485APOS 1 lp1327.htm POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 31 lp1327.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing

 

File Nos. 33-58248

811-7502

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N‑1A

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                                                    [X]

 

            Pre-Effective Amendment No.                                                                                                               [_]

 

            Post-Effective Amendment No. 31                                                                                                         [X]

                                                                                                and/or

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940                             [X]

 

            Amendment No. 31                                                                                                                               [X]

 

(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

 

DREYFUS INTERNATIONAL FUNDS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

c/o The Dreyfus Corporation

200 Park Avenue, New York, New York   10166

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)    (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 922-6000

 

Michael A. Rosenberg, Esq.

200 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10166

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

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

 

                        immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

            -----

 

                        on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)

            -----

                        60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) (1)

            -----

 

              X        on December 30, 2010 pursuant to paragraph (a) (1)

            -----

                        75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) (2)

            -----

                        on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) (2) of Rule 485

            -----

 


 

Dreyfus Brazil Equity Fund


Prospectus 
January , 2011 

 

Class  Ticker 
A  DBZAX 
C  DBZCX 
I  DBZIX 

 

As with all mutual funds the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved 
these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is 
a criminal offense. 

 




Contents   
 
Fund Summary   
Fund Summary  1 
 
Fund Details   
Goal and Approach  4 
Investment Risks  5 
Management  7 
 
Shareholder Guide   
Choosing a Share Class  11 
Buying and Selling Shares  14 
General Policies  17 
Distributions and Taxes  18 
Services for Fund Investors  18 
Financial Highlights  20 
 
For More Information   

 

 

See back cover.



Fund Summary

 

Investment Objective

The fund seeks long-term capital growth.

Fees and Expenses

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 charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in certain funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the Shareholder Guide section on page XX of the Prospectus and in the How to Buy Shares section on page B-XX of the fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)       
  Class A  Class C  Class I 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases       
(as a percentage of offering price)  5.75  none  none 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)       
(as a percentage of lower of purchase or sale price)  none*  1.00  none 
Redemption fee       
(as a percentage of transaction amount; charged only       
when selling shares you have owned for less than 60 days)  2.00  2.00  2.00 

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 
  Class A  Class C  Class I 
Management fees  1.25  1.25  1.25 
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fees  none  .75  none 
Other expenses (including shareholder services fees)  XXX  XXX  XXX 
Total annual fund operating expenses**  XXX  XXX  XXX 
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement  (.XXX)  (.XXX)  (.XXX) 
Total annual fund operating expenses       
(after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement  XXXX  XXXX  XXXXX 

 

*Class A shares bought without an initial sales charge as part of an investment of $1 million or more may be charged a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within one 
year. 
**The Dreyfus Corporation has contractually agreed, until January 1, 2012, to assume the direct expenses of the fund so that the total annual fund operating expenses of none 
of the classes (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder services fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) exceed 
2.25%. 

 

Example

The Example below 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. The one-year example and the first year of the three-, five-and ten-years examples are based on net operating expenses, which reflect the expense waiver/reimbursement by The Dreyfus Corporation. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

  1 Year  3 Years  5 Years  10 Years 
Class A  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX 
Class C  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX 
Class I  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX 

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You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:       
 
  1 Year  3 Years  5 Years  10 Years 
Class A  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX 
Class C  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX 
Class I  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX  $XXX 

 

 

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 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. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was XXX%% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategy

To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies: (i) that have their registered office in Brazil; (ii) whose principal trading market is in Brazil; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets, or that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, in Brazil. The fund’s sub-investment adviser seeks investment opportunities in companies with sustainable earnings, attractive valuations and high dividend yields that indicate the potential for strong sustainable capital growth. The sub-adviser constructs the fund’s portfolio through a combination of quantitative and fundamental bottom-up research, and an understanding of local/regional macroeconomic trends. In selecting securities, the fund’s portfolio managers use a three-step investment process: (1) quantitative analysis, (2) fundamental analysis and (3) portfolio construction.

Principal Risks

An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete investment program. The fund’s share price fluctuates, sometimes dramatically, which means you could lose money.

  • Risks of concentrating investments in Brazil. The fund’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting Brazil. Special risks include exposure to currency fluctuations, less liquidity, less developed or efficient trading markets, lack of comprehensive company information, political instability and differing accounting and legal standards. Because the fund’s investments are concentrated in Brazil, the fund’s performance could be more volatile than that of more geographically diversified funds.
    As an emerging market, the Brazilian market tends to be more volatile than the markets of more mature economies, and generally has a less diverse and less mature economic structure and a less stable political system than those of developed countries. Certain political, economic, legal and currency risks have contributed to a high level of price volatility in the Brazilian equity and currency markets and could adversely affect investments in the fund. Brazil has historically experienced high rates of inflation and may continue to do so. Inflationary pressures may slow the rate of growth of the Brazilian economy and may lead to further government intervention in the economy, which could adversely affect the fund’s investments. Brazil continues to suffer from chronic structural public sector deficits. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in increased volatility in the fund’s share price and sudden and significant investment losses.

  • Foreign currency risk. Investments in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, which will reduce the value of investments denominated in those currencies held by the fund.

  • Risks of stock investing. Stocks generally fluctuate more in value than bonds and may decline significantly over short time periods. There is the chance that stock prices overall will decline because stock markets tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising prices and falling prices. The market value of a stock may decline due to general weakness in the stock market or because of factors that affect the company or its particular industry.

  • Liquidity risk. When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to sell the securities at or near their perceived value. In such a market, the value of such securities and the fund’s share price may fall dramatically. Investments in foreign securities may have greater exposure to liquidity risk than domestic securities.

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  • Non-diversification risk. The fund is non-diversified, which means that the fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, the fund’s performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund.

 

Performance

Since the fund has less than one calendar year of performance, past performance information is not presented.

Portfolio Management

The fund’s investment adviser is The Dreyfus Corporation. The Dreyfus Corporation has engaged its affiliate, BNY Mellon ARX Investimentos Ltda. (BNY Mellon ARX), to serve as the fund’s sub-investment adviser. Rogério Poppe, CFA, and Bruno de Godoy Garcia, CFA, serve as the fund’s co-primary portfolio managers, positions they have held since the fund’s inception. Mr. Poppe is a portfolio manager at BNY Mellon ARX. Mr. Garcia is a partner at BNY Mellon ARX and coordinates a team of equity analysts.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

In general, the fund’s minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $100. You may sell your shares on any business day by calling 1-800-544-4611 (inside the U.S. only) or by visiting www.dreyfus.com. You may also send your request to sell shares to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 55268, Boston MA 02205-5268.

Tax Information

The fund’s distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is through an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plan.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

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

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Fund Details

Goal and Approach

The fund seeks long-term capital growth. This objective may be changed by the fund’s board, upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies: (i) that have their registered office in Brazil; (ii) whose principal trading market is in Brazil; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets, or that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, in Brazil. The fund may invest in the stocks of companies of any size, although it focuses on large and mid-cap companies (generally, with market capitalizations of $2 billion or more at the time of purchase). The fund’s equity investments may include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants, including those purchased in initial public offerings (IPOs) or shortly thereafter. The fund’s equity investments also may include American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), which represent indirect ownership of securities issued by foreign companies.

The fund’s sub-investment adviser, BNY Mellon ARX Investimentos Ltda. (BNY Mellon ARX), seeks investment opportunities in companies with sustainable earnings, attractive valuations and high dividend yields that indicate the potential for strong sustainable capital growth. BNY Mellon ARX constructs the fund’s portfolio through a combination of quantitative and fundamental bottom-up research, and an understanding of local/regional macroeconomic trends. In selecting securities, the fund’s portfolio managers use a three-step investment process:

Step 1: Quantitative Analysis

The portfolio managers use a proprietary quantitative model to identify and analyze approximately 180 stocks listed on the Sao Paulo Stock, Mercantile & Futures Exchange (BM&FBOVESPA), based on several factors, including earnings estimates, growth, beta, dividend yield estimates and liquidity. The portfolio managers generally identify approximately 60 of the most attractive securities screened by the quantitative model.

Step 2: Fundamental Analysis

Based on their assessment of certain qualitative factors, the portfolio managers generally select approx-imately 25 to 40 stocks from the narrowed universe of stocks screened by the quantitative model. As part of this process, the portfolio managers use a discounted cash flow approach to valuing companies. The portfolio managers examine a variety of information sources, including reported company financials and company reports, and, whenever possible, have discussions with company management. BNY Mellon ARX uses various valuation measures, including enterprise value (FV/EBITDA), price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-book (P/BV) and price-to-sales ratios, to assess a company’s business as viewed in the context of macroeconomics and sector and industry trends. The fund’s portfolio managers then select those stocks that demonstrate high dividend yield, the commitment to distributing future earnings and expected growth in future earnings, taking into consideration factors such as liquidity, governance, sector and risk.

Step 3: Portfolio Construction

In the final step, the portfolio managers define exposure limits to each company and sector and weights to each stock selected in step 2. During this phase of the process, the portfolio managers use a quantitative and multi-factor model to seek to achieve portfolio optimization. The model is designed to provide a framework for risk decomposition and performance attribution. There are also liquidity controls in place with a bias toward large and mid-cap stocks. The portfolio managers regularly evaluate the risk profile of the fund’s portfolio and adjust exposure limits as necessary.

BNY Mellon ARX does not use benchmark indices as a tool for active portfolio management. Traditional benchmark indices, however, may be helpful in measuring investment returns, and the fund’s investment returns generally will be compared to those of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) 10/40 Brazil NR Index, an unmanaged index designed to track the performance of stocks traded primarily on the BM&FBOVESPA.

The fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives, such as options, futures and options on futures (including those relating to stocks, indexes, foreign currencies and interest rates), and forward contracts, as a substitute for investing directly in an underlying asset, to increase returns, to manage currency risk, or as part of a hedging strategy. Since the value of the Brazilian currency can fluctuate significantly and potentially result in losses for investors, the portfolio managers may seek to manage currency risk by hedging all or a portion of the fund’s currency exposure and, in their

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discretion, may employ certain techniques designed to alter the fund’s exposure to the Brazilian currency. Generally, this involves buying options, futures or forward contracts relating to currencies. The fund also may engage in short-selling, typically for hedging purposes, such as to limit exposure to a possible market decline in the value of its portfolio securities.

Investment Risks

An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete investment program. The value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, sometimes dramatically, which means you could lose money.

  • Risks of concentrating investments in Brazil. The fund’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting Brazil. Special risks include exposure to currency fluctuations, less liquidity, less developed or efficient trading markets, lack of comprehensive company information, political instability and differing accounting and legal standards. Because the fund’s investments are concentrated in Brazil, the fund’s performance could be more volatile than that of more geographically diversified funds.
    As an emerging market, the Brazilian market tends to be more volatile than the markets of more mature economies, and generally has a less diverse and less mature economic structure and a less stable political system than those of developed countries. Certain political, economic, legal and currency risks have contributed to a high level of price volatility in the Brazilian equity and currency markets and could adversely affect investments in the fund. Brazil is dependent upon commodity prices and international trade and suffers from high inflation rates. Brazil continues to suffer from chronic structural public sector deficits. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization and capital market development, and ethnic and racial disaffection have led to social and labor unrest, and violence. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses.
    The Brazilian government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over the Brazilian economy, which may have significant effects on Brazilian companies and on market conditions and prices of Brazilian securities. The Brazilian government has often changed monetary, taxation, credit, tariff and other policies to influence the core of Brazil’s economy. The Brazilian government’s actions to control inflation and affect other economic policies have often involved, among others, the setting of wage and price controls, blocking access to bank accounts, fluctuation of the base interest rates, imposing exchange controls and limiting imports into Brazil.
    Brazil has historically experienced high rates of inflation and may continue to do so in the future. An increase in prices for commodities, the depreciation of the Brazilian currency (the real) and future government measures seeking to maintain the value of the real in relation to the U.S. dollar may trigger increases in inflation in Brazil and may slow the rate of growth of the Brazilian economy. Inflationary pressures also may limit the ability of certain Brazilian issuers to access foreign financial markets and may lead to further government intervention in the economy, including the introduction of government policies that may adversely affect the overall performance of the Brazilian economy, which in turn could adversely affect the fund’s investments. Furthermore, appreciation of the real relative to the U.S. dollar may lead to the deterioration of Brazil’s current account and balance of payments as well as limit the growth of exports.
    The market for Brazilian securities is influenced by the flow of international capital, and economic and market conditions of certain countries, especially emerging market countries in Central and South America. Adverse economic conditions or developments in other emerging market countries have at times significantly affected the availability of credit in the Brazilian economy and resulted in considerable outflows of funds and declines in the amount of foreign currency invested in Brazil.
    Investments in Brazilian securities may be subject to certain restrictions on foreign investment. Brazilian law provides that whenever a serious imbalance in Brazil’s balance of payments exists or is anticipated, the Brazilian government may impose temporary restrictions on the remittance to foreign investors of the proceeds of their investment in Brazil and on the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currency. The likelihood of such restrictions may be affected by the extent of Brazil’s foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign currency in the foreign exchange markets on the date a payment is due, the size of Brazil’s debt service burden relative to the economy as a whole and political constraints to which Brazil may be subject.

  • Emerging market risk. The securities of issuers located in emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than securities of issuers located in the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries.The securities of issuers located or doing substantial business in emerging markets are often subject to rapid and large changes in price. In particular, emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, present the risk of sudden adverse government or regulatory action and even nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership on

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    prohibitions of repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of emerging market countries may based predominantly on only a few industries and may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potential making prompt liquidation of substantial holdings difficult. Transaction settlement and dividend collection procedures also may be less reliable in emerging markets than in developed markets.
  • Foreign currency risk. Investments in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of hedged positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline relative to the currency being hedged. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. A decline in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar will reduce the value of securities held by the fund and denominated in those currencies. Foreign currencies are also subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls.

  • Risks of stock investing. Stocks generally fluctuate more in value than bonds and may decline significantly over short time periods. There is the chance that stock prices overall will decline because stock markets tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising prices and falling prices. The market value of a stock may decline due to general market conditions that are not related to the particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. A security’s market value also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry, or factors that affect a particular company, such as management performance, financial leverage, and reduced demand for the company's products or services.

  • Liquidity risk. When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to sell the securities at or near their perceived value. In such a market, the value of such securities and the fund’s share price may fall dramatically. Investments in foreign securities may have greater exposure to liquidity risk than domestic securities. Liquidity risk also exists when a particular derivative instrument is difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many privately negotiated derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price.

  • Non-diversification risk. The fund is non-diversified, which means that the fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, the fund’s performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund.

In addition to the principal risks described above, the fund is subject to the following additional risks:

  • Market sector risk. The fund may significantly overweight or underweight certain companies, industries or market sectors, which may cause the fund’s performance to be more or less sensitive to developments affecting those companies, industries or sectors.

  • Large cap stock risk. By focusing on large capitalization stocks, the fund may underperform funds that invest primarily in the stocks of lower quality, smaller capitalization companies during periods when the stocks of such companies are in favor.

  • Small and midsize company risk. Small and midsize companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies.
    The shares of smaller companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the fund’s ability to sell these securities. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or may depend on a limited management group. Some of the fund’s investments will rise and fall based on investor perception rather than economic factors. Other investments are made in anticipation of future products, services or events whose delay or cancellation could cause the stock price to drop.

  • Growth and value stock risk. By investing in a mix of growth and value companies, the fund assumes the risks of both. Investors often expect growth companies to increase their earnings at a certain rate. If these expectations are not met, investors can punish the stocks inordinately, even if earnings do increase. In addition, growth stocks typically lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock prices in market downturns. Value stocks involve the risk that they may never reach their expected market value, either because the market fails to recognize the stock’s intrinsic worth, or the expected value was misgauged. They also may decline in price even though in theory they are already undervalued.

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  • Derivatives risk. A small investment in derivatives could have a potentially large impact on the fund’s performance. The use of derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying assets. Derivatives can be highly volatile, illiquid and difficult to value, and there is the risk that changes in the value of a derivative held by the fund will not correlate with the underlying instruments or the fund’s other investments. Derivative instruments also involve the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the derivative instruments to make required payments or otherwise comply with the derivative instruments’ terms. Certain types of derivatives involve greater risks than the underlying obligations because, in addition to general market risks, they are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. Additionally, some derivatives involve economic leverage, which could increase the volatility of these investments as they may fluctuate in value more than the underlying instrument. The fund may be required to segregate liquid assets in connection with the purchase of derivative instruments.

  • Leverage risk. The use of leverage, such as engaging in reverse repurchase agreements, entering into futures contracts or forward currency contracts, and engaging in forward commitment transactions, may magnify the fund’s gains or losses. Because many derivatives have a leverage component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself.
    Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.

  • IPO risk. Although the fund typically invests in seasoned issuers, it may purchase securities of companies in initial public offerings (IPOs) or shortly thereafter. The prices of securities purchased in IPOs can be very volatile. The effect of IPOs on the fund’s performance depends on a variety of factors, including the number of IPOs the fund invests in relative to the size of the fund and whether and to what extent a security purchased in an IPO appreciates or depreciates in value. As a fund’s asset base increases, IPOs often have a diminished effect on such fund’s performance.

  • Other potential risks. The fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. In connection with such loans, the fund will receive collateral from the borrower equal to at least 100% of the value of loaned securities. If the borrower of the securities fails financially, there could be delays in recovering the loaned securities or exercising rights to the collateral.
    Under adverse market conditions, the fund could invest some or all of its assets in the securities of U.S. issuers, U.S. Treasury securities and money market securities, or hold cash. Although the fund would do this for temporary defensive purposes, it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. During such periods, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
    At times, the fund may engage in short-term trading, which could produce higher transaction costs and taxable distributions and lower the fund’s after-tax performance.

Management

The investment adviser for the fund is The Dreyfus Corporation (Dreyfus), 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages approximately $295 billion in 195 mutual fund portfolios. For the past fiscal year, the fund paid Dreyfus a management fee at the effective annual rate of _____% of the fund’s average daily net assets. A discussion regarding the basis for the board’s approving the fund’s management agreement with Dreyfus is available in the fund’s semi-annual report for the six-month period ended February 28, 2010. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon), a global financial services company focused on helping clients move and manage their financial assets, operating in 34 countries and serving more than 100 markets. BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, providing asset and wealth management, asset servicing, issuer services, and treasury services through a worldwide client-focused team. BNY Mellon has more than $21.8 trillion in assets under custody and administration and $1.0 trillion in assets under management, and it services more than $11.6 trillion in outstanding debt. Additional information is available at www.bnymellon.com.

The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, Dreyfus seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund with a distinct, stable identity.

Dreyfus has engaged its affiliate, BNY Mellon ARX Investimentos Ltda., located at Avenida Borges de Medeiros, 633/4th Floor, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to serve as the fund’s sub-investment adviser. BNY Mellon ARX is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon. As of September 30, 2010, BNY Mellon ARX had approximately $__ billion in assets under management. BNY Mellon ARX, subject to Dreyfus’ supervision and approval, provides investment advisory assistance and research and the day-to-day management of the fund’s investments.

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Rogério Poppe, CFA, and Bruno de Godoy Garcia, CFA, serve as the fund’s co-primary portfolio managers, positions they have held since the fund’s inception. Mr. Poppe joined BNY Mellon ARX (or its predecessor) as a portfolio manager in 2005. Prior thereto, he was a portfolio manager with Banco Itaú, Banco Modal and Opus. Mr. Garcia has been a partner at BNY Mellon ARX (or its predecessor) since 2001 and coordinates a team of equity analysts.

The fund’s SAI provides additional portfolio manager information including compensation, other accounts managed and ownership of fund shares.

MBSC Securities Corporation (MBSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, serves as distributor of the fund and of the other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. Any Rule 12b-1 fees and shareholder services fees are paid to MBSC for financing the sale and distribution of fund shares and for providing shareholder account service and maintenance, respectively. Dreyfus or MBSC may provide cash payments out of its own resources to financial intermediaries that sell shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds or provide other services. Such payments are separate from any sales charges, 12b-1 fees and/or shareholder services fees or other expenses that may be paid by a fund to those intermediaries. Because those payments are not made by fund shareholders or the fund, the fund’s total expense ratio will not be affected by any such payments. These payments may be made to intermediaries, including affiliates, that provide shareholder servicing, sub-administration, recordkeeping and/or sub-transfer agency services, marketing support and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the financial intermediary. Cash compensation also may be paid from Dreyfus’ or MBSC’s own resources to intermediaries for inclusion of a fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list or in other sales programs. These payments sometimes are referred to as “revenue sharing.” From time to time, Dreyfus or MBSC also may provide cash or non-cash compensation to financial intermediaries or their representatives in the form of occasional gifts; occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; support for due diligence trips; educational conference sponsorships; support for recognition programs; and other forms of cash or non-cash compensation permissible under broker-dealer regulations. In some cases, these payments or compensation may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its employees to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Please contact your financial representative for details about any payments they or their firm may receive in connection with the sale of fund shares or the provision of services to the fund.

The fund, Dreyfus, BNY Mellon ARX and MBSC have each adopted a code of ethics that permits its personnel, subject to such code, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund. Each code of ethics restricts the personal securities transactions of employees, and requires portfolio managers and other investment personnel to comply with the code’s preclearance and disclosure procedures. The primary purpose of the respective codes is to ensure that personal trading by employees does not disadvantage any fund managed by Dreyfus or its affiliates.

Performance Information for Related Accounts

The fund’s portfolio managers follow substantially the same investment policies and strategies managing the fund’s assets as they do managing certain discretionary investment management accounts, a Brazilian-domiciled fund, open-end unit trusts established in Europe and offshore private funds that are managed by BNY Mellon ARX (the “Related Accounts”). The tables below show the returns for the Related Accounts and for the MSCI 10/40 Brazil NR Index. The Index information is provided to represent the investment environment existing at the time periods shown. The Index is unmanaged and an investor may not invest directly in the Index. No performance information is shown for the fund, which has less than one calendar year of performance as of the date of this prospectus. Investors should not consider this performance data as an indication of the future performance of the fund or the Related Accounts.

The performance figures for the Related Accounts reflect the deduction of management fees and other expenses paid by the Related Accounts during the periods shown, and not the management fee and other expenses payable by the fund. Information on the fees charged investors in the Related Accounts is available upon request from BNY Mellon ARX. The highest management fee chargeable a Related Account is disclosed in Part II of BNY Mellon ARX’s Form ADV. The Related Accounts are not registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The performance of the Related Accounts could have been adversely affected by the imposition of certain regulatory requirements, restrictions and limitations, if such accounts had been regulated as investment companies under the U.S. federal securities and tax laws. Additionally, although it is anticipated that the fund and the Related Accounts may hold similar securities, their investment results are expected to differ. In particular, differences in asset size and in cash flow resulting from purchases and redemptions of fund shares may result in different security selections, differences in the relative weightings of securities or differences in the price paid for particular fund holdings. The performance information does not reflect the deduction of any applicable sales loads which, if reflected, would reduce the performance quoted. In addition, the fund’s total operating expenses are expected to be higher than those of the Related Accounts; if the fund’s expenses were reflected, the performance shown would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not indicative of future returns, and that the investment return and principal value of an investment will

8



fluctuate, sometimes dramatically, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Historical performance information for the Related Accounts and the MSCI 10/40 Brazil NR Index is shown below. The performance figures for the related Accounts are time-weighted rates of return, which include the deduction of transaction costs and investment management fees. This calculation methodology differs from guidelines of the SEC for calculating performance of mutual funds. All returns are calculated in U.S. dollars and reflect the reinvestment of dividends and other distributions.

Additional information regarding BNY Mellon ARX’s policies and procedures for calculating and reporting performance returns, and a listing and description of all of its composites, is available upon request for financial advisors by calling 1-800-334-6899 and for individual shareholders by calling 1-800-554-4611.

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BNY Mellon ARX Brazil Equity US$ Denominated Composite
Annual total returns for the year ended December 31,

 
 
  Related Accounts  MSCI 10/40 Brazil NR  Number of  Total Composite 
Period  Total Return (%)  Index Total Return (%)*  Portfolios  Assets ($) 
2009  123.06  131.33  7  1,090,190,355 
2008  -46.58  -53.40  6  283,967,337 
2007  70.65  58.51  5  350,958,803 
2006  51.15  43.73  3  70,457,730 
2005  43.24  48.57  3  57,225,929 
2004  53.97  34.18  3  45,584,659 
2003  146.86  129.64  2  9,525,501 
2002  -17.70  -30.78  2  2,190,442 
2001  7.78  -16.75  2  2,705,889 
2000  -1.38  -10.32  2  2,571,352 

 

*Sources of foreign exchange rates may be different between the composite and the Index.       
 
The year-to-date total return of the Related Accounts as of 9/30/10 was  %.   
 
BNY Mellon ARX Brazil Equity US$ Denominated Composite     
  Average annual total returns as of 12/31/09     
 
  1 Year  5 Years    10 Years 
Related Accounts  123.06%  34.51%    30.78% 
MSCI 10/40 Brazil NR Index*  131.33%  29.55%    19.24% 
*Sources of foreign exchange rates may be different between the composite and the Index.       

 

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Shareholder Guide

Choosing a Share Class

The fund is designed primarily for people who are investing through a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or financial adviser, or in a 401(k) or other retirement plan. Third parties with whom you open a fund account may impose policies, limitations and fees that are different from those described in this prospectus. Consult a representative of your financial institution for further information.

This prospectus offers Class A, C and I shares of the fund.

Your financial representative may receive different compensation for selling one class of shares than for selling another class. It is important to remember that any contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) or Rule 12b-1 fees have the same purpose as the front-end sales charge: to compensate the distributor for concessions and expenses it pays to dealers and financial institutions in connection with the sale of fund shares. A CDSC is not charged on fund shares acquired through the reinvestment of fund dividends. Because the Rule 12b-1 fee is paid out of the fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

The different classes of fund shares represent investments in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes are subject to different expenses and will likely have different share prices. When choosing a class, you should consider your investment amount, anticipated holding period, the potential costs over your holding period and whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of the sales charge.

A complete description of these classes follows. You should review these arrangements with your financial representative before determining which class to invest in.

Class A Shares

When you invest in Class A shares, you pay the public offering price, which is the share price, or net asset value (NAV), plus the initial sales charge that may apply to your purchase. The amount of the initial sales charge is based on the size of your investment, as the following table shows. We also describe below how you may reduce or eliminate the initial sales charge (see “Sales charge reductions and waivers”). Class A shares are subject to an annual shareholder services fee of .25%.

Since some of your investment goes to pay an upfront sales charge when you purchase Class A shares, you purchase fewer shares than you would with the same investment in Class C shares. Nevertheless, you are usually better off purchasing Class A shares, rather than Class C shares, and paying an up-front sales charge if you:

  • plan to own the shares for an extended period of time, since the ongoing Rule 12b-1 fees on Class C shares may eventually exceed the cost of the up-front sales charge; and

  • qualify for a reduced or waived sales charge

If you invest $1 million or more (and are not eligible to purchase Class I shares), Class A shares will always be the most advantageous choice.

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  Total Sales Load -- Class A Shares 
  As a % of Offering  As a % of 
Amount of Transaction  Price per Share  Net Asset Value 
Less than $50,000  5.75  6.10 
$50,000 to less than $100,000  4.50  4.71 
$100,000 to less than $250,000  3.50  3.63 
$250,000 to less than $500,000  2.50  2.56 
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000  2.00  2.04 
$1,000,000 or more*  -0-  -0- 

 

*     

No sales charge applies on investments of $1 million or more, but a CDSC of 1% may be imposed on certain redemptions of such shares within one year of the date of purchase

Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers

To receive a reduction or waiver of your initial sales charge, you must let your financial intermediary or the fund know at the time you purchase shares that you qualify for such a reduction or waiver. If you do not let your financial intermediary or the fund know that you are eligible for a reduction or waiver, you may not receive the reduction or waiver to which you are otherwise entitled. In order to receive a reduction or waiver, you may be required to provide your financial intermediary or the fund with evidence of your qualification for the reduction or waiver, such as records regarding shares of certain Dreyfus Funds held in accounts with that financial intermediary and other financial intermediaries. Additional information regarding reductions and waivers of sales loads is available, free of charge, at www.dreyfus.com and in the SAI.

You can reduce your initial sales charge in the following ways:

  • Rights of accumulation. You can count toward the amount of your investment your total account value in all share classes of the fund and certain other Dreyfus Funds that are subject to a sales charge. For example, if you have $1 million invested in shares of certain other Dreyfus Funds that are subject to a sales charge, you can invest in Class A shares of any fund without an initial sales charge. We may terminate or change this privilege at any time on written notice.

  • Letter of intent. You can sign a letter of intent, in which you agree to invest a certain amount (your goal) in the fund and certain other Dreyfus Funds over a 13-month period, and your initial sales charge will be based on your goal. A 90-day back-dated period can also be used to count previous purchases toward your goal. Your goal must be at least $50,000, and your initial investment must be at least $5,000. The sales charge will be adjusted if you do not meet your goal.

  • Combine with family members. You can also count toward the amount of your investment all investments in certain other Dreyfus Funds, in any class of shares that is subject to a sales charge, by your spouse and your children under age 21 (family members), including their rights of accumulation and goals under a letter of intent. Certain other groups may also be permitted to combine purchases for purposes of reducing or eliminating sales charges (see “How to Buy Shares” in the SAI) .

Class A shares may be purchased at NAV without payment of a sales charge by the following individuals and entities:

  • full-time or part-time employees, and their family members, of Dreyfus or any of its affiliates

  • board members of Dreyfus and board members of the Dreyfus Family of Funds

  • full-time employees, and their family members, of financial institutions that have entered into selling agreements with the fund’s distributor

  • “wrap” accounts for the benefit of clients of financial institutions, provided they have entered into an agreement with the fund’s distributor specifying operating policies and standards

  • qualified separate accounts maintained by an insurance company; any state, county or city or instrumentality thereof; charitable organizations investing $50,000 or more in fund shares; and charitable remainder trusts

  • qualified investors who (i) purchase Class A shares directly through the fund’s distributor, and (ii) have, or whose spouse or minor children have, beneficially owned shares of a Dreyfus Fund and continuously maintained an open account with the distributor of that fund since on or before February 28, 2006

  • investors with cash proceeds from the investor’s exercise of employment-related stock options, whether invested in the fund directly or indirectly through an exchange from a Dreyfus money market fund, provided that the proceeds are processed through an entity that has entered into an agreement with the fund’s distributor specifically relating to processing stock options. Upon establishing the account in the fund or the Dreyfus money market fund, the investor

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    and the investor’s spouse or minor children become eligible to purchase Class A shares of the fund at NAV, whether or not they use the proceeds of the employment-related stock options to establish the account
  • members of qualified affinity groups who purchase Class A shares directly through the fund’s distributor, provided that the qualified affinity group has entered into an affinity agreement with the distributor

  • investors who have continuously owned shares of the fund since before the imposition of a sales load

  • employees participating in qualified or non-qualified employee benefit plans

  • shareholders in Dreyfus-sponsored IRA rollover accounts funded with the distribution proceeds from qualified and non-qualified retirement plans or a Dreyfus-sponsored 403(b)(7) plan, provided that, in the case of a qualified or non- qualified retirement plan, the rollover is processed through an entity that has entered into an agreement with the fund’s distributor specifically relating to processing rollovers. Upon establishing the Dreyfus-sponsored IRA rollover account in the fund, the shareholder becomes eligible to make subsequent purchases of Class A shares of the fund at NAV in such account

Class C Shares

Since you pay no initial sales charge, an investment of less than $1 million in Class C shares buys more shares than the same investment would in Class A shares. However, Class C shares are subject to an annual Rule 12b-1 fee of .75% and an annual shareholder services fee of .25%. Over time, the Rule 12b-1 fees may cost you more than paying an initial sales charge on Class A shares. Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1% CDSC.

Because Class A shares will always be a more favorable investment than Class C shares for investments of $1 million or more, the fund will generally not accept a purchase order for Class C shares in the amount of $1 million or more. While the fund will take reasonable steps to prevent investments of $1 million or more in Class C shares, it may not be able to identify such investments made through certain financial intermediaries or omnibus accounts.

Class I Shares

Since you pay no initial sales charge, an investment of less than $1 million in Class I shares buys more shares than the same investment would in a class that charges an initial sales charge. There is also no CDSC imposed on redemptions of Class I shares, and you do not pay any ongoing service or distribution fees.

Class I shares may be purchased by:

  • bank trust departments, trust companies and insurance companies that have entered into agreements with the fund’s distributor to offer Class I shares to their clients

  • institutional investors acting in a fiduciary, advisory, agency, custodial or similar capacity for qualified or non-qualified employee benefit plans, including pension, profit-sharing and other deferred compensation plans, whether established by corporations, partnerships, non-profit entities, trade or labor unions, or state and local governments, and IRAs set up under Simplified Employee Pension Plans that have entered into agreements with the fund’s distributor to offer Class I shares to such plans

  • law firms or attorneys acting as trustees or executors/administrators

  • foundations and endowments that make an initial investment in the fund of at least $1 million

  • sponsors of college savings plans that qualify for tax-exempt treatment under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, that maintain an omnibus account with the fund and do not require shareholder tax reporting or 529 account support responsibilities from the fund’s distributor

  • advisory fee-based accounts offered through financial intermediaries who, depending on the structure of the selected advisory platform, make Class I shares available

CDSC Waivers

The fund’s CDSC on Class A and C shares may be waived in the following cases:

  • permitted exchanges of shares, except if shares acquired by exchange are then redeemed within the period during which a CDSC would apply to the initial shares purchased

  • redemptions made within one year of death or disability of the shareholder

  • redemptions due to receiving required minimum distributions from retirement accounts upon reaching age 70½

  • redemptions made through the fund’s Automatic Withdrawal Plan, if such redemptions do not exceed 12% of the value of the account annually

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redemptions from qualified and non-qualified employee benefit plans

Buying and Selling Shares

Dreyfus generally calculates fund NAVs as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on days the NYSE is open for regular business. Your order will be priced at the next NAV calculated after your order is received in proper form by the fund’s transfer agent or other authorized entity. When calculating NAVs, Dreyfus values equity investments on the basis of market quotations or official closing prices. Dreyfus generally values fixed income investments based on values supplied by an independent pricing service approved by the fund’s board. The pricing service’s procedures are reviewed under the general supervision of the board. If market quotations or prices from a pricing service are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect accurately fair value, the fund may value those investments at fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the fund’s board. Fair value of investments may be determined by the fund’s board, its pricing committee or its valuation committee in good faith using such information as it deems appropriate under the circumstances. Under certain circumstances, the fair value of foreign equity securities will be provided by an independent pricing service. Using fair value to price investments may result in a value that is different from a security’s most recent closing price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their net asset values. Funds that seek tax-exempt income are not recommended for purchase in IRAs or other qualified retirement plans. Foreign securities held by a fund may trade on days when the fund does not calculate its NAV and thus may affect the fund’s NAV on days when investors have no access to the fund.

Investments in certain types of thinly traded securities may provide short-term traders arbitrage opportunities with respect to the fund’s shares. For example, arbitrage opportunities may exist when trading in a portfolio security or securities is halted and does not resume, or the market on which such securities are traded closes before the fund calculates its NAV. If short-term investors of the fund were able to take advantage of these arbitrage opportunities, they could dilute the NAV of fund shares held by long-term investors. Portfolio valuation policies can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that such valuation policies will prevent dilution of the fund’s NAV by short-term traders. While the fund has a policy regarding frequent trading, it too may not be completely effective to prevent short-term NAV arbitrage trading, particularly in regard to omnibus accounts. Please see “Shareholder Guide — General Policies” for further information about the fund’s frequent trading policy.

Orders to buy and sell shares received by an authorized entity (such as a bank, broker-dealer or financial adviser, or 401(k) or other retirement plan that has entered into an agreement with the fund’s distributor) by the close of trading on the NYSE and transmitted to the distributor or its designee by the close of its business day (usually 5:15 p.m. Eastern time) will be based on the NAV determined as of the close of trading on the NYSE that day.

How to Buy Shares

By Mail – Regular Accounts. To open a regular account, complete an application and mail it, together with a check payable to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, to:

The Dreyfus Family of Funds
P.O. Box 55268
Boston, MA 02205-5268
Attn: Institutional Processing

To purchase additional shares in a regular account, mail a check payable to The Dreyfus Family of Funds (with your account number on your check), together with an investment slip, to the above address.

By Mail – IRA Accounts. To open an IRA account or make additional investments in an IRA account, be sure to specify the fund name and the year for which the contribution is being made. When opening a new account include a completed IRA application, and when making additional investments include an investment slip. Make checks payable to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, and mail to:

The Bank of New York Mellon, Custodian
P.O. Box 55552
Boston, MA 02205-5552
Attn: Institutional Processing

Electronic Check or Wire. To purchase shares in a regular or IRA account by wire or electronic check, please call 1-800-554-4611 (inside the U.S. only) for more information.

Dreyfus TeleTransfer. To purchase additional shares in a regular or IRA account by Dreyfus TeleTransfer, which will transfer money from a pre-designated bank account, request the account service on your application. Call 1-800-554-4611 (inside the U.S. only) or visit www.dreyfus.com to request your transaction.

14



Automatically. You may purchase additional shares in a regular or IRA account by selecting one of Dreyfus’ automatic investment services made available to the fund on your account application or service application. See “Services for Fund Investors.” In Person. Visit a Dreyfus Financial Center. Please call us for locations.

The minimum initial and subsequent investment for regular accounts is $1,000 and $100, respectively. The minimum initial investment for IRAs is $750, with no minimum subsequent investment. The minimum initial investment for educational savings accounts is $500, with no minimum subsequent investment. Investments made through Dreyfus TeleTransfer are subject to a $100 minimum and a $150,000 maximum. All investments must be in U.S. dollars. Third-party checks, cash, travelers’ checks or money orders will not be accepted. You may be charged a fee for any check that does not clear.

How to Sell Shares

You may sell (redeem) shares at any time. Your shares will be sold at the next NAV calculated after your order is received in proper form by the fund’s transfer agent or other authorized entity. Any certificates representing fund shares being sold must be returned with your redemption request. Your order will be processed promptly and you will generally receive the proceeds within a week.

To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you request to sell shares we will first sell shares that are not subject to a CDSC, and then those subject to the lowest charge. The CDSC is based on the lesser of the original purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold, and is not charged on fund shares you acquired by reinvesting your fund dividends. As described above in this prospectus, there are certain instances when you may qualify to have the CDSC waived. Consult your financial representative or refer to the SAI for additional details.

Before selling shares recently purchased by check, Dreyfus TeleTransfer or Automatic Asset Builder, please note that:

  • if you send a written request to sell such shares, the fund may delay sending the proceeds for up to eight business days following the purchase of those shares

  • the fund will not process wire, telephone, online or Dreyfus TeleTransfer redemption requests for up to eight business days following the purchase of those shares

By Mail – Regular Accounts. To redeem shares in a regular account by mail, send a letter of instruction that includes your name, your account number, the name of the fund, the share class, the dollar amount to be redeemed and how and where to send the proceeds. Mail your request to:

The Dreyfus Family of Funds
P.O. Box 55268
Boston, MA 02205-5268

By Mail – IRA Accounts. To redeem shares in an IRA account by mail, send a letter of instruction that includes all of the same information for regular accounts and indicate whether the distribution is qualified or premature and whether the 10% TEFRA should be withheld. Mail your request to:

The Bank of New York Mellon, Custodian
P.O. Box 55552
Boston, MA 02205-5552

A signature guarantee is required for some written sell orders. These include:

  • amounts of $10,000 or more on accounts whose address has been changed within the last 30 days

  • requests to send the proceeds to a different payee or address

  • amounts of $100,000 or more

A signature guarantee helps protect against fraud. You can obtain one from most banks or securities dealers, but not from a notary public. For joint accounts, each signature must be guaranteed. Please call to ensure that your signature guarantee will be processed correctly.

Telephone or Online. To sell shares in a regular account, call Dreyfus at 1-800-554-4611 (inside the U.S. only) or visit www.dreyfus.com to request your transaction.

A check will be mailed to your address of record or you may request a wire or electronic check (Dreyfus TeleTransfer). For wires or Dreyfus TeleTransfer, be sure that the fund has your bank account information on file. Proceeds will be wired or sent by electronic check to your bank account.

15



You may request that redemption proceeds be paid by check and mailed to your address of record (maximum $250,000 per day). You may request that redemption proceeds be sent to your bank by wire (minimum $1,000/maximum $20,000 per day) or by Dreyfus TeleTransfer (minimum $500/maximum $20,000 per day). Holders of jointly registered fund or bank accounts may redeem by wire or through Dreyfus TeleTransfer up to $500,000 within any 30-day period.

Automatically. You may sell shares in a regular account by calling 1-800-554-4611 (inside the U.S. only) for instructions on how to establish the Dreyfus Automatic Withdrawal Plan. You may sell shares in an IRA account by calling the above number for instructions on the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.

In Person. Visit a Dreyfus Financial Center. Please call us for locations.

Redemption Fee

Frequent trading can disrupt the fund’s investment program and create additional costs for long term shareholders. For these reasons, the fund assesses a 2% fee on redemptions (including exchanges) of fund shares held for less than 60 days. The redemption fee is paid directly to the fund and is designed to offset brokerage commissions, market impact, and other costs associated with frequent trading.

Subject to the exceptions described below, you will be subject to the fee, whether you are holding shares directly in your name or indirectly through an intermediary, such as a broker, bank, investment adviser, record keeper for retirement plan participants, or any other third party. If you hold your shares through an intermediary’s omnibus account, the intermediary is responsible for imposing the fee and remitting the fee to the fund.

The fund will use the “first-in, first-out” method to determine the holding period for the shares sold. Under this method, shares held the longest will be redeemed or exchanged first. The holding period commences on the day after your purchase order is effective.

The fund will not assess a redemption fee on fund shares (1) redeemed through automatic withdrawal plans or automatic exchange plans; (2) redeemed through certain comprehensive fee programs, such as wrap fee accounts and automated rebalancing or asset allocation programs offered by financial intermediaries (including those sponsored by Dreyfus or its affiliates); (3) acquired by the reinvestment of fund dividends or capital gain distributions; (4) redeemed by the fund (e.g., for failure to meet account minimums or to cover various fees); (5) purchased or redeemed by rollover, transfers and changes of account registration, provided that the investment remains in the fund; (6) purchased by other mutual funds, if approved by the fund; (7) held in accounts in which there are legal or contractual restrictions on the imposition of a redemption fee as determined by the fund in its sole discretion; (8) redeemed as a result of death, disability or a Qualified Domestic Relations Order; (9) redeemed from Coverdell Education Savings Accounts to pay qualified education expenses; (10) redeemed from 529 Plans; and (11) converted from one share class to another in the fund.

In addition, the fund will not impose redemption fees on certain types of retirement plan transactions processed through a participant recordkeeping system supported by Dreyfus or through third party record keepers. These transactions include: (1) redemptions of shares purchased with new contributions to the plan, such as payroll contributions, excess contributions, and loan repayments; (2) shares redeemed for withdrawals and distributions, such as minimum required distributions, systematic withdrawal programs, and lump sum distributions; (3) redemptions by plan participants of investments made on their behalf into Qualified Default Investment Alternatives (“QDIAs”); (4) shares redeemed by participation in automated account rebalancing programs or other systematic participant investment advice programs approved by the plan sponsor; (5) shares purchased or redeemed as a result of plan sponsor decisions, such as changes in investment options and plan termination or merger; (6) shares redeemed for loans, or following a hardship specified in the retirement plan documents; and (7) forfeitures or redemptions in connection with a participant’s termination of employment.

The fund may waive redemption fees for certain retirement plans that have implemented automated processes or other procedures to prevent frequent trading. Such waivers require the written approval of the fund.

The fund reserves the right to withdraw waivers in its sole discretion without notice if the fund determines that an account is engaging in frequent trading or other activities detrimental to the fund.

If you hold your shares through a financial intermediary that does not process your share transactions in an omnibus account, the intermediary is responsible for providing Dreyfus with the information necessary to enable you to receive any redemption fee waivers to which you may be entitled.

While the fund seeks to apply its redemption fee policy to all accounts, the fund cannot assure that all intermediaries will properly assess the fees in omnibus accounts. In addition, due to operational limitations or restrictions, retirement plans and intermediaries that maintain omnibus accounts with the fund may calculate redemption fees differently than the fund. If you are investing in fund shares through an intermediary (or in the case of a retirement plan, your plan

16



sponsor), please contact the intermediary for more information on any differences in how the redemption fee may be applied to your investment in the fund.

General Policies

Unless you decline teleservice privileges on your application, the fund’s transfer agent is authorized to act on telephone or online instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you and reasonably believed by the transfer agent to be genuine. You may be responsible for any fraudulent telephone or online order as long as the fund’s transfer agent takes reasonable measures to confirm that instructions are genuine.

The fund is designed for long-term investors. Frequent purchases, redemptions and exchanges may disrupt portfolio management strategies and harm fund performance by diluting the value of fund shares and increasing brokerage and administrative costs. As a result, Dreyfus and the fund’s board have adopted a policy of discouraging excessive trading, short-term market timing and other abusive trading practices (frequent trading) that could adversely affect the fund or its operations. Dreyfus and the fund will not enter into arrangements with any person or group to permit frequent trading.

The fund also reserves the right to:

  • change or discontinue its exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend the privilege during unusual market conditions

  • change its minimum or maximum investment amounts

  • delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (generally applies only during unusual market conditions or in cases of very large redemptions or excessive trading)

  • “redeem in kind,” or make payments in securities rather than cash, if the amount redeemed is large enough to affect fund operations (for example, if it exceeds 1% of the fund’s assets)

  • refuse any purchase or exchange request, including those from any individual or group who, in Dreyfus’ view, is likely to engage in frequent trading

More than four roundtrips within a rolling 12-month period generally is considered to be frequent trading. A roundtrip consists of an investment that is substantially liquidated within 60 days. Based on the facts and circumstances of the trades, the fund may also view as frequent trading a pattern of investments that are partially liquidated within 60 days.

Transactions made through Automatic Investment Plans, Automatic Withdrawal Plans, Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privileges, automatic non-discretionary rebalancing programs, and minimum required retirement distributions generally are not considered to be frequent trading. For employer-sponsored benefit plans, generally only participant-initiated exchange transactions are subject to the roundtrip limit.

Dreyfus monitors selected transactions to identify frequent trading. When its surveillance systems identify multiple roundtrips, Dreyfus evaluates trading activity in the account for evidence of frequent trading. Dreyfus considers the investor’s trading history in other accounts under common ownership or control, in other Dreyfus Funds and BNY Mellon Funds, and if known, in non-affiliated mutual funds and accounts under common control. These evaluations involve judgments that are inherently subjective, and while Dreyfus seeks to apply the policy and procedures uniformly, it is possible that similar transactions may be treated differently. In all instances, Dreyfus seeks to make these judgments to the best of its abilities in a manner that it believes is consistent with shareholder interests. If Dreyfus concludes the account is likely to engage in frequent trading, Dreyfus may cancel or revoke the purchase or exchange on the following business day. Dreyfus may also temporarily or permanently bar such investor’s future purchases into the fund in lieu of, or in addition to, canceling or revoking the trade. At its discretion, Dreyfus may apply these restrictions across all accounts under common ownership, control or perceived affiliation.

Fund shares often are held through omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries, such as brokers and retirement plan administrators, where the holdings of multiple shareholders, such as all the clients of a particular broker, are aggregated. Dreyfus’ ability to monitor the trading activity of investors whose shares are held in omnibus accounts is limited. However, the agreements between the distributor and financial intermediaries include obligations to comply with the terms of this prospectus and to provide Dreyfus, upon request, with information concerning the trading activity of investors whose shares are held in omnibus accounts. If Dreyfus determines that any such investor has engaged in frequent trading of fund shares, Dreyfus may require the intermediary to restrict or prohibit future purchases or exchanges of fund shares by that investor.

Certain retirement plans and intermediaries that maintain omnibus accounts with the fund may have developed policies designed to control frequent trading that may differ from the fund’s policy. At its sole discretion, the fund may permit such intermediaries to apply their own frequent trading policy. If you are investing in fund shares through an intermediary (or in the case of a retirement plan, your plan sponsor), please contact the intermediary for information on the frequent trading policies applicable to your account.

17



To the extent the fund significantly invests in foreign securities traded on markets that close before the fund calculates its NAV, events that influence the value of these foreign securities may occur after the close of these foreign markets and before the fund calculates its NAV. As a result, certain investors may seek to trade fund shares in an effort to benefit from their understanding of the value of these foreign securities at the time the fund calculates its NAV (referred to as price arbitrage). This type of frequent trading may dilute the value of fund shares held by other shareholders. Dreyfus has adopted procedures designed to adjust closing market prices of foreign equity securities under certain circumstances to reflect what it believes to be their fair value.

To the extent the fund significantly invests in thinly traded securities, certain investors may seek to trade fund shares in an effort to benefit from their understanding of the value of these securities (referred to as price arbitrage). Any such frequent trading strategies may interfere with efficient management of the fund’s portfolio to a greater degree than funds that invest in highly liquid securities, in part because the fund may have difficulty selling these portfolio securities at advantageous times or prices to satisfy large and/or frequent redemption requests. Any successful price arbitrage may also cause dilution in the value of fund shares held by other shareholders.

Although the fund’s frequent trading and fair valuation policies and procedures are designed to discourage market timing and excessive trading, none of these tools alone, nor all of them together, completely eliminates the potential for frequent trading.

Small Account Policy

If your account falls below $500, the fund may ask you to increase your balance. If it is still below $500 after 45 days, the fund may close your account and send you the proceeds.

Distributions and Taxes

The fund earns dividends, interest and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. The fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) to shareholders as capital gain distributions. The fund normally pays dividends and capital gain distributions annually. Fund dividends and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments.

Distributions paid by the fund are subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes (unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account). For federal tax purposes, in general, certain fund distributions, including distributions of short-term capital gains, are taxable to you as ordinary income. Other fund distributions, including dividends from U.S. companies and certain foreign companies and distributions of long-term capital gains, generally are taxable to you as qualified dividends and capital gains, respectively.

High portfolio turnover and more volatile markets can result in significant taxable distributions to shareholders, regardless of whether their shares have increased in value. The tax status of any distribution generally is the same regardless of how long you have been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in cash.

If you buy shares of a fund when the fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you will be “buying a dividend” by paying the full price for the shares and then receiving a portion back in the form of a taxable distribution.

Your sale of shares, including exchanges into other funds, may result in a capital gain or loss for tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment in the fund generally is the difference between the cost of your shares and the amount you receive when you sell them.

The tax status of your distributions will be detailed in your annual tax statement from the fund. Because everyone’s tax situation is unique, please consult your tax adviser before investing.

Services for Fund Investors

Automatic Services

Buying or selling shares automatically is easy with the services described below. With each service, you select a schedule and amount, subject to certain restrictions. If you purchase shares through a third party, the third party may impose different restrictions on these services and privileges, or may not make them available at all. For information, call your financial representative or 1-800-554-4611.

Dreyfus Automatic Asset Builder® permits you to purchase fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of $150,000 per transaction) at regular intervals selected by you. Fund shares are purchased by transferring funds from the bank account designated by you.

18



Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase fund shares (minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically through a payroll deduction.

Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit permits you to purchase fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of $50,000 per transaction) automatically from your federal employment, Social Security or other regular federal government check.

Dreyfus Dividend Sweep permits you to automatically reinvest dividends and distributions from the fund into another Dreyfus Fund (not available for IRAs).

Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege permits you to exchange at regular intervals your fund shares for shares of other Dreyfus Funds.

Dreyfus Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to make withdrawals (minimum of $50) on a monthly or quarterly basis, provided your account balance is at least $5,000. Any CDSC will be waived, as long as the amount of any withdrawal does not exceed on an annual basis 12% of the greater of the account value at the time of the first withdrawal under the plan, or at the time of the subsequent withdrawal.

Exchange Privilege

Generally, you can exchange shares worth $500 or more (no minimum for retirement accounts) into other Dreyfus Funds. You can request your exchange by contacting your financial representative. Be sure to read the current prospectus for any fund into which you are exchanging before investing. Any new account established through an exchange generally will have the same privileges as your original account (as long as they are available). There is currently no fee for exchanges, although you may be charged a sales load when exchanging into any fund that has one. See the SAI for more information regarding exchanges. The fund may deduct a 2% redemption fee if you are selling or exchanging fund shares you have owned for less than 60 days.

Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege

To move money between your bank account and your Dreyfus Fund account with a phone call or online, use the Dreyfus TeleTransfer privilege. You can set up Dreyfus TeleTransfer on your account by providing bank account information and following the instructions on your application, or contacting your financial representative. Shares held in an IRA or Education Savings Account may not be redeemed through the Dreyfus TeleTransfer privilege.

Account Statements

Every Dreyfus Fund investor automatically receives regular account statements. You will also be sent a yearly statement detailing the tax characteristics of any dividends and distributions you have received.

Reinvestment Privilege

Upon written request, you can reinvest up to the number of Class A shares you redeemed within 45 days of selling them at the current share price without any sales charge. If you paid a CDSC, it will be credited back to your account. This privilege may be used only once.

19



Financial Highlights

These financial highlights describe the performance of the fund’s shares for the fiscal periods indicated. “Total return” shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions. These financial highlights have been audited by ______________, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the fund’s financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request.

  For the Period October 1, 2009 
  (commencement of operations) 
    through August 31, 2010   
  Class A  Class C  Class I 
  Shares  Shares  Shares 
Per Share Data ($):       
Net asset value, beginning of period       
Investment Operations:       
Investment income (loss)--net       
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       
Total from Investment Operations       
Proceeds from redemption fees       
Net asset value, end of period       
Total Return (%)       
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):       
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets       
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets       
Portfolio Turnover Rate       
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)       

 

20



NOTES

21



For More Information

Dreyfus Brazil Equity Fund

A series of Dreyfus International Funds, Inc.
SEC file number: 811-7502

More information on this fund is available free upon request, including the following:

Annual/Semiannual Report

Describes the fund’s performance, lists portfolio holdings and contains a letter from the fund’s manager discussing recent market conditions, economic trends and fund strategies that significantly affected the fund’s performance during the last fiscal year. The fund’s most recent annual and semiannual reports are available at www.dreyfus.com.

Statement of Additional Information (SAI)

Provides more details about the fund and its policies. A current SAI is available at www.dreyfus.com and is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SAI is incorporated by reference (is legally considered part of this prospectus).

Portfolio Holdings

Dreyfus funds generally disclose their complete schedule of portfolio holdings monthly with a 30-day lag at www.dreyfus.com under Mutual Fund Center – Dreyfus Mutual Funds – Mutual Fund Total Holdings. Complete holdings as of the end of the calendar quarter are disclosed 15 days after the end of such quarter. Dreyfus money market funds generally disclose their complete schedule of holdings daily. The schedule of holdings for a fund will remain on the website until the fund files its Form N-Q or Form N-CSR for the period that includes the dates of the posted holdings.

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

To obtain information:

By telephone. Call 1-800-554-4611

By mail.
The Dreyfus Family of Funds
144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11556-0144

By E-mail. Send your request to info@dreyfus.com

On the Internet. Certain fund documents can be viewed online or downloaded from:

SEC: http://www.sec.gov

Dreyfus: http://www.dreyfus.com

You can also obtain copies, after paying a duplicating fee, by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (for information, call 1-202-551-8090) or by E-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102.

© 2011 MBSC Securities Corporation
6265P0111



 

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

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

            ------

 


 

 

 

DREYFUS INTERNATIONAL FUNDS, INC.

 

Dreyfus Brazil EQUITY FUND
(CLASS/TICKER:  A/DBZAX, C/DBZCX and I/DBZIX)

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JANUARY ___, 2011

 

This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus, supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus of Dreyfus Brazil Equity Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Dreyfus International Funds, Inc. (the "Company"), dated January ___, 2011 as the Prospectus may be revised from time to time.  To obtain a copy of the Fund's Prospectus, please call your financial adviser or write to the Fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, visit www.dreyfus.com, or call 1-800-554-4611.

                                                                   TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

Description of the Company and Fund

B-2

Management of the Company and Fund

B-24

Management Arrangements

B-33

How to Buy Shares

B-38

Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan

B-44

How to Redeem Shares

B-45

Shareholder Services

B-49

Determination of Net Asset Value

B-54

Dividends, Distributions and Taxes

B-55

Portfolio Transactions

B-58

Summary of the Proxy Voting Policy, Procedures and Guidelines of The Dreyfus Family of Funds

B-62

Information About the Company and Fund

B-64

Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

B-65

Appendix

B-66

 

 


 

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY AND FUND

The Company is a Maryland corporation that commenced operations on June 29, 1993.  The Fund is a separate series of the Company, an open-end management investment company, known as a mutual fund. 

The Dreyfus Corporation (the "Manager" or "Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's investment adviser.  The Manager has engaged its affiliate, BNY Mellon ARX Investimentos Ltda. (the "Sub-Adviser" or "BNY Mellon ARX"), to serve as the Fund's sub-investment adviser and to provide day-to-day management of the Fund's investments, subject to the supervision of the Manager.  The Manager and the Sub-Adviser are referred to collectively as the "Advisers."

MBSC Securities Corporation (the "Distributor") is the distributor of the Fund's shares.

Certain Portfolio Securities

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus.

Foreign Securities.  The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies:  (i) that have their registered office in Brazil; (ii) whose principal trading market is in Brazil; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets, or that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, in Brazil.  Foreign securities include the securities of companies organized under the laws of countries other than the United States and those issued or guaranteed by governments other than the U.S. Government or by foreign supranational entities.  They also include securities of companies whose principal trading market is in a country other than the United States or of companies (including those that are located in the United States or organized under U.S. law) that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from foreign businesses, investments or sales, or that have a majority of their assets outside the United States.  They may be traded on foreign securities exchanges or in the foreign over-the-counter markets.  Supranational entities include international organizations designated or supported by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or development and international banking institutions and related government agencies.  Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank), the European Coal and Steel Community, the Asian Development Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank.

The foreign securities in which the Fund may invest include securities of foreign companies located in emerging market countries, such as Brazil.  In addition, the Fund may purchase participation interests in loans between foreign governments and financial institutions, and interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued or guaranteed by foreign governments.  These include sovereign debt obligations and Brady Bonds described below.  The Fund also may invest in the currencies of such countries and may engage in strategic transactions in the markets of such countries.  See "Investment Techniques."

Depositary Receipts.  The Fund may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts and American Depositary Shares (collectively, "ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Shares (collectively, "GDRs") and other forms of depositary receipts.  These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted.  ADRs are receipts typically issued by a United States bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation.  GDRs are receipts issued outside the United States typically by non-United States banks and trust companies that evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic securities. Generally, ADRs in registered form are designed for use in the United States securities markets and GDRs in bearer form are designed for use outside the United States.

 


 

 

These securities may be purchased through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities.  A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary.  A depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the deposited security.  Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities, and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities.  Purchases or sales of certain ADRs may result, indirectly, in fees being paid to the Depositary Receipts Division of The Bank of New York Mellon, an affiliate of the Advisers, by brokers executing the purchases or sales.

Common and Preferred Stocks.  Stocks represent shares of ownership in a company.  Generally, preferred stock has a specified dividend and ranks after bonds and before common stocks in its claim on income for dividend payments and on assets should the company be liquidated.  After other claims are satisfied, common stockholders participate in company profits on a pro-rata basis; profits may be paid out in dividends or reinvested in the company to help it grow.  Increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock price, so common stocks generally have the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential of all corporate securities.  While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, the Fund may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividend.  Such investments would be made primarily for their capital appreciation potential.  The Fund may purchase trust preferred securities which are preferred stocks issued by a special purpose trust subsidiary backed by subordinated debt of the corporate parent.  These securities typically bear a market rate coupon comparable to interest rates available on debt of a similarly rated company.  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.

Convertible Securities.  Convertible securities may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into underlying shares of common stock.  Convertible securities have characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity securities.  Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock, of the same issuer.  Because of the subordination feature, however, convertible securities typically have lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.

Although to a lesser extent than with fixed-income securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline.  In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock.  A unique feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock.  When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock.  While no securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.

 


 

 

Convertible securities provide for a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks, but there can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations.  A convertible security, in addition to providing fixed income, offers the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock.  There can be no assurance of capital appreciation, however, because securities prices fluctuate.  Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality because of the potential for capital appreciation.

The Fund may invest in so-called "synthetic convertible securities," which are comprised of two or more different securities, each with its own market value, whose investment characteristics, taken together, resemble those of convertible securities.  For example, the Fund may purchase a non-convertible debt security and a warrant or option.  The "market value" of a synthetic convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed income component and its convertible component.  For this reason, the values of a synthetic convertible and a true convertible security may respond differently to market fluctuations.

Warrants.  A warrant is a form of derivative that gives the holder the right to subscribe to a specified amount of the issuing corporation's capital stock at a set price for a specified period of time.  The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in warrants, except that this limitation does not apply to warrants purchased by the Fund that are sold in units with, or attached to, other securities.

Investment Companies.  The Fund may invest in securities issued by registered and unregistered investment companies, including exchange-traded funds described below.  Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), the Fund's investment in such securities, subject to certain exceptions, currently is limited to (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund's total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of the Fund's total assets in the aggregate.  As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses, including advisory fees.  These expenses would be in addition to the advisory fees and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.  The Fund also may invest its uninvested cash reserves or cash it receives as collateral from borrowers of its portfolio securities in connection with the Fund's securities lending program, in shares of one or more money market funds advised by the Manager.  Such investments will not be subject to the limitations described above.  See "Lending Portfolio Securities."

Exchange-Traded Funds.  The Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (collectively, "ETFs"), which are designed to provide investment results corresponding to a securities (or commodities) index.  These may include Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts ("SPDRs"), DIAMONDS, Nasdaq-100 Index Tracking Stock (also referred to as "Nasdaq 100 Shares"), and iShares exchange-traded funds ("iShares"), such as iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund.  ETFs usually are units of beneficial interest in an investment trust or represent undivided ownership interests in a portfolio of securities, in each case with respect to a portfolio of all or substantially all of the component securities of, and in substantially the same weighting as, the relevant benchmark index.  The benchmark indices of SPDRs, DIAMONDS and Nasdaq-100 Shares are the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq-100 Index, respectively.  The benchmark index for iShares varies, generally corresponding to the name of the particular iShares fund.  ETFs are designed to provide investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the component securities (or commodities) of the benchmark index.  ETFs are listed on an exchange and trade in the secondary market on a per-share basis.

 


 

 

The values of ETFs are subject to change as the values of their respective component securities (or commodities) fluctuate according to market volatility.  Investments in ETFs that are designed to correspond to an equity index, for example, involve certain inherent risks generally associated with investments in a broadly based portfolio of common stocks, including the risk that the general level of stock prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value of ETFs invested in by the Fund.  Moreover, the Fund's investments in such ETFs may not exactly match the performance of a direct investment in the respective indices to which they are intended to correspond due to the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or other extraordinary circumstances, such as discrepancies with respect to the weighting of securities.

Corporate Debt Securities.  Corporate debt securities include corporate bonds, debentures, notes and other similar instruments, including certain convertible securities.  Debt securities may be acquired with warrants attached.  Corporate income-producing securities also may include forms of preferred or preference stock.  The rate of interest on a corporate debt security may be fixed, floating or variable, and may vary inversely with respect to a reference rate such as interest rates or other financial indicators.  The rate of return or return of principal on some debt obligations may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies.  Such securities may include those whose principal amount or redemption price is indexed to, and thus varies directly with, changes in the market price of certain commodities.

Sovereign Debt Obligations.  The Fund may invest in sovereign debt obligations.  Investments in sovereign debt obligations involve special risks which are not present in corporate debt obligations.  The foreign issuer of the sovereign debt or the foreign governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default.  During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign debt, and the net asset value of the Fund, to the extent it invests in such securities, may be more volatile than prices of U.S. debt issuers.  In the past, certain foreign countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debt.

A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and local political constraints.  Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt.  The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of third party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts.

Brady Bonds.  The Fund may invest in Brady Bonds.  Brady Bonds are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to public and private entities in certain emerging markets for new bonds in connection with debt restructurings.  In light of the history of defaults of countries issuing Brady Bonds on their commercial bank loans, investments in Brady Bonds may be viewed as speculative.  Brady Bonds may be fully or partially collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies (but primarily in U.S. dollars) and are actively traded in over-the-counter secondary markets.  Brady Bonds with no or limited collateralization of interest or principal payment obligations have increased credit risk, and the holders of such bonds rely on the willingness and ability of the foreign government to make payments in accordance with the terms of such Brady Bonds.  U.S. dollar-denominated collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed-rate bonds or floating-rate bonds, generally are collateralized by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as the Brady Bonds.  The Fund also may invest in one or more classes of securities ("Structured Securities") backed by or representing interests in, Brady Bonds.  The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly-issued Structured Securities to create securities with different investment characteristics such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of the payments made with respect to Structured Securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments.

 


 

 

Participation Interests and Assignments.  The Fund may invest in short-term corporate obligations denominated in U.S. and foreign currencies that are originated, negotiated and structured by a syndicate of lenders ("Co-Lenders"), consisting of commercial banks, thrift institutions, insurance companies, financial companies or other financial institutions one or more of which administers the security on behalf of the syndicate (the "Agent Bank").  Co-Lenders may sell such securities to third parties called "Participants."  The Fund may invest in such securities either by participating as a Co-Lender at origination or by acquiring an interest in the security from a Co-Lender or a Participant (collectively, "participation interests").  Co-Lenders and Participants interposed between the Fund and the corporate borrower (the "Borrower"), together with Agent Banks, are referred herein as "Intermediate Participants."

The Fund also may purchase a participation interest in a portion of the rights of an Intermediate Participant, which would not establish any direct relationship between the Fund and the Borrower.  A participation interest gives the Fund an undivided interest in the security in the proportion that the Fund's participation interest bears to the total principal amount of the security.  These instruments may have fixed, floating or variable rates of interest.  The Fund would be required to rely on the Intermediate Participant that sold the participation interest not only for the enforcement of the Fund's rights against the Borrower but also for the receipt and processing of payments due to the Fund under the security.  Because it may be necessary to assert through an Intermediate Participant such rights as may exist against the Borrower, in the event the Borrower fails to pay principal and interest when due, the Fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would be involved if the Fund would enforce its rights directly against the Borrower.  Moreover, under the terms of a participation interest, the Fund may be regarded as a creditor of the Intermediate Participant (rather than of the Borrower), so that the Fund may also be subject to the risk that the Intermediate Participant may become insolvent.  Similar risks may arise with respect to the Agent Bank if, for example, assets held by the Agent Bank for the benefit of the Fund were determined by the appropriate regulatory authority or court to be subject to the claims of the Agent Bank's creditors.  In such case, the Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment in connection with the participation interest or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.  Further, in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the Borrower, the obligation of the Borrower to repay the loan may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by such Borrower as a result of improper conduct by the Agent Bank or Intermediate Participant.

The Fund also may invest in the underlying loan to the Borrower through an assignment of all or a portion of such loan ("Assignments") from a third party.  When the Fund purchases Assignments from Co-Lenders it will acquire direct rights against the Borrower on the loan.  Because Assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired by the Fund as the purchaser of an Assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning Co-Lender.  The Fund may have difficulty disposing of Assignments because to do so it will have to assign such securities to a third party.  Because there is no established secondary market for such securities, it is anticipated that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors.  The lack of an established secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular Assignments when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the Borrower.  The lack of an established secondary market for Assignments also may make it more difficult for the Fund to assign a value to these securities for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio and calculating its net asset value.

 


 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs").  A REIT is a corporation, or a business trust that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation, which meets the definitional requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").  The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level Federal income tax and making the REIT a pass-through vehicle for Federal income tax purposes.  To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things, invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs) or cash and government securities, derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property, and distribute to shareholders annually a substantial portion of its otherwise taxable income.

REITs are characterized as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs.  Equity REITs, which may include operating or finance companies, own real estate directly and the value of, and income earned by, the REITs depends upon the income of the underlying properties and the rental income they earn.  Equity REITs also can realize capital gains (or losses) by selling properties that have appreciated (or depreciated) in value.  Mortgage REITs can make construction, development or long-term mortgage loans and are sensitive to the credit quality of the borrower.  Mortgage REITs derive their income from interest payments on such loans. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage REITs, generally by holding both ownership interests and mortgage interests in real estate.  The value of securities issued by REITs are affected by tax and regulatory requirements and by perceptions of management skill.  They also are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers or tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status under the Code or to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act.

U.S. Government Securities.  The Fund may invest in U.S. Treasury securities which include Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance.  Treasury Bills have initial maturities of one year or less; Treasury Notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and Treasury Bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years.  In addition to U.S. Treasury securities, the Fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities.  Some obligations issued or guaranteed 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 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.  These securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest.  While the U.S. Government currently provides financial support to such 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.

Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar Investments.  The Fund may invest in Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar instruments.  Eurodollar instruments are bonds of foreign corporate and government issuers that pay interest and principal in U.S. dollars generally held in banks outside the United States, primarily in Europe.  Yankee Dollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated bonds typically issued in the United States by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign banks and corporations.  The Fund may invest in Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit ("ECDs"), Eurodollar Time Deposits ("ETDs") and Yankee Certificates of Deposit ("Yankee CDs").  ECDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by foreign branches of domestic banks; ETDs are U.S. dollar-denominated deposits in a foreign branch of a U.S. bank or in a foreign bank; and Yankee CDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank and held in the United States.  These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, foreign withholding or other taxes, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest.

 


 

 

Variable and Floating Rate Securities.  Variable and floating rate securities provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations.  The terms of such obligations must provide that interest rates are adjusted periodically based upon an interest rate adjustment index as provided in the respective obligations.  The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event based, such as based on a change in the prime rate.

The Fund may invest in floating rate debt instruments ("floaters").  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.  Because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters provide the Fund with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, although the Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well.

The Fund also may invest in inverse floating rate debt instruments ("inverse floaters").  The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed or inversely to a multiple of the applicable index.  An inverse floating rate security may exhibit greater price volatility than a fixed rate obligation of similar credit quality.

Zero Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-up Securities.  The Fund may invest in zero coupon U.S. Treasury securities, which are Treasury Notes and Bonds that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves and receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations and coupons.  Zero coupon securities also are issued by corporations and financial institutions which constitute a proportionate ownership of the issuer's pool of underlying U.S. Treasury securities.  A zero coupon security pays no interest to its holders during its life and is sold at a discount to its face value at maturity.  The Fund may invest in pay-in-kind bonds, which are bonds which generally pay interest through the issuance of additional bonds.  The Fund also may purchase step-up coupon bonds, which are debt securities which typically do not pay interest for a specified period of time and then pay interest at a series of different rates.  The market prices of these securities generally are more volatile and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than the market prices of securities that pay cash interest periodically having similar maturities and credit qualities.  In addition, unlike bonds that pay cash interest throughout the period to maturity, the Fund will realize no cash until the cash payment date unless a portion of such securities are sold and, if the issuer defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment.  Federal income tax law requires the holder of a zero coupon security or of certain pay-in-kind or step-up bonds to accrue income with respect to these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments.  To maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid liability for Federal income taxes, the Fund may be required to distribute such income accrued with respect to these securities and may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.  See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."

 


 

 

Money Market Instruments.  When the Sub-Adviser determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market instruments, including U.S. Government securities, bank obligations, repurchase agreements and commercial paper.  The Fund also may purchase money market instruments when it has cash reserves or in anticipation of taking a market position.

Bank Obligations.  Bank obligations include certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, and fixed time deposits.  Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return.  Bankers' acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are "accepted" by a bank, meaning, in effect, that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity.  Fixed time deposits are bank obligations payable at a stated maturity date and bearing interest at a fixed rate.  Fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties that vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation.  There are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in a fixed time deposit to a third party, although there is no market for such deposits.

Repurchase Agreements.  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with domestic commercial banks or registered broker-dealers.  A repurchase agreement is a contract under which the Fund would acquire a security for a relatively short period subject to the obligation of the seller to repurchase and the Fund to resell such security at a fixed time and price (representing the Fund's cost plus interest).  In the case of repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, the value of the underlying securities (or collateral) will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including the interest factor.  The Fund bears a risk of loss if 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.  This risk includes the risk of procedural costs or delays in addition to a loss on the securities if their value should fall below their repurchase price. 

Commercial Paper.  The Fund may invest in commercial paper.  Commercial paper represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding companies, corporations and finance companies.  Commercial paper may consist of U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of domestic issuers and foreign currency-denominated obligations of domestic or foreign issuers. 

Illiquid Securities.  The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its net assets in securities as to which a liquid trading market does not exist, provided such investments are consistent with the Fund's investment objective.  These securities may include securities that are not readily marketable, such as securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days after notice and certain privately negotiated, non-exchange traded options and securities used to cover such options.  As to these securities, the Fund is subject to a risk that should the Fund desire to sell them when a ready buyer is not available at a price the Fund deems representative of their value, the value of the Fund's net assets could be adversely affected.

Investment Techniques

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus.

 


 

 

Foreign Currency Transactions.  The Fund may invest directly in foreign currencies or hold financial instruments that provide exposure to foreign currencies, or may invest in securities that trade in, or receive revenues in, foreign currencies.  To the extent the Fund invests in foreign currencies, the Fund will be subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar.

The Fund may enter into foreign currency transactions for a variety of purposes, including: to fix in U.S. dollars, between trade and settlement date, the value of a security the Fund has agreed to buy or sell; to hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities the Fund already owns, particularly if it expects a decrease in the value of the currency in which the foreign security is denominated; or to gain or reduce exposure to the foreign currency in an attempt to realize gains.

The Fund also may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts") for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future date.  The cost to the Fund of engaging in forward contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing.  Because forward contracts are usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.  Generally, secondary markets do not exist for forward contracts, with the result that closing transactions can be made for forward contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty to the contract.

Foreign currency transactions may involve, for example, the Fund's purchase of foreign currencies for U.S. dollars or the maintenance of short positions in foreign currencies.  A short position would involve the Fund agreeing to exchange an amount of a currency it did not currently own for another currency at a future date in anticipation of a decline in the value of the currency sold relative to the currency the Fund contracted to receive.  The Fund's success in these transactions may depend on the ability of the Sub-Adviser to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.

Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.  They generally are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or perceived changes in interest rates and other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective.  Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad.

Borrowing Money.  The Fund is permitted to borrow to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, which permits an investment company to borrow in an amount up to 33-1/3% of the value of its total assets.  The Fund, however, currently intends to borrow money only for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes.  While such borrowings exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets, the Fund will not make any additional investments.  The Fund, however, may borrow for investment purposes on a secured basis through entering into reverse repurchase agreements, as described below under "Reverse Repurchase Agreements."

Reverse Repurchase Agreements.  The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with banks, broker/dealers or other financial institutions.  This form of borrowing involves the transfer by the Fund of an underlying debt instrument in return for cash proceeds based on a percentage of the value of the security.  The Fund retains the right to receive interest and principal payments on the security.  At an agreed upon future date, the Fund repurchases the security at principal plus accrued interest.  As a result of these transactions, the Fund is exposed to greater potential fluctuations in the value of its assets and its net asset value per share.  To the extent the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund will segregate permissible liquid assets at least equal to the aggregate amount of its reverse repurchase obligations, plus accrued interest, in certain cases, in accordance with releases promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  The SEC views reverse repurchase transactions as collateralized borrowings by the Fund.  Except for these transactions, the Fund's borrowings generally will be unsecured.

 


 

 

Lending Portfolio Securities.  The Fund may lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to borrow securities to complete certain transactions.  In connection with such loans, the Fund remains the owner of the loaned securities and continues to be entitled to payments in amounts equal to the interest, dividends or other distributions payable on the loaned securities.  The Fund also has the right to terminate a loan at any time.  The Fund may call the loan to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the Fund's investment is to be voted upon.  Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan).  The Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities.  If the collateral consists of a letter of credit or securities, the borrower will pay the Fund a loan premium fee.  If the collateral consists of cash, the Fund will reinvest the cash and pay the borrower a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" from any return earned on the investment.  The Fund may participate in a securities lending program operated by The Bank of New York Mellon, as lending agent (the "Lending Agent").  The Lending Agent will receive a percentage of the total earnings of the Fund derived from lending its portfolio securities.  Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, the Fund may experience delays in recovering the loaned securities or exercising its rights in the collateral.  Loans are made only to borrowers that are deemed by the Manager to be of good financial standing.  In a loan transaction, the Fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities acquired with cash collateral.  The Fund will minimize this risk by limiting the investment of cash collateral to money market funds advised by the Manager, repurchase agreements or other high quality instruments with short maturities.

Derivatives.  The Fund may invest in, or enter into, derivatives for a variety of reasons, including to hedge certain market or currency risks, to provide a substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities or to increase potential returns.  Generally, a derivative is a financial contract whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities and related indexes.  Derivatives may provide a cheaper, quicker or more specifically focused way for the Fund to invest than "traditional" securities would.  Examples of derivative instruments the Fund may use, in addition to forward contracts, include options contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, participatory notes, structured notes, swap agreements and credit derivatives.  The Fund's portfolio managers may decide not to employ any of these strategies and there is no assurance that any derivatives strategy used by the Fund will succeed.

Derivatives can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of risk, depending upon the characteristics of the particular derivative and the portfolio as a whole.  Derivatives permit the Fund to increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which its portfolio is exposed in much the same way as the Fund can increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its portfolio by making investments in specific securities.  However, derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in derivatives could have a large potential impact on the Fund's performance.

If the Fund invests in derivatives at inopportune times or judges market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund's return or result in a loss.  The Fund also could experience losses if its derivatives were poorly correlated with the underlying instruments or the Fund's other investments, or if the Fund were unable to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market.  The market for many derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid.  Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives.

 


 

 

Derivatives may be purchased on established exchanges or through privately negotiated transactions referred to as over-the-counter derivatives.  Exchange-traded derivatives generally are guaranteed by the clearing agency that is the issuer or counterparty to such derivatives.  This guarantee usually is supported by a variation margin payment system operated by the clearing agency in order to reduce overall credit risk.  As a result, unless the clearing agency defaults, there is relatively little counterparty credit risk associated with derivatives purchased on an exchange.  In contrast, no clearing agency guarantees over-the-counter derivatives.  Therefore, each party to an over-the-counter derivative bears the risk that the counterparty will default.  Accordingly, the Sub-Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of counterparties to over-the-counter derivatives in the same manner as it would review the credit quality of a security to be purchased by the Fund.  Over-the-counter derivatives are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives since the other party to the transaction may be the only investor with sufficient understanding of the derivative to be interested in bidding for it.

Some derivatives the Fund may use may involve leverage (e.g., an instrument linked to the value of a securities index may return income calculated as a multiple of the price movement of the underlying index).  This economic leverage will increase the volatility of these instruments as they may increase or decrease in value more quickly than the underlying security, index, futures contract, currency or other economic variable.  Pursuant to regulations and/or published positions of the SEC, the Fund may be required to segregate permissible liquid assets, or engage in other measures approved by the SEC or its staff, to "cover" the Fund's obligations relating to its transactions in derivatives.  For example, in the case of futures contracts or forward contracts that are not contractually required to cash settle, the Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to such contracts' full notional value (generally, the total numerical value of the asset underlying a future or forward contract at the time of valuation) while the positions are open.  With respect to futures contracts or forward contracts that are contractually required to cash settle, however, the Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund's daily marked-to-market net obligation (i.e., the Fund's daily net liability) under the contracts, if any, rather than such contracts' full notional value.  By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures and forward contracts, the Fund may employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts.

Neither the Company nor the Fund will be a commodity pool.  The Company has filed notice with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association of its eligibility as a registered investment company for an exclusion from the definition of commodity pool operator and that neither the Company nor the Fund is subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.

Futures Transactions—In General.  A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a security or commodity for a set price on a future date.  These contracts are traded on exchanges, so that, in most cases, either party can close out its position on the exchange for cash, without delivering the security or commodity.  An option on a futures contract gives the holder of the option the right to buy from or sell to the writer of the option a position in a futures contract at a specified price on or before a specified expiration date. 

Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying securities or commodities, generally these obligations are closed out before delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month).  Closing out a futures contract sale is effected by purchasing a futures contract for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of financial instrument or commodity with the same delivery date.  If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss.  Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss.  Transaction costs also are included in these calculations.

 


 

 

The Fund may enter into futures contracts in U.S. domestic markets or on exchanges located outside the United States.  Foreign markets may offer advantages such as trading opportunities or arbitrage possibilities not available in the United States.  Foreign markets, however, may have greater risk potential than domestic markets.  For example, some foreign exchanges are principal markets so that no common clearing facility exists and an investor may look only to the broker for performance of the contract.  In addition, any profits the Fund might realize in trading could be eliminated by adverse changes in the currency exchange rate, or the Fund could incur losses as a result of those changes.  Transactions on foreign exchanges may include commodities which are traded on domestic exchanges or those which are not.  Unlike trading on domestic commodity exchanges, trading on foreign commodity exchanges is not regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Engaging in these transactions involves risk of loss to the Fund which could adversely affect the value of the Fund's net assets.  Although the Fund intends to purchase or sell futures contracts only if there is an active market for such contracts, no assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular contract at any particular time.  Many futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day.  Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for specified periods during the trading day.  Futures contract prices could move to the limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and potentially subjecting the Fund to substantial losses.

Successful use of futures and options with respect thereto by the Fund also is subject to the Sub-Adviser's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant market and, to the extent the transaction is entered into for hedging purposes, to ascertain the appropriate correlation between the securities being hedged and the price movements of the futures contract.  For example, if the Fund uses futures to hedge against the possibility of a decline in the market value of securities held in its portfolio and the prices of such securities instead increase, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of securities which it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions.  Furthermore, if in such circumstances the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily variation margin requirements.  The Fund may have to sell such securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

Specific Futures Transactions.  The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including those with respect to securities indexes, interest rates and currencies.

The Fund may purchase and sell index futures contracts.  An index future obligates the Fund to pay or receive an amount of cash equal to a fixed dollar amount specified in the futures contract multiplied by the difference between the settlement price of the contract on the contract's last trading day and the value of the index based on the prices of the securities that comprise the index at the opening of trading in such securities on the next business day.

 


 

 

The Fund may purchase and sell currency futures.  A foreign currency future obligates the Fund to purchase or sell an amount of a specific currency at a future date at a specific price.

The Fund may purchase and sell interest rate futures contracts.  An interest rate future obligates the Fund to purchase or sell an amount of a specific debt security at a future date at a specific price.

The Fund may make investments in Eurodollar contracts.  Eurodollar contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts or options thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from time to time.  Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings.  The Fund might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed-income instruments are linked.

Custodial Receipts.  The Fund may purchase custodial receipts representing the right to receive certain future principal and/or interest payments on a basket of securities which underlie the custodial receipts.  A number of different arrangements are possible.  In a typical custodial receipt arrangement, an issuer or a third party owner of securities deposits such securities obligations with a custodian in exchange for custodial receipts.  These custodial receipts typically are sold in private placements and are designed to provide investors with pro rata ownership of a portfolio of underlying securities.

Options—In General.  The Fund may purchase call and put options and write (i.e., sell) covered call and put option contracts.  A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying security or securities at the exercise price at any time during the option period, or at a specific date.  Conversely, a put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying security or securities at the exercise price at any time during the option period, or at a specific date.

A covered call option written by the Fund is a call option with respect to which the Fund owns the underlying security or otherwise covers the transaction such as by segregating permissible liquid assets.  A put option written by the Fund is covered when, among other things, the Fund segregates permissible liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the option to fulfill the obligation undertaken or otherwise covers the transaction.  The principal reason for writing covered call and put options is to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the underlying securities alone.  The Fund receives a premium from writing covered call or put options which it retains whether or not the option is exercised.

There is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a liquid secondary market on a securities exchange will exist for any particular option or at any particular time, and for some options no such secondary market may exist.  A liquid secondary market in an option may cease to exist for a variety of reasons.  In the past, for example, higher than anticipated trading activity or order flow, or other unforeseen events, at times have rendered certain of the clearing facilities inadequate and resulted in the institution of special procedures, such as trading rotations, restrictions on certain types of orders or trading halts or suspensions in one or more options.  There can be no assurance that similar events, or events that may otherwise interfere with the timely execution of customers' orders, will not recur.  In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options.  If, as a covered call option writer, the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise or it otherwise covers its position.

 


 

 

Specific Options Transactions.  The Fund may purchase and sell call and put options in respect of specific securities (or groups or "baskets" of specific securities) equity securities (including convertible securities), U.S. Government securities, foreign sovereign debt, corporate debt securities, and Eurodollar instruments that are traded on U.S. or foreign securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter market, or securities indices, currencies or futures.

An option on an index is similar to an option in respect of specific securities, except that settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index.  Instead, the option holder receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the option is based is greater than in the case of a call, or less than in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option.  Thus, the effectiveness of purchasing or writing index options will depend upon price movements in the level of the index rather than the price of a particular security.

The Fund may purchase and sell call and put options on foreign currency.  These options convey the right to buy or sell the underlying currency at a price which is expected to be lower or higher than the spot price of the currency at the time the option is exercised or expires.

The Fund may purchase cash-settled options on swaps, described below, denominated in U.S. dollars or foreign currency, in pursuit of its investment objective.  A cash-settled option on a swap gives the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, in return for the premium paid, to receive an amount of cash equal to the value of the underlying swap as of the exercise date. 

Successful use by the Fund of options and options on futures will be subject to the Sub-Adviser's ability to predict correctly movements in the prices of individual securities, the relevant securities market generally, foreign currencies or interest rates, as applicable.  To the extent the Sub-Adviser's predictions are incorrect, the Fund may incur losses.

Swap Transactions.  The Fund may engage in swap transactions, including currency swaps, index swaps and interest rate swaps.  The Fund may enter into swaps for both hedging purposes and to seek to increase total return.  The Fund also may enter into options on swap agreements, sometimes called "swaptions."

Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year.  In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments.  The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a "basket" of swaps or securities representing a particular index.  The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is only used as a basis upon which to calculate the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange.  Forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap"; interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified rate, or "floor"; and interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund are cash settled and calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis."  Thus, the Fund's current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement generally will 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 obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the segregation of permissible liquid assets of the Fund.

 


 

 

A swap option is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) in return for payment of a premium, to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms.  A cash-settled option on a swap gives the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid, to receive an amount of cash equal to the value of the underlying swap as of the exercise date.  These options typically are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions, including securities brokerage firms.  Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, the Fund generally will incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swap option than it will incur when it purchases a swap option.  When the Fund purchases a swap option, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised.  However, when the Fund writes a swap option, upon exercise of the option the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement.

Interest rate swaps are over-the-counter contracts in which each party agrees to make a periodic interest payment based on an index or the value of an asset in return for a periodic payment from the other party based on a different index or asset.  The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate floor.  The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index rises above a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap.  Interest rate collars involve selling a cap and purchasing a floor or vice versa to protect the Fund against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

The use of swap agreements is a highly specialized activity which involves strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions.  If the Sub-Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of applicable market factors, or a counterparty defaults, the investment performance of the Fund would diminish compared with what it would have been if these techniques were not used.  In addition, it is possible that developments in the swap market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund's ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

The Fund will enter into swap agreements only when the Sub-Adviser believes it would be in the best interests of the Fund to do so.  In addition, the Fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness (generally, such counterparties would have to be eligible counterparties under the terms of the Fund's repurchase agreement guidelines).

Credit Derivatives.  The Fund may engage in credit derivative transactions, such as those involving default price risk derivatives and market spread derivatives.  Default price risk derivatives are linked to the price of reference securities or loans after a default by the issuer or borrower, respectively.  Market spread derivatives are based on the risk that changes in market factors, such as credit spreads, can cause a decline in the value of a security, loan or index.  There are three basic transactional forms for credit derivatives:  swaps, options and structured instruments.  The use of credit derivatives is a highly specialized activity which involves strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions.  If the portfolio managers are incorrect in their forecasts of default risks, market spreads or other applicable factors, the investment performance of the Fund would diminish compared with what it would have been if these techniques were not used.  Moreover, even if the portfolio managers are correct in their forecasts, there is a risk that a credit derivative position may correlate imperfectly with the price of the asset or liability being hedged.  The risk of loss in a credit derivative transaction varies with the form of the transaction.  For example, if the Fund purchases a default option on a security, and if no default occurs with respect to the security, the Fund's loss is limited to the premium it paid for the default option.  In contrast, if there is a default by the grantor of a default option, the Fund's loss will include both the premium it paid for the option and the decline in value of the underlying security that the default option hedged.

 


 

 

Structured Notes and Other Hybrid Instruments.  Structured notes are derivative securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator, and include indexed securities.  Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile.  They are sometimes referred to as "structured notes" because the terms of the debt instrument may be structured by the issuer of the note and the purchaser of the note.  These notes may be issued by banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and other financial institutions.

A hybrid instrument can combine the characteristics of securities, futures, and options.  For example, the principal amount or interest rate of a hybrid instrument could be tied (positively or negatively) to the price of some currency or securities index or another interest rate (each a "benchmark").  The interest rate or the principal amount payable at maturity of a hybrid security may be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the benchmark.

Hybrids can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment strategies, including currency hedging, duration management, and increased total return.  Hybrids may not bear interest or pay dividends.  The value of a hybrid 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 hybrid.  Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a hybrid could be zero.  Thus, an investment in a hybrid 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 hybrids also exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the hybrids.  These risks may cause significant fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund.

Participatory Notes.  The Fund may invest in participatory notes issued by banks or broker-dealers that are designed to replicate the performance of certain issuers and markets.  Participatory notes are a type of equity-linked derivative which generally are traded over-the-counter.  The performance results of participatory notes will not replicate exactly the performance of the issuers or markets that the notes seek to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses.  Investments in participatory notes involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the shares of the companies the notes seek to replicate.  In addition, participatory notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the broker-dealer or bank that issues the notes will not fulfill its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with the Fund.  Participatory notes constitute general unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them, and the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such banks or broker-dealers and has no rights under a participatory note against the issuers of the stocks underlying such participatory notes.  Participatory notes involve transaction costs.  Participatory notes may be considered illiquid and, therefore, participatory notes considered illiquid will be subject to the Fund's percentage limitation for investments in illiquid securities.

 


 

 

Combined Transactions.  The Fund may enter into multiple transactions (as applicable), including multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple currency transactions (including forward currency contracts), multiple swap transactions and multiple interest rate transactions, structured notes and any combination of futures, options, swaps, currency and interest rate transactions ("component transactions"), instead of a single strategic transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of the Sub-Adviser, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so.  A combined transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions.  Although combined transactions are normally entered into based on the judgment of the Sub-Adviser that the combined strategies will reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.

Future Developments.  The Fund may take advantage of opportunities in options and futures contracts and options on futures contracts and any other derivatives which are not presently contemplated for use by the Fund or which are not currently available but which may be developed, to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with the Fund's investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund.  Before the Fund enters into such transactions or makes any such investment, the Fund will provide appropriate disclosure in its Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information.

Short-Selling.  In these transactions, the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security.  The Fund may make short-sales to hedge positions, for duration and risk management, to maintain portfolio flexibility or to enhance returns.  To complete a short-sale transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer.  The Fund is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it subsequently at the market price at the time of replacement.  The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund, which would result in a loss or gain, respectively.  The Fund also may make short sales "against the box," in which the Fund enters into a short sale of a security it owns or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire at no additional cost at the time of the sale.

Securities will not be sold short if, after effect is given to any such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets.

Until the Fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will: (a) segregate permissible liquid assets in an amount that, together with the amount provided as collateral, always equals the current value of the security sold short; or (b) otherwise cover its short position.

Forward Commitments.  The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment (including "TBA" (to be announced)), when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, which means that delivery and payment take place in the future after the date of the commitment to purchase or sell the securities at a predetermined price and/or yield.  Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered.  When purchasing a security on a forward commitment basis, the Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield fluctuations, and takes such fluctuations into account when determining its net asset value.  Because the Fund is not required to pay for these securities until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with the Fund's other investments.  If the Fund is fully or almost fully invested when forward commitment purchases are outstanding, such purchases may result in a form of leverage.  The Fund would engage in forward commitments to increase its portfolio's financial exposure to the types of securities in which it invests.  Leveraging the portfolio in this manner will increase the Fund's exposure to changes in interest rates and will increase the volatility of its returns.  The Fund will segregate permissible liquid assets at least equal at all times to the amount of the Fund's purchase commitments.

 


 

 

Securities purchased on a forward commitment, when-issued or delayed-delivery basis are subject to changes in value (generally changing in the same way, i.e., appreciating when interest rates decline and depreciating when interest rates rise) based upon the public's perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and changes, real or anticipated, in the level of interest rates.  Securities purchased on a forward commitment, when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may expose the Fund to risks because they may experience such fluctuations prior to their actual delivery.  Purchasing securities on a forward commitment, when-issued or delayed-delivery basis can involve the additional risk that the yield available in the market when the delivery takes place actually may be higher than that obtained in the transaction itself.  Purchasing securities on a forward commitment, when-issued or delayed-delivery basis when the Fund is fully or almost fully invested may result in greater potential fluctuation in the value of the Fund's net assets and its net asset value per share.

Certain Investment Considerations and Risks

Foreign Securities.  Investing in the securities of foreign issuers, as well as instruments that provide investment exposure to foreign securities and markets, involves risks that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of domestic issuers.  Investments in foreign issuers may be affected by changes in currency rates, changes in foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to such investments and in exchange control regulations (e.g., currency blockage).  A decline in the exchange rate of the currency (i.e., weakening of the currency against the U.S. dollar) in which a portfolio security is quoted or denominated relative to the U.S. dollar would reduce the value of the portfolio security.  A change in the value of such foreign currency against the U.S. dollar also will result in a change in the amount of income the Fund has available for distribution.  Because a portion of the Fund's investment income may be received in foreign currencies, the Fund will be required to compute its income in U.S. dollars for distribution to shareholders, and therefore the Fund will absorb the cost of currency fluctuations.  After the Fund has distributed income, subsequent foreign currency losses may result in the Fund having distributed more income in a particular fiscal period than was available from investment income, which could result in a return of capital to shareholders.  In addition, if the exchange rate for the currency in which the Fund receives interest payments declines against the U.S. dollar before such income is distributed as dividends to shareholders, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to enable the Fund to pay such dividends.  Commissions on transactions in foreign securities may be higher than those for similar transactions on domestic stock markets and foreign custodial costs are higher than domestic custodial costs.  In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such procedures have on occasion been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct such transactions.

Foreign securities markets generally are not as developed or efficient as those in the United States.  Securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers.  Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.

Because evidences of ownership of foreign securities usually are held outside the United States, by investing in foreign securities the Fund will be subject to additional risks, which include possible adverse political and economic developments, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and adoption of governmental restrictions that might adversely affect or restrict the payment of principal and interest on the foreign securities to investors located outside the country of the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.  Foreign securities held by the Fund may trade on days when the Fund does not calculate its net asset value and thus may affect the Fund's net asset value on days when shareholders have no access to the Fund.

 


 

 

The risks associated with investing in foreign securities are often heightened for investments in emerging market countries.  These heightened risks include (i) greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, and less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the small size of the markets for securities of emerging market issuers and the currently low or nonexistent volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility; (iii) certain national policies which may restrict the Fund's investment opportunities including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests; and (iv) the absence of developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment and private property.  The Fund's purchase and sale of portfolio securities in certain emerging market countries may be constrained by limitations as to daily changes in the prices of listed securities, periodic trading or settlement volume and/or limitations on aggregate holdings of foreign investors.  In certain cases, such limitations may be computed based upon the aggregate trading by or holdings of the Fund, the Advisers and their affiliates and their respective clients and other service providers.  The Fund may not be able to sell securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume limitations have been reached.  These limitations may have a negative impact on the Fund's performance and may adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund's investment to the extent that it invests in certain emerging market countries.  In addition, some emerging market countries may have fixed or managed currencies which are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar.  Further, certain emerging market countries' currencies may not be internationally traded.  Certain of these currencies have experienced a steady devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar.  If the Fund does not hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities it owns denominated in currencies that are devalued, the Fund's net asset value will be adversely affected.  Many emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years.  Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, adverse effects on the economies and securities markets of certain of these countries.

Since foreign securities often are purchased with and payable in currencies of foreign countries, the value of these assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations.

Securities of foreign issuers that are represented by ADRs or that are listed on a U.S. securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter markets are not subject to many of the special considerations and risks discussed in the Fund's Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information that apply to foreign securities traded and held abroad.  A U.S. dollar investment in ADRs or shares of foreign issuers traded on U.S. exchanges may be impacted differently by currency fluctuations than would an investment made in a foreign currency on a foreign exchange in shares of the same issuer.

Certain political, economic, legal and currency risks have contributed to a high level of price volatility in the Brazilian equity and currency markets and could adversely affect investments in the Fund.  Brazil is dependent upon commodity prices and international trade and suffers from high inflation rates.  Brazil continues to suffer from chronic structural public sector deficits.  Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization and capital market development, and ethnic and racial disaffection have led to social unrest, violence and labor unrest.  Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses.

 


 

 

The Brazilian government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over the Brazilian economy, which may have significant effects on Brazilian companies and on market conditions and prices of Brazilian securities.  The Brazilian economy has been characterized by frequent, and occasionally drastic, intervention by the Brazilian government.  The Brazilian government has often changed monetary, taxation, credit, tariff and other policies to influence the core of Brazil's economy.  The Brazilian government's actions to control inflation and affect other economic policies have often involved, among others, the setting of wage and price controls, blocking access to bank accounts, fluctuation of the base interest rates, imposing exchange controls and limiting imports into Brazil. 

Brazil has historically experienced high rates of inflation and may continue to do so in the future.  An increase in prices for commodities, the depreciation of the Brazilian currency (the real) and future governmental measures seeking to maintain the value of the real in relation to the U.S. dollar, may trigger increases in inflation in Brazil and may slow the rate of growth of the Brazilian economy.  Inflationary pressures also may limit the ability of certain Brazilian issuers to access foreign financial markets and may lead to further government intervention in the economy, including the introduction of government policies that may adversely affect the overall performance of the Brazilian economy, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments.  Furthermore, the depreciation of the real relative to the U.S. dollar could create additional inflationary pressures in Brazil and lead to increases in interest rates, which may negatively affect the Brazilian economy as a whole.  Conversely, appreciation of the real relative to the U.S. dollar may lead to the deterioration of Brazil's current account and balance of payments as well as limit the growth of exports.

The market for Brazilian securities is influenced by the flow of international capital, and economic and market conditions of certain countries, especially emerging market countries in Central and South America.  Adverse economic conditions or developments in other emerging market countries have at times significantly affected the availability of credit in the Brazilian economy and resulted in considerable outflows of funds and declines in the amount of foreign currency invested in Brazil.  Crises in other emerging market countries also may increase investors' risk aversion, which may adversely impact the market value of the securities issued by Brazilian companies, including securities in which the Fund may invest. 

Investments in Brazilian securities may be subject to certain restriction on foreign investment.  Brazilian law provides that whenever a serious imbalance in Brazil's balance of payments exists or is anticipated, the Brazilian government may impose temporary restrictions on the remittance to foreign investors of the proceeds of their investment in Brazil and on the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currency.  The likelihood of such restrictions may be affected by the extent of Brazil's foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign currency in the foreign exchange markets on the date a payment is due, the size of Brazil's debt service burden relative to the economy as a whole and political constraints to which Brazil may be subject. 

Equity Securities.  Equity securities, including common stock, and certain preferred stock, convertible securities and warrants, fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such fluctuations can be pronounced.  Changes in the value of the Fund's investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the Fund's total return to investors.

 


 

 

The Fund may purchase equity securities of small capitalization companies.  The stock prices of these companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than the stocks of larger, more established companies, because these securities typically are traded in lower volume and the issuers typically are more subject to changes in earnings and prospects.  The Fund, together with other investment companies advised by the Advisers and their affiliates, may own significant positions in portfolio companies which, depending on market conditions, may affect adversely the Fund's ability to dispose of some or all of its position should it desire to do so.

The Fund may purchase securities of companies that have no earnings or have experienced losses.  The Fund generally will make these investments based on a belief that actual anticipated products or services will produce future earnings.  If the anticipated event is delayed or does not occur, or if investor perception about the company changes, the company's stock price may decline sharply and its securities may become less liquid.

The Fund may purchase securities of companies in initial public offerings ("IPOs") or shortly thereafter.  An IPO is a corporation's first offering of stock to the public.  Shares are given a market value reflecting expectations for the corporation's future growth.  Special rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") apply to the distribution of IPOs.  Corporations offering IPOs generally have limited operating histories and may involve greater investment risk.  The prices of these companies' securities can be very volatile, rising and falling rapidly, sometimes based solely on investor perceptions rather than economic reasons.

Fixed-Income Securities.  The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in fixed-income securities, including those rated at the time of purchase below investment grade by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") or Fitch Ratings ("Fitch" and together with Moody's and S&P, the "Rating Agencies") or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable quality by the Sub-Adviser.  Even though interest-bearing securities are investments which promise a stable stream of income, the prices of such securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates and, therefore, are subject to the risk of market price fluctuations.  The values of fixed-income securities also may be affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of the issuer.  Fixed-income securities rated below investment grade by the Rating Agencies may be subject to such risks with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher rated fixed-income securities.  Certain securities that may be purchased by the Fund, such as those with interest rates that fluctuate directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield and possibly loss of principal.  The values of fixed-income securities also may be affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of the issuer.  Once the rating of a portfolio security has been changed, the Fund will consider all circumstances deemed relevant in determining whether to continue to hold the security.  See "Appendix A" for a general description of the Rating Agencies' ratings.

Investment Restrictions

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities (or other instruments with similar economic characteristics) of companies:  (i) that have their registered office in Brazil; (ii) whose principal trading market is in Brazil; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets, or that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, in Brazil.  The Fund has adopted a policy to provide its shareholders with at least 60 days' prior notice of any change in its policy to so invest 80% of its assets.  The Fund also has adopted a policy prohibiting it from operating as a fund-of-funds in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.

 


 

 

The Fund has adopted investment restrictions numbered 1 through 7 as fundamental policies, which cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares.  Investment restrictions numbered 8 through 12 are not fundamental policies and may be changed by a vote of a majority of the Company's Board members at any time.  Except as described below or as otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by, or exemptive or other relief from, the SEC or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, and disclosed to investors, the Fund may not:

1.                  Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or as otherwise permitted by the SEC.

2.                  Invest in physical commodities or physical commodities contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those related to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices and enter into swap agreements and other derivative instruments.

3.                  Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, or oil, gas or other mineral leases or exploration or development programs, but the Fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or issued by companies that invest or deal in real estate or real estate investment trusts and may acquire and hold real estate or interests therein through exercising rights or remedies with regard to such securities.

4.                  Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (which currently limits borrowing to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets).

5.                  Lend any securities or make loans to others, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (which currently limits such loans to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets).  For purposes of this Investment Restriction, the purchase of debt obligations (including acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments) and the entry into repurchase agreements shall not constitute loans by the Fund.  Any loans of portfolio securities will be made according to guidelines established by the SEC and the Company's Board.

6.                  Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the extent the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities.

7.                  Issue any senior security (as such term is defined in Section 18(f) of the 1940 Act), except insofar as the Fund may be deemed to have issued a senior security by reason of borrowing money in accordance with the Fund's borrowing policies.  For purposes of this Investment Restriction, collateral, escrow, or margin or other deposits with respect to the making of short sales, the purchase or sale of futures contracts or options, purchase or sale of forward foreign currency contracts, and the writing of options on securities are not deemed to be an issuance of senior security.

 


 

 

8.                  Purchase securities on margin, except for use of short-term credit necessary for clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities, but the Fund may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options, forward contracts, futures contracts, and options on futures contracts, and except that effecting short sales will be deemed not to constitute a margin purchase for purposes of this Investment Restriction.

9.                  Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of exercising management or control, but the Fund will vote the securities it owns in its portfolio as a shareholder in accordance with its views.

10.              Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days after notice or purchase securities that are illiquid, if, in the aggregate, more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets would be so invested.

11.              Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act.

12.              Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the purchase of securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed-delivery basis and the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call options and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to permitted transactions.

If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a later change in percentage resulting from a change in values or assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction.  With respect to Investment Restriction No. 4, however, if borrowings exceed 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets as a result of changes in values or assets, the Fund must take steps to reduce such borrowings at least to the extent of such excess.

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY AND FUND

Board of the Company

 

Board's Oversight Role in Management.  The Board's role in management of the Company is oversight.  As is the case with virtually all investment companies (as distinguished from operating companies), service providers to the Company, primarily the Manager and its affiliates, have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund, which includes responsibility for risk management (including management of investment performance and investment risk, valuation risk, issuer and counterparty credit risk, compliance risk and operational risk).  As part of its oversight, the Board, acting at its scheduled meetings, or the Chairman, acting between Board meetings, regularly interacts with and receives reports from senior personnel of service providers, including the Manager's Chief Investment Officer (or a senior representative of his office), the Company's and the Manager's Chief Compliance Officer and portfolio management personnel.  The Board's audit committee (which consists of all Board members) meets during its scheduled meetings, and between meetings the audit committee chair maintains contact, with the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and the Company's Chief Financial Officer.  The Board also receives periodic presentations from senior personnel of the Manager or its affiliates regarding risk management generally, as well as periodic presentations regarding specific operational, compliance or investment areas, such as business continuity, anti-money laundering, personal trading, valuation, credit, investment research and securities lending.  The Board has adopted policies and procedures designed to address certain risks to the Fund.  In addition, the Manager and other service providers to the Fund have adopted a variety of policies, procedures and controls designed to address particular risks to the Fund.  Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks.  However, it is not possible to eliminate all of the risks applicable to the Fund.  The Board also receives reports from counsel to the Manager and the Board's own independent legal counsel regarding regulatory compliance and governance matters.  The Board's oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Fund's investments or activities.

 


 

 

 

Board Composition and Leadership Structure.  The 1940 Act requires that at least 40% of the Company's Board members not be "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and and as such are not affiliated with the Manager ("Independent Board members").  To rely on certain exemptive rules under the 1940 Act, a majority of the Company's Board members must be Independent Board members, and for certain important matters, such as the approval of investment advisory agreements or transactions with affiliates, the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder require the approval of a majority of the Independent Board members.  Currently, all of the Company's Board members, including the Chairman of the Board, are Independent Board members, although the Board could in the future determine to add Board members who are not Independent Board members.  The Board has determined that its leadership structure, in which the Chairman of the Board is not affiliated with the Manager, is appropriate in light of the services that the Manager and its affiliates provide to the Company and potential conflicts of interest that could arise from these relationships.

Information About Each Board Member's Experience, Qualifications, Attributes or Skills.  Board members of the Company, together with information as to their positions with the Company, principal occupations and other board memberships for the past five years, are shown below.

 


 

 

Name (Age)
Position with Company (Since)

Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years

Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years

Joseph S. DiMartino (66)
Chairman of the Board
(1995)

Corporate Director and Trustee

CBIZ (formerly, Century Business Services, Inc.), a provider of outsourcing functions for small and medium size companies, Director

(1997 - present)

 

The Newark Group, a provider of a national market of paper recovery facilities, paperboard mills and paperboard converting plants, Director (2000 - present)

 

Sunair Services Corporation, a provider of certain outdoor-related services to homes and businesses, Director (2005 - 2009)

 

 

 

Peggy C. Davis (67)
Board Member
(2006)

Shad Professor of Law, New York University School of Law

 

Writer and teacher in the fields of evidence, constitutional theory, family law, social sciences and the law, legal process and professional methodology and training

N/A

 

 

 

David P. Feldman (70)
Board Member
(1994)

Corporate Director and Trustee

BBH Mutual Funds Group (4 registered mutual funds), Director (1992 - present)

 

QMed, Inc., a healthcare company, Director (1999 - 2007)

 

 

 

James F. Henry (79)
Board Member
(1971)

Director, advisor and mediator involved in several non-profit organizations, primarily engaged in domestic and international dispute resolution, and historic preservation

N/A

 

 

 

Ehud Houminer (70)
Board Member
(2006)

Executive-in-Residence at the Columbia Business School, Columbia University 

Avnet, Inc., an electronics distributor, Director
(1993 - present)

 

Dr. Martin Peretz (71)
Board Member
(1971)

Editor-in-Chief of The New Republic Magazine (1974 - present)

 

Director of TheStreet.com, a financial information service on the web

  (1996 - present)

N/A

 


 

 

 

Each Board member has been a Board member of other Dreyfus mutual funds for over ten years.  Additional information about each Board member follows (supplementing the information provided in the table above) that describes some of the specific experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills that each Board member possesses which the Board believes has prepared them to be effective Board members.  The Board believes that the significance of each Board member's experience, qualifications, attributes or skills is an individual matter (meaning that experience that is important for one Board member may not have the same value for another) and that these factors are best evaluated at the board level, with no single Board member, or particular factor, being indicative of board effectiveness.  However, the Board believes that Board members need to have the ability to critically review, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, and to interact effectively with Fund management, service providers and counsel, in order to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties; the Board believes that its members satisfy this standard.  Experience relevant to having this ability may be achieved through a Board member's educational background; business, professional training or practice (e.g., medicine, accounting or law), public service or academic positions; experience from service as a board member (including the Board of the Fund) or as an executive of investment funds, public companies or significant private or not-for-profit entities or other organizations; and/or other life experiences.  The charter for the Board's Nominating Committee contains certain other factors considered by the Committee in identifying and evaluating potential Board member nominees.  To assist them in evaluating matters under federal and state law, the Board members are counseled by their own independent legal counsel, who participates in Board meetings and interacts with the Manager, and also may benefit from information provided by the Manager's counsel; counsel to the Fund and to the Board have significant experience advising funds and fund board members.  The Board and its committees have the ability to engage other experts as appropriate.  The Board evaluates its performance on an annual basis.

·         Joseph S. DiMartino - Mr. DiMartino has been the Chairman of the Board of the funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for over 15 years.  From 1971 through 1994, Mr. DiMartino served in various roles as an employee of Dreyfus (prior to its acquisition by a predecessor of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation ("BNY Mellon") in August 1994 and related management changes), including portfolio manager, President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director.  He ceased being an employee or Director of Dreyfus by the end of 1994.  From July 1995 to November 1997, Mr. DiMartino served as Chairman of the Board of The Noel Group, a public buyout firm; in that capacity, he helped manage, acquire, take public and liquidate a number of operating companies.  Mr. DiMartino was a Director of The Muscular Dystrophy Association from 1986 to July 2010.

 


 

 

 

·         Peggy C. Davis – Ms. Davis currently serves as the John S. R. Shad Professor of Lawyering and Ethics at New York University School of Law.  Prior to joining the university's faculty in 1983, Ms. Davis served as a Judge of the Family Court of the State of New York.  Before her appointment to the bench, she practiced law for ten years in both the commercial and public interest sectors.  Ms. Davis has also served as Chair of the Board of the Russell Sage Foundation.

 

·         David P. Feldman – Mr. Feldman is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Investment Management Corp., from which he retired in 1997, where he was responsible for $70 billion in pension assets.  Mr. Feldman has served as Chairman of the Financial Executives Institute's Committee on Investment of Employee Benefits Assets. Mr. Feldman currently serves as a member of the Pension Managers Advisory Committee of the New York Stock Exchange Inc.

 

·         James F. Henry – Mr. Henry is the former President of The International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, a non-profit organization principally engaged in the development of alternatives to business litigation.  He also serves as an Advisor to the Elaw Forum, which provides consulting services with respect to managing corporate legal costs, and as an Advisor to John Jay Homestead (the restored home of the first U.S. Chief Justice). 

 

·         Ehud Houminer - Mr. Houminer currently serves on Columbia Business School's Board of Overseers.  Prior to his association with Columbia Business School beginning in 1991, Mr. Houminer held various senior financial, strategic and management positions at Philip Morris Companies Inc., including serving as Senior Corporate Vice President for Corporate Planning, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Philip Morris USA, Inc. (now part of Altria Group, Inc.).  Mr. Houminer is Chairman of the Business School Board and a Trustee of Ben Gurion University. 

 

·         Dr. Martin Peretz – Dr. Peretz has been the editor-in-chief of The New Republic since 1974.  Dr. Peretz is also the co-founder and a director of TheStreet.com.  Previously, Dr. Peretz was a member of the faculty of Harvard University from 1966 through 2002.  He currently serves on the boards of a number of significant non-profit organizations.

 

Additional Information About the Board and its Committees. Board members are elected to serve for an indefinite term.  The Company has standing audit, nominating and compensation committees, each comprised of its Board members who are not "interested persons" of the Company, as defined in the 1940 Act.  The function of the audit committee is (i) to oversee the Company's accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the Fund's financial statements and (ii) to assist in the Board's oversight of the integrity of the Fund's financial statements, the Fund's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the independent  registered public accounting firm's qualifications, independence and performance.  The Company's nominating committee is responsible for selecting and nominating persons as members of the Board for election or appointment by the Board and for election by shareholders.  In evaluating potential nominees, including any nominees recommended by shareholders, the committee takes into consideration various factors listed in the nominating committee charter, including character and integrity, business and professional experience, and whether the committee believes the person has the ability to apply sound and independent business judgment and would act in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders.  The nominating committee will consider recommendations for nominees from shareholders submitted to the Secretary of the Company, c/o The Dreyfus Corporation Legal Department, 200 Park Avenue, 8th Floor East, New York, New York 10166, which includes information regarding the recommended nominee as specified in the nominating committee charter.  The function of the compensation committee is to establish the appropriate compensation for serving on the Board.  The Company also has a standing pricing committee comprised of any one Board member.  The function of the pricing committee is to assist in valuing the Fund's investments. 

 


 

 

The table below indicates the dollar range of each Board member's ownership of shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which he or she is a Board member, in each case as of December 31, 2009.  As the Fund had not commenced offering its shares prior to the date of this Statement of Additional Information, no Fund shares were owned by any Board members.

Name of Board Member

Aggregate Holdings of Funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which Responsible as a Board Member

Joseph S. DiMartino

Over $100,000

Peggy C. Davis

$10,001 - $50,000

David P. Feldman

Over $100,000

James F. Henry

Over $100,000

Ehud Houminer

Over $100,000

Dr. Martin Peretz

$10,001 - $50,000

 

As of December 31, 2009, none of the Board members or their immediate family members owned securities of the Manager, the Sub-Adviser, the Distributor or any person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Manager, the Sub-Adviser or the Distributor.

The Company and ten other funds (comprised of 33 portfolios) in the Dreyfus Family of Funds pay each Board member their respective allocated portion of an annual retainer of $85,000, and a fee of $10,000 for each regularly scheduled Board meeting attended, $2,000 for separate in-person committee meetings attended which are not held in conjunction with a regularly scheduled Board meeting and $1,000 for Board meetings and separate committee meetings attended that are conducted by telephone.  The Chairman of the Board receives an additional 25% of such compensation and the audit committee chairman receives an additional $15,000 per annum.  The Company also reimburses each Board member for travel and out of pocket expenses in connection with attending Board or committee meetings.  Each Emeritus Board member is entitled to receive an annual retainer of one-half the amount paid as a retainer at the time the Board member became Emeritus and a per meeting attended fee of one-half the amount paid to Board members.  The aggregate amount of compensation paid to each Board member by the Company for the Fund's fiscal year ending August 31, 2010 is, and the amount paid to each Board member by all funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which such person was a Board member (the number of portfolios of such funds is set forth in parenthesis next to each Board member's total compensation) during the year ended December 31, 2009 was, as follows:

 


 

 

 

 

Name of Board Member

Aggregate Estimated Compensation From the Company*

Total Compensation From the Company and Fund Complex Paid to Board Member(**)

Joseph S. DiMartino

$

$873,426 (192)

Peggy C. Davis

$

$242,090 (58)

David P. Feldman

$

$201,593 (53)

James F. Henry

$

$136,000 (36)

Ehud Houminer

$

$221,500 (67)

Rosalind Gersten Jacobs++

$

$92,295 (12)

Dr. Paul A. Marks+++

$

$63,500 (36)

Gloria Messinger++++

$

$128,073 (36)

Dr. Martin Peretz

$

$137,000 (36)

____________________________________

*       Amount does not include the cost of office space, secretarial services and health benefits for the Chairman and expenses reimbursed to Board members for attending Board meetings, which are estimated to amount in the aggregate to $______.

**         Represents the number of separate portfolios comprising the investment companies in the Fund complex, including the Fund, for which the Board member serves.

+          Emeritus Board member as of May 24, 2000.

++        Emeritus Board member since December 31, 2005.

+++      Emeritus Board member as of December 31, 2006.

++++    Emeritus Board member as of November 28, 2009.

 

 

Officers of the Company

BRADLEY J. SKAPYAK, President since January 2010.  Chief Operating Officer and a director of the Manager since June 2009.  From April 2003 to June 2009, Mr. Skapyak was the head of the Investment Accounting and Support Department of the Manager.  He is an officer of 76 investment companies (comprised of 170 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 51 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since February 1988.

PHILLIP N. MAISANO, Executive Vice President since July 2007.  Chief Investment Officer, Vice Chair and a director of the Manager, and an officer of 76 investment companies (comprised of 170 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  Mr. Maisano also is an officer and/or board member of certain other investment management subsidiaries of BNY Mellon, each of which is an affiliate of the Manager.  He is 63 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since November 2006.  Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Maisano served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EACM Advisors, an affiliate of the Manager, since August 2004.

JAMES WINDELS, Treasurer since November 2001.  Director-Mutual Fund Accounting of the Manager, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 51 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since April 1985.

MICHAEL A. ROSENBERG, Vice President and Secretary since August 2005.  Assistant General Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 50 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since October 1991.

KIESHA ASTWOOD, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since January 2010.  Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  She is 37 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since July 1995.


 

 

JAMES BITETTO, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since August 2005.  Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon and Secretary of the Manager, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 44 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since December 1996.

JONI LACKS CHARATAN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since August 2005.  Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  She is 54 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since October 1988.

JOSEPH M. CHIOFFI, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since August 2005.  Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 48 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since June 2000.

KATHLEEN DENICHOLAS, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since January 2010.  Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  She is 36 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since February 2001. 

JANETTE E. FARRAGHER, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since August 2005.  Assistant General Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  She is 47 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since February 1984.

JOHN B. HAMMALIAN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since August 2005.  Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 47 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since February 1991.

M. CRISTINA MEISER, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since January 2010.  Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  She is 40 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since August 2001. 

ROBERT R. MULLERY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since August 2005.  Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 58 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since May 1986.

JEFF PRUSNOFSKY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since August 2005.  Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 45 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since October 1990.

RICHARD CASSARO, Assistant Treasurer since January 2008.  Senior Accounting Manager – Money Market and Municipal Bond Funds of the Manager, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 51 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since September 1982.

 


 

 

GAVIN C. REILLY, Assistant Treasurer since December 2005.  Tax Manager of the Investment Accounting and Support Department of the Manager, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 42 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since April 1991.

ROBERT S. ROBOL, Assistant Treasurer since August 2005.  Senior Accounting Manager – Fixed Income Funds of the Manager, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 46 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since October 1988.

ROBERT SALVIOLO, Assistant Treasurer since July 2007.  Senior Accounting Manager – Equity Funds of the Manager, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 43 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since June 1989.

ROBERT SVAGNA, Assistant Treasurer December 2002.  Senior Accounting Manager – Equity Funds of the Manager, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 195 portfolios) managed by the Manager.  He is 43 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since November 1990.

NATALIA GRIBAS, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since July 2010.  Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of the Distributor, and the Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of 73 investment companies (comprised of 191 portfolios) managed by the Manager. She is 40 years old and has been an employee of the Distributor since September 2008.

JOSEPH W. CONNOLLY, Chief Compliance Officer since October 2004.  Chief Compliance Officer of the Manager and The Dreyfus Family of Funds (77 investment companies, comprised of 195 portfolios).  From November 2001 through March 2004, Mr. Connolly was first Vice-President, Mutual Fund Servicing for Mellon Global Securities Services. In that capacity, Mr. Connolly was responsible for managing Mellon's Custody, Fund Accounting and Fund Administration services to third-party mutual fund clients.  He is 53 years old and has served in various capacities with the Manager since 1980, including manager of the firm's Fund Accounting Department from 1997 through October 2001.

The address of each Board member and officer of the Company is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.

The Company's Board members and officers, as a group, owned less than 1% of the Fund's voting securities outstanding on December ___ 2010. 

Set forth in “Appendix B” to this Statement of Additional Information are the shareholders known by the Company to own of record 5% or more of a Fund’s outstanding on December  __, 2010.  A shareholder that beneficially owns directly or indirectly, more than 25% of a Fund’s voting securities may be deemed to be a “control person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund.

 

 


 

 

MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

Investment Adviser.  The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon, a global financial services company focused on helping clients move and manage their financial assets, operating in 34 countries and serving more than 100 markets.  BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, providing asset and wealth management, asset servicing, issuer services, and treasury services through a worldwide client-focused team.

The Manager provides management services to the Fund pursuant to a Management Agreement (the "Management Agreement") between the Company and the Manager.  The Management Agreement is subject to annual approval by (i) the Company's Board or (ii) vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Company's Board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company or the Manager, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.  The Management Agreement is terminable without penalty, on not more than 60 days' notice, by the Company's Board or by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, or, on not less than 90 days' notice, by the Manager.  The Management Agreement will terminate automatically, as to the Fund, in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The following persons are officers and/or directors of the Manager:  Jonathan Baum, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; J. Charles Cardona, President and a director; Diane P. Durnin, Vice Chair and a director; Phillip N. Maisano, Chief Investment Officer, Vice Chair and a director; Bradley J. Skapyak, Chief Operating Officer and a director; Dwight Jacobsen, Executive Vice President and a director; Patrice M. Kozlowski, Senior Vice President–Corporate Communications; Gary E. Abbs, Vice President–Tax; Jill Gill, Vice President–Human Resources; Joanne S. Huber, Vice President–Tax; Anthony Mayo, Vice President–Information Systems; John E. Lane, Vice President; Jeanne M. Login, Vice President; Gary Pierce, Controller; Joseph W. Connolly, Chief Compliance Officer; James Bitetto, Secretary; and Mitchell E. Harris, Jeffrey D. Landau, Cyrus Taraporevala and Scott E. Wennerholm, directors.

The Manager maintains office facilities on behalf of the Fund, and furnishes statistical and research data, clerical help, accounting, data processing, bookkeeping and internal auditing and certain other required services to the Company.  The Manager may pay the Distributor for shareholder services from the Manager's own assets, including past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund.  The Distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay certain financial institutions (which may include banks), securities dealers ("Selected Dealers") and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Agents") in respect of these services.  The Manager also may make such advertising and promotional expenditures, using its own resources, as it from time to time deems appropriate.

Sub-Investment Adviser.  The Sub-Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, provides investment advisory assistance and day-to-day management of the Fund's investments pursuant to the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Sub-Advisory Agreement") between the Sub-Adviser and the Manager.  The Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue until March 31, 2011, and thereafter the Sub-Advisory Agreement is subject to annual approval by (i) the Company's Board or (ii) vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Company's Board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company or the Advisers, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.  The Sub-Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty (i) by the Manager on not more than 60 days' notice, (ii) by the Company's Board or by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities on not more than 60 days' notice, or (iii) by the Sub-Adviser on not less than 90 days' notice.  The Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement for any reason.

 


 

 

The following persons are executive officers and/or directors of the Sub-Adviser:  Jose Carlos Lopes Xavier de Oliveira, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director; and Marcelo Pereira da Silva, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and a director.

Portfolio Management.  The Sub-Adviser provides day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio of investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Manager and the approval of the Company's Board.  The Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with portfolio managers who are authorized by the Company's Board to execute purchases and sales of securities.  The portfolio managers for the Fund are Rogério Poppe and Bruno de Godoy Garcia.  The Manager and the Sub-Adviser also maintain research departments with professional staffs of portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide research services for the Fund and other funds advised by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser.

BNY Mellon and its affiliates may have deposit, loan and commercial banking or other relationships with the issuers of securities purchased by the Fund.  The Advisers have informed the Company that in making investment decisions for the Fund they do not obtain or use material inside information that BNY Mellon or its affiliates may possess with respect to such issuers.

The Company, the Manager, the Sub-Adviser and the Distributor each have adopted a Code of Ethics that permits its personnel, subject to the Code of Ethics, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund.  The Code of Ethics subjects the personal securities transactions of the Advisers' employees to various restrictions to ensure that such trading does not disadvantage any fund advised by the Advisers.  In that regard, portfolio managers and other investment personnel of the Advisers must preclear and report their personal securities transactions and holdings, which are reviewed for compliance with the Code of Ethics and are also subject to the oversight of BNY Mellon's Investment Ethics Committee (the "Committee").  Portfolio managers and other investment personnel of the Advisers who comply with the preclearance and disclosure procedures of the Code of Ethics and the requirements of the Committee may be permitted to purchase, sell or hold securities which also may be or are held in fund(s) they manage or for which they otherwise provide investment advice.

Portfolio Managers Compensation.  The Fund's portfolio managers are paid by the Sub-Adviser and not by the Fund or Dreyfus.  A portfolio manager's cash compensation is comprised primarily of a market-based base salary and variable incentives (biannually) paid from the Sub-Adviser's profits.  The primary objectives of the Sub-Adviser's compensation structure are to motivate and reward continued growth and profitability and attract and retain high-performing individuals.  The Sub-Adviser evaluates portfolio managers not only for their direct performance results, but also for their contribution to the Sub-Adviser.

Additional Information About the Portfolio Managers.  The following table lists the number and types of other accounts advised by the Fund's primary portfolio managers and assets under management in those accounts as of August 31, 2010:

 


 

 

Portfolio

Manager

Registered Investment Company Accounts

Assets Managed

Pooled Accounts

Assets Managed

Other Accounts

Assets

Managed

Rogério Poppe

 

 

 

$

 

$

Bruno de Godoy Garcia

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

___ of the pooled accounts (approximately $___ million in aggregate assets) and ___ of the other accounts (approximately $___ million in aggregate assets) are subject to performance-based advisory fees.

The dollar range of Fund shares beneficially owned by the primary portfolio managers are as follows as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year:

Portfolio Manager

Dollar Range of Fund Shares Beneficially Owned

Rogério Poppe

$

Bruno de Godoy Garcia

$

 

Portfolio managers may manage multiple accounts for a diverse client base, including exclusive Brazilian registered funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as central banks, pension funds, insurance companies and foundations) and wrap fee programs ("Other Accounts").

 

Potential conflicts of interest may arise because of the Advisers' management of the Fund and Other Accounts.  For example, conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of limited investment opportunities, as Dreyfus or BNY Mellon ARX may be perceived as causing accounts it manages to participate in an offering to increase Dreyfus' overall allocation of securities in that offering, or to increase the ability of Dreyfus or BNY Mellon ARX to participate in future offerings by the same underwriter or issuer.  Allocations of bunched trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially filled due to limited availability, and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as Dreyfus or BNY Mellon ARX may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to preferred accounts.  IPOs, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability.  Additionally, portfolio managers may be perceived to have a conflict of interest if there are a large number of Other Accounts, in addition to the Fund, that they are managing on behalf of Dreyfus or BNY Mellon ARX.  Dreyfus periodically reviews each portfolio manager's overall responsibilities to ensure that he or she is able to allocate the necessary time and resources to effectively manage the Fund.  In addition, Dreyfus or BNY Mellon ARX could be viewed as having a conflict of interest to the extent that Dreyfus or BNY Mellon ARX or their affiliates and/or portfolio managers have a materially larger investment in Other Accounts than their investment in the Fund.

Other Accounts may have investment objectives, strategies and risks that differ from those of the Fund.  For these or other reasons, the portfolio managers may purchase different securities for the Fund and the Other Accounts, and the performance of securities purchased for the Fund may vary from the performance of securities purchased for Other Accounts.  The portfolio managers may place transactions on behalf of Other Accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made for the Fund, which could have the potential to adversely impact the Fund, depending on market conditions.

 


 

 

A potential conflict of interest may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in another account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by the other account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account.

The goal of the Advisers is to provide high quality investment services to all of its clients, while meeting their respective fiduciary obligation to treat all clients fairly.  Dreyfus and BNY Mellon ARX have adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, that it believes address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients.  In addition, Dreyfus monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with Fund guidelines, the allocation of IPOs, and compliance with Dreyfus' Code of Ethics.  Furthermore, senior investment and business personnel at Dreyfus periodically review the performance of the portfolio managers for Dreyfus-managed funds.

Expenses.  All expenses incurred in the operation of the Company, with respect to the Fund, are borne by the Company, except to the extent specifically assumed by the Manager or the Sub-Adviser.  The expenses borne by the Company, with respect to the Fund, include, without limitation:  organizational costs, taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid on securities sold short, brokerage fees and commissions, if any, fees of Board members who are not officers, directors, employees or holders of 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Manager or the Sub-Adviser or their affiliates, SEC fees, state Blue Sky qualification fees, advisory fees, charges of custodians, transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain insurance premiums, industry association fees, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of independent pricing services, costs of maintaining the Company's existence, costs attributable to investor services (including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, costs of shareholders' reports and meetings, and any extraordinary expenses.  Expenses attributable to the Fund are charged against the assets of the Fund; other expenses of the Company are allocated among the Fund and the Company's other series on the basis determined by the Company's Board, including, but not limited to, proportionately in relation to the net assets of each.  In addition, each class of shares bears any class specific expenses allocated to such class, such as expenses related to the distribution and/or shareholder servicing of such class.  Class A and Class C shares of the Fund are subject to an annual shareholder services fee, and Class C shares of the Fund are subject to an annual distribution fee.  See "Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan."  All fees and expenses are accrued daily and deducted before the declaration of dividends to shareholders.

As compensation for the Manager's services, the Company has agreed to pay the Manager a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 1.25% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets.  For the period, October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2010, the management fee payable by the Fund was $__________ however, such amount was reduced by _______, pursuant to an undertaking by the Manager then in effect, which resulted in a net management fee paid by the Manager of ________.

 

Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Manager has agreed to pay the Sub-Adviser, out of the fee the Manager receives from the Fund, a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets.  For the period, October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2010, the Manager paid $__________ to the Sub-Adviser for its services to the Fund.

 


 

 

The aggregate of the fees payable to the Manager is not subject to reduction as the value of the Fund's net assets increases.

Distributor.  The Distributor, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, located at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166, serves as the Fund's distributor on a best efforts basis pursuant to an agreement with the Company, which is renewable annually.  The Distributor also serves as distributor for the other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds and BNY Mellon Funds Trust.

The Distributor compensates certain Service Agents for selling Class A shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") and Class C shares at the time of purchase from its own assets.  The proceeds of the CDSC and fees pursuant to the Company's Distribution Plan (described below), in part, are used to defray these expenses.  The Distributor also may act as a Service Agent and retain sales loads and CDSCs and Distribution Plan fees.  For purchases of Class A shares subject to a CDSC and Class C shares, the Distributor generally will pay Service Agents on new investments made through such Service Agents a commission of up to 1% of the net asset value of such shares purchased by their clients.

The amounts retained on the sale of Fund shares by the Distributor from sales loads and from CDSC's, as applicable with respect to the Fund's Class A and Class C shares for the period October 1, 2009 (commencement of initial offering share classes) through the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 was __________, respectively.

The Distributor may pay Service Agents that have entered into agreements with the Distributor a fee based on the amount invested through such Service Agents in Fund shares by employees participating in qualified or non-qualified employee benefit plans, including pension, profit-sharing and other deferred compensation plans, whether established by corporations, partnerships, non-profit entities, trade or labor unions or state and local governments ("Retirement Plans"), or other programs.  The term "Retirement Plans" does not include IRAs, IRA "Rollover Accounts" or IRAs set up under Simplified Employee Pension Plans ("SEP-IRAs").  Generally, the Distributor may pay such Service Agents a fee of up to 1% of the amount invested through the Service Agents.  The Distributor, however, may pay Service Agents a higher fee and reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time.  The Distributor will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from the Fund, including past profits or any other source available to it.  Sponsors of such Retirement Plans or the participants therein should consult their Service Agent for more information regarding any such fee payable to the Service Agent.

The Manager or the Distributor may provide additional cash payments out of its own resources to financial intermediaries that sell shares of the Fund or provide other services.  Such payments are separate from any sales charges, 12b-1 fees and/or shareholder services fees or other expenses paid by the Fund to those intermediaries.  Because those payments are not made by you or the Fund, the Fund's total expense ratio will not be affected by any such payments.  These additional payments may be made to Service Agents, including affiliates, that provide shareholder servicing, sub-administration, recordkeeping and/or sub-transfer agency services, marketing support and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the Service Agent.  Cash compensation also may be paid from the Manager's or the Distributor's own resources to Service Agents for inclusion of the Fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list or in other sales programs.  These payments sometimes are referred to as "revenue sharing."  From time to time, the Manager or the Distributor also may provide cash or non-cash compensation to Service Agents in the form of:  occasional gifts; occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; support for due diligence trips; educational conference sponsorship; support for recognition programs; and other forms of cash or non- cash compensation permissible under broker-dealer regulations.  In some cases, these payments or compensation may create an incentive for a Service Agent to recommend or sell shares of the Fund to you.  Please contact your Service Agent for details about any payments it may receive in connection with the sale of Fund shares or the provision of services to the Fund.

 


 

 

Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Custodian.  Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, located at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166, is the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent.  Under a transfer agency agreement with the Company, the Transfer Agent arranges for the maintenance of shareholder account records for the Fund, the handling of certain communications between shareholders and the Fund and the payment of dividends and distributions payable by the Fund.  For these services, the Transfer Agent receives a monthly fee computed on the basis of the number of shareholder accounts it maintains for the Fund during the month, and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.  The Fund also makes payments to certain financial intermediaries, including affiliates, who provide sub-administration, recordkeeping and/or sub-transfer agency services to beneficial owners of Fund shares.

The Bank of New York Mellon (the "Custodian"), an affiliate of the Manager, located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, serves as custodian for the investments of the Fund.  The Custodian has no part in determining the investment policies of the Fund or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Fund.  Under a custody agreement with the Company, the Custodian holds the Fund's securities and keeps all necessary accounts and records.  For its custody services, the Custodian receives a monthly fee based on the market value of the Fund's assets held in custody and receives certain securities transaction charges.

HOW TO BUY SHARES

General.  Class A and Class C shares of the Fund may be purchased only by clients of certain Service Agents, including the Distributor.  Subsequent purchases may be sent directly to the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent.  You will be charged a fee if an investment check is returned unpayable.  Share certificates are issued only upon your written request.  No certificates are issued for fractional shares.

Class I shares are offered only to:  (i) bank trust departments, trust companies and insurance companies that have entered into agreements with the Distributor to offer Class I shares to their clients, (ii) institutional investors acting in a fiduciary, advisory, agency, custodial or similar capacity for Retirement Plans and SEP-IRAs (Class I shares may be purchased for a Retirement Plan or SEP-IRA only by a custodian, trustee, investment manager or other entity authorized to act on behalf of such Retirement Plan or SEP-IRA that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Class I shares to such Retirement Plan or SEP-IRA), (iii) law firms or attorneys acting as trustees or executors/administrators, (iv) foundations and endowments that make an initial investment in the Fund of at least $1 million, (v) sponsors of college savings plans that qualify for tax-exempt treatment under Section 529 of the Code that maintain an omnibus account with the Fund and do not require shareholder tax reporting or 529 account support responsibilities from the Distributor, (vi) advisory fee-based accounts offered through financial intermediaries who, depending on the structure of the selected advisory platform, make Class I shares available, and (vii) certain funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds.  Institutions effecting transactions in Class I shares for the accounts of their clients may charge their clients direct fees in connection with such transactions. 

The Company reserves the right to reject any purchase order.  The Fund will not establish an account for a "foreign financial institution," as that term is defined in Department of the Treasury rules implementing section 312 of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001.  Foreign financial institutions include: foreign banks (including foreign branches of U.S. depository institutions); foreign offices of U.S. securities broker-dealers, futures commission merchants, and mutual funds; non-U.S. entities that, if they were located in the United States, would be securities broker-dealers, futures commission merchants or mutual funds; and non-U.S. entities engaged in the business of currency dealer or exchanger or money transmitter.  The Fund will not accept cash, travelers' checks, or money orders as payment for shares.

 


 

 

When purchasing Fund shares, you must specify which Class is being purchased.  Your Service Agent can help you choose the share class that is appropriate for your investment.  The decision as to which Class of shares is most beneficial to you depends on a number of factors, including the amount and the intended length of your investment in the Fund.  Please refer to the Fund's Prospectus for a further discussion of those factors.

In many cases, neither the Distributor nor the Transfer Agent will have the information necessary to determine whether a quantity discount or reduced sales charge is applicable to a purchase.  You or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor whenever a quantity discount or reduced sales charge is applicable to a purchase and must provide the Distributor with sufficient information at the time of purchase to verify that each purchase qualifies for the privilege or discount.

Service Agents may receive different levels of compensation for selling different Classes of shares.  Management understands that some Service Agents may impose certain conditions on their clients which are different from those described in the Fund's Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, and, to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory authority, may charge their clients direct fees.  You should consult your Service Agent in this regard.  As discussed under "Management Arrangements—Distributor," Service Agents may receive revenue sharing payments from the Manager or the Distributor.  The receipt of such payments could create an incentive for a Service Agent to recommend or sell shares of the Fund instead of other mutual funds where such payments are not received.  Please contact your Service Agent for details about any payments it may receive in connection with the sale of Fund shares or the provision of services to the Fund.

For each Class of shares, the minimum initial investment is $1,000.  Subsequent investments in the Fund must be at least $100.  However, the minimum initial investment is $750 for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs (including regular IRAs, spousal IRAs for a non-working spouse, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs and rollover IRAs) and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant and $500 for Dreyfus-sponsored Education Savings Accounts, with no minimum for subsequent purchases.  The initial investment must be accompanied by the Account Application.  For full-time or part-time employees of the Manager or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries who elect to have a portion of their pay directly deposited into their Fund accounts, the minimum initial investment is $50.  Fund shares are offered without regard to the minimum initial investment requirements to Board members of a fund advised by the Manager, including members of the Company's Board, who elect to have all or a portion of their compensation for serving in that capacity automatically invested in the Fund.  Fund shares are offered without regard to the minimum initial or subsequent investment amount requirements to investors purchasing Fund shares through wrap fee accounts or other fee based programs.  The Company reserves the right to offer Fund shares without regard to minimum purchase requirements to government-sponsored programs or to employees participating in certain Retirement Plans or other programs where contributions or account information can be transmitted in a manner and form acceptable to the Company.  The Company reserves the right to vary further the initial and subsequent investment minimum requirements at any time.

 


 

 

The Code imposes various limitations on the amount that may be contributed to certain Retirement Plans or government-sponsored programs.  These limitations apply with respect to participants at the plan level and, therefore, do not directly affect the amount that may be invested in the Fund by a Retirement Plan or government-sponsored programs.  Participants and plan sponsors should consult their tax advisers for details.

The Fund may, in its discretion, accept securities in payment for Fund shares.  Securities may be accepted in payment for shares only if they are, in the judgment of the Manager, appropriate investments for the Fund.  These securities are valued by the same method used to value the Fund's existing portfolio holdings.  The contribution of securities to the Fund may be a taxable transaction to the shareholder.

Fund shares also may be purchased through Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder®, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan, as described under "Shareholder Services."  These services enable you to make regularly scheduled investments and may provide you with a convenient way to invest for long-term financial goals.  You should be aware, however, that periodic investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect an investor against loss in a declining market.

Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis.  Net asset value per share of each Class is determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m., Eastern time), on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular business.  For purposes of determining net asset value, certain options and futures contracts may be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.  Net asset value per share of each Class is computed by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets represented by such Class (i.e., the value of its assets less liabilities) by the total number of shares of such Class outstanding.  For information regarding the methods employed in valuing the Fund's investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value."

If an order is received in proper form by the Transfer Agent or other entity authorized to receive orders on behalf of the Fund by the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on a regular business day, Fund shares will be purchased at the public offering price determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on that day.  Otherwise, Fund shares will be purchased at the public offering price determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on the next regular business day, except where shares are purchased through a dealer as provided below.

Orders for the purchase of Fund shares received by dealers by the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on any business day and transmitted to the Distributor or its designee by the close of its business day (usually 5:15 p.m., Eastern time) will be based on the public offering price per share determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on that day.  Otherwise, the orders will be based on the next determined public offering price.  It is the dealer's responsibility to transmit orders so that they will be received by the Distributor or its designee before the close of its business day.  For certain institutions that have entered into agreements with the Distributor, payment for the purchase of Fund shares may be transmitted, and must be received by the Transfer Agent, within three business days after the order is placed.  If such payment is not received within three business days after the order is placed, the order may be canceled and the institution could be held liable for resulting fees and/or losses.

 


 

 

Class A Shares.  The public offering price for Class A shares of the Fund is the net asset value per share of that Class plus a sales load as shown below:

 

Total Sales Load*—Class A Shares

 

Amount of Transaction


As a % of offering
price per share

As a % of net asset value per share

Dealers'
reallowance as a %
of offering price

 

 

 

 

Less than $50,000

5.75

6.10

5.00

$50,000 to less than $100,000

4.50

4.71

3.75

$100,000 to less than $250,000

3.50

3.63

2.75

$250,000 to less than $500,000

2.50

2.56

2.25

$500,000 to less than $1,000,000

2.00

2.04

1.75

$1,000,000 or more

-0-

-0-

-0-

______________________________

 

*      Due to rounding, the actual sales load you pay may be more or less than that calculated using these percentages.

 

Class A shares purchased without an initial sales charge as part of an investment of $1,000,000 or more may be assessed at the time of redemption a 1% CDSC if redeemed within one year of purchase.  The Distributor may pay Service Agents an up-front commission of up to 1% of the net asset value of Class A shares purchased by their clients as part of a $1,000,000 or more investment in Class A shares that are subject to a CDSC.  If the Service Agent waives receipt of such commission, the CDSC applicable to such Class A shares will not be assessed at the time of redemption.  See "Management Arrangements—Distributor."

The scale of sales loads applies to purchases of Class A shares made by any "purchaser," which term includes an individual and/or spouse purchasing securities for his, her or their own account or for the account of any minor children, or a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing securities for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account (including a pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit trust created pursuant to a plan qualified under Section 401 of the Code) although more than one beneficiary is involved; or a group of accounts established by or on behalf of the employees of an employer or affiliated employers pursuant to an employee benefit plan or other program (including accounts established pursuant to Sections 403(b), 408(k), and 457 of the Code); or an organized group that has been in existence for more than six months, provided that it is not organized for the purpose of buying redeemable securities of a registered investment company and provided that the purchases are made through a central administration or a single dealer, or by other means that result in economy of sales effort or expense.

Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of Class A shares of the Fund.  The example assumes a purchase of Class A shares of the Fund aggregating less than $50,000, subject to the schedule of sales charges set forth above, at a price based upon a net asset value of $12.50 per share:

 


 

 

 

Class A

 

 

Net Asset Value, per share

$________

Per Share Sales Charge

 

                Class A - 5.75% of offering price

                (6.10% of net asset value per share)

    ______

 

 

Per Share Offering Price to the Public

$______

 

Dealers' Reallowance—Class A Shares.  The dealer reallowance provided with respect to Class A shares may be changed from time to time but will remain the same for all dealers.  The Distributor, at its own expense, may provide additional promotional incentives to dealers that sell shares of funds advised by the Manager, which are sold with a sales load, such as Class A shares.  In some instances, these incentives may be offered only to certain dealers who have sold or may sell significant amounts of such shares.  See "Management Arrangements—Distributor."

Class A Shares Offered at Net Asset Value.  Full-time employees of FINRA member firms and full-time employees of other financial institutions that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor pertaining to the sale of Fund shares (or which otherwise have a brokerage related or clearing arrangement with a FINRA member firm or financial institution with respect to the sale of such shares) may purchase Class A shares for themselves directly or pursuant to an employee benefit plan or other program (if Fund shares are offered to such plans or programs), or for their spouses or minor children, at net asset value without a sales load, provided they have furnished the Distributor such information as it may request from time to time in order to verify eligibility for this privilege.  This privilege also applies to full-time employees of financial institutions affiliated with FINRA member firms whose full-time employees are eligible to purchase Class A shares at net asset value.  In addition, Class A shares are offered at net asset value to full-time or part-time employees of the Manager or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors of the Manager, Board members of a fund advised by the Manager or its affiliates, including members of the Company's Board, or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing.

Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value without a sales load through certain broker-dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor, which includes a requirement that such shares be sold for the benefit of clients participating in a "wrap account" or a similar program under which such clients pay a fee to such broker-dealer or other financial institution.

Class A shares also may be purchased at net asset value without a sales load, subject to appropriate documentation, by (i) qualified separate accounts maintained by an insurance company pursuant to the laws of any State or territory of the United States, (ii) a State, county or city or instrumentality thereof, (iii) a charitable organization (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code) investing $50,000 or more in Fund shares, and (iv) a charitable remainder trust (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code).

Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value without a sales load by qualified investors who (i) purchase Class A shares directly through the Distributor, and (ii) have, or whose spouse or minor children have, beneficially owned shares and continuously maintained an open account directly through the Distributor in a Dreyfus fund since on or before February 28, 2006.

 


 

 

Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value without a sales load with the cash proceeds from an investor's exercise of employment-related stock options, whether invested in the Fund directly or indirectly through an exchange from a Dreyfus-managed money market fund, provided that the proceeds are processed through an entity that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor specifically relating to processing stock options.  Upon establishing the account in the Fund or Dreyfus-managed money market fund, the investor and the investor's spouse or minor children become eligible to purchase Class A shares of the Fund at net asset value, whether or not using the proceeds of the employment-related stock options.

Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value without a sales load by members of qualified affinity groups who purchase Class A shares directly through the Distributor, provided that the qualified affinity group has entered into an affinity agreement with the Distributor.

Class A shares are offered at net asset value without a sales load to employees participating in Retirement Plans.  Class A shares also may be purchased (including by exchange) at net asset value without a sales load for Dreyfus-sponsored IRA "Rollover Accounts" with the distribution proceeds from a Retirement Plan or a Dreyfus-sponsored 403(b)(7) plan, provided that, in the case of a Retirement Plan, the rollover is processed through an entity that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor specifically relating to processing rollovers.  Upon establishing the Rollover Account in the Fund, the shareholder becomes eligible to make subsequent purchases of Class A shares of the Fund at net asset value in such account.

Right of Accumulation--Class A Shares.  Reduced sales loads apply to any purchase of Class A shares by you and any related "purchaser" as defined above, where the aggregate investment, including such purchase, is $50,000 or more.  If, for example, you previously purchased and still hold shares of the Fund, or shares of certain other Dreyfus funds that are subject to a front-end sales load or CDSC, or shares acquired by a previous exchange of such shares (hereinafter referred to as "Eligible Funds"), or combination thereof, with an aggregate current market value of $40,000 and subsequently purchase Class A shares of the Fund having a current value of $20,000, the sales load applicable to the subsequent purchase would be reduced to 4.50% of the offering price.  All present holdings of Eligible Funds may be combined to determine the current offering price of the aggregate investment in ascertaining the sales load applicable to each subsequent purchase.

To qualify for reduced sales loads, at the time of purchase you or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor if orders are made by wire, or the Transfer Agent if orders are made by mail.  The reduced sales load is subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check of appropriate records.

Class C Shares.  The public offering price for Class C shares is the net asset value per share of that Class.  No initial sales charge is imposed at the time of purchase.  A CDSC is imposed, however, on redemptions of Class C shares made within the first year of purchase.  See "How to Redeem Shares—Contingent Deferred Sales Charge—Class C Shares."

Class I Shares.  The public offering price for Class I shares is the net asset value per share of that Class.

Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege.  You may purchase Fund shares by telephone or online if you have checked the appropriate box and supplied the necessary information on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent.  The proceeds will be transferred between the bank account designated in one of these documents and your Fund account.  Only a bank account maintained in a domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House ("ACH") member may be so designated.

 


 

 

Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase orders may be made at any time.  If purchase orders are received by 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on any day the Transfer Agent and the New York Stock Exchange are open for regular business, Fund shares will be purchased at the public offering price determined on that day.  If purchase orders are made after 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on any day the Transfer Agent and the New York Stock Exchange are open for regular business, or on Saturday, Sunday or any Fund holiday (e.g., when the New York Stock Exchange is not open for business), Fund shares will be purchased at the public offering price determined on the next bank business day following such purchase order.  To qualify to use the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, the initial payment for purchase of Fund shares must be drawn on, and redemption proceeds paid to, the same bank and account as are designated on the Account Application or Shareholder Services Form on file.  If the proceeds of a particular redemption are to be sent to an account at any other bank, the request must be in writing and signature-guaranteed.  See "How to Redeem Shares—Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege."

Reopening an Account.  You may reopen an account with a minimum investment of $100 without filing a new Account Application during the calendar year the account is closed or during the following calendar year, provided the information on the old Account Application is still applicable.

Converting Shares.  Under certain circumstances, Fund shares may be converted from one Class of shares to another Class of shares of the Fund.  The aggregate dollar value of the shares of the Class received upon any such conversion will equal the aggregate dollar value of the converted shares on the date of the conversion.  An investor whose Fund shares are converted from one Class to another Class of the Fund will not realize taxable gain or loss as a result of the conversion.

DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN

Class C shares of the Fund are subject to a Distribution Plan, and Class A and Class C shares of the Fund are subject to a Shareholder Services Plan. 

Distribution Plan.  Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") adopted by the SEC under the 1940 Act provides, among other things, that an investment company may bear expenses of distributing its shares only pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with the Rule.  The Company's Board has adopted such a plan (the "Distribution Plan") with respect to the Fund's Class C shares pursuant to which the Fund pays the Distributor for distributing such Class of shares a fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class C shares.  The Distributor may pay one or more Service Agents in respect of advertising, marketing and other distribution services, and determines the amounts, if any, to be paid to Service Agents and the basis on which such payments are made.  The Company's Board believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Distribution Plan will benefit the Fund and the holders of its Class C shares.

A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Distribution Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred, must be made to the Board for its review.  In addition, the Distribution Plan provides that it may not be amended to increase materially the costs that holders of the Fund's Class C shares may bear pursuant to the Distribution Plan without the approval of the holders of such shares and that other material amendments of the Distribution Plan must be approved by the Company's Board, and by the Board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the Distribution Plan, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments.  The Distribution Plan is subject to annual approval by such vote of the Board cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Distribution Plan.  The Distribution Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Board members who are not "interested persons" and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the Distribution Plan or by vote of the holders of a majority of such Class of shares.

 


 

 

For the period, October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2010, the amount paid by the Fund to the Distributor pursuant to the Distribution Plan for Class C was $__________ .

Shareholder Services Plan.  The Company has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan with respect to Class A and Class C shares of the Fund.  Pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services to the holders of such shares a fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class A and Class C shares.  The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of such shareholder accounts.  Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Distributor may make payments to certain Service Agents in respect of these services.

A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Shareholder Services Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred, must be made to the Board for its review.  In addition, the Shareholder Services Plan provides that material amendments must be approved by the Company's Board, and by the Board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Shareholder Services Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the Shareholder Services Plan, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments.  As to the relevant Class of shares, the Shareholder Services Plan is subject to annual approval by such vote of the Board members cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Shareholder Services Plan.  As to the relevant Class of shares, the Shareholder Services Plan is terminable at any time by vote of a majority of the Board members who are not "interested persons" and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Shareholder Services Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the Shareholder Services Plan.

For the period, October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2010, the amounts paid by the Fund to the Distributor pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan for Class A and Class C were $__________, respectively.

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

General.  The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in proper form, except as provided by the rules of the SEC.  However, if you have purchased Fund shares by check, by Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege or through Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder® and subsequently submit a written redemption request to the Transfer Agent, the Fund may delay sending the redemption proceeds for up to eight business days after the purchase of such shares.  In addition, the Fund will reject requests to redeem shares by wire or telephone, online or pursuant to the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege for a period of up to eight business days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of the purchase check, the Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase or the Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder order against which such redemption is requested.  These procedures will not apply if your shares were purchased by wire payment, or if you otherwise have a sufficient collected balance in your account to cover the redemption request.  Fund shares may not be redeemed until the Transfer Agent has received your Account Application.

 


 

 

If you hold shares of more than one Class of the Fund, any request for redemption must specify the Class of shares being redeemed.  If you fail to specify the Class of shares to be redeemed or if you own fewer shares of the Class than specified to be redeemed, the redemption request may be delayed until the Transfer Agent receives further instructions from you or your Service Agent.

Redemption Fee.  The Fund will deduct a redemption fee equal to 2% of the net asset value of Fund shares redeemed (including redemptions through the use of the Fund Exchanges service) less than 60 days following the issuance of such shares.  The redemption fee will be deducted from the redemption proceeds and retained by the Fund.

Subject to the exceptions described in the Fund's Prospectus, shares held for less than the 60 day holding period will be subject to the Fund's redemption fee, whether held directly in your name or indirectly through an intermediary, such as a broker, bank, investment adviser, recordkeeper for retirement plan participants, or any other third party.  If you hold your shares through an intermediary's omnibus account, the intermediary is responsible for imposing the fee and remitting the fee to the Fund.

The redemption fee will be charged and retained by the Fund on shares sold before the end of the required holding period.  The Fund will use the "first-in, first-out" method to determine the holding period for the shares sold.  Under this method, shares held the longest will be redeemed or exchanged first.  The holding period commences on the day after your purchase order is effective.  For example, the holding period for shares purchased on October 31 (trade date) begins on November 1 and ends on the 59th day, which is December 29.  Thus, if you redeemed these shares on December 29, you would be assessed the fee, but you would not be assessed the fee if you redeemed on or after December 30.

The redemption fee generally is collected by deduction from the redemption proceeds, but may be imposed by billing you if the fee is not imposed as part of the redemption transaction.

The Fund may postpone the effective date of the assessment of the redemption fee on the underlying shareholder accounts within an omnibus account if an intermediary requires additional time to collect the Fund's redemption fee.

The Fund may impose the redemption fee at the plan level for employee benefit plans that hold shares on behalf of a limited number of employees.  Plan sponsors of such benefit plans that opt to impose redemption fees at the employee account level, rather than the plan level, must enter into agreements with Dreyfus that obligate the sponsor to collect and remit redemption fees at the employee level and to provide to the Fund, at its request, shareholder identity and transaction information.

The Fund's Prospectus contains information on transactions for which the redemption fee is waived.  The Fund reserves the right to exempt additional transactions from the fee.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge—Class C Shares.  A CDSC of 1% payable to the Distributor is imposed on any redemption of Class C shares made within one year of the date of purchase.  No CDSC will be imposed to the extent that the net asset value of the Class C shares redeemed does not exceed (i) the current net asset value of Class C shares acquired through reinvestment of Fund dividends or capital gain distributions, plus (ii) increases in the net asset value of your Class C shares above the dollar amount of all your payments for the purchase of Class C shares held by you at the time of redemption.

 


 

 

If the aggregate value of Class C shares redeemed has declined below their original cost as a result of the Fund's performance, a CDSC may be applied to the then-current net asset value rather than the purchase price.

In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the calculation will be made in a manner that results in the lowest possible rate.  It will be assumed that the redemption is made first of amounts representing Class C shares of the Fund acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions; then, of amounts representing the increase in net asset value of Class C shares above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class C shares made during the preceding year; and finally, of amounts representing the cost of shares held for the longest period.

For example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares of the Fund at $10 per share for a cost of $1,000.  Subsequently, the shareholder acquired five additional Fund shares through the reinvestment of Fund dividends.  Within a year after the purchase the investor decided to redeem $500 of the investment.  Assuming at the time of the redemption the net asset value had appreciated to $12 per share, the value of the investor's shares would be $1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share).  The CDSC would not be applied to the value of the reinvested dividend shares and the amount that represents appreciation ($260).  Therefore, $240 of the $500 redemption proceeds ($500 minus $260) would be charged at a rate of 1% for a total CDSC of $2.40.

Waiver of CDSC.  The CDSC may be waived in connection with (a) redemptions made within one year after the death or disability, as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code, of the shareholder, (b) redemptions by employees participating in Retirement Plans, (c) redemptions as a result of a combination of any investment company with the Fund by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise, (d) a distribution following retirement under a tax-deferred retirement plan or upon attaining age 70½ in the case of an IRA or Keogh plan or custodial account pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code, and (e) redemptions pursuant to the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, as described below.  If the Company's Board determines to discontinue the waiver of the CDSC, the disclosure herein will be revised appropriately.  Any Fund shares subject to a CDSC which were purchased prior to the termination of such waiver will have the CDSC waived, as provided in the Fund's Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information at the time of the purchase of such shares.

To qualify for a waiver of the CDSC, at the time of redemption you or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor.  Any such qualification is subject to confirmation of your entitlement.

Reinvestment Privilege.  Upon written request, you may reinvest up to the number of Class A shares you have redeemed, within 45 days of redemption, at the then-prevailing net asset value without a sales load, or reinstate your account for the purpose of exercising Fund Exchanges.  Upon reinstatement, if such shares were subject to a CDSC, your account will be credited with an amount equal to the CDSC previously paid upon redemption of the shares reinvested.  The Reinvestment Privilege may be exercised only once.

Wire Redemption Privilege.  By using this Privilege, you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone, letter or online redemption instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you, or a representative of your Service Agent, and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine.  Ordinarily, the Company will initiate payment for shares redeemed pursuant to this Privilege on the next business day after receipt by the Transfer Agent of the redemption request in proper form.  Redemption proceeds ($1,000 minimum) will be transferred by Federal Reserve wire only to the commercial bank account specified by you on the Account Application or Shareholder Services Form, or to a correspondent bank if your bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System.  Fees ordinarily are imposed by such bank and borne by the investor.  Immediate notification by the correspondent bank to your bank is necessary to avoid a delay in crediting the funds to your bank account.

 


 

 

To change the commercial bank or account designated to receive redemption proceeds, a written request must be sent to the Transfer Agent.  This request must be signed by each shareholder, with each signature guaranteed as described below under "Share Certificates; Signatures."

Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege.  You may request by telephone or online that redemption proceeds be transferred between your Fund account and your bank account.  Only a bank account maintained in a domestic financial institution which is an ACH member may be designated.  You should be aware that if you have selected the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, any request for a Dreyfus TeleTransfer transaction will be effected through the ACH system unless more prompt transmittal specifically is requested.  Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at an ACH member bank ordinarily two business days after receipt of the redemption request.  Shares held in an IRA or Education Savings Account may not be redeemed through the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege.  See "How to Buy Shares—Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege."

Redemption Through a Selected Dealer.  If you are a customer of a Selected Dealer, you may make redemption requests to your Selected Dealer.  If the Selected Dealer transmits the redemption request so that it is received by the Transfer Agent prior to the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m., Eastern time), the redemption request will be effective on that day.  If a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent after the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, the redemption request will be effective on the next business day.  It is the responsibility of the Selected Dealer to transmit a request so that it is received in a timely manner.  The proceeds of the redemption are credited to your account with the Selected Dealer.  See "How to Buy Shares" for a discussion of additional conditions or fees that may be imposed upon redemption.

In addition, the Distributor or its designee will accept orders from Selected Dealers with which the Distributor has sales agreements for the repurchase of shares held by shareholders.  Repurchase orders received by dealers by the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on any business day and transmitted to the Distributor or its designee prior to the close of its business day (usually 5:15 p.m., Eastern time), are effected at the price determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on that day.  Otherwise, the shares will be redeemed at the next determined net asset value.  It is the responsibility of the Selected Dealer to transmit orders on a timely basis.  The Selected Dealer may charge the shareholder a fee for executing the order.  This repurchase arrangement is discretionary and may be withdrawn at any time.

Share Certificates; Signatures.  Any certificates representing Fund shares to be redeemed must be submitted with the redemption request.  A fee may be imposed to replace lost or stolen certificates, or certificates that were never received.  Written redemption requests must be signed by each shareholder, including each holder of a joint account, and each signature must be guaranteed.  Signatures on endorsed certificates submitted for redemption also must be guaranteed.  The Transfer Agent has adopted standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper form generally will be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program.  Guarantees must be signed by an authorized signatory of the guarantor and "Signature‑Guaranteed" must appear with the signature.  The Transfer Agent may request additional documentation from corporations, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians, and may accept other suitable verification arrangements from foreign investors, such as consular verification.  For more information with respect to signature-guarantees, please call 1-800-554-4611.

 


 

 

Redemption Commitment.  The Company has committed itself to pay in cash all redemption requests by any shareholder of record of the Fund, limited in amount during any 90‑day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the value of the Fund's net assets at the beginning of such period.  Such commitment is irrevocable without the prior approval of the SEC.  In the case of requests for redemption from the Fund in excess of such amount, the Company's Board reserves the right to make payments in whole or in part in securities or other assets of the Fund in case of an emergency or any time a cash distribution would impair the liquidity of the Fund to the detriment of the existing shareholders.  In such event, the securities would be valued in the same manner as the Fund's portfolio is valued.  If the recipient sells such securities, brokerage charges would be incurred.

Suspension of Redemptions.  The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed (a) during any period when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), (b) when the SEC determines that trading in the markets the Fund ordinarily utilizes is restricted, or when an emergency exists as determined by the SEC so that disposal of the Fund's investments or determination of its net asset value is not reasonably practicable, or (c) for such other periods as the SEC by order may permit to protect the Fund's shareholders.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

Fund Exchanges.  You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of the same Class of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds, or shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds, to the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence.  The Fund will deduct a redemption fee equal to 2% of the net asset value of Fund shares exchanged out of the Fund where the exchange is made less than 60 days after the issuance of such shares.  Shares of such other funds purchased by exchange will be purchased on the basis of relative net asset value per share as follows:

A.      Exchanges for shares of funds offered without a sales load will be made without a sales load.

B.       Shares of funds purchased without a sales load may be exchanged for shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and the applicable sales load will be deducted.

C.       Shares of funds purchased with a sales load may be exchanged without a sales load for shares of other funds sold without a sales load.

D.      Shares of funds purchased with a sales load, shares of funds acquired by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load and additional shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions of any such funds (collectively referred to herein as "Purchased Shares") may be exchanged for shares of other funds sold with a sales load (referred to herein as "Offered Shares"), but if the sales load applicable to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load that could have been imposed in connection with the Purchased Shares (at the time the Purchased Shares were acquired), without giving effect to any reduced loads, the difference may be deducted.

 


 

 

E.       Shares of funds subject to a CDSC that are exchanged for shares of another fund will be subject to the higher applicable CDSC of the two funds, and, for purposes of calculating CDSC rates and conversion periods, if any, will be deemed to have been held since the date the shares being exchanged were initially purchased.

To accomplish an exchange under item D above, you, or your Service Agent acting on your behalf, must notify the Transfer Agent of your prior ownership of Fund shares and your account number.

You also may exchange your Fund shares that are subject to a CDSC for shares of Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc.  The shares so purchased will be held in a special account created solely for this purpose ("Exchange Account").  Exchanges of shares for an Exchange Account only can be made into certain other funds managed or administered by the Manager.  No CDSC is charged when an investor exchanges into an Exchange Account; however, the applicable CDSC will be imposed when shares are redeemed from an Exchange Account or other applicable Fund account.  Upon redemption, the applicable CDSC will be calculated without regard to the time such shares were held in an Exchange Account.  See "How to Redeem Shares."  Redemption proceeds for Exchange Account shares are paid by Federal wire or check only.  Exchange Account shares also are eligible for the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege and the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.

To request an exchange, you, or your Service Agent acting on your behalf, must give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent in writing, by telephone or online.  The ability to issue exchange instructions by telephone or online is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless you check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating that you specifically refuse this privilege.  By using this privilege, you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephonic and online instructions (including over the Dreyfus Express® voice response telephone system) from any person representing himself or herself to be you or a representative of your Service Agent and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine.  Exchanges may be subject to limitations as to the amount involved or the number of exchanges permitted.  Shares issued in certificate form are not eligible for telephone or online exchange.  No fees currently are charged shareholders directly in connection with exchanges, although the Company reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge shareholders a nominal administrative fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the SEC.

Exchanges of Class I shares held by a Retirement Plan may be made only between the investor's Retirement Plan account in one fund and such investor's Retirement Plan account in another fund.

To establish a personal retirement plan by exchange, shares of the fund being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for shares of the same class of the fund into which the exchange is being made.

During times of drastic economic or market conditions, the Company may suspend Fund Exchanges temporarily without notice and treat exchange requests based on their separate components -- redemption orders with a simultaneous request to purchase the other fund's shares.  In such a case, the redemption request would be processed at the Fund's next determined net asset value but the purchase order would be effective only at the net asset value next determined after the fund being purchased receives the proceeds of the redemption, which may result in the purchase being delayed.

 


 

 

Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege.  Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege permits you to purchase (on a semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of the same Class of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds, or shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a shareholder.  This Privilege is available only for existing accounts.  Shares will be exchanged on the basis of relative net asset value as described above under "Fund Exchanges." Enrollment in or modification or cancellation of this Privilege is effective three business days following notification by you.  You will be notified if your account falls below the amount designated to be exchanged under this Privilege.  In this case, your account will fall to zero unless additional investments are made in excess of the designated amount prior to the next Auto-Exchange transaction.  Shares held under an IRA and other retirement plans are eligible for this Privilege.  Exchanges of IRA shares may be made between IRA accounts and from regular accounts to IRA accounts, but not from IRA accounts to regular accounts.  With respect to all other retirement accounts, exchanges may be made only among those accounts.

Shareholder Services Forms and prospectuses of the other funds may be obtained by calling 1-800-554-4611, or visiting www.dreyfus.com.  The Company reserves the right to reject any exchange request in whole or in part.  Shares may be exchanged only between accounts having certain identical identifying designations.  The Fund Exchanges service or Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.

Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder®.  Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder permits you to purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of $150,000 per transaction) at regular intervals selected by you.  Fund shares are purchased by transferring funds from the bank account designated by you.

Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege.  Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege enables you to purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of $50,000 per transaction) by having Federal salary, Social Security, or certain veterans', military or other payments from the U.S. Government automatically deposited into your Fund account.

Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan.  Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a regular basis.  Depending upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may have part or all of your paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account electronically through the ACH system at each pay period.  To establish a Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form with your employer's payroll department.  It is the sole responsibility of your employer to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan.

Dreyfus Dividend Options.  Dreyfus Dividend Sweep allows you to invest automatically your dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from the Fund in shares of the same Class of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds, or shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a shareholder.  Shares of the other funds purchased pursuant to this privilege will be purchased on the basis of relative net asset value per share as follows:

A.  Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested without a sales load in shares of other funds offered without a sales load.

 


 

 

B.   Dividends and distributions paid by a fund that does not charge a sales load may be invested in shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and the applicable sales load will be deducted.

C.   Dividends and distributions paid by a fund that charges a sales load may be invested in shares of other funds sold with a sales load (referred to herein as "Offered Shares"), but if the sales load applicable to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load charged by the fund from which dividends or distributions are being swept (without giving effect to any reduced loads), the difference may be deducted.

D.  Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested in shares of other funds that impose a CDSC and the applicable CDSC, if any, will be imposed upon redemption of such shares.

Dreyfus Dividend ACH permits you to transfer electronically dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from the Fund to a designated bank account.  Only an account maintained at a domestic financial institution which is an ACH member may be so designated.  Banks may charge a fee for this service.

Automatic Withdrawal Plan.  The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request withdrawal of a specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account.  Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from sales of Fund shares, not the yield on the shares.  If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested dividends and distributions, your shares will be reduced and eventually may be depleted.  The Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be established by filing an Automatic Withdrawal Plan application with the Transfer Agent or by oral request from any of the authorized signatories on the account by calling 1-800-554-4611.  The Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by you, the Company or the Transfer Agent.  Shares for which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.

No CDSC with respect to Class C shares will be imposed on withdrawals made under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, provided that any amount withdrawn under the plan does not exceed on an annual basis 12% of the greater of (1) the account value at the time of the first withdrawal under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, or (2) the account value at the time of the subsequent withdrawal.  Withdrawals with respect to Class C shares under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan that exceed such amounts will be subject to a CDSC.  Withdrawals of Class A shares subject to a CDSC under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan will be subject to any applicable CDSC.  Purchases of additional Class A shares where the sales load is imposed concurrently with withdrawals of Class A shares generally are undesirable.

Certain Retirement Plans, including Dreyfus-sponsored Retirement Plans, may permit certain participants to establish an automatic withdrawal plan from such Retirement Plans. Participants should consult their Retirement Plan sponsor and tax adviser for details.  Such a withdrawal plan is different than the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.

Letter of Intent—Class A Shares.  By signing a Letter of Intent form, you become eligible for the reduced sales load on purchases of Class A shares based on the total number of shares of Eligible Funds (as defined under "Right of Accumulation" above) purchased by you and any related "purchaser" (as defined above) in a 13-month period pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Letter of Intent.  Shares of any Eligible Fund purchased within 90 days prior to the submission of the Letter of Intent may be used to equal or exceed the amount specified in the Letter of Intent.  A minimum initial purchase of $5,000 is required.  You can obtain a Letter of Intent form by calling 1-800-554-4611.

 


 

 

Each purchase you make during the 13-month period (which begins on the date you submit the Letter of Intent) will be at the public offering price applicable to a single transaction of the aggregate dollar amount you select in the Letter of Intent.  The Transfer Agent will hold in escrow 5% of the amount indicated in the Letter of Intent, which may be used for payment of a higher sales load if you do not purchase the full amount indicated in the Letter of Intent.  When you fulfill the terms of the Letter of Intent by purchasing the specified amount the escrowed amount will be released and additional shares representing such amount credited to your account.  If your purchases meet the total minimum investment amount specified in the Letter of Intent within the 13-month period, an adjustment will be made at the conclusion of the 13-month period to reflect any reduced sales load applicable to shares purchased during the 90-day period prior to submission of the Letter of Intent.  If your purchases qualify for a further sales load reduction, the sales load will be adjusted to reflect your total purchase at the end of 13 months.  If total purchases are less than the amount specified, the offering price of the shares you purchased (including shares representing the escrowed amount) during the 13-month period will be adjusted to reflect the sales load applicable to the aggregate purchases you actually made (which will reduce the number of shares in your account), unless you have redeemed the shares in your account, in which case the Transfer Agent, as attorney-in-fact pursuant to the terms of the Letter of Intent, will redeem an appropriate number of Class A shares of the Fund held in escrow to realize the difference between the sales load actually paid and the sales load applicable to the aggregate purchases actually made and any remaining shares will be credited to your account.  Signing a Letter of Intent does not bind you to purchase, or the Fund to sell, the full amount indicated at the sales load in effect at the time of signing, but you must complete the intended purchase to obtain the reduced sales load.  At the time you purchase Class A shares, you must indicate your intention to do so under a Letter of Intent.  Purchases pursuant to a Letter of Intent will be made at the then-current net asset value plus the applicable sales load in effect at the time such Letter of Intent was submitted.

Corporate Pension/Profit-Sharing and Retirement Plans.  The Company makes available to corporations a variety of prototype pension and profit-sharing plans, including a 401(k) Salary Reduction Plan.  In addition, the Company makes available Keogh Plans, IRAs (including regular IRAs, spousal IRAs for a non-working spouse, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs and rollover IRAs), Education Savings Accounts, 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans.  Plan support services also are available.

If you wish to purchase Fund shares in conjunction with a Keogh Plan, a 403(b)(7) Plan or an IRA, including a SEP-IRA, you may request from the Distributor forms for adoption of such plans.

The entity acting as custodian for Keogh Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans or IRAs may charge a fee, payment of which could require the liquidation of shares.  All fees charged are described in the appropriate form.

Shares may be purchased in connection with these plans only by direct remittance to the entity acting as custodian.  Purchases for these plans may not be made in advance of receipt of funds.

You should read the prototype retirement plan and the appropriate form of custodial agreement for further details on eligibility, service fees and tax implications, and should consult a tax adviser.

 


 

 

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

Valuation of Portfolio Securities.  The Fund's investments are valued on the basis of market quotations or official closing prices.  The Fund's portfolio securities, including covered call options written by the Fund, are valued at the last sale price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities primarily are traded.  Securities listed on the Nasdaq National Market System for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price or, if there is no official closing price on that day, at the last sale price.  Securities not listed on an exchange or national securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices, except that open short positions are valued at the asked price.  Bid price is used when no asked price is available.  Substantially all of the Fund's fixed-income investments (excluding short-term investments) are valued by one or more independent pricing services (the "Service") approved by the Company's Board.  Securities valued by the Service for which quoted bid prices in the judgment of the Service are readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for such securities).  The value of other fixed-income investments is determined by the Service based on methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions.  Market quotations of foreign securities in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange.  Any securities or other assets for which recent market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company's Board.  Any assets or liabilities initially expressed in terms of foreign currency will be translated into U.S. dollars at the midpoint of the New York interbank market spot exchange rate as quoted on the day of such translation by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or if no such rate is quoted on such date, at the exchange rate previously quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or at such other quoted market exchange rate as may be determined to be appropriate by the Advisers.  Forward currency contracts will be valued at the current cost of offsetting the contract.  If the Fund has to obtain prices as of the close of trading on various exchanges throughout the world, the calculation of the Fund's net asset value may not take place contemporaneously with the determination of prices of certain of the Fund's portfolio securities.  Short-term investments may be carried at amortized cost, which approximates value.  Expenses and fees, including the management fee and fees pursuant to the Distribution Plan, and the Shareholder Services Plan, if applicable, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the net asset value of the Fund's shares.  Because of the differences in operating expenses incurred by each Class of shares of the Fund, the per share net asset value of each Class of shares of the Fund will differ.

Restricted securities, as well as securities or other assets for which recent market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available or are determined by the Company not to reflect accurately fair value (such as when the value of a security has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market) but before the Fund calculates its net asset value), or which are not valued by the Service, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith based on procedures approved by the Company's Board.  Fair value of investments may be determined by the Company's Board, its pricing committee or its valuation committee using such information as it deems appropriate.  The factors that may be considered when fair valuing a security include fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased or sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers.  Fair value of foreign equity securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using correlations between the movement of prices of foreign securities and indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as closing market prices of relevant ADRs and futures contracts.  The valuation of a security based on fair value procedures may differ from the security's most recent closing price, and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their net asset values.  Foreign securities held by the Fund may trade on days that the Fund is not open for business, thus affecting the value of the Fund's assets on days when Fund investors have no access to the Fund.  Restricted securities that are, or are convertible into, securities of the same class of other securities for which a public market exists usually will be valued at such market value less the same percentage discount at which the restricted securities were purchased.  This discount will be revised periodically by the Board if the Board members believe that it no longer reflects the value of the restricted securities.  Restricted securities not of the same class as securities for which a public market exists usually will be valued initially at cost.  Any subsequent adjustment from cost will be based upon considerations deemed relevant by the Company's Board.

 


 

 

New York Stock Exchange Closings.  The holidays (as observed) on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed currently are:  New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

Management expects that the Fund will qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under the Code.  The Fund intends to continue to so qualify if such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders.  As a RIC, the Fund will pay no Federal income tax on net investment income and net realized securities gains to the extent that such income and gains are distributed to shareholders in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code.  To qualify as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things: (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks, securities or foreign currencies or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stocks, securities or currencies, and (ii) net income from interests in "qualified publicly traded partnerships" (as defined in the Code) (all such income items, "qualifying income"); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. Government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other RICs) of a single issuer, two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or one or more "qualified publicly traded partnerships" (as defined in the Code); and (c) distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code, but without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) to its shareholders each taxable year.  If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC, it will be treated for tax purposes as an ordinary corporation subject to Federal income tax.  The term "regulated investment company" does not imply the supervision of management or investment practices or policies by any government agency.

The Fund ordinarily declares and pays dividends from its net investment income and distributes net realized capital gains, if any, once a year.  The Fund, however, may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.

 


 

 

If you elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash, and your dividend or distribution check is returned to the Fund as undeliverable or remains uncashed for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest such dividends or distributions and all future dividends and distributions payable to you in additional Fund shares at net asset value.  No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption checks.

Any dividend or distribution paid shortly after an investor's purchase of Fund shares may have the effect of reducing the aggregate net asset value of the shares below the cost of the investment.  Such a dividend or distribution would be a return of capital in an economic sense, although taxable as stated in the Fund's Prospectus.  In addition, the Code provides that if a shareholder holds shares of the Fund for six months or less and has received a capital gain distribution with respect to such shares, any loss incurred on the sale of such shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain distribution received.

The Fund may qualify for and may make an election under which shareholders may be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction on their Federal income tax returns for, and will be required to treat as part of the amounts distributed to them, their pro rata portion of qualified taxes incurred or paid by the Fund to foreign countries.  The Fund may make that election provided that more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of the taxable year consists of securities in foreign corporations and the Fund satisfies certain distribution requirements.  The foreign tax credit available to shareholders is subject to certain limitations.

Investment income that may be received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign taxes withheld at the source.  Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes.  If the Fund qualifies as a RIC, the Fund satisfies the 90% distribution requirement and more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, then the Fund may elect to "pass through" to its shareholders the amount of foreign taxes paid by the Fund.  If the Fund so elects, each shareholder would be required to include in gross income, even though not actually received, his or her pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund, but would be treated as having paid his or her pro rata share of such foreign taxes and therefore would be allowed to either deduct such amount in computing taxable income or use such amount (subject to various Code limitations) as a foreign tax credit against Federal income tax (but not both).  For purposes of the foreign tax credit limitation rules of the Code, each shareholder would treat as foreign source income his or her pro rata share of such foreign taxes plus the portion of dividends received from the Fund representing income derived from foreign sources.  No deduction for foreign taxes could be claimed by an individual shareholder who does not itemize deductions.  In certain circumstances, a shareholder that (i) has held Fund shares for less than a specified minimum period during which it is not protected from risk of loss, (ii) is obligated to make payments related to the dividends or (iii) holds Fund shares in arrangements in which the shareholder's expected economic profits after non-U.S. taxes are insubstantial, will not be allowed a foreign tax credit for foreign taxes deemed imposed on dividends paid on such shares.  Additionally, the Fund also must meet this holding period requirement with respect to its foreign stock and securities in order for "creditable" taxes to flow-through.  Each shareholder should consult his or her own tax adviser regarding the potential application of foreign tax credits.

Ordinarily, gains and losses realized from portfolio transactions will be treated as capital gains and losses.  However, a portion of the gain or loss realized from the disposition of foreign currencies (including foreign currency denominated bank deposits) and non-U.S. dollar denominated securities (including debt instruments and certain futures or forward contracts and options) may be treated as ordinary income or loss.  Similarly, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates that occur between the time the Fund accrues interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities may be treated as ordinary income or loss.  In addition, all or a portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain market discount bonds will be treated as ordinary income.  Finally, all or a portion of the gain realized from engaging in "conversion transactions" (generally including certain transactions designed to convert ordinary income into capital gain) may be treated as ordinary income.

 


 

 

Gain or loss, if any, realized by the Fund from certain financial futures or forward contracts and options transactions ("Section 1256 contracts") will be treated as 60% long‑term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss.  Gain or loss will arise upon exercise or lapse of Section 1256 contracts as well as from closing transactions.  In addition, any Section 1256 contracts remaining unexercised at the end of the Fund's taxable year will be treated as sold for their then fair market value, resulting in additional gain or loss to the Fund.

Offsetting positions held by the Fund involving certain financial futures or forward contracts or options transactions with respect to actively traded personal property may be considered, for tax purposes, to constitute "straddles."  To the extent the straddle rules apply to positions established by the Fund, losses realized by the Fund may be deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in the offsetting position.  In addition, short-term capital loss on straddle positions may be recharacterized as long-term capital loss, and long-term capital gains on straddle positions may be treated as short-term capital gains or ordinary income.  Certain of the straddle positions held by the Fund may constitute "mixed straddles."  The Fund may make one or more elections with respect to the treatment of "mixed straddles," resulting in different tax consequences.  In certain circumstances, the provisions governing the tax treatment of straddles override or modify certain of the provisions discussed above.

If the Fund either (1) holds an appreciated financial position with respect to stock, certain debt obligations, or partnership interests ("appreciated financial position") and then enters into a short sale, futures, forward, or offsetting notional principal contract (collectively, a "Contract") with respect to the same or substantially identical property or (2) holds an appreciated financial position that is a Contract and then acquires property that is the same as, or substantially identical to, the underlying property, the Fund generally will be taxed as if the appreciated financial position were sold at its fair market value on the date the Fund enters into the financial position or acquires the property, respectively.  The foregoing will not apply, however, to any 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).

If the Fund enters into certain derivatives (including forward contracts, long positions under notional principal contracts, and related puts and calls) with respect to equity interests in certain pass-thru entities (including other regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, partnerships, real estate mortgage investment conduits and certain trusts and foreign corporations), long-term capital gain with respect to the derivative may be recharacterized as ordinary income to the extent it exceeds the long-term capital gain that would have been realized had the interest in the pass-thru entity been held directly by the Fund during the term of the derivative contract.  Any gain recharacterized as ordinary income will be treated as accruing at a constant rate over the term of the derivative contract and may be subject to an interest charge.  The Treasury has authority to issue regulations expanding the application of these rules to derivatives with respect to debt instruments and/or stock in corporations that are not pass-thru entities.

 


 

 

If the Fund invests in an entity that is classified as a "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC") for Federal income tax purposes, the operation of certain provisions of the Code applying to PFICs could result in the imposition of certain Federal income taxes on the Fund.  In addition, gain realized from the sale or other disposition of PFIC securities may be treated as ordinary income.

Investment by the Fund in securities issued or acquired at a discount, or providing for deferred interest or for payment of interest in the form of additional obligations could under special tax rules affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders by causing the Fund to recognize income prior to the receipt of cash payments.  For example, the Fund could be required each year to accrue a portion of the discount (or deemed discount) at which the securities were issued and to distribute such income in order to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company.  In such case, the Fund may have to dispose of securities which it might otherwise have continued to hold in order to generate cash to satisfy the distribution requirements.

Federal regulations require that you provide a certified taxpayer identification number ("TIN") upon opening or reopening an account.  See the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.  Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Company could subject you to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

General.  The Manager assumes general supervision over the placement of securities purchase and sale orders on behalf of the funds it manages. Funds managed by dual employees of the Manager and an affiliated entity, and funds with a sub-investment adviser, execute portfolio transactions through the trading desk of the affiliated entity or sub-investment adviser, as applicable (the "Trading Desk").  Those funds use the research facilities, and are subject to the internal policies and procedures, of applicable affiliated entity or sub-investment adviser.

The Trading Desk generally has the authority to select brokers (for equity securities) or dealers (for fixed income securities) and the commission rates or spreads to be paid.  Allocation of brokerage transactions is made in the best judgment of the Trading Desk and in a manner deemed fair and reasonable.  In choosing brokers or dealers, the Trading Desk evaluates the ability of the broker or dealer to execute the transaction at the best combination of price and quality of execution.

In general, brokers or dealers involved in the execution of portfolio transactions on behalf of a fund are selected on the basis of their professional capability and the value and quality of their services.  The Trading Desk attempts to obtain best execution for the funds by choosing brokers or dealers to execute transactions based on a variety of factors, which may include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) price; (ii) liquidity; (iii) the nature and character of the relevant market for the security to be purchased or sold; (iv) the quality and efficiency of the broker's or dealer's execution; (v) the broker's or dealer's willingness to commit capital; (vi) the reliability of the broker or dealer in trade settlement and clearance; (vii) the level of counter-party risk (i.e., the broker's or dealer's financial condition); (viii) the commission rate or the spread; (ix) the value of research provided;  (x) the availability of electronic trade entry and reporting links; and (xi) the size and type of order (e.g., foreign or domestic security, large block, illiquid security).  In selecting brokers or dealers no factor is necessarily determinative; however, at various times and for various reasons, certain factors will be more important than others in determining which broker or dealer to use.  Seeking to obtain best execution for all trades takes precedence over all other considerations.

 


 

 

Investment decisions for one fund or account are made independently from those for other funds or accounts managed by the portfolio managers.  Under the Trading Desk's procedures, portfolio managers and their corresponding Trading Desks may seek to aggregate (or "bunch") orders that are placed or received concurrently for more than one fund or account.  In some cases, this policy may adversely affect the price paid or received by a fund or an account, or the size of the position obtained or liquidated.  As noted above, certain brokers or dealers may be selected because of their ability to handle special executions such as those involving large block trades or broad distributions, provided that the primary consideration of best execution is met.  Generally, when trades are aggregated, each fund or account within the block will receive the same price and commission.  However, random allocations of aggregate transactions may be made to minimize custodial transaction costs.  In addition, at the close of the trading day, when reasonable and practicable, the completed securities of partially filled orders will generally be allocated to each participating fund and account in the proportion that each order bears to the total of all orders (subject to rounding to "round lot" amounts and other relevant factors).

Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year as well as within a year.  In periods in which extraordinary market conditions prevail, the portfolio managers will not be deterred from changing the fund's investment strategy as rapidly as needed, in which case higher turnover rates can be anticipated which would result in greater brokerage expenses.  The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid is evaluated by the Trading Desk based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions paid by other institutional investors for comparable services.  Higher portfolio turnover rates usually generate additional brokerage commissions and transaction costs, and any short-term gains realized from these transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

To the extent that a fund invests in foreign securities, certain of such fund's transactions in those securities may not benefit from the negotiated commission rates available to funds for transactions in securities of domestic issuers.  For funds that permit foreign exchange transactions, such transactions are made with banks or institutions in the interbank market at prices reflecting a mark-up or mark-down and/or commission.

The portfolio managers may deem it appropriate for one fund or account they manage to sell a security while another fund or account they manage is purchasing the same security.  Under such circumstances, the portfolio managers may arrange to have the purchase and sale transactions effected directly between the funds and/or accounts ("cross transactions").  Cross transactions will be effected in accordance with procedures adopted pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act.

Funds and accounts managed by the Manager, an affiliated entity or a sub-investment adviser may own significant positions in portfolio companies which, depending on market conditions, may affect adversely the ability to dispose of some or all of such positions.

For the period October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2010, the Fund paid total brokerage commissions in the amount of $__________, none of which was paid to the Distributor.  The amount paid for brokerage commissions does not include gross spreads and concessions on principal transactions, none of which was paid to the Distributor.

 


 

 

The Fund contemplates that, consistent with the policy of seeking best price and execution, brokerage transactions may be conducted through affiliates of the Manager or Sub-Adviser.  The Board has adopted procedures in conformity with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act to ensure that all brokerage commissions paid to affiliates of the Manager or Sub-Adviser are reasonable and fair.

Soft Dollars.  The term "soft dollars" is commonly understood to refer to arrangements where an investment adviser uses client (or fund) brokerage commissions to pay for research and other services to be used by the investment adviser.  Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provides a "safe harbor" that permits investment advisers to enter into soft dollar arrangements if the investment adviser determines in good faith that the amount of the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided.  Eligible products and services under Section 28(e) include those that provide lawful and appropriate assistance to the investment adviser in the performance of its investment decision-making responsibilities.

Subject to the policy of seeking best execution, Dreyfus-managed funds may execute transactions with brokerage firms that provide research services and products, as defined in Section 28(e).  Any and all research products and services received in connection with brokerage commissions will be used to assist the applicable affiliated entity or sub-investment adviser in its investment decision-making responsibilities, as contemplated under Section 28(e).  Under certain conditions, higher brokerage commissions may be paid in connection with certain transactions in return for research products and services. 

The products and services provided under these arrangements permit the Trading Desk to supplement its own research and analysis activities, and provide it with information from individuals and research staffs of many securities firms.  Such services and products may include, but are not limited to the following:  fundamental research reports (which may discuss, among other things, the value of securities, or the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, or the availability of securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities, or issuers, industries, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and performance); current market data and news; technical and portfolio analyses; economic forecasting and interest rate projections; and historical information on securities and companies.  The Trading Desk also may defray the costs of certain services and communication systems that facilitate trade execution (such as on-line quotation systems, direct data feeds from stock exchanges and on-line trading systems with brokerage commissions generated by client transactions) or functions related thereto (such as clearance and settlement).  Some of the research products or services received by the Trading Desk may have both a research function and a non-research administrative function (a "mixed use").  If the Trading Desk determines that any research product or service has a mixed use, the Trading Desk will allocate in good faith the cost of such service or product accordingly.  The portion of the product or service that the Trading Desk determines will assist it in the investment decision-making process may be paid for in soft dollars.  The non-research portion is paid for by the Trading Desk in hard dollars. 

The Trading Desk generally considers the amount and nature of research, execution and other services provided by brokerage firms, as well as the extent to which such services are relied on, and attempts to allocate a portion of the brokerage business of its clients on the basis of that consideration.  Neither the services nor the amount of brokerage given to a particular brokerage firm are made pursuant to any agreement or commitment with any of the selected firms that would bind the Trading Desk to compensate the selected brokerage firm for research provided.  The Trading Desk endeavors, but is not legally obligated, to direct sufficient commissions to broker/dealers that have provided it with research and other services to ensure continued receipt of research the Trading Desk believes is useful.  Actual commissions received by a brokerage firm may be more or less than the suggested allocations.

 


 

 

There may be no correlation between the amount of brokerage commissions generated by a particular fund or client and the indirect benefits received by that fund or client.  The affiliated entity or sub-investment adviser may receive a benefit from the research services and products that is not passed on to a fund in the form of a direct monetary benefit.  Further, research services and products may be useful to the affiliated entity or sub-investment adviser in providing investment advice to any of the funds or clients it advises.  Likewise, information made available to the affiliated entity or sub-investment adviser from brokerage firms effecting securities transactions for a fund may be utilized on behalf of another fund or client.  Information so received is in addition to, and not in lieu of, services required to be performed by the affiliated entity or sub-investment adviser and fees are not reduced as a consequence of the receipt of such supplemental information.  Although the receipt of such research services does not reduce the normal independent research activities of the affiliated entity or sub-investment adviser, it enables them to avoid the additional expenses that might otherwise be incurred if it were to attempt to develop comparable information through its own staff.

The aggregate amount of transactions during the last fiscal year in securities effected on an agency basis through a broker for, among other things, research services, and the commissions and concessions related to such transactions were as follows:

Transactions

Commissions and Concessions

$

$

 

IPO Allocations.  Certain funds advised by the Manager (and where applicable, a sub-adviser or Dreyfus affiliate) may participate in IPOs.  In deciding whether to purchase an IPO, the Manager (and where applicable, a sub-adviser or Dreyfus affiliate) generally considers the capitalization characteristics of the security, as well as other characteristics of the security, and identifies funds and accounts with investment objectives and strategies consistent with such a purchase.  Generally, as more IPOs involve small- and mid-cap companies, the funds and accounts with a small- and mid-cap focus may participate in more IPOs than funds and accounts with a large-cap focus.  The Manager (and where applicable, a sub-adviser or Dreyfus affiliate), when consistent with the fund's and/or account's investment guidelines, generally will allocate shares of an IPO on a pro rata basis.  In the case of "hot" IPOs, where the Manager (and if applicable, a sub-adviser or Dreyfus affiliate) only receives a partial allocation of the total amount requested, those shares will be distributed fairly and equitably among participating funds or accounts managed by the Manager (or where applicable, a sub-adviser or Dreyfus affiliate).  "Hot" IPOs raise special allocation concerns because opportunities to invest in such issues are limited as they are often oversubscribed.  The distribution of the partial allocation among funds and/or accounts will be based on relevant net asset values.  Shares will be allocated on a pro rata basis to all appropriate funds and accounts, subject to a minimum allocation based on trading, custody, and other associated costs.  International hot IPOs may not be allocated on a pro rata basis due transaction costs, market liquidity and other factors unique to international markets.

Regular Broker-Dealers.  The Fund may acquire securities issued by one or more of its "regular brokers or dealers," as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act.  Rule 10b-1 provides that a "regular broker or dealer" is one of the ten brokers or dealers that, during the Fund's most recent fiscal year (i) received the greatest dollar amount of brokerage commissions from participating, either directly or indirectly, in the Fund's portfolio transactions, (ii) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amount of the Fund's portfolio transactions or (iii) sold the largest dollar amount of the Fund's securities.  For the period October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2010, the Fund did not acquire securities of its regular brokers or dealers.

 


 

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.  It is the policy of Dreyfus to protect the confidentiality of fund portfolio holdings and prevent the selective disclosure of non-public information about such holdings.  Each fund, or its duly authorized service providers, publicly discloses its portfolio holdings in accordance with regulatory requirements, such as periodic portfolio disclosure in filings with the SEC.  Each non-money market fund, or its duly authorized service providers, may publicly disclose its complete schedule of portfolio holdings, at month-end, with a one-month lag, on the Dreyfus website at www.dreyfus.com.  In addition, fifteen days following the end of each calendar quarter, each non-money market fund, or its duly authorized service providers, may publicly disclose on the website its complete schedule of portfolio holdings as of the end of such quarter.  Each money market fund will disclose daily on www.dreyfus.com the fund's complete schedule of holdings as of the end of the previous business day.  The schedule of holdings will remain on the website until the fund files its Form N-Q or Form N-CSR for the period that includes the date of the posted holdings.

If a fund's portfolio holdings are released pursuant to an ongoing arrangement with any party, such fund must have a legitimate business purpose for doing so, and neither the fund, nor Dreyfus or its affiliates, may receive any compensation in connection with an arrangement to make available information about the fund's portfolio holdings.  Funds may distribute portfolio holdings to mutual fund evaluation services such as Standard & Poor's, Morningstar or Lipper Analytical Services; due diligence departments of broker-dealers and wirehouses that regularly analyze the portfolio holdings of mutual funds before their public disclosure; and broker-dealers that may be used by the fund, for the purpose of efficient trading and receipt of relevant research, provided that: (a) the recipient does not distribute the portfolio holdings to persons who are likely to use the information for purposes of purchasing or selling fund shares or fund portfolio holdings before the portfolio holdings become public information; and (b) the recipient signs a written confidentiality agreement.

Funds may also disclose any and all portfolio information to their service providers and others who generally need access to such information in the performance of their contractual duties and responsibilities and are subject to duties of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on non-public information, imposed by law and/or contract.  These service providers include the fund's custodian, independent registered public accounting firm, investment adviser, administrator, and each of their respective affiliates and advisers.

Disclosure of portfolio holdings may be authorized only by the Company's Chief Compliance Officer, and any exceptions to this policy are reported quarterly to the Company's Board.

SUMMARY OF THE PROXY VOTING POLICY, PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES OF THE
DREYFUS FAMILY OF FUNDS

The Board of each fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds has delegated to Dreyfus the authority to vote proxies of companies held in a fund’s portfolio.  Dreyfus, through its participation on BNY Mellon’s Proxy Policy Committee (the “PPC”) applies BNY Mellon’s Proxy Voting Policy, related procedures and voting guidelines when voting proxies on behalf of the funds.

 

Dreyfus recognizes that an investment adviser is a fiduciary that owes its clients a duty of utmost good faith and full and fair disclosure of all material facts.  Dreyfus further recognizes that the right to vote proxies is an asset, just as the economic investment represented by the shares is an asset.  An investment adviser's duty of loyalty precludes an adviser from subrogating its clients' interests to its own.  Accordingly, in voting proxies, Dreyfus seeks to act solely in the best financial and economic interests of the funds. 

 

 


 

 

Dreyfus seeks to avoid material conflicts of interest through its participation in the PPC, which applies detailed, pre-determined proxy voting guidelines in an objective and consistent manner across client accounts, based on internal and external research and recommendations provided by  third party vendors, and without consideration of any client relationship factors.  Further, Dreyfus engages a third party as an independent fiduciary to vote all proxies for Fund securities. 

 

Each proxy is reviewed, categorized and analyzed in accordance with the PPC’s written guidelines in effect from time to time.  The guidelines are reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect new issues and changes to the PPC’s policies on specific issues.  Items that can be categorized will be voted in accordance with any applicable guidelines or referred to the PPC, if the applicable guidelines so require.  Proposals for which a guideline has not yet been established are referred to the PPC for discussion and vote.  Additionally, the PPC may elect to review any proposal where it has identified a particular issue for special scrutiny in light of new information. The PPC will also consider specific interests and issues raised by a fund, which interests and issues may require that a vote for a fund be cast differently from the collective vote in order to act in the best interests of such fund.

 

Dreyfus believes that a shareholder’s role in the governance of a publicly-held company is generally limited to monitoring the performance of the company and its managers and voting on matters which properly come to a shareholder vote.  Dreyfus carefully reviews proposals that would limit shareholder control or could affect shareholder values.

 

Dreyfus generally opposes proposals that seem designed to insulate management unnecessarily from the wishes of a majority of the shareholders and that would lead to a determination of a company’s future by a minority of its shareholders.  Dreyfus generally supports proposals that seem to have as their primary purpose providing management with temporary or short-term insulation from outside influences so as to enable them to bargain effectively with potential suitors and otherwise achieve identified long-term goals to the extent such proposals are discrete and not bundled with other proposals.

 

On questions of social responsibility where economic performance does not appear to be an issue, Dreyfus attempts to ensure that management reasonably responds to the social issues.  Responsiveness is measured by management's efforts to address the particular social issue including, where appropriate, assessment of the implications of the proposal to the ongoing operations of the company. Dreyfus pays particular attention to repeat issues where management has failed in its commitment to take specific actions.  With respect to funds having investment policies that require proxies to be cast in a certain manner on particular social responsibility issues, Dreyfus votes such issues in accordance with those investment policies.

 

Information regarding how Dreyfus voted proxies for the funds is available on the Dreyfus website at www.dreyfus.com and on the SEC’s website at www.SEC.gov on the fund’s Form N-PX.

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND FUND

The Fund share has one vote and, when-issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the offering, is fully paid and non-assessable.  Fund shares have equal rights as to dividends and in liquidation.  Shares have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights and are freely transferable.

Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, ordinarily it will not be necessary for the Company to hold annual meetings of shareholders.  As a result, Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board members or the appointment of auditors.  However, the holders of at least 10% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may require the Company to hold a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of removing a Board member from office.  Shareholders may remove a Board member by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Company's outstanding voting shares.  In addition, the Board will call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Board members if, at any time, less than a majority of the Board members then holding office have been elected by shareholders.

 


 

 

The Company is a "series fund," which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios, each of which is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act and for other purposes.  A shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio.  For certain matters shareholders vote together as a group; as to others they vote separately by portfolio. 

To date, the Board has authorized the creation of two series of shares.  All consideration received by the Company for shares of a series, and all assets in which such consideration is invested, will belong to that series (subject only to the rights of creditors of the Company) and will be subject to the liabilities related thereto.  The income attributable to, and the expenses of, a series will be treated separately from those of the other series of the Company.  The Company has the ability to create, from time to time, new series without shareholder approval.

Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted under the provisions of the 1940 Act or applicable state law or otherwise to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company, such as the Company, will not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each series affected by such matter.  Rule 18f-2 further provides that a series shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each series in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of such series.  Rule 18f-2 exempts the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm and the election of Board members from the separate voting requirements of the Rule.

The Fund is intended to be a long-term investment vehicle and is not designed to provide investors with a means of speculating on short-term market movements.  A pattern of frequent purchases and exchanges can be disruptive to efficient portfolio management and, consequently, can be detrimental to the Fund's performance and its shareholders.  If Fund management determines that an investor is following an abusive investment strategy, it may reject any purchase request, or terminate the investor's exchange privilege, with or without prior notice.  Such investors also may be barred from purchasing shares of other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds.  Accounts under common ownership or control may be considered as one account for purposes of determining a pattern of excessive or abusive trading.  In addition, the Fund may refuse or restrict purchase or exchange requests for Fund shares by any person or group if, in the judgment of the Fund's management, the Fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies or could otherwise be adversely affected or if the Fund receives or anticipates receiving simultaneous orders that may significantly affect the Fund.  If an exchange request is refused, the Company will take no other action with respect to Fund shares until it receives further instructions from the investor.  While the Company will take reasonable steps to prevent excessive short term trading deemed to be harmful to the Fund, it may not be able to identify excessive trading conducted through certain financial intermediaries or omnibus accounts.

Before June 24, 1996, the Company's name was Dreyfus International Equity Fund, Inc.

 


 

 

The Fund will send annual and semi-annual financial statements to all its shareholders.

COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

_______________________________________________________________________, as counsel for the Fund, has rendered its opinion as to certain legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance of the shares being sold pursuant to the Fund's Prospectus.

 

_______________________________________________________, an independent registered public accounting firm, has been selected  to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund.

 


 

 

APPENDIX A

Rating Categories

Description of certain ratings assigned by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P"), Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's"), and Fitch Ratings ("Fitch"):

S&P

Long-term

AAA

An obligation rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by S&P.  The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA

An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A

An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB

An obligation rated 'BBB' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC, and C

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

BB

An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B

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

 


 

 

CCC

An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC

An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C

A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.  The 'C' rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued.  A 'C' also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

D

An obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

r

The symbol 'r' is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks.  It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating.  Examples include: obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities; obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk—such as interest-only or principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky interest terms, such as inverse floaters.

N.R.

The designation 'N.R.' indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

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

Short-term

A-1

A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are given a plus sign (+) designation.  This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 


 

 

A-2

A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3

A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B

A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics.  The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet is financial commitment on the obligation.

C

A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D

A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment default.  The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period.  The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Moody's

Long-term

Aaa

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

Aa

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

 


 

 

A

Bonds rated 'A' possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.

Baa

Bonds rated 'Baa' are considered as medium-grade obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

Ba

Bonds rated 'Ba' are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

B

Bonds rated 'B' generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

Caa

Bonds rated 'Caa' are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.

Ca

Bonds rated 'Ca' represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree.  Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C

Bonds rated 'C' are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

Note:  Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating classification from 'Aa' through 'Caa'. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

Prime rating system (short-term)

Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:

Leading market positions in well-established industries.

High rates of return on funds employed.

 


 

 

Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.

Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.

Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Fitch

Long-term investment grade

AAA

Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA

Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk.  They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A

High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB

Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

Long-term speculative grade

 


 

 

BB

Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

 

B

Highly speculative. 'B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

CCC, CC, C

High default risk. Default is a real possibility.  Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments. 'CC' ratings indicate that default of some kind appears probable.  'C' ratings signal imminent default.

DDD, DD, D

Default.  The ratings of obligations in this category are based on their prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization or liquidation of the obligor. While expected recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be estimated with any precision, the following serve as general guidelines. 'DDD' obligations have the highest potential for recovery, around 90% - 100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest. 'DD' ratings indicate potential recoveries in the range of 50% - 90% and 'D' the lowest recovery potential, i.e., below 50%.

Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or all of their obligations. Entities rated 'DDD' have the highest prospect for resumption of performance or continued operation with or without a formal reorganization process. Entities rated 'DD' and 'D' are generally undergoing a formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated 'DD' are likely to satisfy a higher portion of their outstanding obligations, while entities rated 'D' have a poor prospect of repaying all obligations.

Short-term

A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 12 months for most obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance securities, and thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.

F1

Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

F2

Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

F3

Fair credit quality.  The capacity for timely payment of financial commitment is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction non-investment grade.

 


 

 

B

Speculative.  Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

C

High default risk.  Default is a real possibility.  Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

D

Default.  Denotes actual or imminent payment default.

'NR' indicates that Fitch does not rate the issuer or issue in question.

Notes to long-term and short-term ratings:  A plus (+) or minus (-) sign designation may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories.  Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA' long-term rating category, to categories below 'CCC', or to short-term ratings other than 'F1.'

 


 

 

APPENDIX B

 

            The following shareholders owned of record 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the indicated Class of Fund shares as of December   , 2010.

 


 

 

 

DREYFUS INTERNATIONAL FUNDS, INC.

 

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

________________________________

 

Item 28.            Exhibits

_______          __________

(a)(1)                Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and Articles of Amendment are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 28, 1995.

 

(a)(2)                Registrant’s Articles of Amendment and Articles Supplementary are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement on Form N‑1A, filed on September 26, 1996.

 

(a)(3)                Registrant's Articles of Amendment is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) (2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on November 8, 2002.

 

(a)(4)                Registrant's Articles Supplementary is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) (3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on November 8, 2002.

 

(a)(5)                Registrant's Articles of Amendment is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) (3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 25, 2009.

 

(b)                    Registrant's By‑Laws is incorporated by reference to exhibit (b) of Post-Effective Amendment No.23 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 28, 2006. 

 

(d)(1)                Management Agreement, as revised, is incorporated by reference to exhibit (d) of Post-Effective Amendment No.29 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 25, 2009.

 

(d)(2)                Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement with BNY Mellon ARX Investimentos Ltda., is incorporated by reference to exhibit (d) of Post-Effective Amendment No.29 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 25, 2009.

 

(e)(1)                Form of Distribution Agreement.

 

(e)(2)                Forms of Service Agreements is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 27, 2000.

 

(e)(3)                Forms of Supplement to Service Agreements is incorporated by reference to exhibit (e)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No.24 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 26, 2007.  

 

(g)(1)                Custody Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No 26 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September  26, 2008.

 

(g)(2)                Foreign Custody Manager Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g) (3) of Post-Effective Amendment No.16 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 27, 2001.

 

(h)(i)                 Shareholder Services Plan, as revised, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 25, 2009.

 

 


 

 

 

 

Item 23.            Exhibits. ‑ List (continued)

_______          _____________________________________________________

 

(h)(2)                Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 26, 2008.

 

(i)                     Opinion and consent of Registrant's counsel is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 28, 1995.

 

(j)                     Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, to be filed by amendment.

 

(m)                   Distribution Plan, as revised, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (m) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 25, 2009.

 

(o)                           Rule 18f-3 Plan, as revised, is incorporated by reference to exhibit (o) of Post-Effective Amendment No.25 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 25, 2009.

 

(p)(1)                Code of Ethics is incorporated by reference to exhibit (p) of Post-Effective Amendment No.26 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 26, 2008.

 

(p)(2)                Code of Ethics of Independent Directors is incorporated by reference to exhibit (p)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No.30 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 24, 2010.

 

                        Other Exhibits

                        ______________

 

                                    (a)        Power of Attorney is incorporated by reference to other exhibits (a) of Post-Effective Amendment No.30 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 24, 2010.

 

                                    (b)        Certificate of Secretary is incorporated by reference to exhibit (b) of Post-Effective Amendment No.30 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 24, 2010.

 


 

 

 

Item 29.            Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.

_______          _______________________________________________________

 

                        Not Applicable

 

Item 30.            Indemnification

_______          _______________

 

                        The Registrant's charter documents set forth the circumstances under which indemnification shall be provided to any past or present Board member or officer of the Registrant.  The Registrant also has entered into a separate agreement with each of its Board members that describes the conditions and manner in which the Registrant indemnifies each of its Board members against all liabilities incurred by them (including attorneys' fees and other litigation expenses, settlements, fines and penalties), or which may be threatened against them, as a result of being or having been a Board member of the Registrant.  These indemnification provisions are subject to applicable state law and to the limitation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that no board member or officer of a fund may be protected against liability for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard for the duties of his or her office.  Reference is hereby made to the following:

 

                        Article VII of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and any amendments thereto, Article VIII of Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws, Section 2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation Law and Section 1.10 of the Distribution Agreement.

 

Item 31.            Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.

_______          ____________________________________________________

 

                        The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") and subsidiary companies comprise a financial service organization whose business consists primarily of providing investment management services as the investment adviser and manager for sponsored investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and as an investment adviser to institutional and individual accounts.  Dreyfus also serves as sub-investment adviser to and/or administrator of other investment companies. MBSC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, serves primarily as a registered broker-dealer and distributor of other investment companies advised and administered by Dreyfus.

 

 


 

ITEM 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser (continued)
  Officers and Directors of Investment Adviser

Name and Position      
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
 
 
Jonathan Baum MBSC Securities Corporation++ Chief Executive Officer 3/08 - Present
Chief Executive Officer   Chairman of the Board 3/08 - Present
and Chair of the Board   Director 6/07 - 3/08
    Executive Vice President 6/07 - 3/08
 
J. Charles Cardona MBSC Securities Corporation++ Director 6/07 - Present
President and Director   Executive Vice President 6/07 - Present
 
  Universal Liquidity Funds plc+ Director 4/06 - Present
 
Diane P. Durnin None    
Vice Chair and Director      
 
Phillip N. Maisano The Bank of New York Mellon ***** Senior Vice President 7/08 - Present
Director, Vice Chair and      
Chief Investment Officer      
 
  BNY Mellon, National Association + Senior Vice President 7/08 - Present
 
  Mellon Bank, N.A.+ Senior Vice President 4/06 - 6/08
 
  BNY Alcentra Group Holdings, Inc.++ Director 10/07 - Present
 
  BNY Mellon Investment Office GP LLC* Manager 4/07 - Present
 
  Mellon Global Alternative Investments Limited Director 8/06 - Present
  London, England    
 
  Pareto Investment Management Limited Director 4/08 - Present
  London, England    
 
  The Boston Company Asset Management NY, Manager 10/07 - Present
  LLC*    
 
  The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC* Manager 12/06 - Present
 
  Urdang Capital Management, Inc. Director 10/07 - Present
  630 West Germantown Pike, Suite 300    
  Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462    
 
  Urdang Securities Management, Inc. Director 10/07 - Present
  630 West Germantown Pike, Suite 300    
  Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462    
 
  EACM Advisors LLC Chairman of Board 8/04 - Present
  200 Connecticut Avenue    
  Norwalk, CT 06854-1940    

C-3



Name and Position      
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
 
  Founders Asset Management LLC**** Member, Board of 11/06 - 12/09
    Managers  
 
  Standish Mellon Asset Management Company, Board Member 12/06 - Present
  LLC    
  Mellon Financial Center    
  201 Washington Street    
  Boston, MA 02108-4408    
 
  Mellon Capital Management Corporation*** Director 12/06 - Present
 
  Mellon Equity Associates, LLP+ Board Member 12/06 - 12/07
 
  Newton Management Limited Board Member 12/06 - Present
  London, England    
 
  Franklin Portfolio Associates, LLC* Board Member 12/06 - Present
 
Mitchell E. Harris Standish Mellon Asset Management Company Chairman 2/05 - Present
Director LLC Chief Executive Officer 8/04 - Present
  Mellon Financial Center Member, Board of 10/04 - Present
  201 Washington Street Managers  
  Boston, MA 02108-4408    
 
  Alcentra NY, LLC++ Manager 1/08 - Present
 
  Alcentra US, Inc. ++ Director 1/08 - Present
 
  Alcentra, Inc. ++ Director 1/08 - Present
 
  BNY Alcentra Group Holdings, Inc. ++ Director 10/07 - Present
 
  Pareto New York LLC++ Manager 11/07 - Present
 
  Standish Ventures LLC President 12/05 - Present
  Mellon Financial Center Manager 12/05 - Present
  201 Washington Street    
  Boston, MA 02108-4408    
 
  Palomar Management Director 12/97 - Present
  London, England    
 
  Palomar Management Holdings Limited Director 12/97 - Present
  London, England    
 
  Pareto Investment Management Limited Director 9/04 - Present
  London, England    
 
Jeffrey D. Landau The Bank of New York Mellon+ Executive Vice President 4/07 - Present
Director      
  Allomon Corporation+ Treasurer 12/07 - Present
 
  APT Holdings Corporation+ Treasurer 12/07 - Present
 
  BNY Mellon, N.A.+ Treasurer 7/07 - 0/10

C-4



Name and Position      
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
 
  Mellon Funding Corporation+ Treasurer 12/07 - 12/09
 
  The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation+ Treasurer 7/07 - 01/10
 
Cyrus Taraporevala Urdang Capital Management, Inc. Director 10/07 - Present
Director 630 West Germantown Pike, Suite 300    
  Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462    
 
  Urdang Securities Management, Inc. Director 10/07 - Present
  630 West Germantown Pike, Suite 300    
  Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462    
 
  The Boston Company Asset Management NY, Manager 08/06 – Present
  LLC*    
 
  The Boston Company Asset Management LLC* Manager 01/08 – Present
 
  BNY Mellon, National Association+ Senior Vice President 07/06 - Present
 
  The Bank of New York Mellon***** Senior Vice President 07/06 - Present
 
Scott E. Wennerholm Mellon Capital Management Corporation*** Director 10/05 - Present
Director      
 
  Newton Management Limited Director 1/06 - Present
  London, England    
 
  Gannett Welsh & Kotler LLC Manager 11/07 - Present
  222 Berkley Street Administrator 11/07 - Present
  Boston, MA 02116    
 
  BNY Alcentra Group Holdings, Inc. ++ Director 10/07 - Present
 
  Ivy Asset Management Corp. Director 12/07 - Present
  One Jericho Plaza    
  Jericho, NY 11753    
 
  Urdang Capital Management, Inc. Director 10/07 - Present
  630 West Germantown Pike, Suite 300    
  Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462    
 
  Urdang Securities Management, Inc. Director 10/07 - Present
  630 West Germantown Pike, Suite 300    
  Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462    
 
  EACM Advisors LLC Manager 6/04 - Present
  200 Connecticut Avenue    
  Norwalk, CT 06854-1940    
 
  Franklin Portfolio Associates LLC* Manager 1/06 - Present
 
  The Boston Company Asset Management NY, Manager 10/07 - Present
  LLC*    
 
  The Boston Company Asset Management LLC* Manager 10/05 - Present
 
  Pareto Investment Management Limited Director 3/06 - Present
  London, England    

C-5



Name and Position      
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
 
  Mellon Equity Associates, LLP+ Executive Committee 10/05 - 12/07
    Member  
 
  Standish Mellon Asset Management Company, Member, Board of 10/05 - Present
  LLC Managers  
  Mellon Financial Center    
  201 Washington Street    
  Boston, MA 02108-4408    
 
  The Boston Company Holding, LLC* Member, Board of 4/06 - Present
    Managers  
 
  The Bank of New York Mellon ***** Senior Vice President 7/08 - Present
 
 
  BNY Mellon, National Association + Senior Vice President 7/08 - Present
 
  Mellon Bank, N.A. + Senior Vice President 10/05 - 6/08
 
  Mellon Trust of New England, N. A.* Director 4/06 - 6/08
    Senior Vice President 10/05 - 6/08
 
  MAM (DE) Trust+++++ Member of Board of 1/07 - Present
    Trustees  
 
  MAM (MA) Holding Trust+++++ Member of Board of 1/07 - Present
    Trustees  
 
Bradley J. Skapyak MBSC Securities Corporation++ Executive Vice President 6/07 - Present
Chief Operating Officer      
and Director      
  The Bank of New York Mellon**** Senior Vice President 4/07 - Present
 
  The Dreyfus Family of Funds++ President 1/10 - Present
 
  Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. ++ Senior Vice President 5/10 - Present
    Director 5/10 - Present
 
Dwight Jacobsen Pioneer Investments Senior Vice President 4/06 - 12/07
Executive Vice President 60 State Street    
and Director Boston, Massachusetts    
 
Patrice M. Kozlowski None    
Senior Vice President –      
Corporate      
Communications      
 
Gary Pierce The Bank of New York Mellon ***** Vice President 7/08 - Present
Controller      
 
 
  BNY Mellon, National Association + Vice President 7/08 - Present
 
  The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Chief Financial Officer 7/05 - 6/08
    Treasurer 7/05 - 6/08
 
  Laurel Capital Advisors, LLP+ Chief Financial Officer 5/07 - Present

C-6



Name and Position      
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
 
  MBSC Securities Corporation++ Director 6/07 - Present
    Chief Financial Officer 6/07 - Present
 
  Founders Asset Management, LLC**** Assistant Treasurer 7/06 - 12/09
 
  Dreyfus Consumer Credit Treasurer 7/05 - Present
  Corporation ++    
 
  Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. ++ Chief Financial Officer 7/05 - Present
 
  Dreyfus Service Treasurer 7/05 - Present
  Organization, Inc.++    
  Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc. ++ Treasurer 4/99 - Present
 
Joseph W. Connolly The Dreyfus Family of Funds++ Chief Compliance 10/04 - Present
Chief Compliance Officer   Officer  
  Laurel Capital Advisors, LLP+ Chief Compliance 4/05 - Present
    Officer  
  BNY Mellon Funds Trust++ Chief Compliance 10/04 - Present
    Officer  
  MBSC Securities Corporation++ Chief Compliance 6/07 – Present
    Officer  
 
Gary E. Abbs The Bank of New York Mellon+ First Vice President and 12/96 – Present
Vice President – Tax   Manager of Tax  
    Compliance  
 
  Dreyfus Service Organization++ Vice President – Tax 01/09 – Present
 
  Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation++ Chairman 01/09 – Present
    President 01/09 – Present
 
  MBSC Securities Corporation++ Vice President – Tax 01/09 – Present
 
Jill Gill MBSC Securities Corporation++ Vice President 6/07 – Present
Vice President –      
Human Resources      
  The Bank of New York Mellon ***** Vice President 7/08 – Present
 
  BNY Mellon, National Association + Vice President 7/08 - Present
 
  Mellon Bank N.A. + Vice President 10/06 – 6/08
 
Joanne S. Huber The Bank of New York Mellon+ State & Local 07/1/07 –
Vice President – Tax   Compliance Manager Present
 
  Dreyfus Service Organization++ Vice President – Tax 01/09 – Present
 
  Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation++ Vice President – Tax 01/09 – Present
 
  MBSC Securities Corporation++ Vice President – Tax 01/09 – Present
 
Anthony Mayo None    
Vice President –      
Information Systems      

C-7



Name and Position      
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
 
John E. Lane A P Colorado, Inc. + Vice President – Real 8/07 - Present
Vice President   Estate and Leases  
  A P East, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  A P Management, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  A P Properties, Inc. + Vice President – Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  A P Rural Land, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - 9/07
    Estate and Leases  
  Allomon Corporation+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  AP Residential Realty, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  AP Wheels, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  BNY Mellon, National Association + Vice President – Real 7/08 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Citmelex Corporation+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Eagle Investment Systems LLC Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
  65 LaSalle Road Estate and Leases  
  West Hartford, CT 06107    
  East Properties Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  FSFC, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Holiday Properties, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  MBC Investments Corporation+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  MBSC Securities Corporation++ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  MELDEL Leasing Corporation Number 2, Inc. + Vice President– Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Bank Community Development Vice President– Real 11/07 - Present
  Corporation+ Estate and Leases  
 
  Mellon Capital Management Corporation+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Financial Services Corporation #1+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Financial Services Corporation #4+ Vice President – Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Funding Corporation+ Vice President– Real 12/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Holdings, LLC+ Vice President– Real 12/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon International Leasing Company+ Vice President– Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Leasing Corporation+ Vice President– Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Private Trust Company, National Vice President– Real 8/07 - 1/08
  Association+ Estate and Leases  
 
  Mellon Securities Trust Company+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - 7/08
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Trust Company of Illinois+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - 07/08
    Estate and Leases  

C-8



Name and Position      
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
 
  Mellon Trust Company of New England, N.A.+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - 6/08
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Trust Company of New York LLC++ Vice President– Real 8/07 - 6/08
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Ventures, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Melnamor Corporation+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  MFS Leasing Corp. + Vice President– Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  MMIP, LLC+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Pareto New York LLC++ Vice President– Real 10/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Pontus, Inc. + Vice President– Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Promenade, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  RECR, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  SKAP #7+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - 11/07
    Estate and Leases  
  Technology Services Group, Inc.***** Senior Vice President 6/06 - Present
 
  Tennesee Processing Center LLC***** Managing Director 5/08 - Present
    Senior Vice President 4/04 - 5/08
 
  Texas AP, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  The Bank of New York Mellon***** Vice President – Real 7/08 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation***** Executive Vice President 8/07 - Present
 
  Trilem, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
Jeanne M. Login A P Colorado, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
Vice President   Estate and Leases  
  A P East, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  A P Management, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  A P Properties, Inc. + Vice President – Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  A P Rural Land, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - 9/07
    Estate and Leases  
  Allomon Corporation+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  AP Residential Realty, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  AP Wheels, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  APT Holdings Corporation+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  BNY Investment Management Services LLC++++ Vice President– Real 1/01 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  BNY Mellon, National Association + Vice President – Real 7/08 - Present
    Estate and Leases  

C-9



Name and Position      
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
 
  Citmelex Corporation+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Eagle Investment Systems LLC+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  East Properties Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  FSFC, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Holiday Properties, Inc. + Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  MBC Investments Corporation+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  MBSC Securities Corporation++ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  MELDEL Leasing Corporation Number 2, Inc. + Vice President– Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Bank Community Development Vice President – Real 11/07 - Present
  Corporation+ Estate and Leases  
 
  Mellon Capital Management Corporation+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Financial Services Corporation #1+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Financial Services Corporation #4+ Vice President – Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Funding Corporation+ Vice President – Real 12/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Holdings LLC+ Vice President – Real 12/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon International Leasing Company+ Vice President– Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Leasing Corporation+ Vice President– Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Private Trust Company, National Vice President – Real 8/07 - 1/08
  Association+ Estate and Leases  
 
  Mellon Securities Trust Company+ Vice President – Real 8/07 - 7/08
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Trust of New England, N.A. * Vice President – Real 8/07 - 6/08
    Estate and Leases  
  Mellon Trust Company of Illinois+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - 7/08
    Estate and Leases  
  MFS Leasing Corp. + Vice President– Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  MMIP, LLC+ Vice President– Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Pontus, Inc. + Vice President– Real 7/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Promenade, Inc. + Vice President – Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  RECR, Inc. + Vice President – Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  SKAP #7+ Vice President – Real 8/07 - 11/07
    Estate and Leases  
  Tennesee Processing Center LLC***** Managing Director 5/08 - Present
    Senior Vice President 4/04 - 5/08

C-10



Name and Position      
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
 
  Texas AP, Inc. + Vice President – Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  The Bank of New York Mellon***** Vice President – Real 7/08 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
  Trilem, Inc. + Vice President – Real 8/07 - Present
    Estate and Leases  
 
James Bitetto The Dreyfus Family of Funds++ Vice President and 8/05 - Present
Secretary   Assistant Secretary  
 
  MBSC Securities Corporation++ Assistant Secretary 6/07 - Present
 
  Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.++ Secretary 8/05 - Present
 
  The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation++ Vice President 2/02 - Present
 
  Founders Asset Management LLC**** Assistant Secretary 3/09 - 12/09

* The address of the business so indicated is One Boston Place, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108.
** The address of the business so indicated is One Bush Street, Suite 450, San Francisco, California 94104.
*** The address of the business so indicated is 50 Fremont Street, Suite 3900, San Francisco, California 94104.
**** The address of the business so indicated is 210 University Blvd., Suite 800, Denver, Colorado 80206.
***** The address of the business so indicated is One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286.
+ The address of the business so indicated is One Mellon Bank Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258.
++ The address of the business so indicated is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.
+++ The address of the business so indicated is 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144.
++++ The address of the business so indicated is White Clay Center, Route 273, Newark, Delaware 19711.
+++++ The address of the business so indicated is 4005 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE 19804.

C-11



Item 32. Principal Underwriters

     (a) Other investment companies for which Registrant's principal underwriter (exclusive distributor) acts as principal underwriter or exclusive distributor:

1. Advantage Funds, Inc.
2. BNY Mellon Funds Trust
3. CitizensSelect Funds
4. Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
5. Dreyfus BASIC Money Market Fund, Inc.
6. Dreyfus BASIC U.S. Government Money Market Fund
7. Dreyfus BASIC U.S. Mortgage Securities Fund
8. Dreyfus Bond Funds, Inc.
9. Dreyfus Cash Management
10. Dreyfus Cash Management Plus, Inc.
11. Dreyfus Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
12. Dreyfus Dynamic Alternatives Fund, Inc.
13. Dreyfus Funds, Inc.
14. The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated
15. Dreyfus Government Cash Management Funds
16. Dreyfus Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
17. Dreyfus Index Funds, Inc.
18. Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Funds
19. Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Funds
20. Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Funds
21. Dreyfus Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
22. Dreyfus International Funds, Inc.
23. Dreyfus Investment Funds
24. Dreyfus Investment Grade Funds, Inc.
25. Dreyfus Investment Portfolios
26. The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds, Inc.
27. The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds Trust
28. The Dreyfus/Laurel Tax-Free Municipal Funds
29. Dreyfus LifeTime Portfolios, Inc.
30. Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Inc.
31. Dreyfus Manager Funds I
32. Dreyfus Manager Funds II
33. Dreyfus Massachusetts Municipal Money Market Fund
34. Dreyfus Midcap Index Fund, Inc.
35. Dreyfus Money Market Instruments, Inc.
36. Dreyfus Municipal Bond Opportunity Fund
37. Dreyfus Municipal Cash Management Plus
38. Dreyfus Municipal Funds, Inc.
39. Dreyfus Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
40. Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
41. Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
42. Dreyfus New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund
43. Dreyfus New York AMT-Free Municipal Money Market Fund
44. Dreyfus New York Municipal Cash Management
45. Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
46. Dreyfus Opportunity Funds

C-12



47. Dreyfus Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund
48. Dreyfus Premier California AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
49. Dreyfus Premier GNMA Fund, Inc.
50. Dreyfus Premier Investment Funds, Inc.
51. Dreyfus Premier Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
52. Dreyfus Premier Worldwide Growth Fund, Inc.
53. Dreyfus Research Growth Fund, Inc.
54. Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds
55. Dreyfus Stock Funds
56. Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund
57. The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
58. Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc.
59. Dreyfus Tax Exempt Cash Management Funds
60. The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.
61. Dreyfus Treasury & Agency Cash Management
62. Dreyfus Treasury Prime Cash Management
63. Dreyfus U.S. Treasury Intermediate Term Fund
64. Dreyfus U.S. Treasury Long Term Fund
65. Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
66. Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
67. Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc.
68. General California Municipal Money Market Fund
69. General Government Securities Money Market Funds, Inc.
70. General Money Market Fund, Inc.
71. General Municipal Money Market Funds, Inc.
72. General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
73. Strategic Funds, Inc.

C-13



(b)     
Name and principal    Positions and Offices 
Business address  Positions and offices with the Distributor  with Registrant 
 
Jon R. Baum*  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board  None 
Ken Bradle**  President and Director  None 
Robert G. Capone****  Executive Vice President and Director  None 
J. Charles Cardona*  Executive Vice President and Director  None 
Sue Ann Cormack**  Executive Vice President  None 
John M. Donaghey***  Executive Vice President and Director  None 
Dwight D. Jacobsen*  Executive Vice President and Director  None 
Mark A. Keleher*****  Executive Vice President  None 
James D. Kohley***  Executive Vice President  None 
Jeffrey D. Landau*  Executive Vice President and Director  None 
William H. Maresca*  Executive Vice President and Director  None 
Timothy M. McCormick*  Executive Vice President  None 
David K. Mossman***  Executive Vice President  None 
Irene Papadoulis**  Executive Vice President  None 
Matthew Perrone**  Executive Vice President  None 
Noreen Ross*  Executive Vice President  None 
Bradley J. Skapyak*  Executive Vice President  President 
Gary Pierce*  Chief Financial Officer and Director  None 
Tracy Hopkins*  Senior Vice President  None 
Denise B. Kneeland****  Senior Vice President  None 
Mary T. Lomasney****  Senior Vice President  None 
Barbara A. McCann****  Senior Vice President  None 
Kevin L. O’Shea***  Senior Vice President  None 
Christine Carr Smith*****  Senior Vice President  None 
Ronald Jamison*  Chief Legal Officer and Secretary  None 
Joseph W. Connolly*  Chief Compliance Officer (Investment Advisory Business)  Chief Compliance Officer 
Stephen Storen*  Chief Compliance Officer  None 
Maria Georgopoulos*  Vice President – Facilities Management  None 
Stewart Rosen*  Vice President – Facilities Management  None 
Natalia Gribas*  Vice President – Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering  Anti-Money Laundering 
  Officer  Compliance Officer 
Karin L. Waldmann*  Privacy Officer  None 
Gary E. Abbs***  Vice President - Tax  None 
Timothy I. Barrett**  Vice President  None 
Gina DiChiara*  Vice President  None 
Jill Gill*  Vice President  None 
Joanne S. Huber***  Vice President - Tax  None 
John E. Lane******  Vice President – Real Estate and Leases  None 
Jeanne M. Login******  Vice President – Real Estate and Leases  None 
Donna M. Impagliazzo**  Vice President – Compliance  None 
Edward A. Markward*  Vice President – Compliance  None 
Anthony Nunez*  Vice President – Finance  None 
William Schalda*  Vice President  None 
John Shea*  Vice President – Finance  None 
Christopher A. Stallone**  Vice President  None 
Susan Verbil*  Vice President – Finance  None 
William Verity*  Vice President – Finance  None 
James Windels*  Vice President  Treasurer 

 

C-14



(b)     
Name and principal    Positions and Offices 
Business address  Positions and offices with the Distributor  with Registrant 
 
James Bitetto*  Assistant Secretary  Vice President and 
    Assistant Secretary 
James D. Muir*  Assistant Secretary  None 
Barbara J. Parrish***  Assistant Secretary  None 
Cristina Rice***  Assistant Secretary  None 

 

*  Principal business address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166. 
**  Principal business address is 144 Glenn Curtiss Blvd., Uniondale, NY 11556-0144. 
***  Principal business address is One Mellon Bank Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15258. 
****  Principal business address is One Boston Place, Boston, MA 02108. 
*****  Principal business address is 50 Fremont Street, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94104. 
******  Principal business address is 101 Barclay Street, New York 10286. 

 

C-15



Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

1. The Bank of New York Mellon
  One Wall Street
  New York, New York 10286
 
2. DST Systems, Inc.
  1055 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64105
 
3. The Dreyfus Corporation
  200 Park Avenue
  New York, New York 10166

Item 34. Management Services

Not Applicable

Item 35. Undertakings

None

C-16


 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 and has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, and State of New York on the 29 th day of October, 2010.

 

DREYFUS INTERNATIONAL FUNDS, INC.

 

                                                                                                                             BY:      /s/ Bradley J. Skapyak*                                                

                                                                                                                                         Bradley J. Skapyak, PRESIDENT

 

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

                        Signatures                                                   Title                                          Date

                                                                                                                                                            

 

/s/ Bradley J. Skapyak* ____________           President                                                10/29/10

Bradley J. Skapyak                                          (Principal Executive Officer)

 

/s/ James Windels                                             Treasurer                                              10/29/10

James Windels                                                 (Principal Accounting and

                                                                       Financial Officer)

 

/s/ Joseph S. DiMartino  ____________           Chairman of the Board                           10/29/10

Joseph S. DiMartino                                         Members

 

/s/ Peggy C. Davis                                           Board Member                                       10/29/10

Peggy C. Davis

 

/s/ David P. Feldman                                        Board Member                                       10/29/10

David P. Feldman

 

/s/ James F. Henry                                           Board Member                                       10/29/10

James F. Henry

 

/s/ Ehud Houminer                                            Board Member                                       10/29/10

Ehud Houminer

 

/s/ Martin Peretz                                              Board Member                                       10/29/10

Martin Peretz

*BY:    /s/ Michael A. Rosenberg

            Michael A. Rosenberg

            Attorney-in-Fact

 


 

 

 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

(e)(1)               Form of Distribution Agreement