swap is subject to the risk that the future volatility of the underlying asset is higher or lower than a sub-advisor anticipated as well as counterparty risk.
     Correlation Swaps — A correlation swap is used to speculate on or hedge risks associated with the observed average correlation of a collection of underlying products.
     Forward Swaps — A forward swap is created though the use of two swaps with different durations to meet the investment time period desired by a Sub-Advisor.
     Synthetic Equity Swaps — The Fund may also enter into synthetic equity swaps, in which one party to the contract agrees to pay the other party the total return earned or realized on a particular “notional amount” of value of an underlying equity security including any dividends distributed by the underlying security. The other party to the contract makes regular payments, typically at a fixed rate or at a floating rate based on LIBOR or other variable interest rated based on the notional amount. The notional amount is not invested in the reference security. Similar to currency swaps, synthetic equity swaps are generally entered into on a net basis, which means the two payment streams are netted out and the Fund will either pay or receive the net amount. The Fund will enter into a synthetic equity swap instead of purchasing the reference security when the synthetic equity swap provides a more efficient or less expensive way of gaining exposure to a security compared with a direct investment in the security.
     Caps, Floors and Collars — The Fund may also enter caps, floors and collars, which are types of swap agreements. The purchaser of an interest rate cap agrees to pay a premium to the seller in return for the seller paying interest on a specified principal amount to the purchaser based on the extent to which a specified interest rate exceeds a predetermined level. Conversely, the seller of an interest rate floor agrees to pay interest on a specified principal amount to the purchaser based on the extent to which a specified interest rate falls below a predetermined level. A collar combines a cap and selling a floor, establishing a predetermined range of interest rates within which each party agrees to make payments.
     Swaptions — Swaptions are options, but not obligations, to establish a position in an interest rate swap at a predetermined rate at some point in the future.
     Synthetic Convertible Securities — A sub-advisor to the Fund or third party may create a “synthetic” convertible security by combining fixed income securities with the right to acquire equity securities. More flexibility is possible in the assembly of a synthetic convertible security than in the purchase of a convertible security. Although synthetic convertible securities may be selected where the two components are issued by a single issuer, thus making the synthetic convertible security similar to a true convertible security, the character of a synthetic convertible security allows the combination of components representing more than one issuer, when the investment advisor believes that such a combination would better promote the Fund’s investment objective. A synthetic convertible security also is a more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased separately. For example, the Fund may purchase a warrant for inclusion in a synthetic convertible security but temporarily hold short-term investments while postponing the purchase of a corresponding bond pending development of more favorable market conditions.
     The Fund faces the risk of a decline in the price of the security or the level of the index involved in the convertible component, causing a decline in the value of the call option or warrant purchased to create the synthetic convertible security. Should the price of the stock fall below the exercise price and remain there throughout the exercise period, the entire amount paid for the call option or warrant would be lost. Because a synthetic convertible security includes the fixed-income component as well, the Fund also faces the risk that interest rates will rise, causing a decline in the value of the fixed-income instrument.
     The Fund may also purchase synthetic convertible securities manufactured by other parties, including convertible structured notes. Convertible structured notes are fixed income debentures linked to equity, and are typically issued by investment banks. Convertible structured notes have the attributes of a convertible security, however, the investment bank that issued the convertible note assumes

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the credit risk associated with the investment, rather than the issuer of the underlying common stock into which the note is convertible.
     Trade Claims — The Fund may purchase trade claims and similar obligations or claims against companies in bankruptcy proceedings. Trade claims are non-securitized rights of payment arising from obligations that typically arise when vendors and suppliers extend credit to a company by offering payment terms for products and services. If the company files for bankruptcy, payments on these trade claims stop and the claims are subject to compromise along with the other debts of the company. Trade claims may be purchased directly from the creditor or through brokers. There is no guarantee that a debtor will ever be able to satisfy its trade claim obligations. Trade claims are subject to the risks associated with low-quality obligations.
     Time-Zone Arbitrage — Investing in foreign securities may involve a greater risk for excessive trading due to “time- zone arbitrage.” If an event occurring after the close of a foreign market, but before the time the Fund computes its current net asset value, causes a change in the price of the foreign securities and such price is not reflected in the Fund’s current net asset value, investors may attempt to take advantage of anticipated price movements in securities held by the Fund based on such pricing discrepancies.
     Trust Preferred Securities — The Fund may invest in trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities have the characteristics of both subordinated debt and preferred stock. Generally, trust preferred securities are issued by a trust that is wholly-owned by a financial institution or other corporate entity, typically a bank holding company. The financial institution creates the trust and owns the trust’s common securities. The trust uses the sale proceeds of its common securities to purchase subordinated debt issued by the financial institution. The financial institution uses the proceeds from the subordinated debt sale to increase its capital while the trust receives periodic interest payments from the financial institution for holding the subordinated debt. The trust uses the funds received to make dividend payments to the holders of the trust preferred securities. The primary advantage of this structure is that the trust preferred securities are treated by the financial institution as debt securities for tax purposes and as equity for the calculation of capital requirements.
     Trust preferred securities typically bear a market rate coupon comparable to interest rates available on debt of a similarly rated issuer. Typical characteristics include long-term maturities, early redemption by the issuer, periodic fixed or variable interest payments, and maturities at face value. Holders of trust preferred securities have limited voting rights to control the activities of the trust and no voting rights with respect to the financial institution. The market value of trust preferred securities may be more volatile than those of conventional debt securities. Trust preferred securities may be issued in reliance on Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and subject to restrictions on resale. There can be no assurance as to the liquidity of trust preferred securities and the ability of holders, such as the Fund, to sell their holdings.
     .U.S. Government Agency Securities — U.S. Government agency securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. Some obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government Securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government currently provides financial support to certain U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so, since it is not so obligated by law. U.S. Government securities include U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, Federal Home Loan Bank obligations, Federal Intermediate Credit Bank obligations, U.S. Government agency obligations and repurchase agreements secured thereby. U.S. Government agency securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.
     U.S. Treasury Obligations — U.S. Treasury obligations include bills (initial maturities of one year or less), notes (initial maturities between two and ten years), and bonds (initial maturities over ten years) issued by the U.S. Treasury, Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal component parts of such obligations known as STRIPS and inflation-indexed securities. The prices of these securities (like all debt securities) change between issuance and maturity in response to fluctuating market interest rates. U.S. Treasury obligations are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.
Variable or Floating Rate Obligations — The interest rates payable on certain fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate obligation has an interest rate which is adjusted at predesignated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate is based. Variable and floating rate obligations are less effective than fixed rate instruments at locking in a particular yield. Nevertheless, such obligations may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons.

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The Fund may invest in floating rate debt instruments (“floaters”) and engage in credit spread trades. The interest rate on a floater is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a money-market index or Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every six months. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters provide the Fund with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, the Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.
     Variable Rate Auction and Residual Interest Obligations — Variable rate auction and residual interest obligations are created when an issuer or dealer separates the principal portion of a long-term, fixed-rate municipal bond into two long-term, variable-rate instruments. The interest rate on one portion reflects short-term interest rates, while the interest rate on the other portion is typically higher than the rate available on the original fixed-rate bond.
     When-Issued and Forward Commitment Transactions — These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date. These transactions enable the Fund to “lock-in” what the Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, believes to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, the Fund might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, the Fund might purchase a security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and sell a similar security to settle such purchase, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. If the other party fails to complete the trade, the Fund may lose the opportunity to obtain a favorable price. For purchases on a when-issued basis, the price of the security is fixed at the date of purchase, but delivery of and payment for the securities is not set until after the securities are issued (generally one to two months later). The value of when-issued securities is subject to market fluctuation during the interim period and no income accrues to the Fund until settlement takes place. Such transactions therefore involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date or if the value of the security to be sold increases prior to the settlement date. A sale of a when-issued security also involves the risk that the other party will be unable to settle the transaction. Forward commitment transactions involve a commitment to purchase or sell securities with payment and delivery to take place at some future date, normally one to two months after the date of the transaction. The payment obligation and interest rate are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the forward commitment. Forward commitment transactions are typically used as a hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. Forward commitment transactions are executed for existing obligations, whereas in a when-issued transaction, the obligations have not yet been issued.
     The Fund maintains with the Custodian segregated liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the when-issued or forward commitment transaction. When entering into a when-issued or forward commitment transaction, the Fund will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so, the Fund may be disadvantaged.
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
In addition to the investment strategies and risks described in the Prospectuses, the Fund may:
1. Engage in dollar rolls or purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. The purchase or sale of when-issued securities enables an investor to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices by locking in an attractive price or yield. The price of when-issued securities is fixed at the time the commitment to purchase or sell is made, but delivery and payment for the when-issued securities takes place at a later date, normally one to two months after the date of purchase. During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the purchaser to the issuer and no interest accrues to the purchaser. Such transactions therefore involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date or if the value of the security to be sold increases prior to the settlement date. A sale of a when-issued security also involves the risk that the other party will be unable to settle the transaction. Dollar rolls are a type of forward commitment transaction. Purchases and sales of securities on a forward commitment basis involve a commitment to purchase or sell securities with payment and delivery to take place at some future date, normally one to two months after the date of the transaction. As with when-issued securities, these transactions involve certain risks, but they also enable an investor to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. Forward commitment transactions are executed for existing obligations, whereas in a when-issued transaction, the obligations have not yet been issued. When purchasing securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, a segregated account of liquid assets at least equal to the value of purchase commitments for such securities will be maintained until the settlement date.
2. Invest in other investment companies (including affiliated investment companies) to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), or exemptive relief granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission

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(“SEC”).
3. Loan securities to broker-dealers or other institutional investors. Securities loans will not be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans by the Fund exceeds 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received). For purposes of complying with the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions, collateral received in connection with securities loans is deemed an asset of the Fund to the extent required by law.
4. Enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which securities are acquired by the Fund from a securities dealer or bank subject to resale at an agreed upon price on a later date. The acquiring Fund bears a risk of loss in the event that the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities. However, the Manager or the sub-advisors, as applicable, attempt to minimize this risk by entering into repurchase agreements only with financial institutions that are deemed to be of good financial standing.
5. Purchase securities in private placement offerings made in reliance on the “private placement” exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 (“1933 Act”), and resold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act (“Section 4(2) securities”). The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its respective net assets in Section 4(2) securities and illiquid securities unless the Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, determines, by continuous reference to the appropriate trading markets and pursuant to guidelines approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (“Board”) that any Section 4(2) securities held by such Fund in excess of this level are at all times liquid.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
     Fundamental Policies. The Fund has the following fundamental investment policy that enables it to invest in another investment company or series thereof that has substantially similar investment objectives and policies:
Notwithstanding any other limitation, the Fund may invest all of its investable assets in an open-end management investment company with substantially the same investment objectives, policies and limitations as the Fund. For this purpose, “all of the Fund’s investable assets” means that the only investment securities that will be held by the Fund will be the Fund’s interest in the investment company.
     Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following discusses the investment policies of the Fund and the Board.
     In addition to the investment objectives noted in the Prospectus, the following restrictions have been adopted by the Fund and may be changed with respect to any such Fund only by the majority vote of that Fund’s outstanding interests. “Majority of the outstanding voting securities” under the 1940 Act and as used herein means, with respect to the Fund, the lesser of (a) 67% of the shares of the Fund present at the meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present and represented at the shareholders’ meeting or (b) more than 50% of the shares of the Fund.
The Fund may not:
1. Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnership interests, provided, however, that the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein when consistent with the other policies and limitations described in the Prospectus.
2. Invest in physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling foreign currency, options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars, securities on a forward-commitment or delayed-delivery basis, and other similar financial instruments).
3. Engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of securities, the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under federal securities law.
4. Lend any security or make any other loan except (i) as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act, (ii) pursuant to a rule, order or interpretation issued by the SEC or its staff, (iii) through the purchase of a portion of an issue of debt securities in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations, or (iv) by engaging in repurchase agreements.

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5. Issue any senior security except as otherwise permitted (i) under the 1940 Act or (ii) pursuant to a rule, order or interpretation issued by the SEC or its staff.
6. Borrow money, except as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act or pursuant to a rule, order or interpretation issued by the SEC or its staff, including (i) as a temporary measure, (ii) by entering into reverse repurchase agreements, and (iii) by lending portfolio securities as collateral. For purposes of this investment limitation, the purchase or sale of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars and other similar financial instruments shall not constitute borrowing.
7. Invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of companies primarily engaged in any one industry provided that: (i) this limitation does not apply to obligations issued by U.S. agencies; and (ii) tax-exempt municipalities and their agencies and authorities are not deemed to be industries.
     The above percentage limits are based upon asset values at the time of the applicable transaction; accordingly, a subsequent change in asset values will not affect a transaction that was in compliance with the investment restrictions at the time such transaction was effected.
     Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following non-fundamental investment restrictions apply to the Fund (except where noted otherwise) and may be changed with respect to the Fund by a vote of a majority of the Board. The Fund may not:
1. Invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including time deposits and repurchase agreements that mature in more than seven days; or
2. Purchase securities on margin except that (1) the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, and (2) the Fund may make margin payments in connection with foreign currency, futures contracts, options, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars, securities purchased or sold on a forward-commitment or delayed-delivery basis or other financial instruments.
          All percentage limitations on investments will apply at the time of the making of an investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment. Except for the investment restrictions listed above as fundamental or to the extent designated as such in the Prospectus with respect to the Fund, the other investment policies described in this SAI or in the Prospectus are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE AND INTERIM INVESTMENTS
     In times of unstable or adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund can invest up to 100% in cash and other types of securities for defensive or temporary purposes. It can also hold cash or purchase these type of securities for liquidity purposes to meet cash needs due to redemptions of shares, or to hold while waiting to reinvest cash received from the sale of other portfolio securities.
     These temporary investments can include (i) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agents or instrumentalities; (ii) commercial paper rated in the highest short term category by a rating organization; (iii) domestic, Yankee and Eurodollar certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances of banks rated in the highest short term category by a rating organization; (iv) any of the foregoing securities that mature in one year or less (generally known as “cash equivalents”); (v) other short-term corporate debt obligations; (vi) repurchase agreements; (vii) futures; (viii) exchange-traded funds; and (ix) shares of registered money market funds, including funds advised by the Manager or a Sub-Advisor.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
     Portfolio turnover is a measure of trading activity in a portfolio of securities, usually calculated over a period of one year. The rate is calculated by dividing the lesser amount of purchases or sales of securities by the average amount of securities held over the period. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would indicate that the Fund sold and replaced the entire value of its securities holdings during the period. High portfolio turnover can increase the Fund’s transaction costs and generate additional capital gains or losses.

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DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Fund publicly discloses portfolio holdings information as follows:
1.   a complete list of holdings for the Fund on an annual and semi-annual basis in the reports to shareholders within sixty days of the end of each fiscal semi-annual period and in publicly available filings of Form N-CSR with the SEC within ten days of the end of each fiscal semi-annual period;
2.   a complete list of holdings for the Fund as of the end of its first and third fiscal quarters in publicly available filings of Form N-Q with the SEC within sixty days of the end of the fiscal quarter;
3.   a complete list of holdings for the Fund as of the end of each quarter on the Funds’ website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) approximately sixty days after the end of the quarter; and
4.   ten largest holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter on the Fund’s website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) and in sales materials approximately fifteen days after the end of the calendar quarter.
     Occasionally, certain interested parties — including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries that distribute shares of the Fund, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, and others — may request portfolio holdings information that has not yet been publicly disclosed by the Fund. As a policy, the Fund controls the disclosure of nonpublic portfolio holdings information in an attempt to prevent parties from utilizing such information to engage in trading activity harmful to Fund shareholders. To this end, the Board has adopted a Policy and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information (the “Holdings Policy”). The purpose of the Holdings Policy is to define those interested parties who are authorized to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information on a selective basis and to set forth conditions upon which such information may be provided. In general, nonpublic portfolio holdings may be disclosed on a selective basis only where it is determined that (i) there is a legitimate business purpose for the information, (ii) recipients are subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on the nonpublic information; and (iii) disclosure is in the best interests of Fund shareholders.
Third Party Service Providers. The Fund has ongoing arrangements with third party service providers that require access to holdings to provide services necessary to the Fund’s operations (“service providers”). These service providers routinely receive complete portfolio holdings information prior to the public disclosure of such information. The service providers have a duty to keep the Fund’s nonpublic information confidential either through written contractual arrangements with the Manager and the Fund or by the nature of their role with respect to the Fund. The Fund has determined that complete disclosure of nonpublic holdings information to the following categories of service providers fulfills a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interest of shareholders: investment managers, custodian banks, pricing services, fund accounting agents, and independent registered public accounting firms. The Fund has ongoing arrangements to provide nonpublic holdings information to the following service providers: the Manager, the sub-advisors, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), and Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”). State Street serves as the Trust’s custodian, accounting, and pricing agent. State Street has access to complete Fund holdings on a daily basis with no lag. The Manager and the Sub-Advisors serve as investment managers to the Fund and have access to complete holdings on an intraday basis with no lag. Ernst & Young serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and has access to the complete list of holdings on an annual basis with no lag. In addition, Ernst & Young may be provided with holdings information on an ad hoc basis when the Manager seeks their advice on matters related to those holdings.
Certain third parties are provided with nonpublic information on particular holdings (not a complete list) on an ad hoc basis. These third parties include: proxy voting research providers, broker-dealers, borrowers of the Fund’s portfolio securities, legal counsel, and issuers (or their agents). The Fund’s proxy voting research provider receives holdings information for securities that are soliciting shareholder votes, and the holdings information may be as recent as prior day. Broker-dealers utilized by the Fund in the process of purchasing and selling portfolio securities receive limited holdings information on a current basis with no lag. The Manager may provide holdings information to legal counsel when seeking advice regarding those holdings. From time to time, an issuer (or its agent) may contact the Fund requesting confirmation of ownership of the issuer’s securities. Such holdings information is provided to the issuer (or its agent) as of the date requested. The Fund does not have written contractual arrangements with these third parties regarding the confidentiality of the holdings information. However, the Fund would not continue to utilize a third party that the Manager determined to have misused nonpublic holdings information.
Rating and Ranking Organizations. The Fund has ongoing arrangements to provide periodic holdings information to certain organizations that publish ratings and/or rankings for the Fund. The Fund has determined that selective and complete disclosure of

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holdings information to rating and ranking organizations fulfills a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interest of shareholders, as it provides existing and potential shareholders with an independent basis for evaluating the Fund in comparison to other mutual funds. The Fund had the following arrangements with rating and ranking organizations for periodic disclosure of holdings and other related portfolio information:
         
Organization   Frequency of Disclosure   Lag
Bloomberg
  Quarterly   Day following disclosure on Funds’ website
Lipper/Reuters
  Monthly   5 business days
Morningstar
  Monthly   Day following disclosure on Funds’ website
     The rating and ranking organizations receiving fund holdings information prior to disclosure on the Funds’ website have provided written assurances that they will keep the information confidential and will not trade based on the information. For those rating and ranking organizations that have not provided such assurances, the Fund withholds disclosure of fund holdings information until the day following disclosure on the Funds’ website.
Selective Disclosure. Selective disclosure of nonpublic portfolio holdings information to parties other than rating and ranking organizations or service providers must meet all of the following conditions:
  1.   Recipients of portfolio holdings information must agree in writing to keep the information confidential until it has been posted to the Funds’ website and not to trade based on the information;
 
  2.   Holdings may only be disclosed as of a month-end date;
 
  3.   No compensation may be paid to the Fund, the Manager or any other party in connection with the disclosure of information about portfolio securities; and
 
  4.   A member of the Manager’s Compliance Department must approve requests for nonpublic holdings information.
     In determining whether to approve a request for portfolio holdings disclosure, the Compliance Department shall consider the type of requestor and its relationship to the Fund, the stated reason for the request, any historical pattern of requests from that same individual or entity, the style and strategy of the Fund for which holdings have been requested (e.g. passive versus active management), whether the Fund is managed by one or multiple investment managers, and any other factors it deems relevant. In its analysis, the Compliance Department shall attempt to uncover any apparent conflict between the interests of Fund shareholders on the one hand and those of the Manager or any affiliated person of the Fund on the other. For example, the Compliance Department will inquire whether the Manager has entered into any special arrangements with the requestor to share nonpublic portfolio holdings information in exchange for a substantial investment in the Fund or other products managed by the Manager. Any potential conflicts between shareholders and affiliated persons of the Fund that arise as a result of a request for portfolio holdings information shall be decided by the Manager in the best interests of shareholders. However, if a conflict exists between the interests of shareholders and the Manager, the Manager will present the details of the request to the Board who will either approve or deny the request. On a quarterly basis, the Manager will prepare a report for the Board outlining the requests for selective disclosure that were approved during the period.
     The Compliance Department will determine whether a historical pattern of requests by the same individual or entity constitutes an “ongoing arrangement” and thus requires disclosure in the SAI.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST
The Board of Trustees
     The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees. The Board is responsible for and oversees the overall management and operations of the Trust and the Funds, which includes the general oversight and review of the Funds’ investment activities, in accordance with federal law and the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as the stated policies of the Funds. The Board oversees the Trust’s officers and service providers, including American Beacon Advisors, Inc., which is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the Funds based on policies and agreements reviewed and approved by the Board. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Board regularly interacts with and receives reports from senior personnel of service providers, including American Beacon’s investment personnel and the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Board also is assisted by the Trust’s independent

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auditor (who reports directly to the Trust’s Audit and Compliance Committee), independent counsel and other experts as appropriate, all of whom are selected by the Board.
     Risk Oversight
     Consistent with its responsibility for oversight of the Trust and its Funds, the Board oversees the management of risks relating to the administration and operation of the Trust and the Funds. American Beacon, as part of its responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the Funds, is responsible for day-to-day risk management for the Funds. The Board, in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment, also separately considers potential risks that may impact the Funds. The Board performs this risk management oversight directly and, as to certain matters, through its committees (described above) and through the Independent Trustees. The following provides an overview of the principal, but not all, aspects of the Board’s oversight of risk management for the Trust and the Funds.
     In general, the Fund’s risks include, among others, investment risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk and operational risk. The Board has adopted, and periodically reviews, policies and procedures designed to address these and other risks to the Trust and the Funds. In addition, under the general oversight of the Board, American Beacon, each Fund’s investment adviser, and other service providers to the Funds have themselves adopted a variety of policies, procedures and controls designed to address particular risks to the Funds. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Further, American Beacon as manager of the Funds oversees and regularly monitors the investments, operations and compliance of the Funds’ investment advisers.
     The Board also oversees risk management for the Trust and the Funds through review of regular reports, presentations and other information from officers of the Trust and other persons. Senior officers of the Trust, and senior officers of American Beacon, and the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regularly report to the Board on a range of matters, including those relating to risk management. The Board and the Investment Committee also regularly receive reports from American Beacon with respect to the investments, securities trading and securities lending activities of the Funds. In addition to regular reports from American Beacon, the Board also receives reports regarding other service providers to the Trust, either directly or through American Beacon or the Funds’ CCO, on a periodic or regular basis. At least annually, the Board receives a report from the Funds’ CCO regarding the effectiveness of the Funds’ compliance program. Also, on an annual basis, the Board receives reports, presentations and other information from American Beacon in connection with the Board’s consideration of the renewal of each of the Trust’s agreements with American Beacon and the Trust’s distribution plans under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
     Senior officers of the Trust and senior officers of American Beacon also report regularly to the Audit and Compliance Committee on Fund valuation matters and on the Trust’s internal controls and accounting and financial reporting policies and practices. In addition, the Audit and Compliance Committee receives regular reports from the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm on internal control and financial reporting matters. On at least a quarterly basis, the Independent Trustees meet with the Funds’ CCO to discuss matters relating to the Funds’ compliance program.
     Board Structure and Related Matters
     Board members who are not “interested persons” of the Funds as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”) constitute at least two-thirds of the Board. Richard A. Massman, an Independent Trustee, serves as Independent Chair of the Board. The Independent Chair’s responsibilities include: setting an agenda for each meeting of the Board; presiding at all meetings of the Board and Interested Trustees; and serving as a liaison with other Trustees, the Trust’s officers and other management personnel, and counsel to the Funds. The Independent Chair shall perform such other duties as the Board may from time to time determine.
     The Trustees discharge their responsibilities collectively as a Board, as well as through Board committees, each of which operates pursuant to a charter approved by the Board that delineates the specific responsibilities of that committee. The Board has established three standing committees: the Audit and Compliance Committee, the Investment Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. For example, the Investment Committee is responsible for oversight of the annual process by which the Board considers and approves each Fund’s investment advisory agreement with American Beacon, but specific matters related to oversight of the Fund’s independent auditors have been delegated by the Board to its Audit and Compliance Committee, subject to approval of the Audit and Compliance Committee’s recommendations by the Board. The members and responsibilities of each Board committee are summarized below.
     The Board periodically evaluates its structure and composition as well as various aspects of its operations. The Board believes that its leadership structure, including its Independent Chair position and its committees, is appropriate for the Trust in light of, among

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other factors, the asset size and nature of the Funds, the number of Funds overseen by the Board, the arrangements for the conduct of the Funds’ operations, the number of Trustees, and the Board’s responsibilities. On an annual basis, the Board conducts a self-evaluation that considers, among other matters, whether the Board and its committees are functioning effectively and whether, given the size and composition of the Board and each if its committees, the Trustees are able to oversee effectively the number of Funds in the complex.
     The Trust is part of the American Beacon Funds Complex, which is comprised of the 20 portfolios within the Trust, 2 portfolios within the American Beacon Select Funds and 1 portfolio within American Beacon Mileage Funds, and 1 portfolio within the American Beacon Master Trust. The same persons who constitute the Board also constitute the respective boards of trustees of American Beacon Select Funds, the American Beacon Mileage Funds and the American Beacon Master Trust.
     The Board holds four regularly scheduled in-person meetings each year. The Board may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by telephone, to address matters arising between regular meetings. The Independent Trustees also hold at least one in-person meeting each year during a portion of which management is not present and may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by telephone.

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     The Trustees of the Trust are identified in the tables below, which provide information as to their principal business occupations held during the last five years and certain other information. Subject to the Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Policy described below, a Trustee serves until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. The address of each Trustee listed below is 4151 Amon Carter Boulevard, MD 2450, Fort Worth, Texas 76155.
         
    Position, Term of Office    
    and Length of Time    
Name, Age and Address   Served with the Trust   Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
       
 
  Term    
 
  Lifetime of Trust until    
 
  removal, resignation or    
 
  retirement*    
 
       
Alan D. Feld** (73)
  Trustee since 1996   Sole Shareholder of a professional corporation which is a Partner in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP (law firm) (1960-Present); Director, Clear Channel Communications (1984-2008); Trustee, CenterPoint Properties (1994-2006); Member, Board of Trustees, Southern Methodist University; Member, Board of Visitors, M.D. Anderson Hospital; Board of Visitors, Zale/Lipshy Hospital; Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (1996-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (1999-Present).
 
       
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES    
 
  Term    
 
  Lifetime of Trust until    
 
  removal, resignation or    
 
  retirement*    
 
       
W. Humphrey Bogart (67)
  Trustee since 2004   Board Member, Baylor University Medical Center Foundation (1992-2004); Consultant, New River Canada Ltd. (mutual fund servicing company) (1998-2003); President and CEO, Allmerica Trust Company, NA (1996-1997); President and CEO, Fidelity Investments Southwest Company (1983-1995); Senior Vice President of Regional Centers, Fidelity Investments (1988-1995); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present).
 
       
Brenda A. Cline (50)
  Trustee since 2004   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Trustee, Texas Christian University (1998-Present); Trustee, W.I. Cook Foundation, Inc. (d/b/a Cook Children’s Health Foundation) (2001-2006); Director, Christian Church Foundation (1999-2007); Trustee, Trinity Valley School (2003-2004); Member, Trinity Valley School Endowment Committee (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present).
 
       
Richard A. Massman (67)
  Trustee since 2004
Chairman since 2008
  Consultant and General Counsel Emeritus (2009-Present) and Senior Vice President and General Counsel (1994-2009), Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (holding company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, real estate, farming, ranching and venture capital activities); Chairman (2007-Present) and Director (2005-Present), The Dallas Opera Foundation; Chairman (2006-2010) and Director (2005-2010), Temple Emanu-El Foundation; Trustee, Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation (2006-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present).

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    Position, Term of Office    
    and Length of Time    
Name, Age and Address   Served with the Trust   Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
R. Gerald Turner (65)
  Trustee since 2001   President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, ChemFirst (1986-2002); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (1996-Present); Director, California Federal Preferred Capital Corp. (2001-2003); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Director, First Broadcasting Investment Partners, LLC (2003-2007); Member, Salvation Army of Dallas Board of Directors; Member, Methodist Hospital Advisory Board; Co-Chair, Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics; Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2001-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2001-Present).
 
       
Thomas M. Dunning (68)
  Trustee since 2008   Non-Executive Chairman (2008-Present); Chairman (1998-2008) and Chief Executive Officer (1998-2007), Lockton Dunning Benefits (consulting firm in employee benefits); Director, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (2007-Present); Board Member, Baylor Health Care System Foundation (2007-Present); Vice Chair, State Fair of Texas (1987-Present); Board Member, Southwestern Medical Foundation (1994-Present); Board Member, John Tower Center for Political Studies/SMU (2008-Present); Board Member, University of Texas Development Board (2008-Present); Board Member, BancTec (2010-Present) (software consulting);Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present).
 
       
Eugene J. Duffy (56)
  Trustee since 2008   Principal and Executive Vice President, Paradigm Asset Management (1994-Present); Director, Sunrise Bank of Atlanta (2008-Present); Chairman, Special Contributions Fund Board of Trustees, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (2007-Present); Trustee, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (2000-Present); Board of Visitors, Emory University (2006-Present); Trustee, Atlanta Botanical Garden (2006-Present); Board Member, Willie L. Brown Jr. Institute on Politics and Public Service (2001-Present); Chair, National Association of Securities Professionals (2000-2002); Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, City of Atlanta (1985-1990); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present).
 
       
Paul J. Zucconi, CPA (70)
  Trustee since 2008   Director, Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc. (producer of nonstandard automobile insurance) (2004-Present); Director, Titanium Metals Corporation (producer of titanium melted and mill products) (2002-Present); Director, Torchmark Corporation (life and health insurance products) (2002-Present); Director, Charter Bank (community bank services and products) (2010-Present); Director, Dallas Chapter of National Association of Corporate Directors (2004-Present); Partner, KPMG (1976-2001); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present).
 
*   The Board has adopted a retirement plan that requires Trustees to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 72, provided, however, that the board may determine to grant one or more annual exemptions to this requirement.
 
**   Mr. Feld is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined by the 1940 Act. Mr. Feld’s law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP has provided legal services within the past two years to the Manager and one or more of the Trust’s sub-advisors.

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     In addition to the information set forth in the tables above and other relevant qualifications, experience, attributes or skills applicable to a particular Trustee, the following provides further information about the qualifications and experience of each Trustee.
W. Humphrey Bogart: Mr. Bogart has extensive experience in the investment management business including as president and chief executive officer of an investment adviser and as a consultant, significant organizational management experience through start-up efforts with a national bank, service as a board member of a university medical center foundation, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Brenda A. Cline: Ms. Cline has extensive organizational management, financial and investment experience as executive vice president, chief financial officer, secretary and treasurer to a foundation, service as a trustee to a private university, a children’s hospital and a school, including acting as a member of their investment and\or audit committees, extensive experience as an audit senior manager with a large public accounting firm, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Eugene J. Duffy: Mr. Duffy has extensive experience in the investment management business and organizational management experience as a member of senior management, service as a director of a bank, service as a chairman of a charitable fund and as a trustee to an association, service on the board of a private university and non-profit organization, service as chair to an financial services industry association, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Thomas M. Dunning: Mr. Dunning has extensive organizational management experience founding and serving as chairman and chief executive officer of a private company, service as a director of a private company, service as chairman of a large state municipal bond issuer and chairman of a large airport authority, also an issuer of bonds, service as a board member of a state department of transportation, service as a director of various foundations, service as chair of civic organizations, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Alan D. Feld: Mr. Feld has extensive experience as a business attorney, organizational management experience as chairman of a law firm, experience as a director of several publicly held companies; service as a trustee of a private university and a board member of a hospital, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Richard A. Massman: Mr. Massman has extensive experience as a business attorney, organizational management experience as a founding member of a law firm, experience as a senior vice president and general counsel of a large private company, service as the chairman and director of several foundations, including services on their Investment Committees and Finance Committees, chairman of a governmental board, chairman of various professional organizations and multiple years of service as a Trustee and as Independent Chair.
R. Gerald Turner: Mr. Turner has extensive organizational management experience as president of a private university, service as a director and member of the audit and governance committees of various publicly held companies, service as a member to several charitable boards, service as a co-chair to an intercollegiate athletic commission, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Paul J. Zucconi: Mr. Zucconi has extensive financial experience as partner with a large public accounting firm auditing financial services firms, including investment companies, organizational management and financial experience as a director to various publicly held and private companies, including acting as chairman or as a member of their audit and/or audit and compliance committees, service as a board member to a local chapter of not-for-profit foundation; service as a board member to a local chapter of a national association of corporate directors, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
     Committees of the Board
     The Trust has an Audit and Compliance Committee (“Audit Committee”), consisting of Messrs. Zucconi (Chair), Duffy and Dunning. Mr. Massman, as Chairman of the Trust, serves on the Audit Committee in an ex-officio capacity. None of the members of the committee are “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined by the 1940 Act. As set forth in its charter, the primary duties of the Trust’s Audit Committee are: (a) to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Trust and the Fund and their internal controls and, as the Committee deems appropriate, to inquire into the internal controls of certain third-party service providers; (b) to oversee the quality and integrity of the Trust’s financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (c) to approve, prior to appointment, the engagement of the Trust’s independent auditors and, in connection therewith, to review and evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the Trust’s independent auditors; (d) to oversee the Trust’s compliance with all regulatory obligations arising under applicable federal securities laws, rules and regulations and oversee management’s implementation and enforcement of the Trust’s compliance policies and procedures (“Compliance Program”); and (e) to coordinate the Board’s oversight of the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer in connection with his or her implementation of the Trust’s Compliance Program. The Audit Committee met 4 times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010.

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     The Trust has a Nominating and Governance Committee (“Nominating Committee”) that is comprised of Messrs. Feld (Chair) and Turner. Mr. Massman, as Chairman of the Trust, serves on the Nominating Committee in an ex-officio capacity. As set forth in its charter, the Nominating Committee’s primary duties are: (a) to make recommendations regarding the nomination of non-interested Trustees to the Board; (b) to make recommendations regarding the appointment of an Independent Trustee as Chairman of the Board; (c) to evaluate qualifications of potential “interested” members of the Board and Trust officers; (d) to review shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board; (e) to make recommendations to the Board for nomination for membership on all committees of the Board; (f) to consider and evaluate the structure, composition and operation of the Board; (g) to review shareholder recommendations for proposals to be submitted for consideration during a meeting of Fund shareholders; and (h) to consider and make recommendations relating to the compensation of Independent Trustees and of those officers as to whom the Board is charged with approving compensation. Shareholder recommendations for Trustee candidates may be mailed in writing, including a comprehensive resume and any supporting documentation, to the Nominating Committee in care of the Fund. The Nominating and Governance Committee met 3 times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010.
     The Trust has an Investment Committee that is comprised of Mr. Bogart (Chair) and Ms Cline. Mr. Massman, as Chairman of the Trust, serves on the Investment Committee in an ex-officio capacity. As set forth in its charter, the Investment Committee’s primary duties are: (a) to review and evaluate the short- and long-term investment performance of the Manager and each of the designated sub-advisors to the Fund; (b) to evaluate recommendations by the Manager regarding the hiring or removal of designated sub-advisors to the Fund; (c) to review material changes recommended by the Manager to the allocation of Fund assets to a sub-advisor; (d) to review proposed changes recommended by the Manager to the investment objective or principal investment strategies of the Fund; and (e) to review proposed changes recommended by the Manager to the material provisions of the advisory agreement with a sub-advisor, including, but not limited to, changes to the provision regarding compensation. The Investment Committee met 4 times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010.
     Trustee Ownership in the Funds
     As of the date of this SAI, no Trustee owns Shares of the Fund. The following table shows the amount of equity securities owned in the American Beacon Funds family by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2010.
                                                                 
    INTERESTED   NON-INTERESTED
    Feld   Bogart   Cline   Massman   Turner   Dunning   Duffy   Zucconi
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
  Over
$100,000
    $10,001-
$50,000
      $50,001-
$100,000
    Over
$100,000
  Over
$100,000
  Over
$100,000
  None     $10,001-
$50,000
 
Securities in all Trusts (23 Funds)
                                                               
 
                                                               

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     Trustee Compensation
     As compensation for their service to the Trust, the American Beacon Mileage Funds, the American Beacon Select Funds and the Master Trust (collectively, the “Trusts”), each Trustee is compensated as follows: (1) an annual retainer of $110,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via teleconference) of (a) $2,500 for attendance by Board members at quarterly Board meetings, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, and (c) $1,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating Committee; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending such Board and Committee meetings.
     Mr. Massman was elected as Chairman April 15, 2008. For his service as Chairman, Mr. Massman receives an additional annual payment of $15,000. He also receives an additional $2,500 per quarter for his services as an ex-officio member of multiple committees. The following table shows estimated compensation that will be earned by each Trustee for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2011.*
                         
    Aggregate   Pension or Retirement   Total Compensation
    Compensation   Benefits Accrued as Part   From the Trusts
Name of Trustee   From the Trust   of the Trust’s Expenses   (23 funds)
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
                       
Alan D. Feld
  $ 27,657     $ 0     $ 30,000  
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
                       
W. Humphrey Bogart
  $ 29,962     $ 0     $ 32,500  
Brenda A. Cline
  $ 29,962     $ 0     $ 32,500  
Eugene J. Duffy
  $ 29,962     $ 0     $ 32,500  
Thomas M. Dunning
  $ 29,962     $ 0     $ 32,500  
Richard A. Massman
  $ 33,419     $ 0     $ 36,250  
R. Gerald Turner
  $ 27,657     $ 0     $ 30,000  
Paul Zucconi
  $ 29,962     $ 0     $ 32,500  
 
*   Estimated compensation for the fiscal period July 6, 2011 through August 31, 2011.
     The Boards have adopted an Emeritus Trustee and Retirement Plan (“Plan”). The Plan provides that a Trustee who has served on the Boards as of June 4, 2008, and who has reached a mandatory retirement age established by the Board (currently 72) is eligible to elect Trustee Emeritus status. The Boards, through a majority vote, may determine to grant one or more annual exemptions to this mandatory retirement requirement. Additionally, a Trustee who has served on the Board of one or more Trusts for at least 5 years as of June 4, 2008, may elect to retire from the Boards at an earlier age and immediately assume Trustee Emeritus status.
     A person may serve as a Trustee Emeritus and receive related benefits for a period up to a maximum of 10 years. Only those Trustees who retire from the Boards and elect Trustee Emeritus status may receive benefits under the Plan. A Trustee Emeritus must commit to provide certain ongoing services and advice to the Board members and the Trusts; however, a Trustee Emeritus does not have any voting rights at Board meetings and is not subject to election by shareholders of the Funds.
Principal Officers of the Trust
     The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise its daily business. As of the date of this SAI, the officers of the Trust, their ages, their business address and their principal occupations during the past five years are as set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each Officer is 4151 Amon Carter Boulevard, MD 2450, Fort Worth, Texas 76155.
         
    Position, Term of Office    
    and Length of Time    
Name, Age and Address   Served with each Trust   Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
OFFICERS
       
 
  Term One Year    
 
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (56)
  President since 2009 Executive Vice President 2009   President, CEO and Director (2009-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; President (2009-Present), American Beacon Mileage Funds; President (2008-2009), Touchstone Investments; President (2003-2007), CEO (2004-2007), Managing Director of Sales (2002-2003), National Sales Manager (1999-2002), and Regional Sales Manager (1993-1999), AIM Distributors.

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    Position, Term of Office    
    and Length of Time    
Name, Age and Address   Served with each Trust   Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
William F. Quinn (63)
  Executive Vice President from 2007 to 2008 and 2009 to Present

President from 1987 to 2007 and 2008 to 2009

Trustee from 1987 to 2008
  Executive Chairman (2009-Present), Chairman (2006-2009), CEO (2006-2007), President (1986-2006), and Director (2003-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Chairman (1989-2003) and Director (1979-1989, 2003-Present), American Airlines Federal Credit Union; Director, Hicks Acquisition I, Inc. (2007-2009);Director, Hicks Acquisition II, Inc. (2010-Present) (special purpose acquisition company); Director, Crescent Real Estate Equities, Inc. (1994-2007); Independent Trustee, National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust (2011-Present); Trustee (1995-2008) and President (1995-2007, 2008-2009), American Beacon Mileage Funds; Trustee (1999-2008) and President (1999-2007, 2008-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Director, American Beacon Global Funds SPC (2002-Present); Director, American Beacon Global Funds, plc (2007-2009).
 
       
Rosemary K. Behan (52)
  VP, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer since 2006   Vice President, Legal and Compliance, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2006-Present); Assistant General Counsel, First Command Financial Planning, Inc. (2004-2006); Attorney, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (1995-2004).
 
       
Brian E. Brett (51)
  VP since 2004   Vice President, Director of Sales, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Regional Vice President, Neuberger Berman, LLC (investment adviser) (1996-2004).
 
       
Wyatt L. Crumpler (44)
  VP since 2007   Vice President, Asset Management(2009-Present) and Vice President, Trust Investments (2007-2009), American Beacon Advisors, Inc. ; Managing Director of Corporate Accounting (2004-2007) and Director of IT Strategy and Finance (2001-2004), American Airlines, Inc.
 
       
Erica B. Duncan (40)
  VP since 2011   Vice President, Marketing & Client Services (2011-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Supervisor, Brand Marketing (2010-2011), Invesco; Supervisor, Marketing Communications (2009-2010) and Senior Financial Writer (2004-2009), Invesco AIM.
 
       
Michael W. Fields (57)
  VP since 1989   Vice President, Fixed Income Investments, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (1988-Present); Director, American Beacon Global Funds SPC (2002-Present); Director, American Beacon Global Funds plc (2007-2009).
 
       
Melinda G. Heika (50)
  Treasurer since 2010   Vice President, Finance & Accounting (2010-Present); Controller (2005-2009); Assistant Controller (1998-2004), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
 
       
Terri L. McKinney (47)
  VP since 2010   Vice President, Enterprise Services (2009-Present), Managing Director (2003-2009), and Director of Marketing & Retail Sales (1996-2003); American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; President, Board of Trustees (2010-Present), Vice President, Board of Trustees (2008-2010); Trustee, (2006-2008), Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas.
 
       
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (36)
  VP since 2010   Chief Operating Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2010-Present); Vice President, Product Management, Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (2007-2010); Senior Director, Business Integration, Fidelity Investments (2005-2007).
 
       
Christina E. Sears (39)
  Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 and Asst. Secretary since 1999   Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present) and Senior Compliance Analyst (1998-2004), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
 
       
John J. Okray (37)
  Asst. Secretary
since 2010
  Assistant General Counsel, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2010-Present); Vice President, OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (2004-2010).

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CODE OF ETHICS
     The Manager, the Trust and the Sub-advisors have each adopted a Code of Ethics (“Code”) under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. Each Code significantly restricts the personal trading of all employees with access to non-public portfolio information. For example, each Code generally requires pre-clearance of all personal securities trades (with limited exceptions) and prohibits employees from purchasing or selling a security that is being purchased or sold or being considered for purchase (with limited exceptions) or sale by any Fund. In addition, the Manager’s and Trust’s Codes require employees to report trades in shares of the Trusts. Each Code is on public file with, and may be obtained from, the SEC.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
     From time to time, the Fund may own a security whose issuer solicits a proxy vote on certain matters. The Trusts have adopted a Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the “Policy”) that sets forth guidelines and procedures designed to ensure that the Manager and sub-advisors vote such proxies in the best interests of Fund shareholders. The Policy includes procedures to address potential conflicts of interest between the Fund’s shareholders and the Manager, the Sub-advisors or their affiliates. Please see Appendix A for a copy of the Policy, as amended. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 will be available as of August 31 of each year upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by visiting the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The proxy voting record can be found in Form N-PX on the SEC’s website.
     As noted in the Policy, proxy voting for the securities of foreign issuers has been delegated to the Fund’s sub-advisors. The Fund has adopted the proxy voting policies and procedures of its sub-advisors for the portion of the Fund’s assets under management by that sub-advisor. The proxy voting policies and procedures of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC are summarized (or included in their entirety) in Appendix B. GAM International Management Ltd. does not intend to invest in voting securities.
CONTROL PERSONS AND 5% SHAREHOLDERS
A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund. A control person is a shareholder that owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. Shareholders owning voting securities in excess of 25% may determine the outcome of any matter affecting and voted on by shareholders of the Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the Manager has seeded the Fund and is the sole shareholder of the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
     The Fund’s sub-advisors are listed below with information regarding their controlling persons or entities. According to the 1940 Act, a person or entity with control with respect to an investment advisor has “the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, unless such power is solely the result of an official position with such company.” Persons and entities affiliated with each sub-advisor are considered affiliates for the portion of Fund assets managed by that sub-advisor.
             
            Nature of Controlling
    Controlling       Person/Entity’s
Sub-Advisor   Person/Entity   Basis of Control   Business
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC
  Legg Mason, Inc.   Parent Co.   Financial Services
GAM International Management Ltd.
  GAM Holding AG   Parent Co.   Financial Services
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC
  Allianz Global Investors   Parent Co.   Financial Services
Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement, the Manager has agreed to pay an annualized advisory fee to the Sub-Advisors according to the following schedule.
     
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC
  0.55% on all assets
 
   
GAM International Management Ltd.
  0.55% on the first $50 million in assets
 
  0.50% on the next $50 million in assets
 
  0.47% on assets over $100 million
 
   
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC
  0.60% on all assets
     Each Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate if assigned, and may be terminated without penalty at any time by the Manager, by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Fund on no less than thirty (30) days’ nor more than sixty (60) days’ written notice to the sub-advisor, or by the sub-advisor upon

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sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Trust. The Investment Advisory Agreements will continue in effect provided that annually such continuance is specifically approved by a vote of the Trustees, including the affirmative votes of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such approval, or by the vote of shareholders.
MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATIVE AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
The Manager
     The Manager is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (“Lighthouse”). Lighthouse is indirectly owned by investment funds affiliated with Pharos Capital Group, LLC (“Pharos”) and TPG Capital, L.P. (“TPG”). The Manager is paid a management fee as compensation for paying investment advisory fees and for providing the Trust with advisory and asset allocation services. Pursuant to management and administrative services agreements, the Manager provides the Trust with office space, office equipment and personnel necessary to manage and administer the Trust’s operations. This includes:
    complying with reporting requirements;
 
    corresponding with shareholders;
 
    maintaining internal bookkeeping, accounting and auditing services and records; and
 
    supervising the provision of services to the Trusts by third parties.
     In addition to its oversight of the sub-advisors, the Manager invests the portion of the Fund’s assets that the sub-advisors determine to be allocated to short-term investments.
     The Fund is responsible for expenses not otherwise assumed by the Manager, including the following: audits by independent auditors; transfer agency, custodian, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder recordkeeping services; taxes, if any, and the preparation of the Fund’s tax returns; interest; costs of Trustee and shareholder meetings; printing and mailing Prospectuses and reports to existing shareholders; fees for filing reports with regulatory bodies and the maintenance of the Fund’s existence; legal fees; fees to federal and state authorities for the registration of shares; fees and expenses of Trustees; insurance and fidelity bond premiums; fees paid to consultants providing reports regarding adherence by sub-advisors to the investment style of a Fund; fees paid for brokerage commission analysis for the purpose of monitoring best execution practices of the sub-advisors; and any extraordinary expenses of a nonrecurring nature.
     The management agreement provides for the Manager to receive an annualized management fee that is calculated and accrued daily, equal to the sum of: 0.05% of the net assets of the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund. In addition, the Fund pays the Manager the amounts due to the sub-advisors. The Manager then remits these amounts to the sub-advisors. Because the Fund commenced operations on July 6, 2011 no fees have been paid to the Manager or the Sub-Advisor for the past three fiscal years.
     The Manager (or another entity approved by the Board) under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, is paid up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the A Class and up to 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the C Class of the Fund for distribution and shareholder servicing related services, including expenses relating to selling efforts of various broker-dealers, shareholder servicing fees and the preparation and distribution of A Class and C Class advertising material and sales literature. The Sub-Advisor may contribute a portion of its advisory fees to the Manager to support the Fund’s distribution activities. The Manager will receive Rule 12b-1 fees from the A Class and C Class regardless of the amount of the Manager’s actual expenses related to distribution and shareholder servicing efforts on behalf of each Class. Thus, the Manager may realize a profit or a loss based upon its actual distribution and shareholder servicing related expenditures for the A Class and C Class. The Manager anticipates that the Rule 12b-1 plan will benefit shareholders by providing broader access to the Fund through broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries who require compensation for their expenses in order to offer shares of the Fund. Because the Fund commenced operations on July 6, 2011, there were no prior fees pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
     The A Class, C Class, Investor Class, and Y Class have each adopted a Service Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). The Plans authorize the payment to the Manager (or another entity approved by the Board) of up to 0.375% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares, up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the A Class shares, up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the C Class shares and up to 0.10% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Y Class shares. The Manager or other approved entities may spend such amounts on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in or relate to the servicing of A Class, C Class, Investor Class and Y Class shares including, but not limited to, payment of shareholder service fees and transfer agency or sub-transfer agency expenses. The fees, which are included as part of the Fund’s “Other Expenses” in the Table of Fees and Expenses in the Prospectus, will be payable monthly in arrears. The fees for each Class will be paid on the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the entity for the services provided pursuant to the respective Class and its Service

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Plan. The primary expenses expected to be incurred under the Plans are shareholder servicing, record keeping fees and servicing fees paid to financial intermediaries such as plan sponsors and broker-dealers. Because the Fund commenced operations on July 6, 2011, there were no prior service fees.
     In addition to the management fee, the Manager is paid an administrative services fee for providing administrative services to the Fund. Because the Fund commenced operations on, the Fund has not paid an administrative service fee to the Manager for the last three fiscal years.
     The Manager has contractually agreed from time to time to reduce fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Fund in order to maintain competitive expense ratios for the Funds. In July of 2003, the Board approved a policy whereby the Manager may seek repayment for such fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager’s own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed the previously agreed upon contractual expense limit.
The Distributor
     Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside” or “Distributor”), located at Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101, is the distributor and principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Trust or its Funds. Pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement between Foreside and the Manager, Foreside receives a fee from the Manager for providing administrative services in connection with the marketing and distribution of shares of the Trust, including the registration of Manager employees as registered representatives of the Distributor to facilitate distribution of Fund shares. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor receives, and may reallow to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A and C Class shares. For A and C Class shares, the Distributor receives commission revenue consisting of the portion of A and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by the Distributor to the broker dealers. The Distributor may also retain any portion of the commissions fees that are not paid to the broker-dealers, which may be used to pay distribution related expenses.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
     State Street, located at 2 Copley Plaza, 3rd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, is the transfer agent for the Trust and provides transfer agency services to Fund shareholders through its affiliate Boston Financial Data Services, located at 330 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105. State Street also serves as custodian for the Fund. In addition to its other duties as custodian, pursuant to instructions given by the Manager, State Street may invest certain excess cash balances for certain series of the Trust in various futures contracts. The Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm is Ernst & Young LLP, which is located at 2323 Victory Avenue, Suite 2000, Dallas, Texas 75219. K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, serves as legal counsel to the Fund.

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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
     The portfolio managers to the Fund (the “Portfolio Managers”) have responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than the Fund. Information regarding these other accounts has been provided by each Portfolio Manager’s firm and is set forth below. The number of accounts and assets is shown as of the dates indicated below.
                                                 
    Number of Other Accounts Managed   Number of Accounts and Assets for Which
    and Assets by Account Type   Advisory Fee is Performance-Based
Name of   Registered   Other Pooled           Registered   Other Pooled    
Investment Advisor   Investment   Investment   Other   Investment   Investment   Other
and Portfolio Manager   Companies   Vehicles   Accounts   Companies   Vehicles   Accounts
American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (as of February 24, 2011)
                                               
Wyatt L. Crumpler
    19 ($15.2B )     3 ($126.5M )     3 ($11.3B )     N/A       N/A       N/A  
Adriana R. Posada
    8 ($12.2B )     N/A       3 ($5.7B )     N/A       N/A       N/A  
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  
                                                 
Name of                                                
Investment Advisor                                                
and Portfolio Manager                                                
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (as of March 31, 2011)
                                               
David F. Hoffman
  4 $(799 mil)   25 $(5.7 bil)   108 $(15.7 bil)     N/A       N/A     15 $(2.8 bil)
Stephen S. Smith
  4 $(799 mil)   25 $(5.7 bil)   107 $(15.7 bil)     N/A       N/A     14 $(2.8 bil)
Jack P. McIntyre
  4 $(799 mil)   25 $(5.7 bil)   107 $(15.7 bil)     N/A       N/A     14 $(2.8 bil)
                                                 
    Number of Other Accounts Managed   Number of Accounts and Assets for Which
    and Assets by Account Type   Advisory Fee is Performance-Based
Name of   Registered   Other Pooled           Registered   Other Pooled    
Investment Advisor   Investment   Investment   Other   Investment   Investment   Other
and Portfolio Manager   Companies   Vehicles   Accounts   Companies   Vehicles   Accounts
GAM International Management Ltd. (as of March 31, 2011)
                                               
Tim Haywood
    4 ($11.2B )     2 ($151M )     14 ($3.2B )     3 ($11.2B )     1 ($106M )     2 ($532M )
Daniel Sheard
    4 ($11.2B )     2 ($151M )     14 ($3.2B )     3 ($11.2B )     1 ($106M )     2 ($532M )
                                                 
    Number of Other Accounts Managed   Number of Accounts and Assets for Which
    and Assets by Account Type   Advisory Fee is Performance-Based
Name of   Registered   Other Pooled           Registered   Other Pooled    
Investment Advisor   Investment   Investment   Other   Investment   Investment   Other
and Portfolio Manager   Companies   Vehicles   Accounts   Companies   Vehicles   Accounts
Pacific Investment Management Company, LLC (as of December 31, 2010)
                                               
Saumil H. Parikh
    9 ($4.476B )     9 ($1.978B )     75 ($32.377B )     N/A       N/A       8 ($4.133B )
Conflicts of Interest
     As noted in the table above, the Portfolio Managers manage accounts other than the Fund. This side-by-side management may present potential conflicts between a Portfolio Manager’s management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other hand. Set forth below is a description by the Manager and each sub-advisor of any foreseeable material conflicts of interest that may arise from the concurrent management of the Fund and other accounts. The information regarding potential conflicts of interest of the sub-advisors was provided by each firm.
     The Manager The Manager’s Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing the Fund and other accounts, including separate accounts and unregistered funds. The Manager typically assigns Funds and accounts with similar investment strategies to the same Portfolio Manager to mitigate the potentially conflicting investment strategies of accounts. Other than potential conflicts between

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investment strategies, the side-by-side management of both the Funds and other accounts may raise potential conflicts of interest due to the interest held by the Manager or one of its affiliates in an account and certain trading practices used by the Portfolio Managers (e.g., cross trades between the Fund and another account and allocation of aggregated trades). The Manager has developed policies and procedures reasonably designed to mitigate those conflicts. In particular, the Manager has adopted policies limiting the ability of Portfolio Managers to cross securities between the Fund and a separate account and policies designed to ensure the fair allocation of securities purchased on an aggregated basis.
     Portfolio Managers of the Manager with responsibility for the Fund are also responsible for managing, among other accounts, the pension assets for AMR Corporation and its subsidiaries (“AMR Pension Accounts”). These Portfolio Managers oversee fixed income assets managed internally by the Manager as well as equity and fixed income assets managed externally by sub-advisors who invest the assets of the Funds and AMR Pension Accounts. The same investment process and overall investment strategies are used for both the Fund and the AMR Pension Accounts. Potential conflicts of interest may occur when the Manager’s Portfolio Managers allocate Fund assets to internal fixed income Portfolio Managers rather than external Portfolio Managers, since the Manager has the potential to earn more fees under this scenario. This potential conflict of interest is disclosed to the Board in connection with the process of approving the Manager as an investment advisor to the Fund.
     Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine Global”) Brandywine Global does not foresee any potentially material conflicts of interest as a result of concurrent management of the Fund and other accounts. Brandywine Global follows the same buy and sell discipline for all stocks across all portfolios, subject to client specific restrictions. All portfolios are managed in the same manner by the investment team. Portfolios may differ slightly due to differences in available cash, contributions and withdrawals.
GAM International Management Ltd. (“GAM”) The managers within the team responsible for this Fund do not generally invest in the instruments used for clients. In the event a fund manager does so, this is subject to prior approval from Compliance and the firm’s Code of Ethics.
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”) PIMCO anticipates that the needs of the Fund for services may create certain issues, including the following; although this would not necessarily be different for PIMCO’s other accounts. We also understand that from time to time, potential conflicts of interest may arise between a portfolio manager’s management of the investments of the Fund, on the one hand, and the management of other accounts, on the other. The other accounts might have similar investment objectives or strategies as the Fund, track the same index the Fund tracks, or otherwise hold, purchase, or sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased or sold by the Fund. The other accounts might also have different investment objectives or strategies than the Fund.
Knowledge and Timing of Portfolio Trades: A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of a portfolio manager’s day-to-day management of the Fund. Because of their positions with the Fund, a portfolio manager knows the size, timing and possible market impact of the Fund’s trades. It is theoretically possible that a portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of other accounts he manages and to the possible detriment of the Fund.
Investment Opportunities: A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of a portfolio manager’s management of a number of accounts with varying investment guidelines. Often, an investment opportunity may be suitable for both the Fund and other accounts managed by a portfolio manager, but may not be available in sufficient quantities for both the Fund and the other accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by the Fund and another account. PIMCO has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities on a fair and equitable basis over time. Under PIMCO’s allocation procedures, investment opportunities are allocated among various investment strategies based on individual account investment guidelines and PIMCO’s investment outlook. PIMCO has also adopted additional procedures to complement the general trade allocation policy that are designed to address potential conflicts of interest due to the side-by-side management of the Fund and certain pooled investment vehicles, including investment opportunity allocation issues.
Performance Fees: A portfolio manager may advise certain accounts with respect to the advisory fee which is based entirely or partially on performance. Performance fee arrangements may create a conflict of interest for a portfolio manager in that such portfolio manager may have an incentive to allocate the investment opportunities that he believes might be the most profitable to such other accounts instead of allocating them to the Fund. PIMCO has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities between the Fund and such other accounts on a fair and equitable basis over time.

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Compensation
     The Portfolio Managers are compensated in various forms by their respective investment advisor. Following is a description provided by each investment advisor regarding the structure of and criteria for determining the compensation of each Portfolio Manager.
     The Manager Compensation of the Manager’s Portfolio Managers is comprised of base salary and annual cash bonus. Each Portfolio Manager’s base annual salary is fixed. The Manager determines base salary based upon comparison to industry salary data. In addition, all Portfolio Managers participate in the Manager’s annual cash bonus plan. The amount of the total bonus pool is based upon several factors including (i) profitability of the Manager, (ii) organic growth of assets under management and (iii) the relative investment performance of the assets managed by the Manager. The investment performance goals are as follows: (a) twenty-five percent (25%) of Actively Managed Variable Rate Funds are ranked in the top quartile of their respective Lipper universe over a five year period; and (b) thirty-three percent (33%) of Actively Managed Variable Rate Funds achieve an overall Morningstar rating of 4-star or better. Each Portfolio Manager has a target bonus award expressed as a percentage of base salary, which is determined by the Portfolio Manager’s level of responsibility. Additionally, the Portfolio Managers participate in the Manager’s Equity Option Plan.
     Brandywine Global All Portfolio Managers receive a competitive base salary. In addition, from the firm’s profits, a bonus is paid quarterly and based on the pre-tax performance of their investment strategies relative to a relevant Russell-Mellon peer-group universe over one-quarter, one-, three- and five-year time periods. After this performance-based incentive compensation is allocated, profits associated with individual product groups are allocated as follows: a majority is retained within the product group and the remainder is allocated to a pool shared by all product groups. More subjective measurements of an individual’s contributions to the success of their product group and to the overall success of the firm are considered as part of the individual allocation decision. Finally, all investment professionals are eligible for options on Legg Mason stock, provided from time-to-time at Legg Mason’s discretion to its investment management subsidiaries. Brandywine Global believes this system achieves its goals of retaining top-quality investment professionals, as it provides extremely competitive compensation with entrepreneurial potential, and of fostering excellent performance, growth and teamwork.
GAM The criteria used to assess performance for investment professionals is based on a formal annual review. This is a rigorous process comprising appraisal, assessment and setting objectives for the year ahead. The standard compensation package consists of competitive base salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. The portfolio managers are also paid a discretionary bonus based on the pre-tax performance of the funds they manage over a twelve month calendar year and their contributions to the overall performance. Performance is not measured against peer groups or indices. It is subjective and based on the individual’s contribution to performance and working with clients. Additionally, staff can own shares in the holding company of GAM International, and if the employee leaves, the shares are repurchased by the company on terms which reflect the circumstances of departure.
     Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”) PIMCO has adopted a Total Compensation Plan for its professional level employees, including its portfolio managers, that is designed to pay competitive compensation and reward performance, integrity and teamwork consistent with the firm’s mission statement. The Total Compensation Plan includes an incentive component that rewards high performance standards, work ethic and consistent individual and team contributions to the firm. The compensation of portfolio managers consists of a base salary, discretionary performance bonus, and may include an equity or long term incentive component.
          Certain employees of PIMCO, including portfolio managers, may elect to defer compensation through PIMCO’s deferred compensation plan. PIMCO also offers its employees a non-contributory defined contribution plan through which PIMCO makes a contribution based on the employee’s compensation. PIMCO’s contribution rate increases at a specified compensation level, which is a level that would include portfolio managers.
          The Total Compensation Plan consists of three components:
Base Salary — Base salary is determined based on core job responsibilities, market factors and business considerations. Salary levels are reviewed annually or when there is a significant change in job responsibilities or the market.
Performance Bonus — Performance bonuses are designed to reward high performance standards, work ethic and consistent individual and team contributions to the firm. Each professional and his or her supervisor will agree upon performance objectives to serve as the basis for performance evaluation during the year. The objectives will outline individual goals according to pre-established measures of

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group or department success. Achievement against these goals is measured by the employee and supervisor will be an important, but not exclusive, element of the bonus decision process.
Equity or Long Term Incentive Compensation Equity allows certain professionals to participate in the long-term growth of the firm. The M unit program provides for annual option grants which vest over a number of years and may convert into PIMCO equity that shares in the profit distributions of the firm. M Units are non-voting common equity of PIMCO and provide a mechanism for individuals to build a significant equity stake in PIMCO over time. Option awards may represent a significant portion of individual’s total compensation.
          In certain countries with significant tax implications for employees to participate in the M Unit Option Plan, PIMCO continues to use the Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) in place of the M Unit Option Plan. The LTIP provides cash awards that appreciate or depreciate based upon the performance of PIMCO’s parent company, Allianz Global Investors, and PIMCO over a three-year period. The aggregate amount available for distribution to participants is based upon Allianz Global Investors’ profit growth and PIMCO’s profit growth.
          Participation in the M Unit Option Plan and LTIP is contingent upon continued employment at PIMCO.
          In addition, the following non-exclusive list of qualitative criteria may be considered when specifically determining the total compensation for portfolio managers:
3-year, 2-year and 1-year dollar-weighted and account-weighted, pre-tax investment performance as judged against the applicable benchmarks for each account managed by a portfolio manager (including the Funds) and relative to applicable industry peer groups;
Appropriate risk positioning that is consistent with PIMCO’s investment philosophy and the Investment Committee/CIO approach to the generation of alpha;
Amount and nature of assets managed by the portfolio manager;
Consistency of investment performance across portfolios of similar mandate and guidelines (reward low dispersion);
Generation and contribution of investment ideas in the context of PIMCO’s secular and cyclical forums, portfolio strategy meetings, Investment Committee meetings, and on a day-to-day basis;
Absence of defaults and price defaults for issues in the portfolios managed by the portfolio manager;
Contributions to asset retention, gathering and client satisfaction;
Contributions to mentoring, coaching and/or supervising; and
Personal growth and skills added.
          A portfolio manager’s compensation is not based directly on the performance of any Fund or any other account managed by that portfolio manager.
          Profit Sharing Plan. Instead of a bonus, portfolio managers who are Managing Directors of PIMCO receive compensation from a non-qualified profit sharing plan consisting of a portion of PIMCO’s net profits. Portfolio managers who are Managing Directors receive an amount determined by the Partner Compensation Committee, based upon an individual’s overall contribution to the firm.
Ownership of the Fund
     A Portfolio Manager’s beneficial ownership of the Fund is defined as the Portfolio Manager having the opportunity to share in any profit from transactions in the Fund, either directly or indirectly, as the result of any contract, understanding, arrangement, relationship or otherwise. Therefore, ownership of Fund shares by members of the Portfolio Manager’s immediate family or by a trust of which the Portfolio Manager is a trustee could be considered ownership by the Portfolio Manager. The reporting of Fund share ownership in this SAI shall not be construed as an admission that the Portfolio Manager has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Fund listed. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not commenced operations. Accordingly, the Portfolio Managers do not beneficially own any shares of the Fund.

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PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
     In selecting brokers or dealers to execute particular transactions, the Manager and the sub-advisors are authorized to consider “brokerage and research services” (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), provision of statistical quotations (including the quotations necessary to determine the Fund’s net asset value), and other information provided to the applicable Fund, to the Manager and/or to the Sub-Advisors (or their affiliates), provided, however, that the Manager or the Sub-Advisor must always seek best execution. The Trusts do not allow the Manager or Sub-Advisors to enter arrangements to direct transactions to broker-dealers as compensation for the promotion or sale of Trust shares by those broker-dealers. The Manager and the Sub-Advisors are also authorized to cause the Fund to pay a commission (as defined in SEC interpretations) to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services for executing a portfolio transaction which is in excess of the amount of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction. The Manager or the Sub-advisors, as appropriate, must determine in good faith, however, that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided, viewed in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of all the accounts over which the Manager or the Sub-Advisor exercises investment discretion. The fees of the Sub-Advisors are not reduced by reason of receipt of such brokerage and research services. However, with disclosure to and pursuant to written guidelines approved by the Board, as applicable, the Manager, or the Sub-Advisors (or a broker-dealer affiliated with them) may execute portfolio transactions and receive usual and customary brokerage commissions (within the meaning of Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act) for doing so. Brokerage and research services obtained with Fund commissions might be used by the Manager and/or the sub-advisors, as applicable, to benefit their other accounts under management.
     The Manager and each Sub-advisor will place its own orders to execute securities transactions that are designed to implement the applicable Fund’s investment objective and policies. In placing such orders, each sub-advisor will seek best execution. The full range and quality of services offered by the executing broker or dealer will be considered when making these determinations. Pursuant to written guidelines approved by the Board, as appropriate, a Sub-Advisor of the Fund, or its affiliated broker-dealer, may execute portfolio transactions and receive usual and customary brokerage commissions (within the meaning of Rule 17e-1 of the 1940 Act) for doing so. The Fund’s turnover rate, or the frequency of portfolio transactions, will vary from year to year depending on market conditions and the Fund’s cash flows. High portfolio activity increases the Fund’s transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions.
     The Investment Advisory Agreements provide, in substance, that in executing portfolio transactions and selecting brokers or dealers, the principal objective of each Sub-Advisor is to seek best execution. In assessing available execution venues, each Sub-Advisor shall consider all factors it deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the value of any eligible research, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. Transactions with respect to the securities of small and emerging growth companies in which the Fund may invest may involve specialized services on the part of the broker or dealer and thereby may entail higher commissions or spreads than would be the case with transactions involving more widely traded securities.
     The Fund may establish brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If a Sub-Advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to the Fund. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Fund. Neither the Manager nor any of the Sub-Advisors receive any benefits from the commission recapture program. A Sub-Advisor’s participation in the brokerage commission recapture program is optional. Each sub-advisor retains full discretion in selecting brokerage firms for securities transactions and is instructed to use the commission recapture program for a transaction only if it is consistent with the Sub-Advisor’s obligation to seek the best execution available.
     The Fund commenced operations on July 6, 2011. Accordingly, no brokerage commissions were paid by the Fund during the previous three fiscal years.

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ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION FOR A CLASS SHARES
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers
     As described in the Prospectus, there are various ways to reduce your sales charge when purchasing A Class shares. Additional information about A Class sales charge reductions is provided below.
     Letter of Intent (“LOI”). The LOI may be revised upward at any time during the 13-month period of the LOI (“LOI Period”), and such a revision will be treated as a new LOI, except that the LOI Period during which the purchases must be made will remain unchanged. Purchases made from the date of revision will receive the reduced sales charge, if any, resulting from the revised LOI. The LOI will be considered completed if the shareholder dies within the 13-month LOI Period. Commissions to dealers will not be adjusted or paid on the difference between the LOI amount and the amount actually invested before the shareholder’s death.
     All dividends and any capital gain distributions on shares held in escrow will be credited to the shareholder’s account in shares (or paid in cash, if requested). If the intended investment is not completed within the specified LOI Period, the purchaser may be required to remit to the Distributor the difference between the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge which would have been paid if the total of such purchases had been made at a single time. Any dealers assigned to the shareholder’s account at the time a purchase was made during the LOI Period will receive a corresponding commission adjustment if appropriate. If the difference is not paid by the close of the LOI Period, the appropriate number of shares held in escrow will be redeemed to pay such difference. If the proceeds from this redemption are inadequate, the purchaser may be liable to the Distributor for the balance still outstanding.
     Rights of Accumulation. Subject to the limitations described in the aggregation policy, you may take into account your accumulated holdings in A Class shares of the Funds to determine your sales charge on investments in accounts eligible to be aggregated. If you make a gift of A Class shares, upon your request, you may purchase the shares at the sales charge discount allowed under rights of accumulation of all of your funds in the fund family.
     Aggregation. Qualifying investments for aggregation include those made by you and your “immediate family” as defined in the Prospectus, if all parties are purchasing shares for their own accounts and/or:
  individual-type employee benefit plans, such as an IRA, individual 403(b) plan or single-participant Keogh-type plan;
  business accounts solely controlled by you or your immediate family (for example, you own the entire business);
  trust accounts established by you or your immediate family (for trusts with only one primary beneficiary, upon the trustor’s death the trust account may be aggregated with such beneficiary’s own accounts; for trusts with multiple primary beneficiaries, upon the trustor’s death the trustees of the trust may instruct the Fund’s transfer agent to establish separate trust accounts for each primary beneficiary; each primary beneficiary’s separate trust account may then be aggregated with such beneficiary’s own accounts);
  endowments or foundations established and controlled by you or your immediate family; or
  529 accounts, which will be aggregated at the account owner level (Class 529-E accounts may only be aggregated with an eligible employer plan).

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Individual purchases by a trustee(s) or other fiduciary(ies) may also be aggregated if the investments are:
    for a single trust estate or fiduciary account, including employee benefit plans other than the individual-type employee benefit plans described above;
    made for two or more employee benefit plans of a single employer or of affiliated employers as defined in the 1940 Act, excluding the individual-type employee benefit plans described above;
    for a diversified common trust fund or other diversified pooled account not specifically formed for the purpose of accumulating Fund shares;
    for nonprofit, charitable or educational organizations, or any endowments or foundations established and controlled by such organizations, or any employer-sponsored retirement plans established for the benefit of the employees of such organizations, their endowments, or their foundations; or
    for individually established participant accounts of a 403(b) plan that is treated similarly to an employer-sponsored plan for sales charge purposes (see “Purchases by certain 403(b) plans” under “Sales Charges” above), or made for two or more such 403(b) plans that are treated similarly to employer-sponsored plans for sales charge purposes, in each case of a single employer or affiliated employers as defined in the 1940 Act.
     Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts (securities held in the name of a broker- dealer or another nominee such as a bank trust department instead of the customer) may not be aggregated with those made for other accounts and may not be aggregated with other nominee or street name accounts unless otherwise qualified as described above.
     Concurrent Purchases. As described in the Prospectus, you may reduce your A Class sales charge by combining purchases of A Class shares of the Funds subject to a sales load.
     Other Purchases. Pursuant to a determination of eligibility by the Manager, A Class shares of the Fund may be sold at net asset value (without the imposition of a front-end sales charge) to:
  1.   current or retired trustees, and officers of the American Beacon Funds family, current or retired employees and partners of the Manager and its affiliated companies, certain family members and employees of the above persons, and trusts or plans primarily for such persons;
  2.   currently registered representatives and assistants directly employed by such representatives, retired registered representatives with respect to accounts established while active, or full-time employees (collectively, “Eligible Persons”) (and their spouses, and children, including children in step and adoptive relationships, sons-in- law and daughters-in-law, if the Eligible Persons or the spouses or children of the Eligible Persons are listed in the account registration with the spouse or parent) of broker-dealers who have sales agreements with the Distributor (or who clear transactions through such dealers), plans for the dealers, and plans that include as participants only the Eligible Persons, their spouses and/or children;
  3.   companies exchanging securities with the Fund through a merger, acquisition or exchange offer;
  4.   insurance company separate accounts;
  5.   accounts managed by the Manager, a sub-advisor to the Fund and its affiliated companies;
  6.   the Manager or a sub-advisor to the Fund and its affiliated companies;
  7.   an individual or entity with a substantial business relationship with the Manager or a sub-adviser to the Fund and its affiliated companies, or an individual or entity related or relating to such individual or entity;
  8.   wholesalers and full-time employees directly supporting wholesalers involved in the distribution of insurance company separate accounts whose underlying investments are managed by the Manager or a sub-advisor to the Fund and its affiliated companies;
  9.   full-time employees of banks that have sales agreements with the Distributor, who are solely dedicated to directly supporting the sale of mutual funds;

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  10.   directors, officers and employees of financial institutions that have a selling group agreement with the Distributor;
  11.   banks, broker-dealers and other financial institutions (including registered investment advisors and financial planners) that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor or one of its affiliates, purchasing shares on behalf of clients participating in a fund supermarket or in a wrap program, asset allocation program or other program in which the clients pay an asset-based fee;
  12.   clients of authorized dealers purchasing shares in fixed or flat fee brokerage accounts;
  13.   Employer-sponsored defined contribution — type plans, including 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 individual retirement account (“IRA”) rollovers involving retirement plan assets invested in the Funds in the American Beacon Funds fund family; and
  14.   Employee benefit and retirement plans for the Manager and its affiliates.
     Shares are offered at net asset value to these persons and organizations due to anticipated economies in sales effort and expense. Once an account is established under this net asset value privilege, additional investments can be made at net asset value for the life of the account.
     Moving Between Accounts. Investments in certain account types may be moved to other account types without incurring additional A Class sales charges. These transactions include, for example:
    redemption proceeds from a non-retirement account (for example, a joint tenant account) used to purchase Fund shares in an IRA or other individual-type retirement account;
    required minimum distributions from an IRA or other individual-type retirement account used to purchase Fund shares in a non-retirement account; and
    death distributions paid to a beneficiary’s account that are used by the beneficiary to purchase Fund shares in a different account.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
As discussed in the prospectus, the redemption of C Class shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if you redeem your shares within 12 months of purchase. In determining whether the CDSC is payable, it is assumed that shares not subject to the CDSC are the first redeemed followed by other shares held for the longest period of time. The CDSC will not be imposed upon shares representing reinvested dividends or capital gains distributions, or upon amounts representing share appreciation. As described in the Prospectus, there are various circumstances under which the CDSC will be waived. Additional information about CDSC waivers is provided below.
The CDSC is waived under the following circumstances:
  Any partial or complete redemption following death or disability (as defined in the Code) of a shareholder (including one who owns the shares with his or her spouse as a joint tenant with rights of survivorship) from an account in which the deceased or disabled is named. The Manager or the Fund’s transfer agent may require documentation prior to waiver of the charge, including death certificates, physicians’ certificates, etc.
  Redemptions from a systematic withdrawal plan. If the systematic withdrawal plan is based on a fixed dollar amount or number of shares, systematic withdrawal redemptions are limited to no more than 10% of your account value or number of shares per year, as of the date the Manager or the Fund’s transfer agent receives your request. If the systematic withdrawal plan is based on a fixed percentage of your account value, each redemption is limited to an amount that would not exceed 10% of your annual account value at the time of withdrawal.
  Redemptions from retirement plans qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The CDSC will be waived for benefit payments made by American Beacon Funds directly to plan participants. Benefit payments will include, but are not limited to, payments resulting from death, disability, retirement, separation from service, required minimum distributions (as described under Section 401(a)(9) of the Code), in-service distributions, hardships, loans and qualified domestic relations orders. The CDSC waiver will not apply in the event of termination of the plan or transfer of the plan to another financial institution.

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  Redemptions that are mandatory withdrawals from a traditional IRA account after age 70 1/2.
  Involuntary redemptions as a result of your account not meeting the minimum balance requirements, the termination and liquidation of the Fund, or other actions by the Fund.
  Distributions from accounts for which the broker-dealer of record has entered into a special agreement with the Distributor (or Manager) allowing this waiver.
  To return excess contributions made to a retirement plan.
  To return contributions made due to a mistake of fact.
Example
The following example illustrates the operation of the CDSC. Assume that you open an account and purchase 1,000 shares at $10 per share and that six months later the NAV per share is $12 and, during such time, you have acquired 50 additional shares through reinvestment of distributions. If at such time you should redeem 450 shares (proceeds of $5,400), 50 shares will not be subject to the charge because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the remaining 400 shares, the charge is applied only to the original cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in NAV of $2 per share. Therefore, $4,000 of the $5,400 redemption proceeds will pay the charge. At the rate of 1.00%, the CDSC would be $40 for redemptions of C Class shares. In determining whether an amount is available for redemption without incurring a deferred sales charge, the purchase payments made for all shares in your account are aggregated.
REDEMPTIONS IN KIND
     Although the Fund intends to redeem shares in cash, each reserves the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution of securities or other assets. However, shareholders always will be entitled to redeem shares for cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the applicable Fund’s net asset value during any 90-day period. Redemption in kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption. In addition, to the extent the Fund redeems its shares in this manner; the shareholder assumes the risk of a subsequent change in the market value of those securities, the cost of liquidating the securities and the possibility of a lack of a liquid market for those securities.
TAX INFORMATION
     The tax information set forth in the Prospectus and the information in this section relate solely to federal income tax law and assumes that the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) (as discussed below). Such information is only a summary of certain key federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders and is in addition to the information provided in the Prospectus. No attempt has been made to present a complete explanation of the federal tax treatment of the Fund or the tax implications to its shareholders. The discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as substitutes for careful tax planning. The information is based on the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations in effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information. Future legislative, regulatory or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly change the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its shareholders. Any of these changes or court decisions may have a retroactive effect.
Taxation of the Fund
     The Fund intends to elect and qualify each year for treatment as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund must, among other requirements:
    Derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from (1) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or certain other income, including gains from options, futures or forward contracts, derived with respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies and (2) net income from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (“QPTP”) (“Income Requirement”);
 
    Diversify its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (1) at least 50% of the value of its total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with those other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and

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      that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer’s outstanding voting securities (equity securities of QPTPs being considered voting securities for these purposes) and (2) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in (a) securities (other than U.S. Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, (b) securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers the Fund controls that are determined to be engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) securities of one or more QPTPs (“Diversification Requirement”); and
 
    Distribute annually to its shareholders at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (generally, taxable net investment income plus the excess (if any) of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss and net gains from certain foreign currency transactions, all determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) (“Distribution Requirement”).
     The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax (“Excise Tax”) to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary (taxable) income for that year and substantially all of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts.
     See the part of the next section entitled “Taxation of Certain Investments” for a discussion of the tax consequences to the Fund of certain of its investments and strategies.
Taxation of Certain Investments
     The Fund may acquire zero coupon or other securities issued with original issue discount. The Fund may also acquire “market discount bonds” (i.e. bonds purchased by the Fund at a price less than their issue price plus the portion of original issue discount previously accrued thereon). Because the Fund annually must distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income, including any original issue discount or market discount to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax, the Fund may be required in a particular year to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually receives. Those distributions would be made from the Fund’s cash assets, if any, or the proceeds of sales of portfolio securities, if necessary. The Fund might realize capital gains or losses from any such sales, which would increase or decrease the Fund’s investment company taxable income and/or net capital gain.
     If the Fund acquires stock in a foreign corporation that is a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) and holds the stock beyond the end of the year of acquisition, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax on any “excess distribution” the Fund receives on the stock or of any gain realized by the Fund from disposition of the stock (collectively “PFIC income”), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes that share of the PFIC income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. Fund distributions thereof will not be eligible for the 15% maximum federal income tax rate on individuals’ “qualified dividend income”. The Fund may avoid this tax and interest if it elects to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund”; however, the requirements for that election are difficult to satisfy. If such an election were made, the Fund would be required to include in its income each year a portion of the ordinary income and net capital gains of the PFIC, even if this income is not distributed to the Fund. Any such income would be subject to the 90% Distribution Requirement described above and to the calendar year Excise Tax distribution requirement.
     The Fund may elect to “mark-to-market” the securities associated with a PFIC. Under such an election, the Fund would include in income each year an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the PFIC security as of the close of the taxable year over the Fund’s adjusted basis in the PFIC stock. The Fund would be allowed a deduction for the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the PFIC stock over the fair market value of the PFIC stock as of the close of the taxable year, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains included by the Fund for prior taxable years. The Fund’s adjusted basis in the PFIC stock would be adjusted to reflect the amounts included in, or deducted from, income under this election. Amounts included in income pursuant to this election, as well as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the PFIC security, would be treated as ordinary income. The deductible portion of any mark-to-market loss, as well as loss realized on the sale or other disposition of the PFIC stock to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included by the Fund, would be treated as ordinary loss. The Fund generally would not be subject to the deferred tax and interest charge provisions discussed above with respect to PFIC stock for which a mark-to-market election has been made.
     The Fund currently does not intend to acquire securities in issuers that are considered PFICs.

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     Hedging strategies, such as entering into forward contracts and selling (writing) and purchasing options and futures contracts, involve complex rules that will determine for federal income tax purposes the amount, character and timing of recognition of gains and losses the Fund may realize in connection therewith. In general, the Fund’s (1) gains from the disposition of foreign currencies and (2) gains from options, futures and forward contracts derived with respect to its business of investing in securities or foreign currencies will be treated as qualifying income under the Income Requirement.
     Dividends and interest the Fund receives, and gains it realizes, may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions (collectively, “foreign taxes”) that would reduce the yield and/or total return on their securities. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, however, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains on investments by foreign investors.
     The Fund may invest in certain futures contracts (other than “securities futures contracts,” as defined in section 1234B(c) of the Tax Code) and “nonequity” options (i.e., certain listed options, such as those on a “broad-based” securities index), and certain foreign currency options and forward contracts that will be “section 1256 contracts.” Any section 1256 contracts the Fund holds at the end of its taxable year generally must be “marked-to-market” (that is, treated as having been sold at that time for its fair market value) for federal income tax purposes, with the result that unrealized gains or losses will be treated as though they were realized. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss realized on these deemed sales, and 60% of any net realized gain or loss from any actual sales of section 1256 contracts, will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and the balance will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax. These rules may operate to increase the amount that the Fund must distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement (i.e., with respect to the portion treated as short-term capital gain), which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income, and to increase the net capital gain the Fund recognizes, without in either case increasing the cash available to the Fund.
     Section 988 of the Tax Code also may apply to the Fund’s forward currency contracts and options on foreign currencies. Under that section, each foreign currency gain or loss generally is computed separately and treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund’s investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income, rather than affecting the amount of its net capital gain. If section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to distribute any dividends, and any distributions made during that year before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders, rather than as a dividend, thereby reducing each shareholder’s basis in his or her Fund shares.
     Offsetting positions the Fund enters into or holds in any actively traded option, futures or forward contract may constitute a “straddle” for federal income tax purposes. Straddles are subject to certain rules that may affect the amount, character and timing of the Fund’s gains and losses with respect to positions of the straddle by requiring, among other things, that (1) losses realized on disposition of one position of a straddle be deferred to the extent of any unrealized gain in an offsetting position until the latter position is disposed of, (2) the Fund’s holding period in certain straddle positions not begin until the straddle is terminated (possibly resulting in gain being treated as short-term rather than long-term capital gain) and (3) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions, that otherwise would constitute short-term capital losses, be treated as long-term capital losses. Applicable regulations also provide certain “wash sale” rules, which apply to transactions where a position is sold at a loss and a new offsetting position is acquired within a prescribed period, and “short sale” rules applicable to straddles. Different elections are available, which may mitigate the effects of the straddle rules, particularly with respect to “mixed straddles” (i.e., a straddle of which at least one, but not all, positions are section 1256 contracts).
     When a covered call option written (sold) by the Fund expires, it will realize a short-term capital gain equal to the amount of the premium it received for writing the option. When the Fund terminates its obligations under such an option by entering into a closing transaction, it will realize a short-term capital gain (or loss), depending on whether the cost of the closing transaction is less (or more) than the premium it received when it wrote the option. When a covered call option written by the Fund is exercised, it will be treated as having sold the underlying security, producing long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period of the underlying security and whether the sum of the option price received on the exercise plus the premium received when it wrote the option is more or less than the underlying security’s basis.
     If the Fund has an “appreciated financial position” — generally, an interest (including an interest through an option, futures or forward contract or short sale) with respect to any stock, debt instrument (other than “straight debt”) or partnership interest the fair market value of which exceeds its adjusted basis — and enters into a “constructive sale” of the position, the Fund will be treated as having made an actual sale thereof, with the result that it will recognize gain at that time. A constructive sale generally consists of a short sale, an offsetting notional principal contract or a futures or forward contract the Fund or a related person enters into with respect

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to the same or substantially identical property. In addition, if the appreciated financial position is itself a short sale or such a contract, acquisition of the underlying property or substantially identical property will be deemed a constructive sale. The foregoing will not apply, however, to any Fund transaction during any taxable year that otherwise would be treated as a constructive sale if the transaction is closed within 30 days after the end of that year and the Fund holds the appreciated financial position unhedged for 60 days after that closing (i.e., at no time during that 60-day period is the Fund’s risk of loss regarding that position reduced by reason of certain specified transactions with respect to substantially identical or related property, such as having an option to sell, being contractually obligated to sell, making a short sale or granting an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities).
Taxation of the Fund’s Shareholders
     Dividends or other distributions the Fund declares in the last quarter of any calendar year that are payable to shareholders of record on a date in that quarter will be deemed to have been paid by the Fund and received by those shareholders on December 31 of that year if the Fund pays the distributions during the following January. Accordingly, those distributions will be reported by, and taxed to, those shareholders for the taxable year in which that December 31 falls.
     If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, the loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received thereon. Investors also should be aware that the price of Fund shares at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming dividend or capital gain distribution, so if they purchase Fund shares shortly before the record date for a distribution, they will pay full price for the shares and (except for an exempt-interest dividend) receive some portion of the price back as a taxable distribution even thought it represents in part a return of invested capital.
     If more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, that Fund will be eligible to, and may, file an election with the IRS that will enable its shareholders, in effect, to receive the benefit of the foreign tax credit with respect to its share of any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by it. If the Fund makes this election, it will treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders and each shareholder will be required to (1) include in gross income, and treat as paid by him, his proportionate share of those taxes, (2) treat his share of those taxes and of any dividend the Fund pays that represents income from foreign or U.S. possessions sources as his own income from those sources and (3) either use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax credit against his federal income tax or, alternatively, deduct the taxes deemed paid by him in computing his taxable income. If the Fund makes this election, it will report to its shareholders shortly after each taxable year their respective shares of the Fund’s income from foreign and U.S. possessions sources and foreign taxes paid. Pursuant to that election, individuals who have no more than $300 ($600 for married persons filing jointly) of creditable foreign taxes included on Forms 1099 and all of whose foreign source income is “qualified passive income” may elect each year to be exempt from the extremely complicated foreign tax credit limitation and will be able to claim a foreign tax credit without having to file the detailed Form 1116 that otherwise is required.
     Rules of state and local taxation of ordinary income, qualified dividend income and capital gain dividends may differ from the rules for U.S. federal income taxation described above. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder’s particular situation.
Cost Basis Reporting
     Legislation passed by Congress in 2008 requires the Fund (or its administrative agent) to report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders the cost basis information for Fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012, and sold on or after that date. In addition to the present law requirement to report the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, the Fund will also be required to report the cost basis information for such shares and indicate whether these shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of Fund shares the Fund will permit Fund shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including average cost. In the absence of an election, the Fund will use a default cost basis method that has not yet been determined. The cost basis method elected by the Fund shareholder (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of Fund shares may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the new cost basis reporting law applies to them. The current law requirement to report only the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares will continue to apply to all Fund shares acquired through December 31, 2011, and sold on and after that date.

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Backup Withholding
     The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a portion of distributions paid to you, equal to the backup withholding rate then in effect multiplied by the amount of the distribution, if you: (1) have failed to provide your correct taxpayer identification number; (2) are otherwise subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend income properly; or (3) have failed to certify to the Fund that you are not subject to backup withholding or that you are a corporation or other “exempt recipient.” The Fund will also be required to withhold such percentage of the proceeds of redemptions of shares in the first of these three situations. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather any amounts so withheld may be credited against your federal income tax liability or refunded.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
     The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a “Massachusetts business trust.” Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for its obligations. However, the Trust’s Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of Trust property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust may maintain appropriate insurance (for example, fidelity bonding) for the protection of the Trust, its shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents to cover possible tort and other liabilities. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss due to shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed and the Trust itself was unable to meet its obligations. The Trust has not engaged in any other business.
     The Trust was originally created to manage money for large institutional investors, including pension and 401(k) plans for American Airlines, Inc. The following individuals (and members of that individual’s “immediate family”), are eligible for purchasing shares of the Institutional Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000 (i) employees of the Manager, (ii) employees of a Sub-advisor for Funds where it serves as sub-advisor, (iii) officers and directors of AMR Corporation, (iv) members of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, (v) employees of TPG/Pharos, and (vi) members of the Manager’s parent’s Board of Directors. The term “immediate family” refers to one’s spouse, children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents, parents-in-law, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters-in-law, a sibling’s spouse, a spouse’s sibling, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; relatives by virtue of remarriage (step-children, step-parents, etc.) are included. Any shareholders that the Manager transfers to the Institutional Class upon termination of the class of shares in which the shareholders were originally invested is also eligible for purchasing shares of the Institutional Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000.
     The Investor Class was created to give individuals and other smaller investors an opportunity to invest in the American Beacon Funds either directly or through an intermediary. The Y Class was created to manage money for large institutional investors, including pension and 401(k) plans. The A Class and C Class were created for investors investing in the funds through their broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries.
     The Fund utilizes a multi-manager approach designed to reduce volatility by diversifying assets over multiple investment management firms. Each sub-advisor is carefully chosen by the Manager through a rigorous screening process.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     The Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP audits and reports on the Fund’s annual financial statements. The financial statements include the schedule of investments, statement of assets and liabilities, statement of operations, statements of changes in net assets, financial highlights, notes and report of independent registered public accounting firm. Shareholders will receive annual audited financial statements and semi-annual unaudited financial statements. As of the date hereof, the Fund has not commenced operations. Accordingly, financial statements are not available for the Fund.

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APPENDIX A
AMERICAN BEACON MASTER TRUST
AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON MILEAGE FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON SELECT FUNDS
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Last Amended November 9, 2010
Preface
     Proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion in order to secure the best long-term interests of interest holders of the American Beacon Master Trust and shareholders of the American Beacon Funds, the American Beacon Mileage Funds, and the American Beacon Select Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Therefore, these Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the “Policy”) have been adopted by the Funds.
     The Funds are managed by American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”). The Funds’ Boards of Trustees has delegated proxy voting authority to the Manager with respect to the Funds that invest primarily in the securities of domestic U.S. issuers and the respective portions of the Global Real Estate Fund and High Yield Opportunities Fund that invest in the securities of North American issuers (collectively, the “Domestic Funds”). The Manager has retained a proxy voting consultant (the “Consultant”) to provide assistance regarding the objective review and voting of proxies on any assets held by the Domestic Funds, consistent with the Policy. The Policy sets forth the policies and procedures the Manager employs when voting proxies for the Domestic Funds, including the role of their investment subadvisers (the “Subadvisers”). Proxy voting for the Funds that invest primarily in the securities of foreign issuers and the respective portions of the Global Real Estate Fund and High Yield Opportunities Fund that invest in the securities of non-North American issuers (the “International Funds”) has been delegated by the International Funds’ Boards of Trustees to the subadvisers for those funds (“International Subadvisers”). For the securities held in their respective portion of each International Fund, the International Subadvisers make voting decisions pursuant to their own proxy voting policies and procedures, which have been adopted by the International Funds and approved by their Boards of Trustees. The Policy includes the procedures that the Manager performs to monitor proxy voting by the International Subadvisers.
     For all of the Funds, the Manager seeks to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of Fund interest holders and shareholders (collectively, “shareholders”). For certain proxy proposals, the interests of the Manager and/or its affiliates may differ from Fund shareholders’ interests. To avoid the appearance of impropriety and to fulfill its fiduciary responsibility to shareholders in these circumstances, the Policy includes procedures established by the Manager for voting proxy proposals that potentially present a conflict of interests.
Domestic Funds — Procedures
     1. Voting —The Consultant has been instructed by the Manager to vote proxies in accordance with the Policy, unless it is notified to vote otherwise by the Manager in writing. The Manager may decide to instruct the Consultant to vote in a manner different than specified by the Policy if it determines that such a variance from the Policy would be in the best interests of Fund shareholders. In making such a determination, the Manager will conduct its analysis of the proxy proposal, which may include, among other things, discussing the issue with Subadvisers holding the security to determine their recommended voting position.

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     Except as otherwise noted, items to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and proposals not contemplated by the Policy will be assessed by the Manager. In these situations, the Manager will use its judgment in directing the Consultant to vote in the best interest of the Funds’ shareholders and will propose changes to the Policy when appropriate.
     2. Conflicts of InterestThe Manager maintains a list by Fund of all affiliated persons, including the Manager and its affiliates, the Subadvisers and their affiliates as well as the Funds’ distributor and its affiliates. Any proxy proposal involving an entity on this list could be considered to represent a conflict of interest between a) the Manager, a Subadviser, the distributor or any of their affiliates and b) Fund shareholders. The Manager will monitor the Fund’s holdings against the list of affiliated persons and will conduct an analysis based upon the following procedures to resolve these known potential conflicts as well as any unforeseen conflicts.
     a. Proxies for Affiliated FundsEach Fund has the ability to invest in the shares of any of the Money Market Funds. For example, the High Yield Bond Fund may purchase shares of the Money Market Fund. If the Money Market Fund issues a proxy for which the High Yield Bond Fund is entitled to vote, the Manager’s interests regarding the Money Market Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the High Yield Bond Fund. In these cases, the Manager will instruct the Consultant to vote in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ recommendations in the proxy statement.
     b. Business / Personal Connections of the ManagerThe Manager is minority owned by AMR Corporation, which is a publicly-traded corporation and the parent company of American Airlines, Inc. To avoid the appearance of any conflict of interests, the Funds are expressly prohibited from investing in the securities of AMR Corporation or any other airline company.
     The Manager could have an advisory client that issues a proxy or promotes a proxy proposal for which a Fund is entitled to vote. By taking a particular voting position on the proxy, it could be perceived by Fund shareholders that the Manager is favoring the advisory client over Fund shareholders in order to avoid harming its relationship with the advisory client. If the Manager is asked to render a decision regarding a proxy proposal issued or promoted by one of its advisory clients, the Manager will refer that proposal to the applicable Fund’s Board of Trustees, who will decide the Fund’s voting position after consultation with the Manager.
     In the event that a principal officer of the Manager has a personal relationship or connection with an issuer or proponent of a proxy proposal being considered by the Manager, the voting matter will be discussed with the applicable Fund’s Board of Trustees, who will decide the Fund’s voting position after consultation with the Manager.
     If an unforeseen conflict pertaining to a particular proxy proposal becomes apparent, the Manager will refer that proposal to the applicable Fund’s Board of Trustees, who will decide the Fund’s voting position after consultation with the Manager.
     c. Business / Personal Connections of the Subadvisers — Each Subadviser (and its affiliates) is considered an affiliate of the portion of the Fund it manages. When the Manager receives input regarding a voting recommendation from a Subadviser, the Manager will request the Subadviser’s disclosure of any business or personal relationships or connections that the Subadviser itself or its principals may have with the proxy issuer or any proponent of the proxy proposal. If the Subadviser’s disclosure reveals any potential conflicts of interest, the Manager will not rely on the Subadviser’s recommendation regarding the proxy proposal.
     3Securities on LoanThe Consultant will notify the Manager before the record date about the occurrence of a future shareholder meeting. The Manager will determine whether or not to recall shares of the applicable security that are on loan with the intent of voting such shares in accordance with the Policy, based on factors including the nature of the meeting (i.e., annual or special), the percentage of the proxy issuer’s outstanding securities on loan, any other information regarding the proxy proposals of which the Manager may be aware, and the loss of securities lending income to a Fund as a result of recalling the shares on loan.
Domestic Funds — Policies
     1. Routine ProposalsRoutine proxy proposals are most commonly defined as those that do not change the structure, bylaws, or operations of the corporation to the detriment of the shareholders. The proposals are consistent with industry standards as well as the corporate laws in the state of incorporation. Traditionally, these include:
  A.   Location of annual meeting
 
  B.   Employee stock purchase plan
 
  C.   Appointment of auditors
 
  D.   Corporate strategy
 
  E.   Director indemnification and liability protection
 
  F.   Reincorporation

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     The Funds’ policy is to support management on these routine proposals.
     2. Social, Political and Environmental ProposalsIssues which can be characterized as non-financial or non-business issues involving social, political and environmental issues will result in voting to support management. Financial interests of the shareholders are the only consideration for proxy voting decisions.
     3. Shareholder Equality ProposalsIssues that do not discriminate against certain shareholders will be supported. Non-discriminatory proposals include:
          A. Anti-greenmailProvisions that require that the price paid to the greenmailer must be extended to all shareholders of record will be supported.
          B. Fair price provisionsProvisions that guarantee an equal price to all shareholders will be supported.
     4. Non-routine proposalsIssues in this category are more likely to affect the structure and operation of the corporation and, therefore have a greater impact on the value of the shareholders’ investment. All situations will be viewed individually and independently with the focus on the financial interest of the shareholders.
     Various factors will contribute in the decision-making process assessing the financial interest of the shareholders. Consideration should be given first and foremost to the board of directors. The board of directors oversees the management of the company, makes decisions on the most important issues and is a representative of the shareholders. To the degree that the board is independent (defined as at least 75% of members are independent, having no personal or business relationship with management, as defined by the relevant exchange), capable and dedicated to the shareholders, support should be for the board’s recommendations.
     Management’s record, strategy and tenure will contribute in the decision-making process. The tendency will be to side with management if, in the past, it has shown the intent and ability to maximize shareholder wealth over the long term. Management will not be judged on a quarter-by-quarter basis, but judged on decisions that are consistent with the long-term interests of the shareholders of the company.
     The following are specific issues that directly impact the financial interest of the shareholders.
          A. Board of Directors
               a. Uncontested electionsThe Funds will support management’s slate during uncontested elections if the board is independent. The company is the best judge of who is able and available to serve, and who will work well together.
               b. Contested electionswill be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Both slates of candidates will be evaluated based on a thorough analysis of each contesting side.
               c. Independent compensation committeean independent committee will best represent shareholder interests and guards against conflicts of interest in executive pay decisions. An independent or majority independent committee will have no financial interest in the outcome. The Funds will support proposals for independent compensation committees.
               d. Independent nominating committeeThe Funds believe that independent directors selected by a committee of independent directors will be more likely to question the CEO’s business judgment. Therefore, the Funds will support proposals for independent nominating committees.
               e. Classified boardsA typical classified board is divided into 3 groups with one group standing for election every third year. The Funds believe that shareholders benefit from the structure as classified boards provide stability of leadership and continuity of management and policy that is crucial when evaluating company issues. Therefore, the Funds’ policy is to support classified boards, unless an independent board proposes to declassify itself, in which case the Funds will support management.
               f. Cumulative votingUnder cumulative voting, shareholders are entitled to a number of votes equal to the number of board seats open for election, times the number of shares held. The votes can be cast for one nominee or apportion them, equally or not, amongst the nominees. The Funds believe that each director should act for the benefit of all shareholders and therefore should not be elected by a special group of shareholders. As a result, the Funds do not support cumulative voting. Directors have the fiduciary responsibility to protect and enhance the interests of all shareholders. The potential disruption caused by a minority director with a special agenda is potentially damaging to a majority of shareholders. Directors should act in the benefit of the majority, not the minority.

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               g. Independent boardsThe Funds believe independent boards will permit clear and independent decision-making, benefiting shareholders’ long-term interests. Board members who are independent are more likely to protect shareholders’ interests than company executives or other insiders. An “independent director” is defined as an individual who has had no personal or business relationship with management, as defined by the relevant exchange. While the Funds’ policy is to generally support independent boards, there is no objection to including up to 25% of insiders or affiliated outsiders on the board. Inside directors have intimate knowledge of the company that will be beneficial during discussions of the company’s long-term prospects. If the board is less than 75% independent, the Funds will withhold their vote for non-CEO board members that are not independent.
               h. Separate chairman, CEO positionsProponents contend that an individual with both positions is accountable to no one. The CEO is a management employee, responsible for day-to-day operations, implementing corporate strategy, and accountable to the board. The chairman is responsible for the overall direction of the company, protecting the shareholders’ interests, evaluating the performance of the CEO, and is accountable to the shareholders.
               Opponents contend it would dilute the power of the CEO to provide effective leadership, create a potential rivalry between the two positions leading to compromise rather than decisive action, insulate the CEO from being held accountable by the board if the chairman is overprotective, and finally, may cause confusion by having two public spokesmen. Despite the widespread use of this structure in Britain, it is relatively revolutionary in the U.S. If the board is independent, the Funds will support the company’s recommendation regarding separate chairman, CEO positions. Other situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
               i. Minimum director stock / fund ownershipproponents contend that a director’s interests will be more aligned with shareholders if the director has a personal stake in the company. Additionally, many companies are providing part of their compensation in the form of stock for directors.
               Opponents contend that minimum stock/fund ownership requirements will restrict the search to qualified, wealthy board candidates. This could eliminate other candidates who may not be able to pay the price of the required stock.
               The Funds will not support proposals for minimum director stock ownership.
               j. Majority vote to elect directors — Shareholder concern about director elections is an outgrowth of their concern about director accountability in the aftermath of corporate scandals. Opponents argue that because of the “holdover” provision applicable to most directors, a resignation policy could be more effective in actually effecting the removal of an unpopular director. Proponents maintain that a resignation policy approach still leaves such a director technically “elected” and puts the onus on other board members to take action against one of their colleagues.
               The Funds will support proposals for a majority vote requirement to elect directors.
               k. Increase/decrease size of board — The board and management are in the best position to determine the structure for the board. If the board is independent, the Funds will support proposals to increase or decrease the size of the board if the board will be comprised of at least 5 but no more than 20 members. Outside of this range, the Funds will vote against a change in the size of a board of directors.
               l. Limit number of boards served — The board and management are in the best position to determine the structure for the board. The Funds will not support proposals to limit the number of boards a director may serve on.
               m. Term limits — Opponents of term limits sustain that the board and management are in the best position to determine a workable, efficient structure for the board. Furthermore, shareholders may approve or disapprove of certain directors with their vote at annual meetings. The board should be free to identify the individuals who will best serve the shareholders. Supporters of term limits say that limiting the number of years that a director can serve on the board provides a built-in mechanism to force turnover. A structure that specifically limits the period of time a director can serve provides opportunities for recruiting directors with new ideas and perspectives.
     The Funds will not support proposals to institute term limits.

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          B. Executive / Director compensation
               a. Incentive/Stock option plans (establish, amend, add)proponents contend that incentive/stock option plans are designed to attract, hold and motivate management. Shareholders generally favor these plans, as top managers should have a stake in their company that ties compensation to performance. By aligning management’s interests with shareholders toward a goal of increasing shareholder value, better returns usually result.
               Opponents contend that incentive/stock option plans may dilute the shareholders’ claim on profits and assets and may lead to a shift in the balance of voting control. Additionally, easily attainable incentive goals may not provide the necessary incentive for management.
               If the board is independent and if the company has performed well over the previous 3- or 5- year period, the Funds will generally support these plans. However, the Funds will not support plans that permit:
    Dilution in excess of the company’s peer group, unless overall executive compensation levels (including the value of the options) are at or below the peer group; or
 
    Repricing/replacing underwater options
               b. Discounted stock optionsoptions that may be exercised at prices below the stock’s fair market value on the award date. Sometimes called non-qualified options, these options are granted “in-the-money” or immediately exercisable for a profit. The Funds do not support discounted stock options, as they do not give management much incentive to increase share value, while the purpose of granting stock options is to align executives’ interests with those of the shareholders.
               c. Exchange of underwater optionsoptions with an exercise price higher than the market price are considered “underwater” and, needless to say, unattractive. The Funds do not support the exchange of underwater options that result in a financial gain to the participants since other shareholders have no such protection from falling stock prices and since executives would bear no risk if management is willing to bail them out when the stock price falls. The Funds will support the exchange of underwater options that do not result in a financial gain to the participants.
               d. Cap or limit executive and director payThe Funds will not support capping or limiting executive or director pay. Pay flexibility is necessary to motivate and retain top quality executives and align shareholder and management interests.
               e. Link pay to performanceProponents contend that by linking pay to performance management’s interests will be aligned with shareholders. Management with compensation packages containing little volatility or risk may have a goal other than maximizing shareholder wealth. As a result, the Funds will support proposals to link pay to performance. However, the Funds will not support proposals requiring that an excessive portion (75% or more) of equity compensation be performance based.
               f. Golden parachute provisionsprovide severance payments to top executives who are terminated or demoted after a change in control (takeover). They provide some financial security to executives relieving potential anxiety as they negotiate and impartially evaluate future takeover bids. This provision will allow executives to not oppose a merger that might be in the best interests of the shareholders but may cost them their job. Parachutes may also benefit shareholders as they aid in the attraction and retention of managers.
               However, opponents contend the existence of these provisions can discourage takeover attempts, as significant sums may have to be paid to company executives. Executives are already well paid to manage the company and should not have an extra reward. Additionally, shareholder approval is generally not necessary for enactment of this provision.
               Properly conceived, golden parachutes can free management to act in the best interests of shareholders. Often, however, it is clearly an attempt to raise the cost to a third party of acquiring the company. Other criteria for analyzing the actual approval of parachute plans might include necessity, breadth of participation, payout size, sensitivity of triggers and leveraged buyout restrictions. If the board is independent and the company has performed well over the previous 3- or 5-year period, the Funds will support golden parachute provisions.
               g. Executive incentive bonus plans — Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code prohibits companies from deducting more than $1 million in compensation paid to each of the top five executives, unless the compensation is paid under a performance-based, shareholder approved plan. To maintain compliance, these performance-based plans require shareholder approval every five years.

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               Cash bonus plans can be an important part of an executive’s overall pay package, along with stock-based plans tied to long-term total shareholder returns. Over the long term, stock prices are an excellent indicator of management performance. However, other factors, such as economic conditions and investor reaction to the stock market in general, and certain industries in particular, can greatly impact the company’s stock price. As a result, a cash bonus plan can effectively reward individual performance and the achievement of business unit objectives that are independent of short-term market share price fluctuations. Moreover, preservation of the full deductibility of all compensation paid reduces the company’s corporate tax obligation.
               Generally, the Funds will support these performance-based plans. However, if the compensation committee is not 100% independent, the proposal will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
               h. Supplemental executive retirement plans (SERPs) — Supplemental executive retirement plans (SERPs) provide supplemental retirement benefits for executives in excess of IRS compensation limitations. SERPs are unfunded plans and payable out of the company’s general assets. The ability of a company to offer a SERP could affect the company’s ability to compete for qualified senior executives, and could place the company at a competitive disadvantage to its peers..
               Opponents contend that such benefits are unnecessary given the high levels of executive compensation at most companies.
               Generally, the Funds will support SERPs. However, if the compensation committee is not 100% independent, the proposal will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
               i. Shareholder Proposal Regarding Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation — Proponents are urging boards to adopt a policy to allow shareholders an opportunity to vote on an advisory management resolution at each annual meeting to ratify compensation of the named executive officers (NEOs) as set forth in the proxy statement’s summary compensation table. The vote would be non-binding and would not affect any compensation paid or awarded to any NEO.
               If the board is independent, the Funds will support management. All other proposals will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
          C. RIC Contracts and Policies
               a. Investment Advisory Contracts — All proposals regarding new investment advisory contracts or amendments to existing contracts will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Due to the complex and varied nature of these proposals, the principal emphasis will be on the financial ramifications of the proposal for the Funds’ shareholders.
               b. Distribution Plans — All proposals pertaining to a RIC’s distribution plan will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, weighing any proposed additional fees to be paid by shareholders against the potential benefits. The analysis will foremost consider the effects of the proposal on the shareholders.
               c. Fundamental Objectives / Policies — All proposals regarding the fundamental investment objectives or policies of a RIC will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Due to the complex and varied nature of these proposals, the principal emphasis will be on the financial ramifications of the proposal for the shareholders.
          D. Confidential voting — The Funds believe that confidential voting restricts communication between shareholders and management. Additionally, the system of free and open proxy voting protects shareholder interests and ensures that the fiduciary obligations of investment funds are met. These representatives are then fully accountable to their constituents. Confidential voting is also expensive, as voting must be tabulated by a third party before presentation. The Funds will not support confidential voting. Management cannot address shareholder concerns if they cannot identify the dissenting voters. Undue pressure will not be condoned but our concern is that communication might be diminished during a time when shareholders are considering significant issues. Implementing confidential voting is not an acceptable tradeoff for the potential loss of open dialogue.
          E. Supermajority-voting provisions — Proponents contend that a broad agreement should be reached on issues that may have a significant impact on the company. Supermajority vote requirements usually require a level of voting approval in excess of a simple majority of the outstanding shares. Usually this range is from 66% to 80%, but in some cases even higher.

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          Opponents contend that supermajority-voting provisions detract from a simple majority’s power to enforce its will. In many cases, the supermajority requirement will make it impossible to repeal or enact proposals due to the number of votes needed. Matters of corporate policy, a sale of assets or a sale of the entire company should ordinarily only require a majority of shareholders.
          The Funds will support supermajority provisions up to 67%. All situations regarding supermajority-voting provisions larger than 67% will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
          F. Right to call a special meeting — Proponents seek to change company’s bylaws and other appropriate governing documents to allow shareholders of between 10% and 25% of outstanding common stock to call a special meeting. Proponents believe special meetings will allow shareholders to vote on urgent matters that may arise between regularly scheduled meetings.
          Opponents contend that typically company regulations allow for majority shareholders to call special meetings which is a reasonable threshold in order to avoid the expense of unnecessary meetings.
          The Funds will support these proposals if proposed by management and the board is independent. However, if proposed by shareholders, the Funds will support proposals for the right to call a special meeting by shareholders of 30% or greater of outstanding common stock.
          G. Right to Act by Written Consent — Proponents request that the board undertake such steps as may be necessary to permit shareholders to act by written consent of a majority of shares outstanding to the extent permitted by law. Proponents believe that taking action by written consent in lieu of a meeting is a mechanism shareholders can use to raise important matters outside the normal annual meeting cycle.
          Opponents of this proposal believe if implemented it would create confusion because shareholders could receive materials at various points throughout the year requesting action by written consent on a range of issues. Opponents also believe the company could be burdened by frequent, special interest demands that would tie up money and other valuable resources. If proposals requiring immediate attention arise, the board can call a special meeting if deemed necessary.
          If the board is independent, the Funds will support the company’s recommendation regarding the right to act by written consent. Other situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
          H. Anti-takeover proposals — Poison pills, preemptive rights, fair pricing and dual class voting provisions force potential bidders to deal directly with the board of directors. The board’s role is to protect shareholders against unfair and unequal treatment and guard against partial tender offers and other abusive tactics. Fair and equitable offers will not be prevented and will equally benefit all shareholders.
               a. Poison pills (Shareholder rights plans)protect shareholders from coercive and unfair offers. Therefore, all shareholders should receive a better/fairer offer. If the board is independent, the Funds will support poison pills. If the board is not independent, each situation involving poison pills will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
               b. Preemptive rightsenable shareholders to retain the same percentage of ownership during additional stock offerings. This eliminates the effect of dilution on the shareholder. The Funds will support preemptive rights.
               c. Fair pricing provisionsrequire that if offers are not approved by the board, the bidder must pay the same “fair” price for all shares purchased. The fair price is usually defined as the highest price paid by the bidder for shares acquired before the start of the tender offer. This provision attempts to prevent “two-tiered” offers in which the bidder offers a premium for sufficient shares to gain control then offers a much lower price to the remaining holders. The Funds will support fair pricing provisions.
               d. Dual class voting provisionscreate unequal voting rights among different shareholders. These provisions allow companies to raise capital and expand while letting management maintain control without fear of being acquired. However, these provisions enable management to become entrenched, as it is an anti-takeover mechanism. With management controlling the voting power, no one will pay a premium for shares of a company when there is no way for them to obtain voting control of the company. The Funds will not support dual class voting provisions.

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          I. Stock related proposals
               a. Increase authorized common/preferred stockA request for additional shares of stock was, in the past, considered a routine voting item. Companies usually state it is for a specific use, such as a stock split, acquisition or for “general corporate purposes.” However, an abundance of authorized but unissued shares can become an anti-takeover measure, such as implementing a poison pill or placing a large block of stock with a friendly holder to maintain control.
               If the board is independent, the Funds will support increases in common/preferred stock. The authorization will give companies the ability and flexibility to finance corporate growth. If the board is not independent, the Funds will not support increases in common/preferred stock.
               b. Targeted share placementsthe issuance of a specific block of company securities to a friendly shareholder. These placements are often used to defend against an unfriendly takeover or to obtain favorable financing and may be executed using common stock, preferred stock or convertible securities. Targeted share placements are often less expensive to execute than issuing stock, they do not require the high interest rates of traditional debt and a placement can be structured for the benefit of the limited number of parties. Additionally, share placements can be executed fairly quickly and shareholder approval is not required.
               Opponents contend targeted placements give selected shareholders an unfair access to valuable securities while diluting current shareholder’s proportional ownership and voting interests. Additionally, critics contend that not only do targeted share placements serve to entrench management, but also the holder of the share placement may have a senior claim or return from company assets.
               All situations regarding targeted share placements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Since such stock could be used to dilute the ownership rights of current shareholders, shareholders should have the opportunity to analyze the proposal to determine whether it is in their best economic interests.
          J. Mergers, Acquisitions, Restructurings — These transactions involve fundamental changes in the structure and allocation of a company’s assets. Financial considerations are foremost in these transactions but ERISA fiduciaries are not obligated to take an offer if they feel the long-term interests of the Funds, as a shareholder will be best served by the company continuing as is.
          All situations regarding mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Due to the complexity and company-specific nature of these proposals, the principal emphasis will be on the financial ramifications of the proposal.
     5. Other Business — The Funds will support management with respect to “Other Business.”
     6. Adjourn Meeting — The Funds will support management with respect to proposals to adjourn the shareholder meeting.
All other issues will be decided on a case-by-case basis. As with other non-routine proposals, decisions will be based primarily on management and board responsiveness to enhancing shareholder wealth.
Issues requiring analysis on a case-by-case basis will be voted according to the Consultant’s recommendation when the Funds own less than 1% of the company’s outstanding shares and less than $3 million of the company’s market capitalization.
International Funds — Procedures
     1. Voting — The International Funds’ Boards of Trustees have delegated proxy voting to the International Subadvisers. Each International Fund has adopted the proxy voting policies and procedures of its respective subadviser(s). The Manager maintains copies of the International Subadvisers’ policies and will periodically check the voting record for adherence to the policies. If any discrepancies are noted, the Manager will follow up with the International Subadviser.
     2. Conflicts of InterestEach International Subadviser receives from the Manager the list of affiliated persons for each International Fund. Any proxy proposal involving an entity on this list could be considered to represent a conflict of interest between a) the Manager, an International Subadviser, the distributor or any of their affiliates and b) Fund shareholders. If an International Subadviser receives a proxy involving one of these entities, it will notify the Manager and forward all proxy materials for consideration by the applicable Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will decide the Fund’s voting position in consultation with the Manager and the International Subadviser.

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     If an unforeseen conflict pertaining to a particular proxy proposal becomes apparent, the International Subadviser will notify the Manager and forward all proxy materials for consideration by the applicable Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will decide the Fund’s voting position in consultation with the Manager and the International Subadviser.
All Funds — Other Procedures
     1. Recordkeeping — Records of all votes will be maintained by a) the Consultant for the Domestic Funds and b) the International Subadvisers for the International Funds. Documentation of all votes for the Domestic Funds will be maintained by the Manager and the Consultant. Such documentation will include the recommendations of the Subadvisers along with pertinent supporting comments and letters, the Policy, the proxy voting policies and procedures of the International Subadvisers, any and all company reports provided by proxy advisory consulting services, additional information gathered by the Manager, minutes from any meeting at which the Boards of Trustees considered a voting matter, the conclusion and final vote.
     2. Disclosure — The Manager, in conjunction with the Consultant, will compile the Funds’ proxy voting record for each year ended June 30 and file the required information with the SEC via Form N-PX by August 31. The Manager will include a summary of the Policy and/or the proxy voting policies and procedures of the International Subadvisers, as applicable, in each Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). In each Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, the Manager will disclose that a description of the Policy and/or the proxy voting policies and procedures of the International Subadvisers, as applicable, is a) available upon request, without charge, by toll-free telephone request, b) on the Funds’ website (if applicable), and c) on the SEC’s website in the SAI. The SAI and shareholder reports will also disclose that the Funds’ proxy voting record is available by toll-free telephone request (or on the Funds’ website) and on the SEC’s website by way of the Form N-PX. Within three business days of receiving a request, the Manager will send a copy of the policy description or voting record by first-class mail.
     3. Board OversightOn at least an annual basis, the Manager will present a summary of the voting records of the Funds to the Boards of Trustees for their review. The Boards of Trustees will annually consider for approval the Policy and the proxy voting policies and procedures of the International Subadvisers. In addition, the Manager and International Subadvisers will notify the Board of any material changes to the proxy voting policies and procedures.

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APPENDIX B
PROXY VOTING POLICIES — FUND SUB-ADVISORS
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC
Proxy Voting
I. Client Accounts for which Brandywine Global Votes Proxies
Brandywine Global shall vote proxies for each client account for which the client:
  (i)   has specifically authorized Brandywine Global to vote proxies in the applicable investment management agreement or other written instrument; or
 
  (ii)   without specifically authorizing Brandywine Global to vote proxies, has granted general investment discretion to Brandywine Global in the applicable investment management agreement.
Also, Brandywine Global shall vote proxies for any employee benefit plan client subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), unless the investment management agreement specifically reserves the responsibility for voting proxies to the plan trustees or other named fiduciary.
At or prior to inception of each client account, Brandywine Global shall determine whether it has proxy voting authority over such account.
II. General Principles
In exercising discretion to vote proxies for securities held in client accounts, Brandywine Global is guided by general fiduciary principles. Brandywine Global’s goal in voting proxies is to act prudently and solely in the best economic interest of its clients for which it is voting proxies. In furtherance of such goal, Brandywine Global will vote proxies in a manner that Brandywine Global believes will be consistent with efforts to maximize shareholder values. Brandywine Global does not exercise its proxy voting discretion to further policy, political or other issues that have no connection to enhancing the economic value of the client’s investment.
III. How Brandywine Global Votes Proxies
Appendix A sets forth general guidelines considered by Brandywine Global and its portfolio management teams in voting common proxy items.
In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a stated position set forth in Appendix A, Brandywine Global generally votes in accordance with the stated position. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a list of factors set forth in Appendix A that Brandywine Global considers in voting on such issue, Brandywine Global considers those factors and votes on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles described in Section II. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is no stated position or list of factors set forth in Appendix A that Brandywine Global considers in voting on such issue, Brandywine Global votes on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles described in Section II.
The general guidelines set forth in Appendix A are not binding on Brandywine Global and its portfolio management teams, but rather are intended to provide an analytical framework for the review and assessment of common proxy issues. Such guidelines can always be superseded by a portfolio management team based on the team’s assessment of the proxy issue and determination that a vote that is contrary to such general guidelines is in the best economic interests of the client accounts for which the team is responsible. Different portfolio management teams may vote differently on the same issue based on their respective assessments of the proxy issue and determinations as to what is in the best economic interests of client accounts for which they are responsible. In addition, a team may adopt proxy voting policies that supplement these policies and procedures.

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In the case of Taft-Hartley clients, Brandywine Global will comply with a client direction to vote proxies in accordance with Glass Lewis & Co. PVS Proxy Voting Guidelines, which Glass Lewis & Co. represents to be fully consistent with AFL-CIO guidelines.
IV. Use of an Independent Proxy Service Firm
Brandywine Global may contract with an independent proxy service firm to provide Brandywine Global with information and/or recommendations with regard to proxy votes. Any such information and/or recommendations will be made available to Brandywine Global’s portfolio management teams, but Brandywine Global and its portfolio management teams are not required to follow any recommendation furnished by such service provider. The use of an independent proxy service firm to provide proxy voting information and/or recommendations does not relieve Brandywine Global of its responsibility for any proxy votes.
With respect to any independent proxy service firm engaged by Brandywine Global to provide Brandywine Global with information and/or recommendations with regard to proxy votes, Brandywine Global’s Proxy Administrator shall periodically review and assess such firm’s policies, procedures and practices with respect to the disclosure and handling of conflicts of interest as well as obtain an annual certificate from the firm that its conflict procedures have been implemented.
V. Conflict of Interest Procedures
In furtherance of Brandywine Global’s goal to vote proxies in the best interests of clients, Brandywine Global follows procedures designed to identify and address material conflicts that may arise between the interests of Brandywine Global and its employees and those of its clients before voting proxies on behalf of such clients. Conflicts of interest may arise both at the firm level and as a result of an employee’s personal relationships or circumstances.
  (1)   Procedures for Identifying Conflicts of Interest
      Brandywine Global relies on the procedures set forth below to seek to identify conflicts of interest with respect to proxy voting.
  A.   Brandywine Global’s Compliance Department annually requires each Brandywine Global employee, including those involved in proxy voting decisions (“Voting Persons”), to complete a questionnaire designed to elicit information that may reveal potential conflicts between the employee’s interests and those of Brandywine Global clients.
 
  B.   Brandywine Global treats significant client relationships as creating a conflict of interest for Brandywine Global in voting proxies with respect to securities issued by such client or its known affiliates.
 
  C.   As a general matter, Brandywine Global takes the position that relationships between a non-Brandywine Global Legg Mason business unit and an issuer (e.g., investment management relationship between an issuer and a non-Brandywine Global Legg Mason investment adviser affiliate) do not present a conflict of interest for Brandywine Global in voting proxies with respect to such issuer because Brandywine Global operates as an independent business unit from other Legg Mason business units and because of the existence of informational barriers between Brandywine Global and certain other Legg Mason business units.
  (2)   Procedures for Assessing Materiality of Conflicts of Interest
  A.   All potential conflicts of interest identified pursuant to the procedures outlined in Section V.(1)A. must be brought to the attention of the Investment Committee for resolution.
 
  B.   The Investment Committee shall determine whether a conflict of interest is material. A conflict of interest shall be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict is likely to influence, or appear to influence, Brandywine Global’s decision-making in voting the proxy. All materiality determinations will be based on an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. A written record of all materiality determinations made by the Investment Committee shall be maintained.
 
  C.   If it is determined by the Investment Committee that a conflict of interest is not material, Brandywine Global may vote proxies following normal processes notwithstanding the existence of the conflict.

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  (3)   Procedures for Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest
  A.   If it is determined by the Investment Committee that a conflict of interest is material, the Investment Committee shall determine an appropriate method or combination methods to resolve such conflict of interest before the proxy affected by the conflict of interest is voted by Brandywine Global. Such determination shall be based on the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc. Such methods may include:
  (i)   confirming that the proxy will be voted in accordance with a stated position or positions set forth in Appendix A;
 
  (ii)   confirming that the proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of an independent proxy service firm retained by Brandywine Global;
 
  (iii)   in the case of a conflict of interest resulting from a particular employee’s personal relationships or circumstances, removing such employee from the decision-making process with respect to such proxy vote;
 
  (iv)   disclosing the conflict to clients and obtaining their consent before voting;
 
  (v)   suggesting to clients that they engage another party to vote the proxy on their behalf; or
 
  (vi)   such other method as is deemed appropriate given the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc.
  B.   A written record of the method used to resolve a material conflict of interest shall be maintained.
VI. Other Considerations
In certain situations, Brandywine Global may decide not to vote proxies on behalf of a client account for which it has discretionary voting authority because Brandywine Global believes that the expected benefit to the client account of voting shares is outweighed by countervailing considerations (excluding the existence of a potential conflict of interest). Examples of situations in which Brandywine Global may determine not to vote proxies are set forth below.
  (1)   Share Blocking
Proxy voting in certain countries requires “share blocking.” This means that shareholders wishing to vote their proxies must deposit their shares shortly before the date of the meeting (e.g. one week) with a designated depositary. During the blocking period, shares that will be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken place and the shares have been returned to client accounts by the designated depositary. In deciding whether to vote shares subject to share blocking, Brandywine Global will consider and weigh, based on the particular facts and circumstances, the expected benefit to client accounts of voting in relation to the potential detriment to clients of not being able to sell such shares during the applicable period.
  (2)   Securities on Loan
  Certain clients of Brandywine Global, such as an institutional client or a registered investment company for which Brandywine Global acts as a sub-adviser, may engage in securities lending with respect to the securities in their accounts. Brandywine Global typically does not direct or oversee such securities lending activities. To the extent feasible and practical under the circumstances, Brandywine Global may request that the client recall shares that are on loan so that such shares can be voted if Brandywine Global believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting such shares outweighs the detriment to the client of recalling such shares (e.g., foregone income). The ability to timely recall shares for proxy voting purposes typically is not entirely within the control of Brandywine Global and requires the cooperation of the client and its other service providers. Under certain circumstances, the

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  recall of shares in time for such shares to be voted may not be possible due to applicable proxy voting record dates and administrative considerations.
VII. Proxy Voting-Related Disclosures
  (1)   Proxy Voting Independence and Intent
Brandywine Global exercises its proxy voting authority independently of other Legg Mason affiliated investment advisers. Brandywine Global and its employees shall not consult with or enter into any formal or informal agreements with Brandywine Global’s parent, Legg Mason, Inc., any other Legg Mason business unit, or any of their respective officers, directors or employees, regarding the voting of any securities by Brandywine Global on behalf of its clients.
Brandywine Global and its employees must not disclose to any person outside of Brandywine Global, including without limitation another investment management firm (affiliated or unaffiliated) or the issuer of securities that are the subject of the proxy vote, how Brandywine Global intends to vote a proxy without prior approval from Brandywine Global’s Chief Compliance Officer.
If a Brandywine Global employee receives a request to disclose Brandywine Global’s proxy voting intentions to, or is otherwise contacted by, another person outside of Brandywine Global (including an employee of another Legg Mason business unit) in connection with an upcoming proxy voting matter, the employee should immediately notify Brandywine Global’s Chief Compliance Officer.
If a Brandywine Global portfolio manager wants to take a public stance with regards to a proxy, the portfolio manager must consult with and obtain the approval of Brandywine Global’s Chief Compliance Officer before making or issuing a public statement.
  (2)   Disclosure of Proxy Votes and Policy and Procedures
Upon Brandywine Global’s receipt of any oral or written client request for information on how Brandywine Global voted proxies for that client’s account, Brandywine Global must promptly provide the client with such requested information in writing.
Brandywine Global must deliver to each client, for which it has proxy voting authority, no later than the time it accepts such authority, a written summary of this Proxy Voting policy and procedures. This summary must include information on how clients may obtain information about how Brandywine Global has voted proxies for their accounts and must also state that a copy of Brandywine Global’s Proxy Voting policy and procedures is available upon request.
Brandywine Global must create and maintain a record of each written client request for proxy voting information. Such record must be created promptly after receipt of the request and must include the date the request was received, the content of the request, and the date of Brandywine Global’s response. Brandywine Global must also maintain copies of written client requests and copies of all responses to such requests.
VIII. Shareholder Activism and Certain Non-Proxy Voting Matters
In no event shall Brandywine Global’s possession of proxy voting authority obligate it to undertake any shareholder activism on behalf of a client. Brandywine Global may undertake such activism in connection with a proxy or otherwise if and to the extent that Brandywine Global determines that doing so is consistent with applicable general fiduciary principles, provided Brandywine Global has first obtained its Chief Compliance Officer’s approval of the proposed activism.
Absent a specific contrary written agreement with a client, Brandywine Global does not (1) render any advice to, or take any action on behalf of, clients with respect to any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies and shareholder litigation, to which any securities or other investments held in client account, or the issuers thereof, become subject, or (2) initiate or pursue legal proceedings, including without limitation shareholder litigation, on behalf of clients with respect to transactions or securities or other investments held in client accounts, or the issuers thereof. Except as otherwise agreed to in writing with a particular client, the right to take any action with respect to any legal proceeding, including without limitation bankruptcies and shareholder litigation, and the right to initiate or pursue any legal proceedings, including without limitation shareholder litigation, with respect to transactions or securities or other investments held in a client account is expressly reserved to the client.
IX. Recordkeeping

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In addition to all other records required by this Policy and Procedures, Brandywine Global shall maintain the following records relating to proxy voting:
  -   a copy of this Policy and Procedures, including any and all amendments that may be adopted;
 
  -   a copy of each proxy statement that Brandywine Global receives regarding client securities;
 
  -   a record of each vote cast by Brandywine Global on behalf of a client;
 
  -   documentation relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest;
 
  -   any documents created by Brandywine Global that were material to a proxy voting decision or that memorialized the basis for that decision;
 
  -   a copy of each written client request for information on how Brandywine Global voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written response by Brandywine Global to any (written or oral) client request for information on how Brandywine Global voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client; and
 
  -   records showing whether or not Brandywine Global has proxy voting authority for each client account.
All required records shall be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than six years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in an appropriate office of Brandywine Global. Brandywine Global also shall maintain a copy of any proxy voting policies and procedures that were in effect at any time within the last five years.
To the extent that Brandywine Global is authorized to vote proxies for a United States registered investment company, Brandywine Global shall maintain such records as are necessary to allow such fund to comply with its recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure obligations under applicable laws, rules and regulations.
In lieu of keeping copies of proxy statements, Brandywine Global may rely on proxy statements filed on the EDGAR system as well as on third party records of proxy statements if the third party provides an undertaking to provide copies of such proxy statements promptly upon request. Brandywine Global may rely on a third party to make and retain, on Brandywine Global’s behalf, records of votes cast by Brandywine Global on behalf of clients if the third party provides an undertaking to provide a copy of such records promptly upon request.
Proxy Voting Guidelines
Brandywine Global Absolute Value Portfolio Management Team
Proxy Voting Guidelines
Below are proxy voting guidelines that Brandywine Global’s Absolute Value Portfolio Management Team generally follows when voting proxies for securities held in client accounts. The Team may decide to deviate from these guidelines with respect to any one or more particular proxy votes, subject in all cases to the Team’s duty to act solely in the best interest of their client accounts holding the applicable security.
I. Compensation
  A.   We vote for management, director and employee compensation plans and arrangements that we determine are aligned with the company’s long-term goals.
 
  B.   We vote against excessive compensation arrangements, whether in the form of salary, bonus, option/share awards deferred compensation arrangements, change of control provisions, perquisites or in other forms, if we believe such arrangements inappropriately confer advantages to company executives, directors or insiders to the detriment of company shareholders.
II. Governance

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  A.   We vote for plans or other arrangements requiring or encouraging company stock ownership by directors and senior members of company management.
 
  B.   We vote against related-party transactions involving directors, senior members of company management or other company insiders.
 
  C.   We vote against multiple classes of Board of Director members.
 
  D.   Factors we consider in determining whether to vote for persons proposed as directors, including existing directors proposed for re-election include without limitation:
  1.   Whether the person has appropriate business experience and judgment.
 
  2.   Whether the person is likely to effectively represent the interests of shareholders and oversee senior members of company management we vi