•

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk – As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. To the extent that the Portfolio acquires shares of investment companies, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the acquired investment companies.

•

Exchange-Traded Funds Risk – In addition to the risks of investing in other investment companies generally, an investment in securities issued by an ETF may be subject to the following risks: (1) shares of the ETF may trade at a discount to its net asset value; (2) an active trading market for the ETF’s shares may not develop; (3) the exchange on which the ETF is listed may, under certain circumstances, suspend trading of the ETF’s shares; and (4) to the extent that an ETF is acquired in order to track a specific asset or index, the ETF may fail to effectively accomplish that goal.

•

Foreign Investment Risk.  Investment in foreign securities involves the following risks:

•

Foreign Securities Risk – Investments in securities issued by non-U.S. companies and/or non-U.S. governments and their agencies may be adversely affected by the lack of timely or reliable financial information, political, social and/or economic developments abroad and differences between U.S. and foreign regulatory requirements and market practices. In addition, transaction expenses related to foreign securities, including custody fees, are generally more costly than transaction expenses for domestic securities.

•

Foreign Currency Risk – Securities denominated in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will decline in relation to the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and can be affected by, among other factors, the general economics of a country, or the actions of the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks. In addition, transaction expenses related to currency conversion costs and foreign exchange may be incurred in connection with the purchase and sale of foreign securities.

•

Fixed Income Risk.  Investments in fixed income securities may involve the following risks, depending on the instrument involved:

•

Credit Risk – An investment in the Portfolio also involves the risk that the issuer of a fixed income

•

Interest Rate Risk – The value of fixed income securities held in the Portfolio, including U.S. Government securities, may decline with changes in interest rates. Prices of fixed income securities with longer effective maturities are more sensitive to interest rate changes than those with shorter effective maturities. U.S. Government securities can exhibit price movements resulting from changes in interest rates. During low interest rate environments, the risk that interest rates will rise is increased. Such increases may expose fixed income markets to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity for certain fixed income investments, particularly those with longer maturities. These risks are greater when a low interest rate environment has existed for an extended period of time.

•

Risks Associated with Investments in Derivatives.  The Portfolio is permitted to invest in derivative instruments, including options, futures and options on futures. Investment in derivatives depends largely on the performance of an underlying reference instrument or rate and the Specialist Manager’s ability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and/or other economic factors. Derivatives involve additional costs and often have risks similar to an investment in the reference instrument in addition to other risks, such as:

•

General Derivative Risks – Derivatives may be volatile and may involve significant risks. The Portfolio’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The underlying security, measure or other instrument on which a derivative is based, or the derivative itself, may not perform as expected, and hedging positions may not correlate closely with

•

Counterparty Risk – The Portfolio will be subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to derivative contracts entered into by the Portfolio or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the Portfolio invests, including other investment companies. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Portfolio may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Portfolio may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

•

Derivatives Tax Risk – Compared to other types of investments, derivatives may be less tax efficient. In addition, changes in government regulation of derivative instruments could affect the character, timing and amount of the Portfolio’s taxable income or gains, and may limit or prevent the Portfolio’s use of certain derivative instruments, which could make the investment strategy more costly to implement or require the Portfolio to change its investment strategy. These rules may: (i) affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Portfolio are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, (ii) accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Portfolio, (iii) defer losses to the Portfolio, and (iv) cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Portfolio’s securities. The Portfolio’s use of derivatives may be limited by the requirements for taxation of the Portfolio as a regulated investment company.

•

Options Risk – Purchasing and writing put and call options are specialized activities that may entail greater-than-ordinary investment risks and are considered speculative. An option gives the purchaser, in exchange for a premium, the right, but not the obligation, to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) an underlying security or futures contract – or receive a cash settlement based on an underlying asset, rate or index – at a specified price during a specified period or on a specified date. When the Portfolio writes an option, it retains the premium if the option expires unexercised but may incur a net loss if the cost of satisfying its obligations exceeds the premium received. A written call option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to sell the underlying instrument below its market value, while a written put option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying instrument above its market value. When the Portfolio purchases an option, it may lose some or all of the premium if the underlying instrument does not move sufficiently in the anticipated direction, including the entire premium if the option expires without being sold or exercised. Options written on instruments intended to replicate an index present the same risks, and those instruments may not closely track the index.

•

Options Writing Strategy Risk – if the underlying index appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to offset the new premium received from the written option on that index, a net loss will result. In addition, the Portfolio may write options on index substitutes, which are subject to the same risks as index options. The value of the index substitute is subject to change as the values of the component securities fluctuate and the performance of the index substitute may not exactly match the performance of the index.

•

Futures Risk – there can be no assurance that price movements in the futures markets will correlate with the prices of the underlying securities positions. Additionally, price distortions could result if investors in the futures markets opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than engage in closing transactions because such trend might result in a reduction in the liquidity of the futures market. Further, an increase in the participation of speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions.

•

Exchange-Traded Funds Risk – In addition to the risks of investing in other investment companies generally, an investment in securities issued by an ETF may be subject to the following risks: (1) shares of the ETF may trade at a discount to its net asset value; (2) an active trading market for the ETF’s shares may not develop; (3) the exchange on which the ETF is listed may, under certain circumstances, suspend trading of the ETF’s shares; and (4) to the extent that an ETF is acquired in order to track a specific asset or index, the ETF may fail to effectively accomplish that goal.

•

Foreign Investment Risk.  Investment in foreign securities involves the following risks:

•

Foreign Securities Risk – Investments in securities issued by non-U.S. companies and/or non-U.S. governments and their agencies, may be adversely affected by the lack of timely or reliable financial information, political, social and/or economic developments abroad and differences between U.S. and foreign regulatory requirements and market practices. In addition, transaction expenses related to foreign securities, including custody fees, are generally more costly than transaction expenses for domestic securities.

•

Foreign Currency Risk – Securities denominated in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will decline in relation to the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and can be affected by, among other factors, the general economics of a country, or the actions of the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks. In addition, transaction expenses related to currency conversion costs and foreign exchange may be incurred in connection with the purchase and sale of foreign securities.

•

Emerging Markets Risk – Risks associated with foreign investments may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging market countries, whose political, legal and economic systems are less developed and less stable than those of more developed nations. Such investments are often less liquid and/or more volatile than securities issued by companies located in developed nations, such as the United States, Canada and those included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East (“MSCI EAFE”) Index. Certain types of securities, including emerging market securities, are subject to the risk that the securities may not be

•

Fixed Income Risk.  Investments in fixed income securities may involve the following risks, depending on the instrument involved:

•

Credit Risk – An investment in the Portfolio also involves the risk that the issuer of a fixed income security that the Portfolio holds will fail to make timely payments of interest or principal, or go bankrupt, or that the value of the securities will decline because of a market perception that the issuer may not make payments on time, thus potentially reducing the Portfolio’s return. Changes in economic conditions are likely to cause issuers of these fixed income securities to be unable to meet their obligations. The lower the rating of a debt security, the higher its credit risk. In addition, the securities of many U.S. Government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities in which the Portfolio may invest are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government, and may be supported only by the ability of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the credit of the issuer.

•

Interest Rate Risk – The value of fixed income securities held in the Portfolio, including U.S. Government securities, may decline with changes in interest rates. Prices of fixed income securities with longer effective maturities are more sensitive to interest rate changes than those with shorter effective maturities. U.S. Government securities can exhibit price movements resulting from changes in interest rates. During low interest rate environments, the risk that interest rates will rise is increased. Such increases may expose fixed income markets to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity for certain fixed income investments, particularly those with longer maturities. These risks are greater when a low interest rate environment has existed for an extended period of time.

•

Asset-Backed/Mortgage-Backed Security Risk – The market value and yield of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities can vary due to market interest rate fluctuations and early prepayments of underlying instruments. Although these securities may offer yields higher than those available from other types of securities, these securities may be less effective than other types of securities as a means of “locking in” attractive long-term rates because of the prepayment feature. During periods of difficult or frozen credit markets, significant changes in

•

Extension Risk – Fixed income securities held by the Portfolio are subject to the risk that payment on the loans underlying the securities held by the Portfolio will be made more slowly when interest rates are rising. This could cause the market value of the securities to decline.

•

Call/Prepayment Risk – When interest rates are declining, issuers of fixed income securities held by the Portfolio may prepay principal earlier than scheduled. As a result of this risk, the Portfolio may have to reinvest these prepayments at those lower rates, thus reducing its income. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are especially sensitive to prepayment.

•

High Yield Bond Risk – High yield bonds, commonly referred to as “junk bonds,” are considered speculative under traditional investment standards. Prices of these securities will rise and fall primarily in response to changes in the issuer’s financial health, although changes in market interest rates also will affect prices. High yield bonds may also experience reduced liquidity, and sudden and substantial decreases in price, during certain market conditions.

•

Real Estate Investing Risk.

•

Real Estate Markets and REIT Risk – Certain investments in the Portfolio will be closely linked to the performance of the real estate markets. Property values may fall due to increasing vacancies or declining rents resulting from unanticipated economic, legal, cultural or technological developments. REIT prices may also fall because of the failure of borrowers to pay their loans and/or poor management. The value of real estate (and real estate securities) may also be affected by increases in property taxes and changes in tax laws and interest rates. The value of securities of companies that service the real estate industry may also be affected by such risks. To the extent that the Portfolio invests in REITs and real estate partnerships, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the acquired REITs and real estate partnerships. Investments in REITs and real

•

Risks Associated with Investments in Derivatives.  The Portfolio is permitted to invest in derivative instruments, including options, futures and options on futures. Investment in derivatives depends largely on the performance of an underlying reference instrument or rate and the Specialist Manager’s ability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and/or other economic factors. Derivatives involve additional costs and often have risks similar to an investment in the reference instrument in addition to other risks, such as:

•

General Derivative Risks – Derivatives may be volatile and may involve significant risks. The Portfolio’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The underlying security, measure or other instrument on which a derivative is based, or the derivative itself, may not perform as expected, and hedging positions may not correlate closely with the instruments or exposures being hedged. Normally derivatives involve leverage, which means that their use can significantly magnify the effect of price movements of the underlying securities or reference measures, disproportionately increasing the Portfolio’s losses and reducing the Portfolio’s opportunities for gains. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, including a loss that may be greater than the amount invested. Derivatives also present default risks if the counterparty to a derivatives contract fails to fulfill its obligations to the Portfolio. Certain derivatives held by the Portfolio may be illiquid, including non-exchange-traded or over-the-counter derivatives that are linked to illiquid instruments or illiquid markets, making it difficult to close out an unfavorable position. Derivatives also may be more difficult to purchase, sell or value than other instruments. Derivatives risk may be more significant when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a cash investment position, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position held by the Portfolio.

•

Counterparty Risk – The Portfolio will be subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to derivative contracts entered into by the Portfolio or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the Portfolio invests, including other investment companies. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or

•

Derivatives Tax Risk – Compared to other types of investments, derivatives may be less tax efficient. In addition, changes in government regulation of derivative instruments could affect the character, timing and amount of the Portfolio’s taxable income or gains, and may limit or prevent the Portfolio’s use of certain derivative instruments, which could make the investment strategy more costly to implement or require the Portfolio to change its investment strategy. These rules may: (i) affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Portfolio are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, (ii) accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Portfolio, (iii) defer losses to the Portfolio, and (iv) cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Portfolio’s securities. The Portfolio’s use of derivatives may be limited by the requirements for taxation of the Portfolio as a regulated investment company.

•

Options Risk – Purchasing and writing put and call options are specialized activities that may entail greater-than-ordinary investment risks and are considered speculative. An option gives the purchaser, in exchange for a premium, the right, but not the obligation, to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) an underlying security or futures contract – or receive a cash settlement based on an underlying asset, rate or index – at a specified price during a specified period or on a specified date. When the Portfolio writes an option, it retains the premium if the option expires unexercised but may incur a net loss if the cost of satisfying its obligations exceeds the premium received. A written call option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to sell the underlying instrument below its market value, while a written put option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying instrument above its market value. When the Portfolio purchases an option, it may lose some or all of the premium if the underlying instrument does not move sufficiently in the anticipated direction, including the entire premium if the option expires without being sold or exercised. Options written on instruments intended to replicate an index present the same risks, and those instruments may not closely track the index.

•

Options Writing Strategy Risk – if the underlying index appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to offset the new premium received from the written option on that index, a net loss will result. In addition, the Portfolio may write options on index substitutes, which are subject to the same risks as index options. The value of the index substitute is subject to change as the values of the component securities fluctuate and the performance of the index substitute may not exactly match the performance of the index.

•

Futures Risk – there can be no assurance that price movements in the futures markets will correlate with the prices of the underlying securities positions. Additionally, price distortions could result if investors in the futures markets opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than engage in closing transactions because such trend might result in a reduction in the liquidity of the futures market. Further, an increase in the participation of speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions.

•

Swaps Risks – The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques, risk analyses and tax planning different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Swap transactions can result in sizeable realized and unrealized capital gains and losses relative to the gains and losses from the Portfolio’s direct investments in securities and short sales. Transactions in swaps can involve greater risks than if the Portfolio had invested in securities directly since, in addition to general market risks, swaps may be leveraged and are also subject to liquidity risk, counterparty risk, credit risk and valuation risk. Regulators also may impose limits on an entity’s or group of entities’ positions in certain swaps.

•

Other Risks

•

Liquidity Risk – At times, certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the price that would normally prevail in the market. The seller may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead or forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Portfolio management or performance. This includes the risk of missing out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous investments.

•

Information Risk – The ESG Screens used by the Portfolio are determined in part through the use of third party data and ESG rating agencies. Information relating to the ESG performance of the companies in which the Portfolio may invest may not be complete, accurate or readily available. This fact may negatively impact the effectiveness of the ESG Screens.

•

Foreign Investment Risk.  Investment in foreign securities involves the following risks:

•

Foreign Securities Risk – Investments in securities issued by non-U.S. companies and/or non-U.S. governments and their agencies, may be adversely affected by the lack of timely or reliable financial information, political, social and/or economic developments abroad and differences between U.S. and foreign regulatory requirements and market practices. In addition, transaction expenses related to foreign securities, including custody fees, are generally more costly than transaction expenses for domestic securities. Additionally, risks associated with foreign investments may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging market countries, whose political, legal and economic systems are less developed and less stable than those of more developed nations.

•

Emerging Markets Risk – Risks associated with foreign investments may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging market countries, whose political, legal and economic systems are less developed and less stable than those of more developed nations. Such investments are often less liquid and/or more volatile than securities issued by companies located in developed nations, such as the United States, Canada and those included in the MSCI EAFE Index. Certain types of securities, including emerging market securities, are subject to the risk that the securities may not be sold at the quoted market price within a reasonable period of time. The Portfolio generally considers “emerging markets” countries to be those included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

•

Foreign Currency Risk – Securities denominated in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will decline in relation to the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can be

•

Fixed Income Risk.  Investments in fixed income securities may involve the following risks, depending on the instrument involved:

•

Interest Rate Risk – The value of fixed income securities held in the Portfolio, including U.S. Government securities, may decline with changes in interest rates. Prices of fixed income securities with longer effective maturities are more sensitive to interest rate changes than those with shorter effective maturities. U.S. Government securities can exhibit price movements resulting from changes in interest rates. During low interest rate environments, the risk that interest rates will rise is increased. Such increases may expose fixed income markets to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity for certain fixed income investments, particularly those with longer maturities. These risks are greater when a low interest rate environment has existed for an extended period of time.

•

Call/Prepayment Risk – When interest rates are declining, issuers of fixed income securities held by the Portfolio may prepay principal earlier than scheduled. As a result of this risk, the Portfolio may have to reinvest these prepayments at those lower rates, thus reducing its income.

•

Extension Risk – Fixed income securities held by the Portfolio are subject to the risk that payment on the loans underlying the securities held by the Portfolio will be made more slowly when interest rates are rising. This could cause the market value of the securities to decline.

•

Credit Risk – An investment in the Portfolio also involves the risk that the issuer of a fixed income security that the Portfolio holds will fail to make timely payments of interest or principal, or go bankrupt, or that the value of the securities will decline because of a market perception that the issuer may not make payments on time, thus potentially reducing the Portfolio’s return. Changes in economic conditions are likely to cause issuers of these fixed income securities to be unable to meet their

•

High Yield Bond Risk – High yield bonds, commonly referred to as “junk bonds,” are considered speculative under traditional investment standards. Prices of these securities will rise and fall primarily in response to changes in the issuer’s financial health, although changes in market interest rates also will affect prices. High yield bonds may also experience reduced liquidity, and sudden and substantial decreases in price, during certain market conditions.

•

Asset-Backed/Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk – The market value and yield of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities can vary due to market interest rate fluctuations and early prepayments of underlying instruments. Although these securities may offer yields higher than those available from other types of securities, these securities may be less effective than other types of securities as a means of “locking in” attractive long-term rates because of the prepayment feature. During periods of difficult or frozen credit markets, significant changes in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, such securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid. Mortgage-backed securities may be particularly susceptible to Prepayment Risk.

•

Thinly traded Securities.  The Portfolio may invest in securities, including privately placed and structured securities, for which there may be limited markets/thinly traded issues. Investment in these securities involve the following risks:

•

Liquidity Risk – At times, certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the price that would normally prevail in the market. The seller may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead or forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Portfolio management or performance. This includes the risk of missing out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous investments.

•

Valuation Risk – When market quotations are not readily available or are deemed to be unreliable, the Portfolio values its investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Fair value pricing may require subjective determinations about the value of a security or other asset. As a result, there can be no assurance that fair value pricing will result in adjustments to the prices of securities or other assets, or that fair value pricing will reflect actual market value, and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset will be materially different from quoted or published prices, from the prices used by others for the same security or other asset and/or from the value that actually could be or is realized upon the sale of that security or other asset.

•

Risks Associated with Investments in Derivatives.  The Portfolio is permitted to invest in derivative instruments, including options, futures, options on futures and swaps. Investment in derivatives depends largely on the performance of an underlying reference instrument or rate and the Specialist Manager’s ability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and/or other economic factors. Derivatives involve additional costs and often have risks similar to an investment in the reference instrument in addition to other risks, such as:

•

General Derivative Risks – Derivatives may be volatile and may involve significant risks. The Portfolio’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The underlying security, measure or other instrument on which a derivative is based, or the derivative itself, may not perform as expected, and hedging positions may not correlate closely with the instruments or exposures being hedged. Normally derivatives involve leverage, which means that their use can significantly magnify the effect of price movements of the underlying securities or reference measures, disproportionately increasing the Portfolio’s losses and reducing the Portfolio’s opportunities for gains. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, including a loss that may be greater than the amount invested. Derivatives also present default risks if the counterparty to a derivatives contract fails to fulfill its obligations to the Portfolio. Certain derivatives held by the Portfolio may be illiquid, including non-exchange-traded or over-the-counter derivatives that are linked to illiquid instruments or

•

Counterparty Risk – The Portfolio will be subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to derivative contracts entered into by the Portfolio or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the Portfolio invests, including other investment companies. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Portfolio may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Portfolio may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

•

Derivatives Tax Risk – Compared to other types of investments, derivatives may be less tax efficient. In addition, changes in government regulation of derivative instruments could affect the character, timing and amount of the Portfolio’s taxable income or gains, and may limit or prevent the Portfolio’s use of certain derivative instruments, which could make the investment strategy more costly to implement or require the Portfolio to change its investment strategy. These rules may: (i) affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Portfolio are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, (ii) accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Portfolio, (iii) defer losses to the Portfolio, and (iv) cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Portfolio’s securities. The Portfolio’s use of derivatives may be limited by the requirements for taxation of the Portfolio as a regulated investment company.

•

Options Risk – Purchasing and writing put and call options are specialized activities that may entail greater-than-ordinary investment risks and are considered speculative. An option gives the purchaser, in exchange for a premium, the right, but not the obligation, to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) an underlying security or futures contract – or receive a cash settlement based on an underlying asset, rate or index – at a specified price during a specified period or on a specified date. When the Portfolio writes an option, it retains the premium if the option expires unexercised but may incur a net

•

Swaps Risks – The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques, risk analyses and tax planning different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Swap transactions can result in sizeable realized and unrealized capital gains and losses relative to the gains and losses from the Portfolio’s direct investments in securities and short sales. Transactions in swaps can involve greater risks than if the Portfolio had invested in securities directly since, in addition to general market risks, swaps may be leveraged and are also subject to liquidity risk, counterparty risk, credit risk and valuation risk. Regulators also may impose limits on an entity’s or group of entities’ positions in certain swaps.

•

Options Writing Strategy Risk – if the underlying index appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to offset the new premium received from the written option on that index, a net loss will result. In addition, the Portfolio may write options on index substitutes, which are subject to the same risks as index options. The value of the index substitute is subject to change as the values of the component securities fluctuate, and the performance of the index substitute may not exactly match the performance of the index.

•

Risks Associated with Investments in Futures.  The Portfolio is permitted to invest in futures. Investment in futures depends largely on the performance of an underlying reference instrument or rate and the Specialist Manager’s ability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and/or other economic factors. Futures involve additional costs and often have risks similar to an investment in the reference instrument in addition to other risks.

•

Foreign Investment Risk.  Investment in foreign securities involves the following risks:

•

Foreign Securities Risk – Investments in securities issued by non-U.S. companies and/or non-U.S. governments and their agencies, may be adversely affected by the lack of timely or reliable financial information, political, social and/or economic developments abroad and differences between U.S. and foreign regulatory requirements and market practices. In addition, transaction expenses related to foreign securities, including custody fees, are generally more costly than transaction expenses for domestic securities. Additionally, risks associated with foreign investments may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging market countries, whose political, legal and economic systems are less developed and less stable than those of more developed nations.

•

Emerging Markets Risk – Risks associated with foreign investments may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging market countries, whose political, legal and economic systems are less developed and less stable than those of more developed nations. Such investments are often less liquid and/or more volatile than securities issued by companies located in developed nations, such as the United States, Canada and those included in the MSCI EAFE Index. Certain types of securities, including emerging market securities, are subject to the risk that the securities may not be sold at the quoted market price within a reasonable period of time. The Portfolio generally considers “emerging markets” countries to be those included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

•

Foreign Currency Risk – Securities denominated in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will decline in relation to the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and can be affected by, among other factors, the general economics of a country, or the actions of the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks. In addition, transaction expenses related to currency conversion costs and foreign exchange may be incurred in connection with the purchase and sale of foreign securities.

•

Fixed Income Risk.  Investments in fixed income securities may involve the following risks, depending on the instrument involved:

•

Interest Rate Risk – The value of fixed income securities held in the Portfolio, including U.S. Government securities, may decline with changes in interest

•

Call/Prepayment Risk – When interest rates are declining, issuers of fixed income securities held by the Portfolio may prepay principal earlier than scheduled. As a result of this risk, the Portfolio may have to reinvest these prepayments at those lower rates, thus reducing its income.

•

Extension Risk – Fixed income securities held by the Portfolio are subject to the risk that payment on the loans underlying the securities held by the Portfolio will be made more slowly when interest rates are rising. This could cause the market value of the securities to decline.

•

Credit Risk – An investment in the Portfolio also involves the risk that the issuer of a fixed income security that the Portfolio holds will fail to make timely payments of interest or principal, or go bankrupt, or that the value of the securities will decline because of a market perception that the issuer may not make payments on time, thus potentially reducing the Portfolio’s return. Changes in economic conditions are likely to cause issuers of these fixed income securities to be unable to meet their obligations. The lower the rating of a debt security, the higher its credit risk. In addition, the securities of many U.S. Government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities in which the Portfolio may invest are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government, and may be supported only by the ability of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the credit of the issuer.

•

High Yield Bond Risk – High yield bonds, commonly referred to as “junk bonds,” are considered speculative under traditional investment standards. Prices of these securities will rise and fall primarily in response to changes in the issuer’s financial health, although changes in market interest rates also will affect prices. High yield bonds may also experience reduced liquidity, and sudden and substantial

•

Asset-Backed/Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk – The market value and yield of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities can vary due to market interest rate fluctuations and early prepayments of underlying instruments. Although these securities may offer yields higher than those available from other types of securities, these securities may be less effective than other types of securities as a means of “locking in” attractive long-term rates because of the prepayment feature. During periods of difficult or frozen credit markets, significant changes in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, such securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid. Mortgage-backed securities may be particularly susceptible to Prepayment Risk.

•

Thinly traded Securities.  The Portfolio may invest in securities, including privately placed and structured securities and derivatives, for which there may be limited markets/thinly traded issues. Investment in these securities involve the following risks:

•

Liquidity Risk – At times, certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the price that would normally prevail in the market. The seller may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead or forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Portfolio management or performance. This includes the risk of missing out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous investments.

•

Valuation Risk – When market quotations are not readily available or are deemed to be unreliable, the Portfolio values its investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Fair value pricing may require subjective determinations about the value of a security or other asset. As a result, there can be no assurance that fair value pricing will result in adjustments to the prices of securities or other assets, or that fair value pricing will reflect actual market value, and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset will be materially different from quoted or published prices, from the prices used by others for the same security or other asset and/or from the value that actually could be or is realized upon the sale of that security or other asset.

•

Risks Associated with Investments in Derivatives.  The Portfolio is permitted to invest in derivative instruments,

•

General Derivative Risks – Derivatives may be volatile and may involve significant risks. The Portfolio’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The underlying security, measure or other instrument on which a derivative is based, or the derivative itself, may not perform as expected, and hedging positions may not correlate closely with the instruments or exposures being hedged. Normally derivatives involve leverage, which means that their use can significantly magnify the effect of price movements of the underlying securities or reference measures, disproportionately increasing the Portfolio’s losses and reducing the Portfolio’s opportunities for gains. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, including a loss that may be greater than the amount invested. Derivatives also present default risks if the counterparty to a derivatives contract fails to fulfill its obligations to the Portfolio. Certain derivatives held by the Portfolio may be illiquid, including non-exchange-traded or over-the-counter derivatives that are linked to illiquid instruments or illiquid markets, making it difficult to close out an unfavorable position. Derivatives also may be more difficult to purchase, sell or value than other instruments. Derivatives risk may be more significant when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a cash investment position, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position held by the Portfolio.

•

Counterparty Risk – The Portfolio will be subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to derivative contracts entered into by the Portfolio or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the Portfolio invests, including other investment companies. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Portfolio may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Portfolio may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

•

Derivatives Tax Risk – Compared to other types of investments, derivatives may be less tax efficient. In

•

Options Risk – Purchasing and writing put and call options are specialized activities that may entail greater-than-ordinary investment risks and are considered speculative. An option gives the purchaser, in exchange for a premium, the right, but not the obligation, to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) an underlying security or futures contract – or receive a cash settlement based on an underlying asset, rate or index – at a specified price during a specified period or on a specified date. When the Portfolio writes an option, it retains the premium if the option expires unexercised but may incur a net loss if the cost of satisfying its obligations exceeds the premium received. A written call option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to sell the underlying instrument below its market value, while a written put option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying instrument above its market value. When the Portfolio purchases an option, it may lose some or all of the premium if the underlying instrument does not move sufficiently in the anticipated direction, including the entire premium if the option expires without being sold or exercised. Options written on instruments intended to replicate an index present the same risks, and those instruments may not closely track the index.

•

Swaps Risks – The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques, risk analyses and tax planning different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Swap transactions can result in sizeable realized and unrealized capital gains and losses relative to the gains and losses from the Portfolio’s direct investments in securities and short sales. Transactions in swaps can involve greater risks than

•

Options Writing Strategy Risk – if the underlying index appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to offset the new premium received from the written option on that index, a net loss will result. In addition, the Portfolio may write options on index substitutes, which are subject to the same risks as index options. The value of the index substitute is subject to change as the values of the component securities fluctuate and the performance of the index substitute may not exactly match the performance of the index.

•

Risks Associated with Investments in Futures.  The Portfolio is permitted to invest in futures. Investment in futures depends largely on the performance of an underlying reference instrument or rate and the Specialist Manager’s ability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and/or other economic factors. Futures involve additional costs and often have risks similar to an investment in the reference instrument in addition to other risks.

•

Foreign Investment Risk.  Investment in foreign securities involves the following risks:

•

Foreign Securities Risk – Investments in securities issued by non-U.S. companies and/or non-U.S. governments and their agencies, may be adversely affected by the lack of timely or reliable financial information, political, social and/or economic developments abroad and differences between U.S. and foreign regulatory requirements and market practices. In addition, transaction expenses related to foreign securities, including custody fees, are generally more costly than transaction expenses for domestic securities.

•

Foreign Currency Risk – Securities denominated in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will decline in relation to the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and can be affected by, among other factors, the general economics of a country, or the actions of the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks. In addition, transaction expenses related to currency conversion costs and foreign exchange may be incurred in connection with the purchase and sale of foreign securities.

•

Emerging Markets Risk – Risks associated with foreign investments may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging market countries, whose political, legal and economic systems are less developed and less stable than those of more developed nations. Such investments are often less liquid and/or more volatile than securities issued by companies located in developed nations, such as the United States, Canada and those included in the MSCI EAFE Index. Certain types of securities, including emerging market securities, are subject to the risk that the securities may not be sold at the quoted market price within a reasonable period of time.

•

Risks Associated with Investments in Derivatives.  The Portfolio is permitted to invest in derivative instruments, including options, futures and options on futures, swaps,

•

General Derivative Risks – Derivatives may be volatile and may involve significant risks. The Portfolio’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The underlying security, measure or other instrument on which a derivative is based, or the derivative itself, may not perform as expected, and hedging positions may not correlate closely with the instruments or exposures being hedged. Normally derivatives involve leverage, which means that their use can significantly magnify the effect of price movements of the underlying securities or reference measures, disproportionately increasing the Portfolio’s losses and reducing the Portfolio’s opportunities for gains. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, including a loss that may be greater than the amount invested. Derivatives also present default risks if the counterparty to a derivatives contract fails to fulfill its obligations to the Portfolio. Certain derivatives held by the Portfolio may be illiquid, including non-exchange-traded or over-the-counter derivatives that are linked to illiquid instruments or illiquid markets, making it difficult to close out an unfavorable position. Derivatives also may be more difficult to purchase, sell or value than other instruments. Derivatives risk may be more significant when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a cash investment position, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position held by the Portfolio.

•

Counterparty Risk – The Portfolio will be subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to derivative contracts entered into by the Portfolio or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the Portfolio invests, including other investment companies. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Portfolio may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Portfolio may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

•

Derivatives Tax Risk – Compared to other types of investments, derivatives may be less tax efficient. In addition, changes in government regulation of derivative instruments could affect the character, timing and amount of the Portfolio’s taxable income or gains, and may limit or prevent the Portfolio’s use of certain derivative instruments, which could make the investment strategy more costly to implement or require the Portfolio to change its investment strategy. These rules may: (i) affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Portfolio are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, (ii) accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Portfolio, (iii) defer losses to the Portfolio, and (iv) cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Portfolio’s securities. The Portfolio’s use of derivatives may be limited by the requirements for taxation of the Portfolio as a regulated investment company.

•

Options Risk – Purchasing and writing put and call options are specialized activities that may entail greater-than-ordinary investment risks and are considered speculative. An option gives the purchaser, in exchange for a premium, the right, but not the obligation, to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) an underlying security or futures contract – or receive a cash settlement based on an underlying asset, rate or index – at a specified price during a specified period or on a specified date. When the Portfolio writes an option, it retains the premium if the option expires unexercised but may incur a net loss if the cost of satisfying its obligations exceeds the premium received. A written call option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to sell the underlying instrument below its market value, while a written put option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying instrument above its market value. When the Portfolio purchases an option, it may lose some or all of the premium if the underlying instrument does not move sufficiently in the anticipated direction, including the entire premium if the option expires without being sold or exercised. Options written on instruments intended to replicate an index

•

Options Writing Strategy Risk – if the underlying index appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to offset the new premium received from the written option on that index, a net loss will result. In addition, the Portfolio may write options on index substitutes, which are subject to the same risks as index options. The value of the index substitute is subject to change as the values of the component securities fluctuate and the performance of the index substitute may not exactly match the performance of the index.

•

Swaps Risks – The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques, risk analyses and tax planning different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Swap transactions can result in sizeable realized and unrealized capital gains and losses relative to the gains and losses from the Portfolio’s direct investments in securities and short sales. Transactions in swaps can involve greater risks than if the Portfolio had invested in securities directly since, in addition to general market risks, swaps may be leveraged and are also subject to liquidity risk, counterparty risk, credit risk and valuation risk. Regulators also may impose limits on an entity’s or group of entities’ positions in certain swaps.

•

Futures Risk – there can be no assurance that price movements in the futures markets will correlate with the prices of the underlying securities positions. Additionally, price distortions could result if investors in the futures markets opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than engage in closing transactions because such trend might result in a reduction in the liquidity of the futures market. Further, an increase in the participation of speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions.

•

Exchange-Traded Funds Risk – In addition to the risks of investing in other investment companies generally, an investment in securities issued by an ETF may be subject to the following risks: (1) shares of the ETF may trade at a discount to its net asset value; (2) an active trading market for the ETF’s shares may not develop; (3) the exchange on which the ETF is listed may, under certain circumstances, suspend trading of the ETF’s shares; and (4) to the extent that an ETF is acquired in order to track a specific asset or index, the ETF may fail to effectively accomplish that goal.

•

Foreign Investment Risk.  Investment in foreign securities involves the following risks:

•

Foreign Securities Risk – Investments in securities issued by non-U.S. companies and/or non-U.S. governments and their agencies, may be adversely affected by the lack of timely or reliable financial information, political, social and/or economic developments abroad and differences between U.S. and foreign regulatory requirements and market practices. In addition, transaction expenses related to foreign securities, including custody fees, are generally more costly than transaction expenses for domestic securities.

•

Foreign Currency Risk – Securities denominated in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will decline in relation to the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and can be affected by, among other factors, the general economics of a country, or the actions of the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks. In addition, transaction expenses related to currency conversion costs and foreign exchange may be incurred in connection with the purchase and sale of foreign securities.

•

Emerging Markets Risk – Risks associated with foreign investments may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging market countries, whose political, legal and economic systems are less developed and less stable than those of more developed nations. Such investments are often less liquid and/or more volatile than securities issued by companies located in developed nations, such as the United States, Canada and those included in the MSCI EAFE Index. Certain types of securities, including emerging market securities, are subject to the risk that the securities may not be sold at the quoted market price within a reasonable period of time.

•

Risks Associated with Investments in Derivatives.  The Portfolio is permitted to invest in derivative instruments, including options, futures and options on futures, swaps, structured notes and currency forwards. Investment in derivatives depends largely on the performance of an underlying reference instrument or rate and the Specialist Manager’s ability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and/or other economic factors. Derivatives involve additional costs and often have risks similar to an investment in the reference instrument in addition to other risks, such as:

•

General Derivative Risks – Derivatives may be volatile and may involve significant risks. The Portfolio’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The underlying security, measure or other instrument on which a derivative is based, or the derivative itself, may not perform as expected, and hedging positions may not correlate closely with the instruments or exposures being hedged. Normally derivatives involve leverage, which means that their use can significantly magnify the effect of price movements of the underlying securities or reference measures, disproportionately increasing the Portfolio’s losses and reducing the Portfolio’s opportunities for gains. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, including a loss that may be greater than the amount invested. Derivatives also present default risks if the counterparty to a derivatives contract fails to fulfill its obligations to the Portfolio. Certain derivatives held by the Portfolio may be illiquid, including non-exchange-traded or over-the-counter derivatives that are linked to illiquid instruments or illiquid markets, making it difficult to close out an unfavorable position. Derivatives also may be more difficult to purchase, sell or value than other instruments. Derivatives risk may be more significant when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a cash investment position, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position held by the Portfolio.

•

Counterparty Risk – The Portfolio will be subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to derivative contracts entered into by the Portfolio or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the Portfolio invests, including other investment companies. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Portfolio may experience significant

•

Derivatives Tax Risk – Compared to other types of investments, derivatives may be less tax efficient. In addition, changes in government regulation of derivative instruments could affect the character, timing and amount of the Portfolio’s taxable income or gains, and may limit or prevent the Portfolio’s use of certain derivative instruments, which could make the investment strategy more costly to implement or require the Portfolio to change its investment strategy. These rules may: (i) affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Portfolio are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, (ii) accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Portfolio, (iii) defer losses to the Portfolio, and (iv) cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Portfolio’s securities. The Portfolio’s use of derivatives may be limited by the requirements for taxation of the Portfolio as a regulated investment company.

•

Options Risk – Purchasing and writing put and call options are specialized activities that may entail greater-than-ordinary investment risks and are considered speculative. An option gives the purchaser, in exchange for a premium, the right, but not the obligation, to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) an underlying security or futures contract – or receive a cash settlement based on an underlying asset, rate or index – at a specified price during a specified period or on a specified date. When the Portfolio writes an option, it retains the premium if the option expires unexercised but may incur a net loss if the cost of satisfying its obligations exceeds the premium received. A written call option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to sell the underlying instrument below its market value, while a written put option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying instrument above its market value. When the Portfolio purchases an option, it may lose some or all of the premium if the underlying instrument does not move sufficiently in the anticipated direction, including the entire premium if the option

•

Options Writing Strategy Risk – if the underlying index appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to offset the new premium received from the written option on that index, a net loss will result. In addition, the Portfolio may write options on index substitutes, which are subject to the same risks as index options. I The value of the index substitute is subject to change as the values of the component securities fluctuate and the performance of the index substitute may not exactly match the performance of the index.

•

Swaps Risks – The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques, risk analyses and tax planning different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Swap transactions can result in sizeable realized and unrealized capital gains and losses relative to the gains and losses from the Portfolio’s direct investments in securities and short sales. Transactions in swaps can involve greater risks than if the Portfolio had invested in securities directly since, in addition to general market risks, swaps may be leveraged and are also subject to liquidity risk, counterparty risk, credit risk and valuation risk. Regulators also may impose limits on an entity’s or group of entities’ positions in certain swaps.

•

Futures Risk – there can be no assurance that price movements in the futures markets will correlate with the prices of the underlying securities positions. Additionally, price distortions could result if investors in the futures markets opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than engage in closing transactions because such trend might result in a reduction in the liquidity of the futures market. Further, an increase in the participation of speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions.

•

China Risk – In addition to the risks listed above under “Emerging Market Securities,” investing in China presents additional risks including confiscatory taxation, nationalization, exchange control regulations (including currency blockage) and differing legal standards. The Chinese government could, at any time, alter or discontinue economic reform programs implemented since 1978. Chinese authorities may intervene in the China securities market and halt or suspend trading of securities for short or even longer periods of time. Recently, the China securities market has experienced considerable volatility and been subject to relatively frequent and extensive trading halts and suspensions. These trading halts and suspensions have, among other things, contributed to uncertainty in the markets and reduced the liquidity of the securities subject to such trading halts and suspensions, which could include securities held by a Portfolio.

•

Foreign Securities Risk – Investments in securities issued by non-U.S. companies and/or non-U.S. governments and their agencies, may be adversely affected by the lack of timely or reliable financial information, political, social and/or economic developments abroad and differences between U.S. and foreign regulatory requirements and market practices. In addition, transaction expenses related to foreign securities, including custody fees, are generally more costly than transaction expenses for domestic securities.

•

Foreign Currency Risk – Securities denominated in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will decline in relation to the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and can be affected by, among other factors, the general economics of a country, or the actions of the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks. In addition, transaction expenses related to currency conversion costs and foreign exchange may be incurred in connection with the purchase and sale of foreign securities.

•

Risks Associated with Investments in Derivatives.  The Portfolio is permitted to invest in derivative instruments, including options, futures and options on futures, swaps, structured notes and currency forwards. Investment in derivatives depends largely on the performance of an

•

General Derivative Risks – Derivatives may be volatile and may involve significant risks. The Portfolio’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The underlying security, measure or other instrument on which a derivative is based, or the derivative itself, may not perform as expected, and hedging positions may not correlate closely with the instruments or exposures being hedged. Normally derivatives involve leverage, which means that their use can significantly magnify the effect of price movements of the underlying securities or reference measures, disproportionately increasing the Portfolio’s losses and reducing the Portfolio’s opportunities for gains. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, including a loss that may be greater than the amount invested. Derivatives also present default risks if the counterparty to a derivatives contract fails to fulfill its obligations to the Portfolio. Certain derivatives held by the Portfolio may be illiquid, including non-exchange-traded or over-the-counter derivatives that are linked to illiquid instruments or illiquid markets, making it difficult to close out an unfavorable position. Derivatives also may be more difficult to purchase, sell or value than other instruments. Derivatives risk may be more significant when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a cash investment position, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position held by the Portfolio.

•

Counterparty Risk – The Portfolio will be subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to derivative contracts entered into by the Portfolio or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the Portfolio invests, including other investment companies. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Portfolio may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Portfolio may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

•

Derivatives Tax Risk – Compared to other types of investments, derivatives may be less tax efficient. In addition, changes in government regulation of derivative instruments could affect the character, timing and amount of the Portfolio’s taxable income or gains, and may limit or prevent the Portfolio’s use of certain derivative instruments, which could make the investment strategy more costly to implement or require the Portfolio to change its investment strategy. These rules may: (i) affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Portfolio are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, (ii) accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Portfolio, (iii) defer losses to the Portfolio, and (iv) cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Portfolio’s securities. The Portfolio’s use of derivatives may be limited by the requirements for taxation of the Portfolio as a regulated investment company.

•

Options Risk – Purchasing and writing put and call options are specialized activities that may entail greater-than-ordinary investment risks and are considered speculative. An option gives the purchaser, in exchange for a premium, the right, but not the obligation, to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) an underlying security or futures contract – or receive a cash settlement based on an underlying asset, rate or index – at a specified price during a specified period or on a specified date. When the Portfolio writes an option, it retains the premium if the option expires unexercised but may incur a net loss if the cost of satisfying its obligations exceeds the premium received. A written call option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to sell the underlying instrument below its market value, while a written put option exposes the Portfolio to

•

Options Writing Strategy Risk – if the underlying index appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to offset the new premium received from the written option on that index, a net loss will result. In addition, the Portfolio may write options on index substitutes, which are subject to the same risks as index options. The value of the index substitute is subject to change as the values of the component securities fluctuate and the performance of the index substitute may not exactly match the performance of the index.

•

Futures Risk – there can be no assurance that price movements in the futures markets will correlate with the prices of the underlying securities positions. Additionally, price distortions could result if investors in the futures markets opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than engage in closing transactions because such trend might result in a reduction in the liquidity of the futures market. Further, an increase in the participation of speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions.

•

Call/Prepayment Risk – When interest rates are declining, issuers of securities held by the Portfolio may prepay principal earlier than scheduled. As a result of this risk, the Portfolio may have to reinvest these prepayments at those lower rates, thus reducing its income. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are especially sensitive to prepayment.

•

Extension Risk – These securities are also subject to the risk that payment on the loans underlying the securities held by the Portfolio will be made more slowly when interest rates are rising. This could cause the market value of the securities to decline.

•

Liquidity Risk – At times, certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the price that would normally prevail in the market. The seller may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead or forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Portfolio management or performance. This includes the risk of missing out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous investments.

•

Municipal Bond Risk – The risk of a municipal obligation generally depends on the financial and credit status of the issuer. Constitutional amendments, legislative enactments, executive orders, administrative regulations, voter initiatives, and the issuer’s regional economic conditions may affect the municipal security’s value, interest payments, repayment of principal and the Portfolio’s ability to sell the security. Failure of a municipal security issuer to comply with applicable tax requirements may make income paid thereon taxable, resulting in a decline in the security’s value. In addition, there could be changes in applicable tax laws or tax treatments that reduce or eliminate the current federal income tax exemption on municipal securities or otherwise adversely affect the current federal or state tax status of municipal securities. Portfolio dividends derived from certain “private activity” municipal securities generally will constitute an item of tax preference includable in alternative minimum taxable income for both corporate and non-corporate taxpayers.

•

High Yield Bond Risk – High yield bonds, commonly referred to as “junk bonds,” are considered speculative under traditional investment standards. Prices of these securities will rise and fall primarily in response to changes in the issuer’s financial health, although changes in market interest rates also will affect prices. High yield bonds may also experience reduced liquidity, and sudden and substantial decreases in price, during certain market conditions.

•

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk – As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. To the extent that the Portfolio acquires shares of investment companies, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the acquired investment companies.

•

Exchange-Traded Funds Risk – In addition to the risks of investing in other investment companies generally, an investment in securities issued by an ETF may be subject to the following risks: (1) shares of the ETF may trade at a discount to its net asset value; (2) an active trading market for the ETF’s shares may not develop; (3) the exchange on which the ETF is listed may, under certain circumstances, suspend trading of the ETF’s shares; and (4) to the extent that an ETF is acquired in order to track a specific asset or index, the ETF may fail to effectively accomplish that goal.

•

Risks Associated with Investments in Derivatives.  The Portfolio is permitted to invest in derivative instruments, including options, futures and options on futures, swaps, structured notes and currency forwards. Investment in derivatives depends largely on the performance of an underlying reference instrument or rate and the Specialist Manager’s ability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and/or other economic factors. Derivatives involve additional costs and often have risks similar to an investment in the reference instrument in addition to other risks, such as:

•

General Derivative Risks – Derivatives may be volatile and may involve significant risks. The Portfolio’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The underlying security, measure or other instrument on which a derivative is based, or the derivative itself, may not perform as expected, and hedging positions may not correlate closely with the

•

Counterparty Risk – The Portfolio will be subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to derivative contracts entered into by the Portfolio or held by special purpose or structured vehicles in which the Portfolio invests, including other investment companies. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Portfolio may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Portfolio may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

•

Derivatives Tax Risk – Compared to other types of investments, derivatives may be less tax efficient. In addition, changes in government regulation of derivative instruments could affect the character, timing and amount of the Portfolio’s taxable income or gains, and may limit or prevent the Portfolio’s use of certain derivative instruments, which could make the investment strategy more costly to implement or require the Portfolio to change its investment strategy. These rules may: (i) affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Portfolio are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, (ii) accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Portfolio, (iii) defer losses to the Portfolio, and (iv) cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Portfolio’s securities. The Portfolio’s use of derivatives may be limited by the requirements for taxation of the Portfolio as a regulated investment company.

•

Options Risk – Purchasing and writing put and call options are specialized activities that may entail greater-than-ordinary investment risks and are considered speculative. An option gives the purchaser, in exchange for a premium, the right, but not the obligation, to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) an underlying security or futures contract – or receive a cash settlement based on an underlying asset, rate or index – at a specified price during a specified period or on a specified date. When the Portfolio writes an option, it retains the premium if the option expires unexercised but may incur a net loss if the cost of satisfying its obligations exceeds the premium received. A written call option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to sell the underlying instrument below its market value, while a written put option exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying instrument above its market value. When the Portfolio purchases an option, it may lose some or all of the premium if the underlying instrument does not move sufficiently in the anticipated direction, including the entire premium if the option expires without being sold or exercised. Options written on instruments intended to replicate an index present the same risks, and those instruments may not closely track the index.

•

Options Writing Strategy Risk – if the underlying index appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to offset the new premium received from the written option on that index, a net loss will result. In addition, the Portfolio may write options on index substitutes, which are subject to the same risks as index options. I The value of the index substitute is subject to change as the values of the component securities fluctuate and the performance of the index substitute may not exactly match the performance of the index.

•

Futures Risk – there can be no assurance that price movements in the futures markets will correlate with the prices of the underlying securities positions. Additionally, price distortions could result if investors in the futures markets opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than engage in closing transactions because such trend might result in a reduction in the liquidity of the futures market. Further, an increase in the participation of speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions.