U.S. Government). These investments may include
collateralized mortgage obligations and stripped mortgage-backed securities. Debt obligations in which the Portfolio may invest include structured notes.
The Portfolio normally invests at
least 80% of its investable assets in “investment grade” debt obligations—debt obligations rated at least BBB by S&P, Baa by Moody's, or the equivalent by another major rating service, and
unrated debt obligations that we believe are comparable in quality. However, the Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in high yield debt obligations (“junk bonds”) that are rated at least B
by S&P, Moody's or another major rating service, and unrated bonds that we believe are comparable in quality (except that within such limitation, the Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related securities rated below
B). The Portfolio may continue to hold an obligation if it is later downgraded or no longer rated. The Portfolio may actively and frequently trade its portfolio securities, which may increase transaction costs and
taxes. “Intermediate-term” bonds have dollar-weighted maturities of more than 3 years and less than 10 years. The Portfolio will maintain an average duration that normally ranges between two years below
and two years above the average duration of the Portfolio's benchmark index, the Barclays Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index. As of October 31, 2012, the duration of the benchmark index was 3.88 years.
The Portfolio may invest up to 30%
of its total assets in foreign currency-denominated debt obligations. The Portfolio's foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) will normally be limited to 20% of the
Portfolio's total assets.
The Portfolio may invest up to 20%
of its total assets in convertible bonds, convertible preferred stock and non-convertible preferred stock. The Portfolio may also invest in asset-backed securities including collateralized loan obligations (CLOs),
collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), collateralized bank obligations (CBOs), automobile loans and credit card receivables. The Portfolio may also use derivatives, such as futures, swaps and options, for hedging
purposes or to seek to improve its returns. The Portfolio may engage in short sales.
Principal Risks of Investing in the
Portfolio.
All investments have risks to some degree. Please remember that an investment in the Portfolio is not guaranteed to achieve its investment objective; is not a deposit with a bank; is not
insured, endorsed or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency; and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of your original investment.
Recent Market Events.
The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility. This financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value
and liquidity of many securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the subadviser. These market conditions may continue or get worse. In response to
the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could negatively affect the value and
liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the United States calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the
practical implications for market participants, may not be known for some time.
Market Risk.
Your investment in Portfolio shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Portfolio. The value of these securities, like other investments, may move up or down,
sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Securities markets are volatile. Your Portfolio shares at any point in time may be worth less than what you invested, even after taking into account the reinvestment of Portfolio
dividends and distributions. Regardless of how well an individual investment performs, if financial markets go down, you could lose money.
Risk of Increase in Expenses.
Your actual cost of investing in the Portfolio may be higher than the expenses shown in the expense table for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those
shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Portfolio expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Credit Risk.
The debt obligations in which the Portfolio invests are generally subject to the risk that the issuer may be unable to repay principal and make interest payments when they are due. There
is also the risk that the securities could lose value because of a loss of confidence in the ability of the borrower to pay back debt. Below-investment grade securities—also known as “junk bonds”
—have a higher risk of default and tend to be less liquid than higher-rated securities.
In addition, some of the U.S.
Government securities and mortgage-related securities in which the Portfolio may invest are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, which means that payment of interest and principal is guaranteed,
but yield and market value are not. These securities include, but are not limited to, direct obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury, and obligations of certain entities that may be chartered or sponsored by Acts of
Congress, such as the Government National Mortgage Association. Securities issued by other government entities that may be chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress in which the Portfolio may invest are not backed by
the full faith and credit of the United States. These securities include, but are not limited to, obligations of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, each of which has the right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet its
obligations.