# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001011378
**File Stem:** 0001133228-26-005514
**Filing Date:** 2026-4
**Character Count:** 2565131
**Document Hash:** dbb405458a022f914d6b20355b9ec51d
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001133228-26-005514.hdr.sgml**: 20260416

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001133228-26-005514

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485BPOS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 65

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260416

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260416

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260430

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** MORGAN STANLEY VARIABLE INSURANCE FUND INC.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001011378

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-07607
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26868529

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1585 BROADWAY
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10036
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 800-548-7786

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1585 BROADWAY
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10036

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** UNIVERSAL INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20020322

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19960328
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** MORGAN STANLEY VARIABLE INSURANCE FUND INC.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001011378

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-03013
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26868528

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1585 BROADWAY
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10036
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 800-548-7786

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1585 BROADWAY
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10036

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** UNIVERSAL INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20020322

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19960328

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Discovery Portfolio (Series ID: S000004167)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011740 | Class II     | MMGTX           |
| C000011741 | Class I      | MMGPX           |

### Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Series ID: S000004174)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011751 | Class II     | MBDBX           |
| C000011752 | Class I      | MEMNX           |

### Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Series ID: S000004175)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011753 | Class II     | MSMBX           |
| C000011754 | Class I      | MEMEX           |

### Growth Portfolio (Series ID: S000004177)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011757 | Class I      | MEGIX           |
| C000011758 | Class II     | MEGTX           |

### Global Strategist Portfolio (Series ID: S000004181)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011764 | Class I      | MIMPX           |
| C000097939 | Class II     | MGTPX           |

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? 2025-10-28VIFDiscoveryPortfolioClassI_485B_Pro_March2026

**As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2026**

**Registration Nos.: 333-03013**

**811-07607**

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **FORM N-1A** |  |
| **REGISTRATION STATEMENT** **UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933** | ☒ |
| **Pre-Effective Amendment No.** | ☐ |
| **Post-Effective Amendment No. 78** | ☒ |

---

**and/or**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY** **ACT OF 1940** | ☒ |
| **Amendment No. 80** | ☒ |

---

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

 **(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)**

**1585 Broadway**

**New York, New York 10036**

**(Address of Principal Executive Office)**

**Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (800) 869-6397**

**Deidre E. Walsh, Esq. 1 Post Office Square**

**Boston, Massachusetts 02109**

**(Name and Address of Agent for Service)**

**Copy to:**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Mark F. Parise, Esq.** | **Allison Fumai, Esq.** |
| **Morgan, Lewis and Bockius LLP** | **Dechert LLP** |
| **One State Street** | **1095 Avenue of the Americas** |
| **Hartford, CT 06103** | **New York, New York 10036** |

---

**Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:**

As soon as practicable after this Post-Effective Amendment becomes effective.

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

☐ Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

☒ On April 30, 2026 pursuant to paragraph (b)

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

☐ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

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

☐ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

**Amending the Prospectus and Updating Financial Statements** 

If appropriate, check the following box:

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

![image](pr17252img001.jpg)<br>

**Morgan Stanley** **Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Discovery Portfolio

**Prospectus** \| April 30, 2026<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Ticker Symbol** |
| Class I | MMGPX |

---

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

**An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or endorsed by a bank, is not a bank deposit or obligation thereof, and is not** **insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the** **Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money investing in the Fund.**

![image](pr17252img002.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund that provides investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. In this prospectus, shares of the Discovery Portfolio (the "Fund") are being offered.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [**Fund Summary**](#ref_chapter_2_17252)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17252)  |
| [**Details of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_3_17252)  | [7](#ref_chapter_3_17252)  |
| [**Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**](#ref_chapter_4_17252)  | [8](#ref_chapter_4_17252)  |
| [**Fund Management**](#ref_chapter_5_17252)  | [22](#ref_chapter_5_17252)  |
| [**Shareholder Information**](#ref_chapter_6_17252)  | [23](#ref_chapter_6_17252)  |
| [**Consolidated Financial Highlights**](#ref_chapter_7_17252)  | [28](#ref_chapter_7_17252)  |

---

------

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Discovery Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in common stocks and other equity securities.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class I shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge any sales loads or other fees when you purchase or redeem shares. The table below does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be higher. **You may pay fees other than the fees** **and expenses of the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and other fees charged by financial intermediaries, which are** **not reflected in the tables and examples below.**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Class I** |
| Advisory Fee\* | 0.75% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee |  |
| Other Expenses\*\* | 0.38% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses\*\*\* | 1.13% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 0.18% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 0.95% |

---

\* "Advisory Fee" includes the management fee of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the "Subsidiary"). The Fund's "Adviser" and "Administrator," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., has agreed to waive or credit a portion of the advisory fee in an amount equal to the management fee paid to the Adviser by the Subsidiary.

\*\* "Other Expenses" include expenses of the Fund's and Subsidiary's most recent fiscal year.

\*\*\* The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 0.95% for Class I. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate.

**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 does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, costs shown would be higher.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). 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 I | $97  | $341  | $605  | $1359  |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in Total 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 73% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal circumstances, the Adviser seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in established and emerging companies, with capitalizations within the range of companies included in the Russell Midcap® Growth Index, which as of December 31, 2025, ranged between $1.6 billion and $101.9 billion.

The Adviser emphasizes a bottom-up stock selection process, seeking attractive investments on an individual company basis. The Adviser typically invests in unique companies it believes have sustainable competitive advantages with above average business visibility, the ability to deploy capital at high rates of return, strong balance sheets and an attractive risk/reward. The Adviser typically focuses a significant portion of the Fund's investments in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region.

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Discovery Portfolio (Con't)

The Adviser actively integrates sustainability into the investment process by using environmental, social and governance ("ESG") factors as a lens for additional fundamental research, which can contribute to investment decision-making. The Adviser seeks to understand how environmental and social initiatives within companies can create value by strengthening durable competitive advantages, creating growth opportunities, driving profitability and/or aligning with secular growth trends. The Adviser generally engages with company management teams to discuss their ESG practices, with the aim of identifying how sustainability themes present opportunities and risks that can be material to the value of the security over the long-term. Other aspects of the investment process include a proprietary, systematic evaluation of governance policies, specifically focusing on compensation alignment on long-term value creation. Although consideration of ESG factors is incorporated into the investment process, it is only one of many tools the Adviser utilizes to make investment decisions.

The Fund may invest in equity securities. The Fund may also invest in privately placed and restricted securities.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers, including issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. The securities in which the Fund may invest may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

**Principal Risks**

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you can lose money investing in this Fund. Investments in the Fund involve risks and you should not rely on the Fund as a complete investment program. The relative significance of each risk factor summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include:

● **Equity Securities.** In general, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or widely, in response to activities specific to the issuer of the security as well as factors unrelated to the fundamental condition of the issuer, including general market, economic, political and public health conditions. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although prices can rebound, there is no assurance that prices of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.<br>

● **Mid Cap Companies.** Investments in mid cap companies may involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies. The securities issued by mid cap companies may be less liquid and such companies may have more limited markets, financial resources and product lines and may lack the depth of management of larger companies.

● **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks, such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks, and heightened risks, that may result in losses to the Fund. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental interventions or other actions, such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund,

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Discovery Portfolio (Con't)

particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. In addition, foreign governments may default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments. Moreover, there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging market countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies.<br>

● **Foreign Currency.** The Fund's investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar. Since the Fund may invest in such non-U.S. dollar- denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

● **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts.** To the extent the Fund seeks to hedge its foreign currency exposure by the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts involves the risks associated with derivatives and the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract.

● **Liquidity.** The Fund may make investments that are less liquid, illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

● **Focused Investing.** Although the Fund is a diversified investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), the Fund typically invests a significant portion of its portfolio in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. As a result, the Fund will be more susceptible to risks associated with, and negative events affecting those issuers, industries, sectors or geographic regions, and a decline in the value of a particular instrument may cause the Fund's overall value to be more volatile and decline to a greater degree than if the Fund were invested more widely.

● **Private Placements and Restricted Securities.** The Fund's investments may include privately placed and restricted securities, which are generally subject to resale or transfer restrictions or prohibitions. Private placements and restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. The Fund may be unable to dispose of privately placed and restricted securities promptly or may be able to sell privately placed and restricted securities only at disadvantageous times or prices, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Discovery Portfolio (Con't)

changes in the financial condition of the issuer. There is no assurance that a liquid market will exist for privately placed and restricted securities and these securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity. In addition, the market for certain investments deemed liquid at the time of purchase may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions. Restricted securities, including privately placed securities, may be difficult to value and may experience significant price volatility, and there is typically less information available about issuers of private placements and restricted securities and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Adviser is reliable. Private placements and restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses to the Fund.<br>

● **Information Technology Sector Risk.** To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, product obsolescence, government regulation, and competition, and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

● **Healthcare Sector Risk.** The profitability of companies in the healthcare sector may be adversely affected by, among other things, extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, costs associated with obtaining and protecting patents, product liability and other claims, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, changes in the demand for medical products and services, a limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market, economic and public health developments. To the extent that the Fund concentrates its investments in one or more individual industries comprising the healthcare sector (such as, but not limited to, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies, healthcare technology, healthcare providers and services, and life sciences tools and services companies), the Fund will be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with such industry or industries, which may include the risks described above as well as other risks specific to such industry or industries.

● **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic , geopolitical and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. These types of events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the value (or income generated by) and liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact the Fund's ability to sell securities and/or its ability to meet redemptions. The risks associated with these developments may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters or events, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes , supply chain disruptions and the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures) adversely interrupt or otherwise affect the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These types of events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance or value of the Fund's investments, adversely affect and increase the volatility of the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

● **Active Management Risk.** In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance.

Please see "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of risks of investing in the Fund. Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Performance Information**

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's Class I shares' performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's Class I shares' average annual returns for the past one, five and ten year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and one or more additional indexes. The additional index(es) in the table provide a means to compare the Fund's average annual total returns to a benchmark that the Adviser believes is representative of the Fund's investment universe. This performance information does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, returns would be lower. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Discovery Portfolio (Con't)

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years (Class I)**

Commenced operations on October 18, 1999

![image](pr17252img003.jpg)

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter**  | 06/30/20  | 73.09% |
| **Low Quarter**  | 06/30/22  | -41.08% |

---

**Average Annual Total Returns (Class I)**

(for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past One**<br>**Year** | **Past Five**<br>**Years** | **Past Ten**<br>**Years** |
| **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| Return Before Taxes | 12.58% | -5.36% | 14.16% |
| Russell 3000® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>1</sup>  | 17.15% | 13.15% | 14.29% |
| Russell Midcap® Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>2</sup>  | 8.66% | 6.65% | 12.49% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies designed to represent approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. The Russell 3000® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive, unbiased and stable barometer of the broad market and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are included. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Russell Midcap® Growth Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap® Index is a subset of the Russell 1000® Index and includes approximately 800 of the smallest securities in the Russell 1000® Index, which in turn consists of approximately 1,000 of the largest U.S. securities based on a combination of market capitalization and current index membership. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

**Fund Management**

**Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

**Portfolio Managers.** The Fund is managed by members of Counterpoint Global. Information about the members jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser** | **Date Began**<br>**Managing Fund** |
| Dennis P. Lynch | Managing Director | April 2003 |
| Sam G. Chainani | Managing Director | June 2004 |
| Jason C. Yeung | Managing Director | September 2007 |
| Armistead B. Nash | Managing Director | September 2008 |
| Alexander T. Norton | Executive Director | July 2005 |

---

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Prospectus offers Class I shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class II shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class II shares are subject to higher expenses due to the imposition of a 12b-1 fee. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (either directly or indirectly through other variable insurance funds) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Discovery Portfolio (Con't)

qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares."

**Tax Information**

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Taxes."

**Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser and/or the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., may pay insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Fund-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance of their variable annuity contracts. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company to recommend one variable annuity or variable life insurance contract over another or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's web site for more information.

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Discovery Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in common stocks and other equity securities.

**Approach**

Under normal circumstances, the Adviser seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in established and emerging companies with capitalizations within the range of companies included in the Russell MidCap® Growth Index.

**Process**

The Adviser emphasizes a bottom-up stock selection process, seeking attractive investments on an individual company basis. The Adviser typically invests in unique companies it believes have sustainable competitive advantages with above average business visibility, the ability to deploy capital at high rates of return, strong balance sheets and an attractive risk/reward. The Adviser typically focuses a significant portion of the Fund's investments in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. The Adviser generally considers selling a portfolio holding when it determines that the holding no longer satisfies its investment criteria.

In accordance with the Fund's investment strategy of investing in mid cap companies, the capitalization range of securities in which the Fund may invest is consistent with the capitalization range of the Russell Midcap® Growth Index, which as of December 31, 2025, was between $1.6 billion and $101.9 billion. The market capitalization limit is subject to adjustment annually based upon the Adviser's assessment as to the capitalization range of companies which possess the fundamental characteristics of mid cap companies.

The Adviser actively integrates sustainability into the investment process by using ESG factors as a lens for additional fundamental research, which can contribute to investment decision-making. The Adviser seeks to understand how environmental and social initiatives within companies can create value by strengthening durable competitive advantages, creating growth opportunities, driving profitability and/or aligning with secular growth trends. The Adviser generally engages with company management teams to discuss their ESG practices, with the aim of identifying how sustainability themes present opportunities and risks that can be material to the value of the security over the long-term. Other aspects of the investment process include a proprietary, systematic evaluation of governance policies, specifically focusing on compensation alignment on long-term value creation. Although consideration of ESG factors is incorporated into the investment process, it is only one of many tools the Adviser utilizes to make investment decisions.

The Fund may invest in equity securities. The Fund may also invest in privately placed and restricted securities.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers, including issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. The securities in which the Fund may invest may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

Unless otherwise required, the Fund may change its principal investment strategies at any time without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified of any changes as required by applicable law.

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *This section discusses additional information relating to Fund investment strategies, other types of investments that the Fund may make and related risk factors. Fund investment practices and limitations are also described in more detail in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), which is incorporated by reference and legally is a part of this Prospectus. For details on how to obtain a copy of the SAI and other reports and information, see the back cover of this Prospectus.* <br>

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price and yield will fluctuate with changes in the market value and/or yield of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

Economies and financial markets worldwide have experienced periods of increased volatility, uncertainty, distress, government spending, inflation, tariffs and disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. To the extent these conditions exist or continue, the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including those described below, could be heightened and the Fund's investments (and thus a shareholder's investment in the Fund) may be particularly susceptible to sudden and substantial losses, reduced yield or income or other adverse developments. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time.

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others.

The percentage limitations (including the Fund's 80% policy, if any) relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act or rule thereunder, subsequent percentage changes that result from market fluctuations generally will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.

However, the Fund may be required to reduce its borrowings, if any, in response to fluctuations in the value of such holdings.

**Equity Securities**

Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and equity-linked securities, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), rights and warrants to purchase common stocks, depositary receipts, shares of investment companies (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates), limited partnership interests and other specialty securities having equity features. Many factors affect the value of equity securities, including earnings, earnings forecasts, corporate events and factors impacting the issuer's financial condition, sector, industry and the market generally, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably, and these fluctuations may be frequent and significant. In addition, the Fund cannot accurately predict the income it might receive from equity securities because issuers generally have discretion as to the payment of dividends or distributions, and the common stock of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if, for example, the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because of a decline in the issuer's financial condition. The Fund may invest in equity securities that are publicly traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter ("OTC") or in equity securities that are not publicly traded. Equity securities are subject to the risk that stock prices in general (or in particular, the prices of the types of securities in which the Fund invests) may decline over short or extended periods of time. Equity securities that are not publicly traded may be more difficult to value or sell and their value may fluctuate more dramatically than publicly traded equity securities. Convertible securities are subject to many of the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and equity securities.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or the financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. In addition, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although stock prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.

U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks. In addition, the price of equity securities of an issuer may be particularly

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund.

**Depositary Receipts**

A depositary receipt is generally issued by a bank or financial institution and represents the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks as those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. When the Fund invests in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") rather than investing directly in their underlying foreign shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the ADRs may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with the return of the underlying foreign shares. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Because the underlying foreign shares of ADRs are typically denominated or quoted in non-U.S. currencies, currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Further, since an ADR's underlying shares trade on foreign exchanges at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the ADR's underlying shares may change materially at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for Fund shares.

**Convertible Securities**

A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to and are subject to many of the risks associated with both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to other comparable nonconvertible fixed-income securities in such capital structure. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities.

**Market and Geopolitical Risk**

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions (i.e., increase the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period). In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such assets.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or market, or with respect to one company, may adversely impact other companies and other issuers, including those in a different country, region, sector, industry or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries and adversely impact the Fund's investments. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform or otherwise be adversely affected due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters and extreme weather events, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political (including geopolitical) discord and tensions or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in inflation rates or expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, an issuer's financial condition, the Fund's investments

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

and an investment in the Fund. The market price of debt securities generally falls as inflation increases because the purchasing power of the future income and repaid principal is expected to be worth less when received by the Fund. The risk of inflation is greater for debt instruments with longer maturities and especially those that pay a fixed rather than variable interest rate. Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions or similar actions by the U.S. or foreign governments (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on economies, financial markets, issuers and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations.

Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations, can be adversely affected by changes in local and global economic conditions, including those that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments.

Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the price and performance of the Fund's investments, reduce market liquidity, adversely affect and increase the volatility of markets and the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing political, social, financial and economic risks to the Fund and cause overall declines in the U.S. and global markets. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions (including monetary and/or fiscal actions intended to stimulate or stabilize the global economy) that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**IPOs**

The Fund may purchase shares issued as part of, or a short period after, a company's initial public offering ("IPO"), and may at times dispose of those shares shortly after their acquisition. The Fund's purchase of shares issued in IPOs exposes it to the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, including unseasoned trading, small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer, as well as to the risks inherent in those sectors of the market where these new issuers operate. The market for IPO issuers may be volatile, and share prices of newly-public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. IPOs may produce high, double-digit returns. Such returns are highly unusual and may not be sustainable.

**Fixed-Income Securities**

Fixed-income securities are securities that pay a fixed or a variable rate of interest until a stated maturity date. Fixed-income securities include U.S. government securities, securities issued by federal or federally sponsored agencies and

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

instrumentalities, corporate bonds and notes, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, securities rated below investment grade (commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or "high yield/high risk securities"), municipal bonds, loan participations and assignments, zero coupon bonds, convertible securities, Eurobonds, Brady Bonds, Yankee Bonds, repurchase agreements, commercial paper and cash equivalents.

Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).

Fixed income and other debt instruments, including mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid earlier than expected, such as in the case of refinancing. This risk is increased during periods of declining interest rates and prepayments may reduce the Fund's yield or income as a result of reinvesting the income or other proceeds in lower yielding securities or instruments. These investments are also subject to extension risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid slower or later than expected. This may negatively affect Fund returns, as the value of the investment decreases when principal payments are made later than expected. This risk is elevated during periods of increasing interest rates. In addition, because principal payments are made later than expected, the investment's duration may extend (and result in increased interest rate risk) and the Fund may be prevented from investing proceeds it would otherwise have received at the higher prevailing interest rates. Prepayments and extensions may result in a security or debt instrument offering less potential for gains during periods of declining interest rates or rising interest rates, respectively.

Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled. The Fund may be subject to liquidity risk, which may result from the lack of an active market and the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed-income securities. Fixed-income securities may be called (i.e., redeemed by the issuer) prior to final maturity. If a callable security is called, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at a lower rate of interest.

**Credit and Interest Rate Risk**

Fixed-income securities, such as bonds, generally are subject to two primary types of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security, or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise honor its obligations, including the risk of default. The risk of defaults across issuers, guarantors and/or counterparties increases in adverse market and economic conditions, and the degree of credit risk depends on the financial condition of the issuer, guarantor or counterparty and terms of the obligation. Credit ratings may not be an accurate assessment of financial condition, volatility, liquidity or credit risk, as the ratings do not evaluate market risks or necessarily reflect the issuer's, guarantor's or counterparty's current financial condition or the volatility or liquidity of the security. Although credit quality may not accurately reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market's perception of the creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty, can have a rapid, adverse effect on the instrument's value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. In addition, under certain conditions, there may be an increasing amount of issuers that are unprofitable, have little cash on hand and/or are unable to pay the interest owed on their debt obligations and the number of such issuers may increase if demand for their goods and services falls, borrowing costs rise due to governmental action or inaction or other reasons. The Fund may also be subject to credit spread risk, which is the risk that economic and market conditions, or any actual or perceived credit deterioration, may lead to an increase in credit spreads (i.e., the difference in yield between two securities of similar maturity but different credit quality) and a decline in price of an issuer's securities.

Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations (such as a decline) in the value of (or yield or income generated by) a fixed-income or other debt security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income securities go up but the yield or income from new issuances of fixed-income securities generally decreases. To the extent the Fund invests in variable and floating rate securities, although these instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than fixed rate instruments, the value of these securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a fixed-income security. Securities with longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations. Thus, the

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk will increase to the extent it has a longer average portfolio duration. The proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate or on other less advantageous terms during a declining interest rate environment. In a rising interest rate environment, the duration of fixed-income securities may be extended, thus potentially reducing income and increasing interest rate risk. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates, which may occur at any time based on a range of factors and may be sudden, frequent and significant. For example, during periods when interest rates are low, the Fund's yield (and total return) also may be low or otherwise adversely affected or the Fund may be unable to maintain positive returns or pay Fund expenses out of current income. Monetary policies, and market interest rates, are subject to change at any time and potentially frequently based on a variety of market and economic conditions. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve Board will change interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of such changes. The impact on fixed income and other debt instruments and market conditions from interest rate changes, regardless of the cause, could be significant and could adversely affect the Fund and its investments. Low or high interest rates could magnify the risks associated with changes in interest rates.

In general, changing interest rates could have unpredictable effects on markets and may expose debt and related markets to heightened volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates and/or volatility.

Governmental authorities and regulators may enact significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including providing direct capital infusions into companies, creating new monetary programs and changing interest rates considerably. These actions present heightened risks to debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened if these actions are unexpectedly or suddenly reversed or are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes.

**High Yield Securities**

Fixed-income securities that are not investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or high yield, high risk securities. These securities generally offer a higher yield than higher rated securities (including those of a similar maturity), but they carry a greater degree of risk, including substantial credit and default risks. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss (including substantial or total loss) of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative by the major credit rating agencies because of increased credit risk relative to higher rated fixed income investments. High yield securities are also subject to other increased risks, including greater sensitivity to real or perceived economic changes, increased price volatility, valuation difficulties, lack of a regular trading market and greater potential illiquidity. High yield securities are particularly susceptible to default risk during periods of adverse market, industry or economic conditions or issuer-specific developments and a high yield security may lose significant value before a default occurs. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

In addition, the Fund's investments in high yield securities are subject to the risk of subordination to other creditors. Accordingly, in the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of holders of these securities, leaving few or no assets available to repay high yield securities holders, such as the Fund. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly leveraged or indebted than other companies or are financially distressed. This means that they typically have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest and a higher risk of non-payment. An issuer's ability to pay its debt obligations may also be reduced by financial stress, specific issuer developments or the unavailability of additional financing. Changes in the value of and income from high yield securities are typically influenced more by changes in the financial and business position of the issuing company than by changes in interest rates when compared to investment grade securities.

In addition, high yield securities are subject to increased call risk, also known as prepayment risk, which is the risk that an issuer may exercise its right to redeem a fixed income security earlier than expected (a call). Issuers may call outstanding securities prior to their maturity for a number of reasons (e.g., declining interest rates, changes in credit spreads and improvements in the issuer's credit quality). If an issuer calls a security in which the Fund has invested, the Fund may not recoup the full amount of its initial investment (including any premiums paid) or may not realize the full anticipated earnings from the investment and may be forced to reinvest in lower-yielding securities, securities with greater credit risks or securities with other, less favorable features.

In recent years, there has been a broad trend of weaker or less restrictive covenant protections in the high yield market. Among other things, under such weaker or less restrictive covenants, borrowers might be able to exercise more flexibility with respect to certain activities than borrowers who are subject to stronger or more protective covenants. For example, borrowers might be able to incur more debt, including secured debt, return more capital to shareholders, remove or reduce assets that are designated as collateral securing high yield securities, increase the claims against assets that are permitted against collateral securing high yield securities or otherwise manage their business in ways that could impact creditors negatively. In addition, certain privately held borrowers might be permitted to file or provide less frequent, less detailed or less timely

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

financial reporting or other information, which could negatively impact the value of the high yield securities issued by such borrowers. Each of these factors might negatively impact the high yield securities held by the Fund.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special and heightened risks, which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers generally are subject to different corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards than U.S. issuers. There may be less information available to the public about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers can be less liquid, experience greater price movements, and may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and/or other taxes, which decreases the yield and/or return of these securities. The Fund may experience losses if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be susceptible to influence by large traders due to the limited size of many foreign securities markets and there is the risk that news and events unique to a country or region that would not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States will affect those markets and their issuers and political events in foreign countries may cause market and economic disruptions. Moreover, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Also, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. In some foreign countries, there is also the risk of government expropriation, excessive or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, the imposition of currency controls or diplomatic developments that could affect the Fund's investments. There also can be difficulty obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers in foreign countries. Foreign stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed issuers may be subject to less government regulation and oversight. Securities registration, custody, and settlement may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and experience other adverse consequences. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. In addition, in certain markets the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities during certain periods.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. The value of holdings traded outside the United States or denominated in foreign currencies (and any hedging transactions in foreign currencies), including underlying securities represented by depositary receipts, will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the holding in the issuer's home country. These risks may be intensified for the Fund's investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. Moreover, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities (or force the Fund to sell foreign securities) or transfer the Fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. The Fund's investments in foreign securities are subject to trade laws of and potential economic sanctions by the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter-sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit the Fund from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions could prohibit the Fund from transacting with particular countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures also could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. In addition, economic sanctions or other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, increase the Fund's transaction costs, make the Fund's investments more difficult to value or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

Even if the Fund does not have significant investments in securities affected by sanctions, sanctions or the threat of sanctions may cause volatility in regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, including through global supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced economic activity, which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. In addition, trade disputes and changes in tariffs may affect investor and consumer confidence and adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to predict.

In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including American Depositary Receipts, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the securities would likely decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

**Foreign Currency**

Investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. Since the Fund may invest in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

**Emerging Market Securities**

The Fund may invest in emerging market or developing countries, which are countries that major international financial institutions generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations (such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe). Emerging market or developing countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market or developing countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Such emerging market countries could also subject the Fund to greater risk associated with the custody of its securities than developed markets, which may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments (including the companies in which the Fund may invest) in emerging market or developing countries may be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. Furthermore, the Fund is

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) may be limited in their ability to enforce regulatory or legal obligations in emerging market countries. In addition, emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to increased potential for market manipulation and wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. These characteristics result in greater risk of price volatility in emerging market or developing countries, which may be heightened by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

**REITs and Foreign Real Estate Companies**

Investing in REITs and foreign real estate companies exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly and investing in companies in the real estate industry, including the risks associated with residential and commercial real estate, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs and foreign real estate companies are organized and operated. REITs and foreign real estate companies generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Real estate income and values may also be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes, preferences (such as remote work arrangements) and values, and the demand for real estate and rental property. Additionally, an investment in a REIT is subject to the risks that impact the underlying properties of the REIT, including reduced demand for commercial and office space and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting the real estate industry and markets.

Operating REITs and foreign real estate companies requires specialized management skills and the Fund indirectly bears management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. The value of REIT and foreign real estate company securities will also rise and fall in response to the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. In particular, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management or development of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans and the underlying mortgage loans may be subject to the risks of default.

REITs may be more volatile and/or more illiquid than other types of securities, and publicly traded REIT and real estate company shares are also subject to risks associated with equity securities. In addition, individual REITs and foreign real estate companies may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. REITs may also be subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers or tenants and self-liquidation.

REITs also must satisfy specific requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in order to qualify for tax-free pass-through income. The failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse consequences for the Fund, including significantly reducing the return to the Fund on its investment in such company. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. In addition, REITs and foreign real estate companies, like mutual funds, have expenses, including management and administration fees, that are paid by their shareholders. As a result, shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments when the Fund invests in REITs and foreign real estate companies.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts**

In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to seek to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies.

Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. The Adviser's success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

The derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use include:

*Futures.* A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

*Options.* If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument, foreign currency or contract, such as a swap agreement or futures contract, on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium paid by the Fund. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument, swap, foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency, at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased OTC, the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.

Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. The price of the option may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to the Fund and poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges.

Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing the Fund's

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

*Swaps.* The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges or swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of certain standardized swap transactions. Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility unless no exchange or swap execution facility "makes the swap available to trade." The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

The Fund's use of swaps may include those based on the credit of an underlying security, commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by a third-party on the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

*Structured Investments.* The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

**Mid Cap Companies Risk**

Investments in mid cap companies may involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies. The securities issued by mid cap companies may be less liquid and such companies may have more limited markets, financial resources and product lines and may lack the depth of management of larger companies.

**Focused Investing**

Although the Fund is a diversified investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), the Fund typically invests a significant portion of its portfolio in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. As a result, the Fund will be more susceptible to risks associated with, and negative events, conditions or developments affecting or economic results of, those issuers, industries, sectors or geographic regions, and a decline in the value of a particular instrument may cause the Fund's overall value to be more volatile and decline to a greater degree than if the Fund were invested more widely. Such volatility and decline may be sudden and significant. In addition, if such issuers are within the same market segment or of a similar type (e.g., growth stocks), the Fund will be more sensitive to adverse

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

developments or conditions and risks affecting such market segment or type of issuer, including that the market segment or type of issuer may fall out of favor, than if the Fund were invested more widely.

The Fund does not lose its status as a diversified investment company because of any subsequent discrepancy between the value of its various investments and the diversification requirements of the 1940 Act, so long as any such discrepancy existing immediately after the Fund's acquisition of any security or other property is neither wholly nor partly the result of such acquisition.

**Liquidity**

The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to, among other developments, overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. Illiquidity can also be caused by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

**Private Placements and Restricted Securities**

The Fund's investments may include privately placed and restricted securities, which are generally subject to resale or transfer restrictions or prohibitions as a matter of contract and/or under applicable U.S. federal securities laws, including Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Privately placed and restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. Because there may be relatively few potential or interested purchasers for privately placed or restricted securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund may be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or may be able to sell privately placed securities only at disadvantageous times or prices.

There is no assurance that a liquid market will exist for privately placed and restricted securities and these securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity. In addition, the market for certain investments deemed liquid at the time of purchase may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, including readily available market quotations, may also adversely affect the ability to arrive at a fair value for certain securities at certain times and could make it difficult for the Fund to sell certain securities. Additionally, the Fund may be unable to sell a privately placed or restricted security if the Adviser or its affiliates receive material non-public information about the security's issuer. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value. There is typically less information available about issuers of private placements and restricted securities and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Adviser is reliable. In addition, private placements and restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses to the Fund.

**Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk**

To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the consumer discretionary sector, the Fund will be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with companies operating in such sector(s). Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to risks, including fluctuations in domestic and international economic conditions and forecasts, inflation, shipment and supply chain disruptions and interest rate changes, currency exchange rates, increased competition and consumer confidence as well as increases in production-related costs. Performance of such companies also may be adversely affected by factors such as reduced disposable household income, reduced consumer spending, and changing demographics and consumer tastes. Companies in this sector are subject to competitive forces (including competition brought by foreign brands), which may also have an adverse impact on their profitability and the value of their securities. This sector may be strongly affected by fads, marketing campaigns, changes in demographics and consumer preferences, and other economic or social factors affecting consumer demand. Governmental regulation, including price controls and regulations on packaging, labeling, competition, and certification, may affect the profitability of companies in such sector(s). Companies operating in this sector may also be adversely affected by government and private litigation.

**Special Purpose Acquisition Companies**

A special purpose acquisition company ("SPAC") is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company. Typically, the acquisition target is an existing privately held company that wants to trade publicly, which it accomplishes through a combination with a SPAC rather than by conducting a traditional IPO. SPACs and similar entities are blank check companies and do not have any operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions. The long term value of a SPAC's securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC's management to identify a merger target and complete an acquisition.

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

An investment in a SPAC is subject to the risks that any proposed acquisition or merger may not obtain the requisite approval of SPAC shareholders, may require governmental or other approvals that it fails to obtain or that an acquisition or merger, once effected, may prove unsuccessful and lose value. In addition, among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management, directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. This risk may become more acute as the deadline for the completion of a business combination nears or in the event that attractive acquisition or merger targets become scarce.

An investment in a SPAC is also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger. The value of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate over time. In addition, investments in SPACs may be subject to the same risks as investing in any initial public offering, including the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, including unseasoned trading, small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. In addition, the market for IPO issuers may be volatile, and share prices of newly-public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. Although some IPOs may produce high returns, such returns are not typical and may not be sustainable. Certain investments in SPACs are privately placed securities and are also subject to the risks of such securities.

**Information Technology Sector Risk**

To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, competition for the services of qualified personnel and government regulation. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction and unpredictable changes in growth rates. Companies in the information technology sector also can be heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. As a result, the value of shares may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

**Healthcare Sector Risk**

To the extent that the healthcare sector represents a significant portion of the Fund, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, factors impacting this sector. Healthcare-related companies may be smaller and less seasoned than companies in other sectors, and performance of companies in the healthcare sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, changes to the costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, increased emphasis on outpatient services, a limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies, and other market developments. Many healthcare-related companies are dependent on patent protection, and, therefore, the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of healthcare-related companies.

**Large Transactions Risk**

The Fund may experience adverse effects when large shareholders, or a number of shareholders collectively purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund ("large shareholder transactions"). Such larger than normal redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund's performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. Large shareholder transactions may also result in taxable income and/or gains for the Fund, which may increase taxable distributions to shareholders, and may also increase transaction costs. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plans. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains when distributed by the Fund will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for individual shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of significant events affecting investor demand for securities or asset classes in which the Fund invests; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Although large shareholder transactions may be more frequent under certain circumstances, the Fund is generally subject to the risk that shareholders can purchase or redeem a significant percentage of Fund shares at any time.

**Active Management Risk**

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

performance. There is no guarantee that the use of the Adviser's investment techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected or produce the desired results.

In addition, it is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity and the Adviser may be restricted in its ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities and may impair the Fund's liquidity.

**Temporary** **Investments**

Under adverse or unstable market conditions or abnormal circumstances or when the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions warrant, the Fund may, in the discretion of the Adviser, take temporary positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to such conditions or circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest without limit in cash, cash equivalents or other fixed-income instruments, derivatives, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds, for temporary purposes. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts the effects of these changes, or during periods of temporary defensive or other temporary positions, such temporary investments may adversely affect the Fund's performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**ESG Investment Risk**

To the extent that the Adviser considers environmental, social and/or governance ("ESG") issues as a component in its investment decision-making process, the Fund's performance may be impacted. Additionally, the Adviser's consideration of ESG issues in its investment decision-making process may require subjective analysis and the ability of the Adviser to consider ESG issues may be difficult if data about a particular issuer (or obligor) is limited. The Adviser's consideration of ESG issues may contribute to the Adviser's decision to forgo opportunities to buy certain securities. ESG issues with respect to an issuer (or obligor) or the Adviser's assessment of such may change over time.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, the Adviser, authorized participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange, as applicable, are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through the service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of the Adviser, Distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), exchanges, market participants, market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, as applicable, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants, as applicable. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**

U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional (or amended) regulations and legislators pass new laws (or amend existing laws) that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management

Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, conducts a worldwide portfolio management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the United States and abroad. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS") is the parent of the Adviser, which is the parent of the Distributor. Morgan Stanley is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay compensation (out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers and/or certain insurance companies or other financial intermediaries or service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and/or retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. Such compensation may be significant in amount and the prospect of receiving any such compensation may provide such affiliated or unaffiliated entities with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund's shares over other investment options. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Fund's shares. For more information, please see the Fund's SAI.

Advisory Fee

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Adviser received a fee for advisory services (net of fee waivers, if applicable) equal to 0.56% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of the Fund to exceed 0.95% of average daily net assets for Class I. In determining the actual amount of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Fund's annual operating expenses may vary throughout the period and from year to year. The Fund's actual expenses may be different than the expenses listed in the Fund's fee and expense table, based upon the extent and amount of a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

A discussion regarding the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory agreement is available in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of Counterpoint Global. Counterpoint Global consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of Counterpoint Global who are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Dennis P. Lynch, Sam G. Chainani, Jason C. Yeung, Armistead B. Nash and Alexander T. Norton.

Mr. Lynch has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1998. Mr. Chainani has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1996. Messrs. Yeung and Nash have been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2002. Mr. Norton has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2000.

Mr. Lynch is the lead portfolio manager of the Fund. Messrs. Chainani, Yeung, Nash and Norton are co-portfolio managers. Counterpoint Global members collaborate to manage the assets of the Fund.

The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.

The composition of Counterpoint Global may change from time to time.

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information

**Share Class**

This Prospectus offers Class I shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class II shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class II shares are subject to higher expenses due to the imposition of a 12b-1 fee. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares**

Shares are offered on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business except as noted below.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (and other funds that serve as underlying investment options for variable insurance and annuity contracts (i.e., variable insurance funds)) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order (other than as set forth below). However, contract owners who allocate a portion of their contract to the Fund through the variable life insurance or variable annuity contracts previously described do not deal directly with the Fund to purchase and redeem shares. Please refer to the prospectus of the variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for information on the allocation, transfer and withdrawal of amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by using a combination of sales of securities held by the Fund and/or holdings of cash and cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, the Fund also reserves the right to use borrowings to meet redemption requests, and the Fund may use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions.

The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Fund currently does not foresee disadvantages to variable product contract owners or qualified plan participants arising out of the fact that the Fund offers its shares to separate accounts of various insurance companies that offer different types of variable annuity and variable life insurance products and various other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Nevertheless material irreconcilable conflicts may possibly arise among the interests of these investors. The Board of Directors that oversees the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any such material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

**Pricing of Fund Shares**

The price per share will be the NAV next determined after the Company or the insurance company receives your purchase or redemption order in good order. NAV is the value of one share's portion of all of the net assets in the Fund. The Company determines the NAV for the Fund as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares will generally not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations.

Trading of securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges may take place on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, to the extent, if any, that the Fund invests in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

**About Net Asset Value**

The NAV of Class I shares is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to Class I, less the value of any liabilities attributable to Class I, by the total number of outstanding shares of Class I. For the purpose of calculating the NAV per share of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In making this calculation, the Fund generally values its portfolio securities and other assets at market

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

price. With respect to investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board of Directors has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser determines that a market quotation is not accurate or reliable, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on foreign exchanges, when an event occurs after the close of such exchanges that is likely to have changed the value of the securities (e.g., a percentage change in value of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a significant development affecting a country or region or an issuer specific development that is likely to have changed the value of the security. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. To the extent the Fund invests in open-end management companies (other than exchange-traded funds) that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based, in relevant part, upon the NAV of such funds. The prospectuses for such funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and its effects.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or other asset. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the values of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares. The NAV of the Fund (excluding any applicable sales charges) is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets. Although the assets of each class are invested in the same portfolio of securities or other assets, the NAV of each class will differ because the classes have different class specific expenses.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund's provider of administrative services to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

The NAV of Class I shares will differ from that of Class II shares because of class-specific expenses that each class may pay.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The Fund distributes its net investment income, if any, at least annually as dividends and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

**Inactive Accounts and Risk of Escheatment**

In accordance with state "unclaimed property" laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state (also known as "escheatment") under various circumstances. These circumstances, which vary by state, can include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), uncashed checks or a combination of these. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund or your Financial Intermediary. Since states' statutory requirements regarding inactivity differ, it is important to regularly contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent. The process described above, and the application of state escheatment laws, may vary by state and/or depending on how shareholders hold their shares in the Fund. Escheatment with respect to a retirement account is subject to a 10% federal withholding on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address for your account, keep your account active by contacting your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent (e.g., by mail or telephone), and promptly cash all checks for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws.

For more information, please contact us at 1-888-378-1630.

**Taxes**

The Fund expects that it will not have to pay federal income taxes if it distributes annually all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund does not expect to be subject to federal excise taxes with respect to undistributed income.

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its income from foreign jurisdictions. Special rules apply to certain transactions in a foreign currency.

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique and the tax laws may change, shareholders should consult a tax advisor about the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to their investment.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares**

Frequent purchases and redemptions of shares pursuant to the instructions of insurance company contract owners or qualified plan participants is referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading" and may present risks for other contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, which may include, among other things, dilution in the value of the Fund's shares indirectly held by contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, interference with the efficient management of the Fund, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that market-timers and/or short-term traders may take advantage of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the Fund's securities trade and the time the Fund's NAV is calculated ("time-zone arbitrage"). For example, a market-timer may submit instructions for the purchase of shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before the Fund's NAV calculation that are likely to result in higher prices in foreign markets the following day. The market-timer would submit instructions to redeem the Fund's shares the next day when the Fund's share price would reflect the increased prices in foreign markets for a quick profit at the expense of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund.

Investments in other types of securities also may be susceptible to short-term trading strategies. These investments include securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or relatively illiquid, which have the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A contract owner may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price-arbitrage"). Investments in certain fixed-income securities, such as high yield bonds, may be adversely affected by price arbitrage trading strategies. The Fund's policies with respect to valuing portfolio securities are described above in "About Net Asset Value."

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Insurance companies or qualified plans generally do not provide specific contract owner or plan participant transaction instructions to the Fund on an ongoing basis. Therefore, to some extent, the Fund relies on the insurance companies and qualified plans to monitor frequent short-term trading by contract owners. However, the Fund has entered into agreements with insurance companies and qualified plans whereby the insurance companies and qualified plans are required to provide certain contract owner identification and transaction information upon the Fund's request. The Fund may use this information to help identify and prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify or prevent all market-timing activity.

If the Fund identifies suspected market-timing activity, the insurance company or qualified plan will be contacted and asked to take steps to prevent further market-timing activity (e.g., sending warning letters or blocking frequent trading by underlying contract owners or participants). Insurance companies may be prohibited by the terms of the underlying insurance contract from restricting short-term trading of mutual fund shares by contract owners, thereby limiting the ability of such insurance company to implement remedial steps to prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan is unwilling or unable to take remedial steps to discourage or prevent frequent trading, or does not take action promptly, certain contract owners or participants may be able to engage in frequent trading to the detriment of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan refuses to take remedial action, or takes action that the Fund deems insufficient, a determination will be made whether it is appropriate to terminate the relationship with such insurance company or qualified plan.

**Portfolio Holdings Information**

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

**Potential Conflicts of Interest**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Fund. These activities could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the ''Affiliated Investment Accounts'') with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with the Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with the Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be.

The conflicts summarized herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled "Potential Conflicts of Interest" in the SAI. Conflicts of interest not described below or in the SAI may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include the Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

*Material Nonpublic and Other Information.* It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity, including for an extended period of time. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Fund with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser also may implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for the Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates.

*Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.* In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. The Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among the Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser.

*Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.* The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

*Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.* Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for the Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund.

*Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.* Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with the Fund and with respect to investments that the Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by the Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with the Fund and/or any of the Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley's activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to a merger or an acquisition.

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

Consolidated Financial Highlights

The consolidated financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund's Class I shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). In addition, this performance information does not include the impact of any charges by your insurance company. If it did, returns would be lower.

The ratios of expenses to average net assets listed in the table below for Class I shares are based on the average net assets of the Fund for each of the periods listed in the table. To the extent that the Fund's average net assets decrease over the Fund's next fiscal year, such expense ratios can be expected to increase, potentially significantly, because certain fixed costs will be spread over a smaller amount of assets.

The information below has been derived from the consolidated financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP's report, along with the Fund's consolidated financial statements, are incorporated by reference into the Fund's SAI. The Fund's consolidated financial statements and additional information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR and SAI are available at no cost from the Company at the toll-free number noted on the back cover to this Prospectus or from your insurance company.

**28**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

**VIF Discovery Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $6.51 | $4.59 | $3.18 | $17.04 | $29.50 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Loss<sup>(1)</sup>  | (0.05) | (0.03) | (0.02) | (0.04) | (0.19) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  | 0.87 | 1.95 | 1.43 | (9.83) | (1.27) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total from Investment Operations  | 0.82 | 1.92 | 1.41 | (9.87) | (1.46) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income  | (0.03) |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized Gain  |  |  |  | (3.99) | (11.00) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total Distributions  | (0.03) |  |  | (3.99) | (11.00) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $7.30 | $6.51 | $4.59 | $3.18 | $17.04 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>**  | 12.58% | 41.83% | 44.34%<sup>(3)</sup>  | (62.96)% | (11.06)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $43948 | $40239 | $30613 | $22330 | $56135 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.13% | 1.16% | 1.16% | 1.15% | 1.06% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.94%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.94%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.94%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.94%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.95%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding <br>Interest Expense  | 0.94%<sup>(4)</sup>  | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.95%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss | (0.64)%<sup>(4)</sup>  | (0.64)%<sup>(4)</sup>  | (0.56)%<sup>(4)</sup>  | (0.68)%<sup>(4)</sup>  | (0.78)%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup>  |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 73% | 64% | 60% | 49% | 95% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares.

(4) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(5) Amount is less than 0.005%.

**29**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17252)

Where to Find Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports") and Annual or Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information filed in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR. In the Fund's Annual Report, among other things, you will find a brief summary of the key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund has an SAI, dated April 30, 2026 (as may be supplemented from time to time), which includes additional information about the Company and the Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. For a free copy of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports or Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR, to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries, please call toll-free 1-800-869-6397 or contact your insurance company. If you purchased shares through a Financial Intermediary, you may also obtain these documents, without charge, by contacting your Financial Intermediary. Free copies of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports and Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR are also available from our Internet site at: [www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports](DUMMY_17252_0_3).

You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Financial Intermediary, if applicable, or by visiting our Internet site.

Shareholder Reports and other information about the Fund, such as Fund financial statements, are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at: [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_17252_2_1), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., member FINRA.

The Company's 1940 Act registration number is 811-7607.© 2026 Morgan Stanley

------

![image](pr17241img001.jpg)<br>

**Morgan Stanley** **Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Discovery Portfolio

**Prospectus** \| April 30, 2026<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Ticker Symbol** |
| Class II | MMGTX |

---

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

**An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or endorsed by a bank, is not a bank deposit or obligation thereof, and is not** **insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the** **Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money investing in the Fund.**

![image](pr17241img002.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund that provides investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. In this prospectus, shares of the Discovery Portfolio (the "Fund") are being offered.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [**Fund Summary**](#ref_chapter_2_17241)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17241)  |
| [**Details of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_3_17241)  | [7](#ref_chapter_3_17241)  |
| [**Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**](#ref_chapter_4_17241)  | [8](#ref_chapter_4_17241)  |
| [**Fund Management**](#ref_chapter_5_17241)  | [22](#ref_chapter_5_17241)  |
| [**Shareholder Information**](#ref_chapter_6_17241)  | [24](#ref_chapter_6_17241)  |
| [**Consolidated Financial Highlights**](#ref_chapter_7_17241)  | [29](#ref_chapter_7_17241)  |

---

------

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Discovery Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in common stocks and other equity securities.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class II shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge any sales loads or other fees when you purchase or redeem shares. The table below does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be higher. **You may pay fees other than the fees** **and expenses of the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and other fees charged by financial intermediaries, which are** **not reflected in the tables and examples below.**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Class II** |
| Advisory Fee\* | 0.75% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee | 0.25% |
| Other Expenses\*\* | 0.38% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses\*\*\* | 1.38% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 0.33% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 1.05% |

---

\* "Advisory Fee" includes the management fee of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the "Subsidiary"). The Fund's "Adviser" and "Administrator," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., has agreed to waive or credit a portion of the advisory fee in an amount equal to the management fee paid to the Adviser by the Subsidiary.

\*\* "Other Expenses" include expenses of the Fund's and Subsidiary's most recent fiscal year.

\*\*\* The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 1.05% for Class II. In addition, the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., has agreed to waive 0.15% of the 0.25% 12b-1 fee that it may receive. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate.

**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 does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, costs shown would be higher.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). 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 II | $107  | $404  | $724  | $1629  |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in Total 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 73% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal circumstances, the Adviser seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in established and emerging companies, with capitalizations within the range of companies included in the Russell Midcap® Growth Index, which as of December 31, 2025, ranged between $1.6 billion and $101.9 billion.

The Adviser emphasizes a bottom-up stock selection process, seeking attractive investments on an individual company basis. The Adviser typically invests in unique companies it believes have sustainable competitive advantages with above average business visibility, the ability to deploy capital at high rates of return, strong balance sheets and an attractive risk/reward. The Adviser typically focuses a significant portion of the Fund's investments in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region.

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Discovery Portfolio (Con't)

The Adviser actively integrates sustainability into the investment process by using environmental, social and governance ("ESG") factors as a lens for additional fundamental research, which can contribute to investment decision-making. The Adviser seeks to understand how environmental and social initiatives within companies can create value by strengthening durable competitive advantages, creating growth opportunities, driving profitability and/or aligning with secular growth trends. The Adviser generally engages with company management teams to discuss their ESG practices, with the aim of identifying how sustainability themes present opportunities and risks that can be material to the value of the security over the long-term. Other aspects of the investment process include a proprietary, systematic evaluation of governance policies, specifically focusing on compensation alignment on long-term value creation. Although consideration of ESG factors is incorporated into the investment process, it is only one of many tools the Adviser utilizes to make investment decisions.

The Fund may invest in equity securities. The Fund may also invest in privately placed and restricted securities.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers, including issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. The securities in which the Fund may invest may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

**Principal Risks**

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you can lose money investing in this Fund. Investments in the Fund involve risks and you should not rely on the Fund as a complete investment program. The relative significance of each risk factor summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include:

● **Equity Securities.** In general, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or widely, in response to activities specific to the issuer of the security as well as factors unrelated to the fundamental condition of the issuer, including general market, economic, political and public health conditions. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although prices can rebound, there is no assurance that prices of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.<br>

● **Mid Cap Companies.** Investments in mid cap companies may involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies. The securities issued by mid cap companies may be less liquid and such companies may have more limited markets, financial resources and product lines and may lack the depth of management of larger companies.

● **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks, such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks, and heightened risks, that may result in losses to the Fund. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental interventions or other actions, such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund,

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Discovery Portfolio (Con't)

particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. In addition, foreign governments may default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments. Moreover, there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging market countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies.<br>

● **Foreign Currency.** The Fund's investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar. Since the Fund may invest in such non-U.S. dollar- denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

● **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts.** To the extent the Fund seeks to hedge its foreign currency exposure by the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts involves the risks associated with derivatives and the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract.

● **Liquidity.** The Fund may make investments that are less liquid, illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

● **Focused Investing.** Although the Fund is a diversified investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), the Fund typically invests a significant portion of its portfolio in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. As a result, the Fund will be more susceptible to risks associated with, and negative events affecting those issuers, industries, sectors or geographic regions, and a decline in the value of a particular instrument may cause the Fund's overall value to be more volatile and decline to a greater degree than if the Fund were invested more widely.

● **Private Placements and Restricted Securities.** The Fund's investments may include privately placed and restricted securities, which are generally subject to resale or transfer restrictions or prohibitions. Private placements and restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. The Fund may be unable to dispose of privately placed and restricted securities promptly or may be able to sell privately placed and restricted securities only at disadvantageous times or prices, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Discovery Portfolio (Con't)

changes in the financial condition of the issuer. There is no assurance that a liquid market will exist for privately placed and restricted securities and these securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity. In addition, the market for certain investments deemed liquid at the time of purchase may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions. Restricted securities, including privately placed securities, may be difficult to value and may experience significant price volatility, and there is typically less information available about issuers of private placements and restricted securities and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Adviser is reliable. Private placements and restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses to the Fund.<br>

● **Information Technology Sector Risk.** To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, product obsolescence, government regulation, and competition, and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

● **Healthcare Sector Risk.** The profitability of companies in the healthcare sector may be adversely affected by, among other things, extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, costs associated with obtaining and protecting patents, product liability and other claims, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, changes in the demand for medical products and services, a limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market, economic and public health developments. To the extent that the Fund concentrates its investments in one or more individual industries comprising the healthcare sector (such as, but not limited to, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies, healthcare technology, healthcare providers and services, and life sciences tools and services companies), the Fund will be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with such industry or industries, which may include the risks described above as well as other risks specific to such industry or industries.

● **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic, geopolitical and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. These types of events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the value (or income generated by) and liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact the Fund's ability to sell securities and/or its ability to meet redemptions. The risks associated with these developments may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters or events, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, supply chain disruptions and the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures) adversely interrupt or otherwise affect the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These types of events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance or value of the Fund's investments, adversely affect and increase the volatility of the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

● **Active Management Risk.** In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance.

Please see "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of risks of investing in the Fund. Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Performance Information**

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's Class II shares' performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's Class II shares' average annual returns for the past one, five and ten year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and one or more additional indexes. The additional index(es) in the table provide a means to compare the Fund's average annual total returns to a benchmark that the Adviser believes is representative of the Fund's investment universe. This performance information does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, returns would be lower. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Discovery Portfolio (Con't)

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years (Class II)**

Commenced operations on May 5, 2003

![image](pr17241img003.jpg)

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter**  | 06/30/20 | 73.11% |
| **Low Quarter**  | 06/30/22 | -41.08% |

---

**Average Annual Total Returns (Class II)**

(for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past One**<br>**Year** | **Past Five**<br>**Years** | **Past Ten**<br>**Years** |
| **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| Return Before Taxes | 12.44% | -5.46% | 14.04% |
| Russell 3000® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>1</sup>  | 17.15% | 13.15% | 14.29% |
| Russell Midcap® Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>2</sup>  | 8.66% | 6.65% | 12.49% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies designed to represent approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. The Russell 3000® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive, unbiased and stable barometer of the broad market and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are included. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Russell Midcap® Growth Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap® Index is a subset of the Russell 1000® Index and includes approximately 800 of the smallest securities in the Russell 1000® Index, which in turn consists of approximately 1,000 of the largest U.S. securities based on a combination of market capitalization and current index membership. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

**Fund Management**

**Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

**Portfolio Managers.** The Fund is managed by members of Counterpoint Global. Information about the members jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser** | **Date Began**<br>**Managing Fund** |
| Dennis P. Lynch | Managing Director | April 2003 |
| Sam G. Chainani | Managing Director | June 2004 |
| Jason C. Yeung | Managing Director | September 2007 |
| Armistead B. Nash | Managing Director | September 2008 |
| Alexander T. Norton | Executive Director | July 2005 |

---

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Prospectus offers Class II shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class I shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class I shares are subject to lower expenses, but may not be available through your insurance company, qualified pension plan or retirement plan. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (either directly or indirectly through other variable insurance funds) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Discovery Portfolio (Con't)

qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares."

**Tax Information**

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Taxes."

**Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Fund-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance of their variable annuity contracts. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company to recommend one variable annuity or variable life insurance contract over another or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's web site for more information.

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Discovery Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in common stocks and other equity securities.

**Approach**

Under normal circumstances, the Adviser seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in established and emerging companies with capitalizations within the range of companies included in the Russell MidCap® Growth Index.

**Process**

The Adviser emphasizes a bottom-up stock selection process, seeking attractive investments on an individual company basis. The Adviser typically invests in unique companies it believes have sustainable competitive advantages with above average business visibility, the ability to deploy capital at high rates of return, strong balance sheets and an attractive risk/reward. The Adviser typically focuses a significant portion of the Fund's investments in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. The Adviser generally considers selling a portfolio holding when it determines that the holding no longer satisfies its investment criteria.

In accordance with the Fund's investment strategy of investing in mid cap companies, the capitalization range of securities in which the Fund may invest is consistent with the capitalization range of the Russell Midcap® Growth Index, which as of December 31, 2025, was between $1.6 billion and $101.9 billion. The market capitalization limit is subject to adjustment annually based upon the Adviser's assessment as to the capitalization range of companies which possess the fundamental characteristics of mid cap companies.

The Adviser actively integrates sustainability into the investment process by using ESG factors as a lens for additional fundamental research, which can contribute to investment decision-making. The Adviser seeks to understand how environmental and social initiatives within companies can create value by strengthening durable competitive advantages, creating growth opportunities, driving profitability and/or aligning with secular growth trends. The Adviser generally engages with company management teams to discuss their ESG practices, with the aim of identifying how sustainability themes present opportunities and risks that can be material to the value of the security over the long-term. Other aspects of the investment process include a proprietary, systematic evaluation of governance policies, specifically focusing on compensation alignment on long-term value creation. Although consideration of ESG factors is incorporated into the investment process, it is only one of many tools the Adviser utilizes to make investment decisions.

The Fund may invest in equity securities. The Fund may also invest in privately placed and restricted securities.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers, including issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. The securities in which the Fund may invest may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

Unless otherwise required, the Fund may change its principal investment strategies at any time without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified of any changes as required by applicable law.

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *This section discusses additional information relating to Fund investment strategies, other types of investments that the Fund may make and related risk factors. Fund investment practices and limitations are also described in more detail in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), which is incorporated by reference and legally is a part of this Prospectus. For details on how to obtain a copy of the SAI and other reports and information, see the back cover of this Prospectus.* <br>

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price and yield will fluctuate with changes in the market value and/or yield of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

Economies and financial markets worldwide have experienced periods of increased volatility, uncertainty, distress, government spending, inflation, tariffs and disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. To the extent these conditions exist or continue, the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including those described below, could be heightened and the Fund's investments (and thus a shareholder's investment in the Fund) may be particularly susceptible to sudden and substantial losses, reduced yield or income or other adverse developments. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time.

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others.

The percentage limitations (including the Fund's 80% policy, if any) relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act or rule thereunder, subsequent percentage changes that result from market fluctuations generally will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.

However, the Fund may be required to reduce its borrowings, if any, in response to fluctuations in the value of such holdings.

**Equity Securities**

Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and equity-linked securities, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), rights and warrants to purchase common stocks, depositary receipts, shares of investment companies (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates), limited partnership interests and other specialty securities having equity features. Many factors affect the value of equity securities, including earnings, earnings forecasts, corporate events and factors impacting the issuer's financial condition, sector, industry and the market generally, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably, and these fluctuations may be frequent and significant. In addition, the Fund cannot accurately predict the income it might receive from equity securities because issuers generally have discretion as to the payment of dividends or distributions, and the common stock of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if, for example, the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because of a decline in the issuer's financial condition. The Fund may invest in equity securities that are publicly traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter ("OTC") or in equity securities that are not publicly traded. Equity securities are subject to the risk that stock prices in general (or in particular, the prices of the types of securities in which the Fund invests) may decline over short or extended periods of time. Equity securities that are not publicly traded may be more difficult to value or sell and their value may fluctuate more dramatically than publicly traded equity securities. Convertible securities are subject to many of the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and equity securities.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or the financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. In addition, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although stock prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.

U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks. In addition, the price of equity securities of an issuer may be particularly

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund.

**Depositary Receipts**

A depositary receipt is generally issued by a bank or financial institution and represents the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks as those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. When the Fund invests in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") rather than investing directly in their underlying foreign shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the ADRs may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with the return of the underlying foreign shares. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Because the underlying foreign shares of ADRs are typically denominated or quoted in non-U.S. currencies, currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Further, since an ADR's underlying shares trade on foreign exchanges at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the ADR's underlying shares may change materially at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for Fund shares.

**Convertible Securities**

A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to and are subject to many of the risks associated with both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to other comparable nonconvertible fixed-income securities in such capital structure. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities.

**Market and Geopolitical Risk**

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions (i.e., increase the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period). In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such assets.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or market, or with respect to one company, may adversely impact other companies and other issuers, including those in a different country, region, sector, industry or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries and adversely impact the Fund's investments. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform or otherwise be adversely affected due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters and extreme weather events, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political (including geopolitical) discord and tensions or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in inflation rates or expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, an issuer's financial condition, the Fund's investments

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

and an investment in the Fund. The market price of debt securities generally falls as inflation increases because the purchasing power of the future income and repaid principal is expected to be worth less when received by the Fund. The risk of inflation is greater for debt instruments with longer maturities and especially those that pay a fixed rather than variable interest rate. Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions or similar actions by the U.S. or foreign governments (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on economies, financial markets, issuers and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations.

Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations, can be adversely affected by changes in local and global economic conditions, including those that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments.

Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the price and performance of the Fund's investments, reduce market liquidity, adversely affect and increase the volatility of markets and the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing political, social, financial and economic risks to the Fund and cause overall declines in the U.S. and global markets. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions (including monetary and/or fiscal actions intended to stimulate or stabilize the global economy) that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**IPOs**

The Fund may purchase shares issued as part of, or a short period after, a company's initial public offering ("IPO"), and may at times dispose of those shares shortly after their acquisition. The Fund's purchase of shares issued in IPOs exposes it to the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, including unseasoned trading, small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer, as well as to the risks inherent in those sectors of the market where these new issuers operate. The market for IPO issuers may be volatile, and share prices of newly-public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. IPOs may produce high, double-digit returns. Such returns are highly unusual and may not be sustainable.

**Fixed-Income Securities**

Fixed-income securities are securities that pay a fixed or a variable rate of interest until a stated maturity date. Fixed-income securities include U.S. government securities, securities issued by federal or federally sponsored agencies and

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

instrumentalities, corporate bonds and notes, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, securities rated below investment grade (commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or "high yield/high risk securities"), municipal bonds, loan participations and assignments, zero coupon bonds, convertible securities, Eurobonds, Brady Bonds, Yankee Bonds, repurchase agreements, commercial paper and cash equivalents.

Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).

Fixed income and other debt instruments, including mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid earlier than expected, such as in the case of refinancing. This risk is increased during periods of declining interest rates and prepayments may reduce the Fund's yield or income as a result of reinvesting the income or other proceeds in lower yielding securities or instruments. These investments are also subject to extension risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid slower or later than expected. This may negatively affect Fund returns, as the value of the investment decreases when principal payments are made later than expected. This risk is elevated during periods of increasing interest rates. In addition, because principal payments are made later than expected, the investment's duration may extend (and result in increased interest rate risk) and the Fund may be prevented from investing proceeds it would otherwise have received at the higher prevailing interest rates. Prepayments and extensions may result in a security or debt instrument offering less potential for gains during periods of declining interest rates or rising interest rates, respectively.

Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled. The Fund may be subject to liquidity risk, which may result from the lack of an active market and the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed-income securities. Fixed-income securities may be called (i.e., redeemed by the issuer) prior to final maturity. If a callable security is called, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at a lower rate of interest.

**Credit and Interest Rate Risk**

Fixed-income securities, such as bonds, generally are subject to two primary types of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security, or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise honor its obligations, including the risk of default. The risk of defaults across issuers, guarantors and/or counterparties increases in adverse market and economic conditions, and the degree of credit risk depends on the financial condition of the issuer, guarantor or counterparty and terms of the obligation. Credit ratings may not be an accurate assessment of financial condition, volatility, liquidity or credit risk, as the ratings do not evaluate market risks or necessarily reflect the issuer's, guarantor's or counterparty's current financial condition or the volatility or liquidity of the security. Although credit quality may not accurately reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market's perception of the creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty, can have a rapid, adverse effect on the instrument's value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. In addition, under certain conditions, there may be an increasing amount of issuers that are unprofitable, have little cash on hand and/or are unable to pay the interest owed on their debt obligations and the number of such issuers may increase if demand for their goods and services falls, borrowing costs rise due to governmental action or inaction or other reasons. The Fund may also be subject to credit spread risk, which is the risk that economic and market conditions, or any actual or perceived credit deterioration, may lead to an increase in credit spreads (i.e., the difference in yield between two securities of similar maturity but different credit quality) and a decline in price of an issuer's securities.

Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations (such as a decline) in the value of (or yield or income generated by) a fixed-income or other debt security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income securities go up but the yield or income from new issuances of fixed-income securities generally decreases. To the extent the Fund invests in variable and floating rate securities, although these instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than fixed rate instruments, the value of these securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a fixed-income security. Securities with longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations. Thus, the

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk will increase to the extent it has a longer average portfolio duration. The proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate or on other less advantageous terms during a declining interest rate environment. In a rising interest rate environment, the duration of fixed-income securities may be extended, thus potentially reducing income and increasing interest rate risk. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates, which may occur at any time based on a range of factors and may be sudden, frequent and significant. For example, during periods when interest rates are low, the Fund's yield (and total return) also may be low or otherwise adversely affected or the Fund may be unable to maintain positive returns or pay Fund expenses out of current income. Monetary policies, and market interest rates, are subject to change at any time and potentially frequently based on a variety of market and economic conditions. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve Board will change interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of such changes. The impact on fixed income and other debt instruments and market conditions from interest rate changes, regardless of the cause, could be significant and could adversely affect the Fund and its investments. Low or high interest rates could magnify the risks associated with changes in interest rates.

In general, changing interest rates could have unpredictable effects on markets and may expose debt and related markets to heightened volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates and/or volatility.

Governmental authorities and regulators may enact significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including providing direct capital infusions into companies, creating new monetary programs and changing interest rates considerably. These actions present heightened risks to debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened if these actions are unexpectedly or suddenly reversed or are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes.

**High Yield Securities**

Fixed-income securities that are not investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or high yield, high risk securities. These securities generally offer a higher yield than higher rated securities (including those of a similar maturity), but they carry a greater degree of risk, including substantial credit and default risks. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss (including substantial or total loss) of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative by the major credit rating agencies because of increased credit risk relative to higher rated fixed income investments. High yield securities are also subject to other increased risks, including greater sensitivity to real or perceived economic changes, increased price volatility, valuation difficulties, lack of a regular trading market and greater potential illiquidity. High yield securities are particularly susceptible to default risk during periods of adverse market, industry or economic conditions or issuer-specific developments and a high yield security may lose significant value before a default occurs. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

In addition, the Fund's investments in high yield securities are subject to the risk of subordination to other creditors. Accordingly, in the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of holders of these securities, leaving few or no assets available to repay high yield securities holders, such as the Fund. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly leveraged or indebted than other companies or are financially distressed. This means that they typically have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest and a higher risk of non-payment. An issuer's ability to pay its debt obligations may also be reduced by financial stress, specific issuer developments or the unavailability of additional financing. Changes in the value of and income from high yield securities are typically influenced more by changes in the financial and business position of the issuing company than by changes in interest rates when compared to investment grade securities.

In addition, high yield securities are subject to increased call risk, also known as prepayment risk, which is the risk that an issuer may exercise its right to redeem a fixed income security earlier than expected (a call). Issuers may call outstanding securities prior to their maturity for a number of reasons (e.g., declining interest rates, changes in credit spreads and improvements in the issuer's credit quality). If an issuer calls a security in which the Fund has invested, the Fund may not recoup the full amount of its initial investment (including any premiums paid) or may not realize the full anticipated earnings from the investment and may be forced to reinvest in lower-yielding securities, securities with greater credit risks or securities with other, less favorable features.

In recent years, there has been a broad trend of weaker or less restrictive covenant protections in the high yield market. Among other things, under such weaker or less restrictive covenants, borrowers might be able to exercise more flexibility with respect to certain activities than borrowers who are subject to stronger or more protective covenants. For example, borrowers might be able to incur more debt, including secured debt, return more capital to shareholders, remove or reduce assets that are designated as collateral securing high yield securities, increase the claims against assets that are permitted against collateral securing high yield securities or otherwise manage their business in ways that could impact creditors negatively. In addition, certain privately held borrowers might be permitted to file or provide less frequent, less detailed or less timely

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

financial reporting or other information, which could negatively impact the value of the high yield securities issued by such borrowers. Each of these factors might negatively impact the high yield securities held by the Fund.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special and heightened risks, which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers generally are subject to different corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards than U.S. issuers. There may be less information available to the public about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers can be less liquid, experience greater price movements, and may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and/or other taxes, which decreases the yield and/or return of these securities. The Fund may experience losses if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be susceptible to influence by large traders due to the limited size of many foreign securities markets and there is the risk that news and events unique to a country or region that would not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States will affect those markets and their issuers and political events in foreign countries may cause market and economic disruptions. Moreover, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Also, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. In some foreign countries, there is also the risk of government expropriation, excessive or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, the imposition of currency controls or diplomatic developments that could affect the Fund's investments. There also can be difficulty obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers in foreign countries. Foreign stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed issuers may be subject to less government regulation and oversight. Securities registration, custody, and settlement may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and experience other adverse consequences. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. In addition, in certain markets the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities during certain periods.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. The value of holdings traded outside the United States or denominated in foreign currencies (and any hedging transactions in foreign currencies), including underlying securities represented by depositary receipts, will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the holding in the issuer's home country. These risks may be intensified for the Fund's investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. Moreover, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities (or force the Fund to sell foreign securities) or transfer the Fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. The Fund's investments in foreign securities are subject to trade laws of and potential economic sanctions by the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter-sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit the Fund from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions could prohibit the Fund from transacting with particular countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures also could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. In addition, economic sanctions or other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, increase the Fund's transaction costs, make the Fund's investments more difficult to value or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

Even if the Fund does not have significant investments in securities affected by sanctions, sanctions or the threat of sanctions may cause volatility in regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, including through global supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced economic activity, which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. In addition, trade disputes and changes in tariffs may affect investor and consumer confidence and adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to predict.

In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including American Depositary Receipts, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the securities would likely decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

**Foreign Currency**

Investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. Since the Fund may invest in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

**Emerging Market Securities**

The Fund may invest in emerging market or developing countries, which are countries that major international financial institutions generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations (such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe). Emerging market or developing countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market or developing countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Such emerging market countries could also subject the Fund to greater risk associated with the custody of its securities than developed markets, which may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments (including the companies in which the Fund may invest) in emerging market or developing countries may be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. Furthermore, the Fund is

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) may be limited in their ability to enforce regulatory or legal obligations in emerging market countries. In addition, emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to increased potential for market manipulation and wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. These characteristics result in greater risk of price volatility in emerging market or developing countries, which may be heightened by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

**REITs and Foreign Real Estate Companies**

Investing in REITs and foreign real estate companies exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly and investing in companies in the real estate industry, including the risks associated with residential and commercial real estate, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs and foreign real estate companies are organized and operated. REITs and foreign real estate companies generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Real estate income and values may also be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes, preferences (such as remote work arrangements) and values, and the demand for real estate and rental property. Additionally, an investment in a REIT is subject to the risks that impact the underlying properties of the REIT, including reduced demand for commercial and office space and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting the real estate industry and markets.

Operating REITs and foreign real estate companies requires specialized management skills and the Fund indirectly bears management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. The value of REIT and foreign real estate company securities will also rise and fall in response to the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. In particular, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management or development of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans and the underlying mortgage loans may be subject to the risks of default.

REITs may be more volatile and/or more illiquid than other types of securities, and publicly traded REIT and real estate company shares are also subject to risks associated with equity securities. In addition, individual REITs and foreign real estate companies may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. REITs may also be subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers or tenants and self-liquidation.

REITs also must satisfy specific requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in order to qualify for tax-free pass-through income. The failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse consequences for the Fund, including significantly reducing the return to the Fund on its investment in such company. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. In addition, REITs and foreign real estate companies, like mutual funds, have expenses, including management and administration fees, that are paid by their shareholders. As a result, shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments when the Fund invests in REITs and foreign real estate companies.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts**

In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to seek to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies.

Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. The Adviser's success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

The derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use include:

*Futures.* A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

*Options.* If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument, foreign currency or contract, such as a swap agreement or futures contract, on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium paid by the Fund. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument, swap, foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency, at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased OTC, the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.

Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. The price of the option may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to the Fund and poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges.

Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing the Fund's

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

*Swaps.* The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges or swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of certain standardized swap transactions. Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility unless no exchange or swap execution facility "makes the swap available to trade." The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

The Fund's use of swaps may include those based on the credit of an underlying security, commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by a third-party on the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

*Structured Investments.* The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

**Mid Cap Companies Risk**

Investments in mid cap companies may involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies. The securities issued by mid cap companies may be less liquid and such companies may have more limited markets, financial resources and product lines and may lack the depth of management of larger companies.

**Focused Investing**

Although the Fund is a diversified investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), the Fund typically invests a significant portion of its portfolio in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. As a result, the Fund will be more susceptible to risks associated with, and negative events, conditions or developments affecting or economic results of, those issuers, industries, sectors or geographic regions, and a decline in the value of a particular instrument may cause the Fund's overall value to be more volatile and decline to a greater degree than if the Fund were invested more widely. Such volatility and decline may be sudden and significant. In addition, if such issuers are within the same market segment or of a similar type (e.g., growth stocks), the Fund will be more sensitive to adverse

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

developments or conditions and risks affecting such market segment or type of issuer, including that the market segment or type of issuer may fall out of favor, than if the Fund were invested more widely.

The Fund does not lose its status as a diversified investment company because of any subsequent discrepancy between the value of its various investments and the diversification requirements of the 1940 Act, so long as any such discrepancy existing immediately after the Fund's acquisition of any security or other property is neither wholly nor partly the result of such acquisition.

**Liquidity**

The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to, among other developments, overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. Illiquidity can also be caused by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

**Private Placements and Restricted Securities**

The Fund's investments may include privately placed and restricted securities, which are generally subject to resale or transfer restrictions or prohibitions as a matter of contract and/or under applicable U.S. federal securities laws, including Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Privately placed and restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. Because there may be relatively few potential or interested purchasers for privately placed or restricted securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund may be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or may be able to sell privately placed securities only at disadvantageous times or prices.

There is no assurance that a liquid market will exist for privately placed and restricted securities and these securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity. In addition, the market for certain investments deemed liquid at the time of purchase may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, including readily available market quotations, may also adversely affect the ability to arrive at a fair value for certain securities at certain times and could make it difficult for the Fund to sell certain securities. Additionally, the Fund may be unable to sell a privately placed or restricted security if the Adviser or its affiliates receive material non-public information about the security's issuer. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value. There is typically less information available about issuers of private placements and restricted securities and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Adviser is reliable. In addition, private placements and restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses to the Fund.

**Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk**

To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the consumer discretionary sector, the Fund will be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with companies operating in such sector(s). Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to risks, including fluctuations in domestic and international economic conditions and forecasts, inflation, shipment and supply chain disruptions and interest rate changes, currency exchange rates, increased competition and consumer confidence as well as increases in production-related costs. Performance of such companies also may be adversely affected by factors such as reduced disposable household income, reduced consumer spending, and changing demographics and consumer tastes. Companies in this sector are subject to competitive forces (including competition brought by foreign brands), which may also have an adverse impact on their profitability and the value of their securities. This sector may be strongly affected by fads, marketing campaigns, changes in demographics and consumer preferences, and other economic or social factors affecting consumer demand. Governmental regulation, including price controls and regulations on packaging, labeling, competition, and certification, may affect the profitability of companies in such sector(s). Companies operating in this sector may also be adversely affected by government and private litigation.

**Special Purpose Acquisition Companies**

A special purpose acquisition company ("SPAC") is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company. Typically, the acquisition target is an existing privately held company that wants to trade publicly, which it accomplishes through a combination with a SPAC rather than by conducting a traditional IPO. SPACs and similar entities are blank check companies and do not have any operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions. The long term value of a SPAC's securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC's management to identify a merger target and complete an acquisition.

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

An investment in a SPAC is subject to the risks that any proposed acquisition or merger may not obtain the requisite approval of SPAC shareholders, may require governmental or other approvals that it fails to obtain or that an acquisition or merger, once effected, may prove unsuccessful and lose value. In addition, among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management, directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. This risk may become more acute as the deadline for the completion of a business combination nears or in the event that attractive acquisition or merger targets become scarce.

An investment in a SPAC is also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger. The value of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate over time. In addition, investments in SPACs may be subject to the same risks as investing in any initial public offering, including the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, including unseasoned trading, small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. In addition, the market for IPO issuers may be volatile, and share prices of newly-public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. Although some IPOs may produce high returns, such returns are not typical and may not be sustainable. Certain investments in SPACs are privately placed securities and are also subject to the risks of such securities.

**Information Technology Sector Risk**

To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, competition for the services of qualified personnel and government regulation. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction and unpredictable changes in growth rates. Companies in the information technology sector also can be heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. As a result, the value of shares may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

**Healthcare Sector Risk**

To the extent that the healthcare sector represents a significant portion of the Fund, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, factors impacting this sector. Healthcare-related companies may be smaller and less seasoned than companies in other sectors, and performance of companies in the healthcare sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, changes to the costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, increased emphasis on outpatient services, a limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies, and other market developments. Many healthcare-related companies are dependent on patent protection, and, therefore, the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of healthcare-related companies.

**Large Transactions Risk**

The Fund may experience adverse effects when large shareholders, or a number of shareholders collectively purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund ("large shareholder transactions"). Such larger than normal redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund's performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. Large shareholder transactions may also result in taxable income and/or gains for the Fund, which may increase taxable distributions to shareholders, and may also increase transaction costs. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plans. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains when distributed by the Fund will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for individual shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of significant events affecting investor demand for securities or asset classes in which the Fund invests; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Although large shareholder transactions may be more frequent under certain circumstances, the Fund is generally subject to the risk that shareholders can purchase or redeem a significant percentage of Fund shares at any time.

**Active Management Risk**

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

performance. There is no guarantee that the use of the Adviser's investment techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected or produce the desired results.

In addition, it is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity and the Adviser may be restricted in its ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities and may impair the Fund's liquidity.

**Temporary** **Investments**

Under adverse or unstable market conditions or abnormal circumstances or when the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions warrant, the Fund may, in the discretion of the Adviser, take temporary positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to such conditions or circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest without limit in cash, cash equivalents or other fixed-income instruments, derivatives, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds, for temporary purposes. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts the effects of these changes, or during periods of temporary defensive or other temporary positions, such temporary investments may adversely affect the Fund's performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**ESG Investment Risk**

To the extent that the Adviser considers environmental, social and/or governance ("ESG") issues as a component in its investment decision-making process, the Fund's performance may be impacted. Additionally, the Adviser's consideration of ESG issues in its investment decision-making process may require subjective analysis and the ability of the Adviser to consider ESG issues may be difficult if data about a particular issuer (or obligor) is limited. The Adviser's consideration of ESG issues may contribute to the Adviser's decision to forgo opportunities to buy certain securities. ESG issues with respect to an issuer (or obligor) or the Adviser's assessment of such may change over time.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, the Adviser, authorized participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange, as applicable, are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through the service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of the Adviser, Distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), exchanges, market participants, market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, as applicable, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants, as applicable. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**

U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional (or amended) regulations and legislators pass new laws (or amend existing laws) that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management

Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, conducts a worldwide portfolio management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the United States and abroad. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS") is the parent of the Adviser, which is the parent of the Distributor. Morgan Stanley is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

Advisory Fee

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Adviser received a fee for advisory services (net of fee waivers, if applicable) equal to 0.56% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of the Fund to exceed 1.05% of average daily net assets for Class II. In determining the actual amount of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation) (but includes any 12b-1 fee paid to the Distributor). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Fund's annual operating expenses may vary throughout the period and from year to year. The Fund's actual expenses may be different than the expenses listed in the Fund's fee and expense table based upon the extent and amount of a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

A discussion regarding the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory agreement is available in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of Counterpoint Global. Counterpoint Global consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of Counterpoint Global who are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Dennis P. Lynch, Sam G. Chainani, Jason C. Yeung, Armistead B. Nash and Alexander T. Norton.

Mr. Lynch has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1998. Mr. Chainani has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1996. Messrs. Yeung and Nash have been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2002. Mr. Norton has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2000.

Mr. Lynch is the lead portfolio manager of the Fund. Messrs. Chainani, Yeung, Nash and Norton are co-portfolio managers. Counterpoint Global members collaborate to manage the assets of the Fund.

The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.

The composition of Counterpoint Global may change from time to time.

Distribution Plan

The Company has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") for the Fund's Class II shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a monthly 12b-1 fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares. Such amount shall be paid to compensate the Distributor for remittance to insurance companies which offer the Company as an investment option. These payments are intended to compensate insurance companies for distribution and/or administrative-related expenses incurred or paid in connection with the distribution of Class II shares of the Fund. The Distributor has agreed to waive 0.15% of the 0.25% 12b-1 fee that it may receive. This waiver will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waiver when it deems such action is appropriate.

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management (Con't)

Since the 12b-1 fees associated with the Plan are paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment.

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay additional compensation (out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers and/or certain insurance companies or other financial intermediaries or service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and/or retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. Such compensation may be significant in amount and the prospect of receiving any such additional compensation may provide such affiliated or unaffiliated entities with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund's shares over other investment options. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Fund's shares. For more information, please see the Fund's SAI.

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information

**Share Class**

This Prospectus offers Class II shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class I shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class I shares are subject to lower expenses, but may not be available through your insurance company, qualified pension plan or retirement plan. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares**

Shares are offered on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business except as noted below.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (and other funds that serve as underlying investment options for variable insurance and annuity contracts (i.e., variable insurance funds)) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order (other than as set forth below). However, contract owners who allocate a portion of their contract to the Fund through the variable life insurance or variable annuity contracts previously described do not deal directly with the Fund to purchase and redeem shares. Please refer to the prospectus of the variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for information on the allocation, transfer and withdrawal of amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by using a combination of sales of securities held by the Fund and/or holdings of cash and cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, the Fund also reserves the right to use borrowings to meet redemption requests, and the Fund may use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions.

The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Fund currently does not foresee disadvantages to variable product contract owners or qualified plan participants arising out of the fact that the Fund offers its shares to separate accounts of various insurance companies that offer different types of variable annuity and variable life insurance products and various other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Nevertheless material irreconcilable conflicts may possibly arise among the interests of these investors. The Board of Directors that oversees the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any such material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

**Pricing of Fund Shares**

The price per share will be the NAV next determined after the Company or the insurance company receives your purchase or redemption order in good order. NAV is the value of one share's portion of all of the net assets in the Fund. The Company determines the NAV for the Fund as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares will generally not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations.

Trading of securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges may take place on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, to the extent, if any, that the Fund invests in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

**About Net Asset Value**

The NAV of Class II shares is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to Class II, less the value of any liabilities attributable to Class II, by the total number of outstanding shares of Class II. For the purpose of calculating the NAV per share of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures approved

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

by the Board of Directors. In making this calculation, the Fund generally values its portfolio securities and other assets at market price. With respect to investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board of Directors has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser determines that a market quotation is not accurate or reliable, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on foreign exchanges, when an event occurs after the close of such exchanges that is likely to have changed the value of the securities (e.g., a percentage change in value of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a significant development affecting a country or region or an issuer specific development that is likely to have changed the value of the security. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. To the extent the Fund invests in open-end management companies (other than exchange-traded funds) that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based, in relevant part, upon the NAV of such funds. The prospectuses for such funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and its effects.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or other asset. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the values of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares. The NAV of the Fund (excluding any applicable sales charges) is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets. Although the assets of each class are invested in the same portfolio of securities or other assets, the NAV of each class will differ because the classes have different class specific expenses.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund's provider of administrative services to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

The NAV of Class II shares will differ from that of Class I shares because of class-specific expenses that each class may pay.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The Fund distributes its net investment income, if any, at least annually as dividends and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

**Inactive Accounts and Risk of Escheatment**

In accordance with state "unclaimed property" laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state (also known as "escheatment") under various circumstances. These circumstances, which vary by state, can include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), uncashed checks or a combination of these. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund or your Financial Intermediary. Since states' statutory requirements regarding inactivity differ, it is important to regularly contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent. The process described above, and the application of state escheatment laws, may vary by state and/or depending on how shareholders hold their shares in the Fund. Escheatment with respect to a retirement account is subject to a 10% federal withholding on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address for your account, keep your account active by contacting your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent (e.g., by mail or telephone), and promptly cash all checks for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws.

For more information, please contact us at 1-888-378-1630.

**Taxes**

The Fund expects that it will not have to pay federal income taxes if it distributes annually all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund does not expect to be subject to federal excise taxes with respect to undistributed income.

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its income from foreign jurisdictions. Special rules apply to certain transactions in a foreign currency.

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique and the tax laws may change, shareholders should consult a tax advisor about the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to their investment.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares**

Frequent purchases and redemptions of shares pursuant to the instructions of insurance company contract owners or qualified plan participants is referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading" and may present risks for other contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, which may include, among other things, dilution in the value of the Fund's shares indirectly held by contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, interference with the efficient management of the Fund, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that market-timers and/or short-term traders may take advantage of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the Fund's securities trade and the time the Fund's NAV is calculated ("time-zone arbitrage"). For example, a market-timer may submit instructions for the purchase of shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before the Fund's NAV calculation that are likely to result in higher prices in foreign markets the following day. The market-timer would submit instructions to redeem the Fund's shares the next day when the Fund's share price would reflect the increased prices in foreign markets for a quick profit at the expense of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund.

Investments in other types of securities also may be susceptible to short-term trading strategies. These investments include securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or relatively illiquid, which have the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A contract owner may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price-arbitrage"). Investments in certain fixed-income securities, such as high yield bonds, may be adversely affected by price arbitrage trading strategies. The Fund's policies with respect to valuing portfolio securities are described above in "About Net Asset Value."

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Insurance companies or qualified plans generally do not provide specific contract owner or plan participant transaction instructions to the Fund on an ongoing basis. Therefore, to some extent, the Fund relies on the insurance companies and qualified plans to monitor frequent short-term trading by contract owners. However, the Fund has entered into agreements with insurance companies and qualified plans whereby the insurance companies and qualified plans are required to provide certain contract owner identification and transaction information upon the Fund's request. The Fund may use this information to help identify and prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify or prevent all market-timing activity.

If the Fund identifies suspected market-timing activity, the insurance company or qualified plan will be contacted and asked to take steps to prevent further market-timing activity (e.g., sending warning letters or blocking frequent trading by underlying contract owners or participants). Insurance companies may be prohibited by the terms of the underlying insurance contract from restricting short-term trading of mutual fund shares by contract owners, thereby limiting the ability of such insurance company to implement remedial steps to prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan is unwilling or unable to take remedial steps to discourage or prevent frequent trading, or does not take action promptly, certain contract owners or participants may be able to engage in frequent trading to the detriment of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan refuses to take remedial action, or takes action that the Fund deems insufficient, a determination will be made whether it is appropriate to terminate the relationship with such insurance company or qualified plan.

**Portfolio Holdings Information**

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

**Potential Conflicts of Interest**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Fund. These activities could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the "Affiliated Investment Accounts") with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with the Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with the Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be.

The conflicts summarized herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled "Potential Conflicts of Interest" in the SAI. Conflicts of interest not described below or in the SAI may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include the Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

*Material Nonpublic and Other Information.* It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity, including for an extended period of time. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Fund with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser also may implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for the Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates.

*Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.* In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. The Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among the Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser.

*Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.* The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

*Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.* Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for the Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund.

*Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.* Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with the Fund and with respect to investments that the Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by the Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with the Fund and/or any of the Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley's activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to a merger or an acquisition.

**28**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

Consolidated Financial Highlights

The consolidated financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund's Class II shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). In addition, this performance information does not include the impact of any charges by your insurance company. If it did, returns would be lower.

The ratios of expenses to average net assets listed in the table below for Class II shares are based on the average net assets of the Fund for each of the periods listed in the table. To the extent that the Fund's average net assets decrease over the Fund's next fiscal year, such expense ratios can be expected to increase, potentially significantly, because certain fixed costs will be spread over a smaller amount of assets.

The information below has been derived from the consolidated financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP's report, along with the Fund's consolidated financial statements, are incorporated by reference into the Fund's SAI. The Fund's consolidated financial statements and additional information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR and SAI are available at no cost from the Company at the toll-free number noted on the back cover to this Prospectus or from your insurance company.

**29**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

**VIF Discovery Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $5.74 | $4.05 | $2.81 | $16.04 | $28.41 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Loss<sup>(1)</sup>  | (0.05) | (0.03) | (0.02) | (0.04) | (0.20) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  | 0.77 | 1.72 | 1.26 | (9.20) | (1.17) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total from Investment Operations  | 0.72 | 1.69 | 1.24 | (9.24) | (1.37) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income  | (0.03) |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized Gain  |  |  |  | (3.99) | (11.00) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total Distributions  | (0.03) |  |  | (3.99) | (11.00) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $6.43 | $5.74 | $4.05 | $2.81 | $16.04 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>**  | 12.44% | 41.73% | 44.13%<sup>(3)</sup>  | (62.97)% | (11.19)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $155444 | $156594 | $135059 | $99597 | $267182 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.38% | 1.41% | 1.41% | 1.40% | 1.31% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.04%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.04%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.04%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.04%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.05%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding <br>Interest Expense  | 1.04%<sup>(4)</sup>  | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.05%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss | (0.74)%<sup>(4)</sup>  | (0.74)%<sup>(4)</sup>  | (0.66)%<sup>(4)</sup>  | (0.78)%<sup>(4)</sup>  | (0.88)%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup>  |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 73% | 64% | 60% | 49% | 95% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares.

(4) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(5) Amount is less than 0.005%.

**30**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17241)

Where to Find Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports") and Annual or Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information filed in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR. In the Fund's Annual Report, among other things, you will find a brief summary of the key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund has an SAI, dated April 30, 2026 (as may be supplemented from time to time), which includes additional information about the Company and the Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. For a free copy of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports or Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR, to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries, please call toll-free 1-800-869-6397 or contact your insurance company. If you purchased shares through a Financial Intermediary, you may also obtain these documents, without charge, by contacting your Financial Intermediary. Free copies of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports and Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR are also available from our Internet site at: [www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports](DUMMY_17241_0_3).

You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Financial Intermediary, if applicable, or by visiting our Internet site.

Shareholder Reports and other information about the Fund, such as Fund financial statements, are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at: [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_17241_2_1), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., member FINRA.

The Company's 1940 Act registration number is 811-7607.© 2026 Morgan Stanley

------

![image](pr17234img001.jpg)<br>

**Morgan Stanley** **Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

**Prospectus** \| April 30, 2026<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Ticker Symbol** |
| Class I | MEMNX |

---

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

**An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or endorsed by a bank, is not a bank deposit or obligation thereof, and is not** **insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the** **Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money investing in the Fund.**

![image](pr17234img002.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund that provides investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. In this prospectus, shares of the Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (the "Fund") are being offered.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [**Fund Summary**](#ref_chapter_2_17234)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17234)  |
| [**Details of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_3_17234)  | [8](#ref_chapter_3_17234)  |
| [**Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**](#ref_chapter_4_17234)  | [10](#ref_chapter_4_17234)  |
| [**Fund Management**](#ref_chapter_5_17234)  | [22](#ref_chapter_5_17234)  |
| [**Shareholder Information**](#ref_chapter_6_17234)  | [24](#ref_chapter_6_17234)  |
| [**Financial Highlights**](#ref_chapter_8_17234)  | [29](#ref_chapter_8_17234)  |

---

------

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks high total return.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class I shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge any sales loads or other fees when you purchase or redeem shares. The table below does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be higher. **You may pay fees other than the fees** **and expenses of the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and other fees charged by financial intermediaries, which are** **not reflected in the tables and examples below.**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Class I** |
| Advisory Fee | 0.75% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee |  |
| Other Expenses | 0.62% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses\* | 1.37% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\* | 0.27% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\* | 1.10% |

---

\* The Fund's "Adviser" and "Administrator," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 1.10% for Class I. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate.

**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 does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, costs shown would be higher.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). 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 I | $112  | $407  | $724  | $1623  |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in Total 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 119% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

The Adviser and the Fund's "Sub-Adviser," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited ("MSIM Limited"), seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing in fixed-income securities of government and government-related issuers and corporate issuers in emerging market countries. Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in debt securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. This policy may be changed without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified upon 60 days' in writing of any changes. Debt and other fixed-income securities are securities that pay a fixed or a variable rate of interest until a stated maturity date. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser consider an issuer to be located in an emerging market or developing country if (i) its principal securities trading market is in an emerging market or developing country, (ii) alone or on a consolidated basis it derives 50% or more of its annual revenue or profits from goods produced, sales made or services performed in emerging market or developing countries or has at least 50% of its assets in emerging market or developing countries, or (iii) it is organized under the laws of, or has a principal office in, an emerging market or developing country. Emerging market or developing countries are countries that major international financial institutions or the Fund's benchmark index generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations, such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe.

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

The Fund's securities will be denominated primarily in U.S. dollars. The Fund may invest, to a lesser extent, in securities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities that are rated below "investment grade" or are not rated, but are considered by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, to be of equivalent quality. These fixed-income securities are often referred to as "high yield securities" or "junk bonds." High yield securities are fixed-income securities rated by one or more rating agencies below Baa3 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), below BBB- by S&P Global Ratings Group, a division of S&P Global Inc. ("S&P"), below BBB- by Fitch Ratings, Inc. ("Fitch"), or the equivalent by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO"), or, if unrated, considered by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, to be of equivalent quality.

The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, implement a top down assessment of the global economic environment and the sensitivity of emerging economies in general to worldwide events. In selecting the Fund's investments, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, analyze the ability of an emerging market country's government to formulate and implement fiscal and economic policies; socio-political factors, including political risks, election calendars, human development and social stability; and exchange rate and interest rate valuation.

The Fund's investment process incorporates information about environmental, social and governance issues (also referred to as ESG) via an integrated approach within the investment team's fundamental investment analysis framework. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may engage with management of certain issuers regarding corporate governance practices as well as what the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, deem to be materially important environmental and/or social issues facing a company.

The Fund's holdings may range in maturity from overnight to 30 years or more and will not be subject to any minimum credit rating standard. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, generally consider selling a portfolio holding when it determines that the holding no longer satisfies its investment criteria.

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, structured investments and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. The Fund may also invest in restricted and illiquid securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's 80% policy discussed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to the securities included within that policy.

**Principal Risks**

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you can lose money investing in this Fund. Investments in the Fund involve risks and you should not rely on the Fund as a complete investment program. The relative significance of each risk factor summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include:

● **Fixed-Income Securities.** Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). For example, a type of fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest are corporate debt obligations. In addition to interest rate, credit and other risks, corporate debt obligations are also subject to factors directly related to the issuer, such as the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation's performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace, and by factors not directly related to the issuer, such as general market liquidity, economic conditions and inflation. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/ or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk). Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled. The Fund may be subject to certain liquidity risks that may result from the lack of an active market and the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed-income securities.

● **Credit and Interest Rate Risk.** Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security, or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise honor its obligations, including the risk of default. In such instances, the value of the Fund could decline and the Fund could lose money. If an issuer's, guarantor's or counterparty's financial condition worsens, the credit quality of the issuer, guarantor or counterparty may deteriorate. Credit ratings may not be an accurate

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

assessment of financial condition, liquidity or credit risk. Although credit ratings may not accurately reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market's perception of the creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty can have a rapid, adverse effect on the instrument's value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. Interest rate risk refers to the decline in the value of a fixed-income security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income securities go up but the yield or income from new issuances of fixed-income securities generally decreases. Securities with longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of and income generated by fixed-income instruments held by the Fund. The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate loans and other variable and floating rate securities. Although the value of these instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than fixed rate instruments, the value of variable and floating rate loans and other securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and may detract from Fund performance. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of market volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).<br>

● **Foreign Currency.** The Fund's investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar. Since the Fund may invest in such non-U.S. dollar- denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

● **High Yield Securities ("Junk Bonds").** The Fund's investments in high yield securities expose it to increased risks, including a substantial degree of credit and default risks. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly leveraged or indebted than other companies, or are financially distressed and therefore they typically have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest than issuers of higher rated investments. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss (including substantial or total loss) of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative because of increased credit risk relative to higher rated fixed income investments. High yield securities are also subject to greater price volatility, including sudden and substantial decreases in price, and less liquidity than higher rated securities. High yield securities are particularly sensitive to adverse economic, market, industry or issuer-specific developments, which may result in an increased incidence of default. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

● **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks, such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks, and heightened risks, that may result in losses to the Fund. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental interventions or other actions, such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political, and social turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. Emerging market countries may be subject to increased potential for market manipulation and to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging market countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies.<br>

● **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts.** To the extent the Fund seeks to hedge its foreign currency exposure by the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts involves the risks associated with derivatives and the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract.

● **Liquidity.** The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. Liquidity risk may be magnified in a market where credit spread and interest rate volatility is rising and where investor redemptions from fixed-income mutual funds may be higher than normal. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

● **Sovereign Debt Securities.** Investing in sovereign debt securities will expose the Fund to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when it becomes due, due to factors such as debt service burden, political constraints, cash flow problems and other national economic factors. In addition, foreign governments may default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments. Moreover, there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part.

● **Corporate Debt Obligations.** Corporate debt obligations are fixed-income securities issued by corporations. The investment return of corporate debt obligations reflects interest earnings and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of a corporate debt obligation may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates generally. There also exists the risk that the issuers of the securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument. Debtholders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders of the corporation as to both income and assets for the principal and interest due to the bondholder.

● **Derivatives.** Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument, including market risk, and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Investments in currency derivatives may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. Foreign currency forward exchange

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

contracts and currency futures and options contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated.

● **Non-Diversification.** The Fund is non-diversified, which means that the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund. Because the Fund is non-diversified, it may be more susceptible to an adverse event affecting a single issuer or portfolio investment than a diversified portfolio and a decline in the value of that issuer's securities or that portfolio investment may cause the Fund's overall value to decline to a greater degree than a diversified portfolio.

● **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic, geopolitical and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. These types of events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the value (or income generated by) and liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact the Fund's ability to sell securities and/or its ability to meet redemptions. The risks associated with these developments may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters or events, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, supply chain disruptions and the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures) adversely interrupt or otherwise affect the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These types of events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance or value of the Fund's investments, adversely affect and increase the volatility of the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

● **Portfolio Turnover.** Consistent with its investment policies, the Fund will purchase and sell securities without regard to the effect on portfolio turnover. Higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs.

● **Active Management Risk.** In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance.

Please see "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of risks of investing in the Fund. Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Performance Information**

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's Class I shares' performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's Class I shares' average annual returns for the past one, five and ten year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and one or more additional indexes. The additional index(es) in the table provide a means to compare the Fund's average annual total returns to a benchmark that the Adviser believes is representative of the Fund's investment universe. This performance information does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, returns would be lower. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years (Class I)**

Commenced operations on June 16, 1997

![image](pr17234img003.jpg)

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter**  | 06/30/20 | 12.29% |
| **Low Quarter**  | 03/31/20 | -14.19% |

---

**Average Annual Total Returns (Class I)**

(for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past One**<br>**Year** | **Past Five**<br>**Years** | **Past Ten**<br>**Years** |
| **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| Return Before Taxes | 15.33% | 2.70% | 4.51% |
| J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>1</sup>  | 14.30% | 1.78% | 4.40% |
| Emerging Markets Debt Blended Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>2</sup>  | 14.30% | 1.78% | 4.22% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging markets sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady Bonds, loans, Eurobonds and local market instruments for emerging market countries but limits the weights of countries with larger debt stocks by only including a specified portion of these countries' eligible current face amounts of debt outstanding. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Emerging Markets Debt Blended Index is a performance linked benchmark of old and new benchmark of the Fund. Old benchmark represented by J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Index (a benchmark that tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging markets sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady Bonds, loans, Eurobonds and local market instruments for emerging market countries) from the Fund's inception to December 31, 2019, and the new benchmark represented by J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index for periods thereafter. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

**Fund Management**

**Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

**Sub-Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited.

**Portfolio Managers.** The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Debt team. Information about the members primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser/Sub-Adviser** | **Date Began Managing Fund** |
| Sahil Tandon | Managing Director of MSIM Limited | October 2015 |
| Akbar Causer | Managing Director of the Adviser | July 2022 |
| Kyle Lee | Managing Director of the Adviser | July 2022 |
| Federico Sequeda | Managing Director of the Adviser | July 2022 |
| Patrick Campbell | Managing Director of the Adviser | April 2025 |
| Brian Shaw | Managing Director of the Adviser | April 2025 |
| Hussein Khattab | Managing Director of the Adviser | April 2025 |

---

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Prospectus offers Class I shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class II shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class II shares are subject to higher expenses due to the imposition of a 12b-1 fee. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (either directly or indirectly through other variable insurance funds) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares."

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

**Tax Information**

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Taxes."

**Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser and/or the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., may pay insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Fund-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance of their variable annuity contracts. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company to recommend one variable annuity or variable life insurance contract over another or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's web site for more information.

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks high total return.

**Approach**

The Adviser and Sub-Adviser seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing in fixed-income securities of government and government-related issuers and corporate issuers in emerging market countries. The Fund's securities will be denominated primarily in U.S. dollars. The Fund may invest, to a lesser extent, in securities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Using macroeconomic and fundamental analysis, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, seek to identify emerging market or developing countries that are believed to be undervalued and have attractive or improving fundamentals. After the country allocation is determined, the sector and security selection is made within each country.

**Process**

The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, implement a top down assessment of the global economic environment and the sensitivity of emerging economies in general to worldwide events. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, will analyze economic factors, including governmental policies (fiscal, monetary and exchange rates regimes) and objectives (gross domestic product growth, inflation, external accounts, debt serviceability). In selecting the Fund's investments, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, analyze the ability of an emerging market country's government to formulate and implement fiscal and economic policies; socio-political factors, including political risks, election calendars, human development and social stability; and exchange rate and interest rate valuation. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, will utilize proprietary sovereign risk, interest rate and yield curve valuation models to identify investment opportunities.

The Fund's investment process incorporates information about environmental, social and governance issues (also referred to as ESG) via an integrated approach within the investment team's fundamental investment analysis framework. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may engage with management of certain issuers regarding corporate governance practices as well as what the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, deem to be materially important environmental and/or social issues facing a company.

The Fund's holdings may range in maturity from overnight to 30 years or more and will not be subject to any minimum credit rating standard. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may, when or if available, use certain strategies, including the use of derivatives, to seek to protect the Fund from overvalued currencies or to seek to take advantage of undervalued currencies. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, generally consider selling a portfolio holding when it determines that the holding no longer satisfies its investment criteria.

The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities that are rated below "investment grade" or are not rated, but are considered by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, to be of equivalent quality. These fixed-income securities are often referred to as "high yield securities" or "junk bonds." High yield securities are fixed-income securities rated by one or more rating agencies below Baa3 by Moody's, below BBB- by S&P, below BBB- by Fitch, or the equivalent by another NRSRO, or, if unrated, considered by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, to be of equivalent quality.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in debt securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. This policy may be changed without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified upon 60 days' in writing of any changes. Debt and other fixed-income securities are securities that pay a fixed or a variable rate of interest until a stated maturity date.

The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser consider an issuer to be located in an emerging market or developing country if (i) its principal securities trading market is in an emerging market or developing country, (ii) alone or on a consolidated basis it derives 50% or more of its annual revenue or profits from goods produced, sales made or services performed in emerging market or developing countries or has at least 50% of its assets in emerging market or developing countries, or (iii) it is organized under the laws of, or has a principal office in, an emerging market or developing country.

Emerging market or developing countries are countries that major international financial institutions or the Fund's benchmark index generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations, such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe.

The Fund may purchase certain non-publicly traded "restricted" securities. These securities may include "Rule 144A" securities which are exempt from registration and that may only be resold to qualified institutional buyers and other restricted securities. The Fund may invest in illiquid securities, including restricted securities that are illiquid. The Fund may invest an unlimited amount in restricted securities that are considered by the Adviser to be liquid and otherwise meet the Fund's investment policies.

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based on the value of another underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, structured investments and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. The Fund may also invest in restricted and illiquid securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's 80% policy discussed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to the securities included within that policy.

Unless otherwise required, the Fund may change its principal investment strategies at any time without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified of any changes as required by applicable law.

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *This section discusses additional information relating to Fund investment strategies, other types of investments that the Fund may make and related risk factors. References to the "Adviser" under "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" refer to the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. Fund investment practices and limitations are also described in more detail in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), which is incorporated by reference and legally is a part of this Prospectus. For details on how to obtain a copy of the SAI and other reports and information, see the back cover of this Prospectus.* <br>

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price and yield will fluctuate with changes in the market value and/or yield of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

Economies and financial markets worldwide have experienced periods of increased volatility, uncertainty, distress, government spending, inflation, tariffs and disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. To the extent these conditions exist or continue, the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including those described below, could be heightened and the Fund's investments (and thus a shareholder's investment in the Fund) may be particularly susceptible to sudden and substantial losses, reduced yield or income or other adverse developments. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time.

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others.

The percentage limitations (including the Fund's 80% policy, if any) relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act or rule thereunder, subsequent percentage changes that result from market fluctuations generally will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.

However, the Fund may be required to reduce its borrowings, if any, in response to fluctuations in the value of such holdings.

**Market and Geopolitical Risk**

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions (i.e., increase the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period). In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such assets.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or market, or with respect to one company, may adversely impact other companies and other issuers, including those in a different country, region, sector, industry or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries and adversely impact the Fund's investments. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform or otherwise be adversely affected due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters and extreme weather events, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political (including geopolitical) discord and tensions or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in inflation rates or expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, an issuer's financial condition, the Fund's investments and an investment in the Fund. The market price of debt securities generally falls as inflation increases because the purchasing power of the future income and repaid principal is expected to be worth less when received by the Fund. The risk of inflation is greater for debt instruments with longer maturities and especially those that pay a fixed rather than variable interest rate.

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions or similar actions by the U.S. or foreign governments (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on economies, financial markets, issuers and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations.

Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations, can be adversely affected by changes in local and global economic conditions, including those that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments.

Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the price and performance of the Fund's investments, reduce market liquidity, adversely affect and increase the volatility of markets and the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing political, social, financial and economic risks to the Fund and cause overall declines in the U.S. and global markets. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions (including monetary and/or fiscal actions intended to stimulate or stabilize the global economy) that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special and heightened risks, which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers generally are subject to different corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards than U.S. issuers. There may be less information available to the public about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers can be less liquid, experience greater price movements, and may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and/or other taxes, which decreases the yield and/or return of these securities. The Fund may experience losses if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be susceptible to influence by large traders due to the limited size of many foreign securities markets and there is the risk that news and events unique to a country or region that would not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States will affect those markets and their issuers and political events in foreign countries may cause market and economic disruptions. Moreover, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Also, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. In

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

some foreign countries, there is also the risk of government expropriation, excessive or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, the imposition of currency controls or diplomatic developments that could affect the Fund's investments. There also can be difficulty obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers in foreign countries. Foreign stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed issuers may be subject to less government regulation and oversight. Securities registration, custody, and settlement may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and experience other adverse consequences. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. In addition, in certain markets the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities during certain periods.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. The value of holdings traded outside the United States or denominated in foreign currencies (and any hedging transactions in foreign currencies), including underlying securities represented by depositary receipts, will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the holding in the issuer's home country. These risks may be intensified for the Fund's investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. Moreover, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities (or force the Fund to sell foreign securities) or transfer the Fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. The Fund's investments in foreign securities are subject to trade laws of and potential economic sanctions by the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter-sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit the Fund from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions could prohibit the Fund from transacting with particular countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures also could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. In addition, economic sanctions or other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

inopportune times or prices, increase the Fund's transaction costs, make the Fund's investments more difficult to value or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

Even if the Fund does not have significant investments in securities affected by sanctions, sanctions or the threat of sanctions may cause volatility in regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, including through global supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced economic activity, which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. In addition, trade disputes and changes in tariffs may affect investor and consumer confidence and adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to predict.

In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including American Depositary Receipts, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the securities would likely decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

**Depositary Receipts**

A depositary receipt is generally issued by a bank or financial institution and represents the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks as those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. When the Fund invests in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") rather than investing directly in their underlying foreign shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the ADRs may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with the return of the underlying foreign shares. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Because the underlying foreign shares of ADRs are typically denominated or quoted in non-U.S. currencies, currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Further, since an ADR's underlying shares trade on foreign exchanges at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the ADR's underlying shares may change materially at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for Fund shares.

**Sovereign Debt Securities**

The Fund may invest in debt obligations known as "sovereign debt," which are obligations of governmental issuers in emerging market or developing countries and industrialized countries. Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations. Uncertainty surrounding the level and sustainability of sovereign debt of certain countries has at times increased volatility in the financial markets. In addition, a number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries and have a long history of reliance on foreign debt. Additional factors that may influence the ability or willingness to service debt include, but are not limited to, a country's cash flow situation, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of its debt service burden to the economy as a whole and its government's policy towards the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other multilateral agencies. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities or whose economy depends on certain strategic imports could be vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices of these commodities or imports. If a foreign sovereign obligor cannot generate sufficient earnings from foreign trade to service its external debt, it may need to depend on continuing loans and aid from foreign governments, commercial banks and multilateral organizations, and inflows of foreign investment. The commitment on the part of these foreign governments, multilateral organizations and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the government's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of its obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third-parties' commitments to lend funds, which may further impair the foreign sovereign obligor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. In addition, there is no legal process for collecting on a sovereign debt that a government does not pay or bankruptcy proceeding by which all or part of the sovereign debt that a government entity has not repaid may be collected.

**Credit and Interest Rate Risk**

Fixed-income securities, such as bonds, generally are subject to two primary types of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security, or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

honor its obligations, including the risk of default. The risk of defaults across issuers, guarantors and/or counterparties increases in adverse market and economic conditions, and the degree of credit risk depends on the financial condition of the issuer, guarantor or counterparty and terms of the obligation. Credit ratings may not be an accurate assessment of financial condition, volatility, liquidity or credit risk, as the ratings do not evaluate market risks or necessarily reflect the issuer's, guarantor's or counterparty's current financial condition or the volatility or liquidity of the security. Although credit quality may not accurately reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market's perception of the creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty, can have a rapid, adverse effect on the instrument's value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. In addition, under certain conditions, there may be an increasing amount of issuers that are unprofitable, have little cash on hand and/or are unable to pay the interest owed on their debt obligations and the number of such issuers may increase if demand for their goods and services falls, borrowing costs rise due to governmental action or inaction or other reasons. The Fund may also be subject to credit spread risk, which is the risk that economic and market conditions, or any actual or perceived credit deterioration, may lead to an increase in credit spreads (i.e., the difference in yield between two securities of similar maturity but different credit quality) and a decline in price of an issuer's securities.

Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations (such as a decline) in the value of a fixed-income security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income securities go up but the yield or income from new issuances of fixed-income securities generally decreases. Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a fixed-income security. Securities with longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations. Thus, the Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk will increase to the extent it has a longer average portfolio duration. The proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate or on other less advantageous terms during a declining interest rate environment. In a rising interest rate environment, the duration of fixed-income securities may be extended, thus potentially reducing income and increasing interest rate risk. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates, which may occur at any time based on a range of factors and may be sudden, frequent and significant. For example, during periods when interest rates are low, the Fund's yield (and total return) also may be low or otherwise adversely affected or the Fund may be unable to maintain positive returns, minimize the volatility of the Fund's NAV or pay Fund expenses out of current income. Monetary policies, and market interest rates, are subject to change at any time and potentially frequently based on a variety of market and economic conditions. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve Board will change interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of such changes. The impact on fixed income and other debt instruments and market conditions from interest rate changes, regardless of the cause, could be significant and could adversely affect the Fund and its investments.

Governmental authorities and regulators may enact significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including providing direct capital infusions into companies, creating new monetary programs and changing interest rates considerably. These actions present heightened risks to debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened if these actions are unexpectedly or suddenly reversed or are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes.

**High Yield Securities**

Fixed-income securities that are not investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or high yield, high risk securities. These securities generally offer a higher yield than higher rated securities (including those of a similar maturity), but they carry a greater degree of risk, including substantial credit and default risks. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss (including substantial or total loss) of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative by the major credit rating agencies because of increased credit risk relative to higher rated fixed income investments. High yield securities are also subject to other increased risks, including greater sensitivity to real or perceived economic changes, increased price volatility, valuation difficulties, lack of a regular trading market and greater potential illiquidity. High yield securities are particularly susceptible to default risk during periods of adverse market, industry or economic conditions or issuer-specific developments and a high yield security may lose significant value before a default occurs. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

In addition, the Fund's investments in high yield securities are subject to the risk of subordination to other creditors. Accordingly, in the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of holders of these securities, leaving few or no assets available to repay high yield securities holders, such as the Fund. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly leveraged or indebted than other companies or are financially distressed. This means that they typically have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest and a higher risk of non-payment. An issuer's ability to pay its debt obligations may also be reduced by financial stress, specific issuer developments or the unavailability of additional financing. Changes in the value of

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

and income from high yield securities are typically influenced more by changes in the financial and business position of the issuing company than by changes in interest rates when compared to investment grade securities.

In addition, high yield securities are subject to increased call risk, also known as prepayment risk, which is the risk that an issuer may exercise its right to redeem a fixed income security earlier than expected (a call). Issuers may call outstanding securities prior to their maturity for a number of reasons (e.g., declining interest rates, changes in credit spreads and improvements in the issuer's credit quality). If an issuer calls a security in which the Fund has invested, the Fund may not recoup the full amount of its initial investment (including any premiums paid) or may not realize the full anticipated earnings from the investment and may be forced to reinvest in lower-yielding securities, securities with greater credit risks or securities with other, less favorable features.

In recent years, there has been a broad trend of weaker or less restrictive covenant protections in the high yield market. Among other things, under such weaker or less restrictive covenants, borrowers might be able to exercise more flexibility with respect to certain activities than borrowers who are subject to stronger or more protective covenants. For example, borrowers might be able to incur more debt, including secured debt, return more capital to shareholders, remove or reduce assets that are designated as collateral securing high yield securities, increase the claims against assets that are permitted against collateral securing high yield securities or otherwise manage their business in ways that could impact creditors negatively. In addition, certain privately held borrowers might be permitted to file or provide less frequent, less detailed or less timely financial reporting or other information, which could negatively impact the value of the high yield securities issued by such borrowers. Each of these factors might negatively impact the high yield securities held by the Fund.

**Investment Company Securities**

Subject to the limitations set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), or as otherwise permitted by the SEC, the Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies, including foreign investment companies, ETFs and money market funds (which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates). The market value of the shares of other investment companies may differ from the net asset value per share ("NAV") of the Fund. The shares of certain investment companies, principally closed-end investment companies, frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments in other investment companies.

**Liquidity**

The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. Illiquidity can also be caused by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. Liquidity risk may be magnified in a market where credit spread and interest rate volatility is rising and where investor redemptions from fixed-income mutual funds may be higher than normal. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value.

**Emerging Market Securities**

The Fund invests in emerging market or developing countries, which are countries that major international financial institutions generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations (such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe). Emerging market or developing countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market or developing countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Such emerging market countries could also subject the Fund to greater risk associated with the custody of its securities than developed markets, which may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments (including the companies in which a Fund may invest) in emerging market or developing countries may be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. Furthermore, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) may be limited in their ability to enforce regulatory or legal obligations in emerging market countries. In addition, emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to increased potential for market manipulation and wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. These characteristics result in greater risk of price volatility in emerging market or developing countries, which may be heightened by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

A portion of the Fund's investments in emerging market securities may include investments in microfinance loans. Microfinance loans are typically very small loans (microcredit) made for providing the means for people who are not served by traditional banking systems to expand their businesses or finance their families' basic needs by providing access to affordable credit. Microfinance loans carry many of the same risks associated with investing in emerging markets countries, but because some of the microfinance loans may be used to fund crop growing and livestock, microfinance loans may also be subject to climate and geography risk. In addition, most micro-clients have low incomes and little or no previous credit history. As a result, there is no assurance that micro-clients will be able to repay the microfinance loans.

*Sukuk.* The Fund may invest in Sukuk, which are foreign or emerging market securities based on Islamic principles. Sukuk are securities with cash flows similar to conventional bonds, issued by an issuer, which is usually a special purpose vehicle incorporated by the sovereign or corporate entity seeking financing, to obtain an upfront payment in exchange for an income stream and a future promise to return capital. Such income stream may or may not be linked to a tangible asset. For Sukuk that are not linked to a tangible asset, the Sukuk represents a contractual payment obligation of the issuer or issuing vehicle to pay income or periodic payments or distributions to the investor, and such contractual payment obligation is linked to the issuer or issuing vehicle and not from interest on the investor's money for Sukuk. For Sukuk linked to a tangible asset, the Fund will not have a direct interest in, or recourse to, the underlying asset or pool of assets. Sukuk involve many of the same risks that conventional bonds incur, such as credit risk and interest rate risk, as well as the risks associated with foreign or emerging market securities. In addition to these risks, there are certain risks specific to Sukuk, such as those relating to their structures.

**Fixed-Income Securities**

Fixed-income securities are securities that pay a fixed or a variable rate of interest until a stated maturity date. Fixed-income securities include U.S. government securities, securities issued by federal or federally sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, corporate bonds and notes, asset-backed securities, mortgage securities, securities rated below investment grade (commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or "high yield/high risk securities"), municipal bonds, loan participations and assignments, zero coupon bonds, convertible securities, Eurobonds, Brady Bonds, Yankee Bonds, repurchase agreements, commercial paper and cash equivalents.

Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).

Fixed income and other debt instruments, including mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid earlier than expected, such as in the case of refinancing. This risk is increased during periods of declining interest rates and prepayments may reduce the Fund's yield or income as a result of reinvesting the income or other proceeds in lower yielding securities or instruments. These investments are also subject to extension risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid slower or later than expected. This may negatively affect Fund returns, as the value of the investment decreases when principal payments are made later than expected. This risk is elevated during periods of increasing interest rates. In addition, because principal payments are made later than expected, the investment's duration may extend (and result in increased interest rate risk) and the Fund may be prevented from investing proceeds it would otherwise have received at the higher prevailing interest rates. Prepayments and extensions may result in a security or debt instrument offering less potential for gains during periods of declining interest rates or rising interest rates, respectively.

Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled. A portion of the Fund's fixed-income securities may be rated below investment grade. The Fund may be subject to liquidity risk, which may result from the lack of an active market and the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed-income securities. Fixed-income securities may be called (i.e., redeemed by the issuer) prior to final maturity. If a callable security is called, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at a lower rate of interest.

**Foreign Currency**

Investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar. Since the Fund may invest in such non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in their discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts**

In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies.

Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. The Adviser's success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the Fund's investment objectives, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolios. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

**Corporate Debt Obligations**

Corporate debt obligations are fixed-income securities issued by private corporations. The investment return of corporate debt obligations reflects interest earnings and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of a corporate debt obligation may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates generally. There also exists the risk that the issuers of the securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument or at all. Debtholders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders of the corporation as to both income and assets for the principal and interest due to the bondholder.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

The derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use include:

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

*Futures.* A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

*Options.* If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument, foreign currency or contract, such as a swap agreement or futures contract, on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium paid by the Fund. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument, swap, foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased over-the-counter ("OTC"), the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.

Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. The price of the option may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to the Fund and poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges.

Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

*Swaps.* The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges or swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of certain standardized swap transactions. Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility unless no exchange or

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

swap execution facility "makes the swap available to trade." The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

The Fund's use of swaps may include those based on the credit of an underlying security, commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by a third-party on the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

*Structured Investments.* The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

**Active Management Risk**

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance. There is no guarantee that the use of the Adviser's investment techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected or produce the desired results.

In addition, it is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity and the Adviser may be restricted in its ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities and may impair the Fund's liquidity.

**Large Transactions Risk**

The Fund may experience adverse effects when large shareholders, or a number of shareholders collectively purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund ("large shareholder transactions"). Such larger than normal redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund's performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. Large shareholder transactions may also result in taxable income and/or gains for the Fund, which may increase taxable distributions to shareholders, and may also increase transaction costs. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plans. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains when distributed by the Fund will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for individual shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of significant events affecting investor demand for securities or asset classes in which the Fund invests; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Although large shareholder transactions may be more frequent under certain circumstances, the Fund is generally subject to the risk that shareholders can purchase or redeem a significant percentage of Fund shares at any time.

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

**Temporary** **Investments**

Under adverse or unstable market conditions or abnormal circumstances or when the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions warrant, the Fund may, in the discretion of the Adviser, take temporary positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategy in attempting to respond to such conditions or circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest without limit in cash, cash equivalents or other fixed-income instruments, derivatives, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds, for temporary purposes. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts the effects of these changes or during periods of temporary defensive or other temporary positions, such temporary investments may adversely affect the Fund's performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**Portfolio Turnover**

Consistent with its investment policies, the Fund will purchase and sell securities without regard to the effect on portfolio turnover. Higher portfolio turnover (e.g., over 100% per year) may cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in taxable gains being passed through to shareholders. The Fund may engage in frequent trading of securities to achieve its investment objective.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**

U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional (or amended) regulations and legislators pass new laws (or amend existing laws) that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**ESG Investment Risk**

To the extent that the Adviser considers environmental, social and governance ("ESG") criteria and application of related analyses when selecting investments, the Fund's performance may be affected depending on whether such investments are in or out of favor and relative to similar funds that do not adhere to such criteria or apply such analyses. A company's ESG practices or the Adviser's assessment of such may change over time. Additionally, the Adviser's adherence to its ESG criteria and application of related analyses in connection with identifying and selecting investments may require subjective analysis and may be difficult if data about a particular company is limited. The Adviser's consideration of ESG criteria may result in the Fund buying certain securities or forgoing opportunities to buy certain securities. The Fund's investments in certain companies may be susceptible to various factors that may impact their businesses or operations, including the effects of general economic conditions throughout the world, increased competition from other providers of services, unfavorable tax laws or accounting policies and high leverage.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, the Adviser, authorized participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange, as applicable, are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through the service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of the Adviser, Distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), exchanges, market participants, market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, as applicable, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected.

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants, as applicable. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management

Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, conducts a worldwide portfolio management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the United States and abroad. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS") is the parent of the Adviser, which is the parent of the Distributor. Morgan Stanley is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay compensation (out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers and/or certain insurance companies or other financial intermediaries or service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and/or retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. Such compensation may be significant in amount and the prospect of receiving any such compensation may provide such affiliated or unaffiliated entities with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund's shares over other investment options. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Fund's shares. For more information, please see the Fund's SAI.

Sub-Adviser

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, located at 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4QA, England. The Sub-Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with investment advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Company's officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

Advisory Fee

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Adviser received a fee for advisory services (net of fee waivers, if applicable) equal to 0.47% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of the Fund to exceed 1.10% of average daily net assets for Class I. In determining the actual amount of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Fund's annual operating expenses may vary throughout the period and from year to year. The Fund's actual expenses may be different than the expenses listed in the Fund's fee and expense table based upon the extent and amount of a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

A discussion regarding the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements is available in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Debt team. The team consists of portfolio managers, analysts and traders. The members of the team primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Sahil Tandon, Akbar Causer, Kyle Lee, Federico Sequeda, Patrick Campbell, Brian Shaw and Hussein Khattab.

Mr. Tandon has been associated with the Sub-Adviser in an investment management capacity since August 2019. Prior to August 2019, Mr. Tandon was associated with the Adviser in an investment capacity from 2004. Mr. Causer has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since April 2017. Mr. Lee has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since July 2007. Mr. Sequeda has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since September 2010. Mr. Campbell has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since June 2008. Mr. Shaw has been

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management (Con't)

associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since December 2008. Mr. Khattab has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since January 2013.

Members of the team collaborate to manage the assets of the Fund.

The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.

The composition of the team may change from time to time.

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information

**Share Class**

This Prospectus offers Class I shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class II shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class II shares are subject to higher expenses due to the imposition of a 12b-1 fee. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares**

Shares are offered on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business except as noted below.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (and other funds that serve as underlying investment options for variable insurance and annuity contracts (i.e., variable insurance funds)) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order (other than as set forth below). However, contract owners who allocate a portion of their contract to the Fund through the variable life insurance or variable annuity contracts previously described do not deal directly with the Fund to purchase and redeem shares. Please refer to the prospectus of the variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for information on the allocation, transfer and withdrawal of amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by using a combination of sales of securities held by the Fund and/or holdings of cash and cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, the Fund also reserves the right to use borrowings to meet redemption requests, and the Fund may use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions.

The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Fund currently does not foresee disadvantages to variable product contract owners or qualified plan participants arising out of the fact that the Fund offers its shares to separate accounts of various insurance companies that offer different types of variable annuity and variable life insurance products and various other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Nevertheless material irreconcilable conflicts may possibly arise among the interests of these investors. The Board of Directors that oversees the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any such material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

**Pricing of Fund Shares**

The price per share will be the NAV next determined after the Company or the insurance company receives your purchase or redemption order in good order. NAV is the value of one share's portion of all of the net assets in the Fund. The Company determines the NAV for the Fund as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares will generally not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open. On any business day when the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association ("SIFMA") recommends that the bond markets close early, the Fund reserves the right to close at or prior to the SIFMA recommended closing time. If the Fund does so, it will cease granting same day credit for purchase and redemption orders received after the Fund's closing time and credit will be given on the next business day. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations.

Trading of securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges may take place on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, to the extent, if any, that the Fund invests in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**About Net Asset Value**

The NAV of Class I shares is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to Class I, less the value of any liabilities attributable to Class I, by the total number of outstanding shares of Class I. For the purpose of calculating the NAV per share of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In making this calculation, the Fund generally values its portfolio securities and other assets at market price. With respect to investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board of Directors has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser determines that a market quotation is not accurate or reliable, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on foreign exchanges, when an event occurs after the close of such exchanges that is likely to have changed the value of the securities (e.g., a percentage change in value of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a significant development affecting a country or region or an issuer specific development that is likely to have changed the value of the security. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. To the extent the Fund invests in open-end management companies (other than exchange-traded funds) that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based, in relevant part, upon the NAV of such funds. The prospectuses for such funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and its effects.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or other asset. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the values of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares. The NAV of the Fund (excluding any applicable sales charges) is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets. Although the assets of each class are invested in the same portfolio of securities or other assets, the NAV of each class will differ because the classes have different class specific expenses.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund's provider of administrative services to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

The NAV of Class I shares will differ from that of Class II shares because of class-specific expenses that each class may pay.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The Fund distributes its net investment income, if any, at least annually as dividends and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

**Inactive Accounts and Risk of Escheatment**

In accordance with state "unclaimed property" laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state (also known as "escheatment") under various circumstances. These circumstances, which vary by state, can include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), uncashed checks or a combination of these. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund or your Financial Intermediary. Since states' statutory requirements regarding inactivity differ, it is important to regularly contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent. The process described above, and the application of state escheatment laws, may vary by state and/or depending on how shareholders hold their shares in the Fund. Escheatment with respect to a retirement account is subject to a 10% federal withholding on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address for your account, keep your account active by contacting your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent (e.g., by mail or telephone), and promptly cash all checks for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws.

For more information, please contact us at 1-888-378-1630.

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**Taxes**

The Fund expects that it will not have to pay federal income taxes if it distributes annually all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund does not expect to be subject to federal excise taxes with respect to undistributed income.

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its income from foreign jurisdictions. Special rules apply to certain transactions in a foreign currency.

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique and the tax laws may change, shareholders should consult a tax advisor about the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to their investment.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares**

Frequent purchases and redemptions of shares pursuant to the instructions of insurance company contract owners or qualified plan participants is referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading" and may present risks for other contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, which may include, among other things, dilution in the value of the Fund's shares indirectly held by contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, interference with the efficient management of the Fund, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that market-timers and/or short-term traders may take advantage of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the Fund's securities trade and the time the Fund's NAV is calculated ("time-zone arbitrage"). For example, a market-timer may submit instructions for the purchase of shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before the Fund's NAV calculation that are likely to result in higher prices in foreign markets the following day. The market-timer would submit instructions to redeem the Fund's shares the next day when the Fund's share price would reflect the increased prices in foreign markets for a quick profit at the expense of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund.

Investments in other types of securities also may be susceptible to short-term trading strategies. These investments include securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or relatively illiquid, which have the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A contract owner may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price-arbitrage"). Investments in certain fixed-income securities, such as high yield bonds, may be adversely affected by price arbitrage trading strategies. The Fund's policies with respect to valuing portfolio securities are described above in "About Net Asset Value."

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Insurance companies or qualified plans generally do not provide specific contract owner or plan participant transaction instructions to the Fund on an ongoing basis. Therefore, to some extent, the Fund relies on the insurance companies and qualified plans to monitor frequent short-term trading by contract owners. However, the Fund has entered into agreements with insurance companies and qualified plans whereby the insurance companies and qualified plans are required to provide certain contract owner identification and transaction information upon the Fund's request. The Fund may use this information to help identify and prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify or prevent all market-timing activity.

If the Fund identifies suspected market-timing activity, the insurance company or qualified plan will be contacted and asked to take steps to prevent further market-timing activity (e.g., sending warning letters or blocking frequent trading by underlying contract owners or participants). Insurance companies may be prohibited by the terms of the underlying insurance contract from restricting short-term trading of mutual fund shares by contract owners, thereby limiting the ability of such insurance company to implement remedial steps to prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan is unwilling or unable to take remedial steps to discourage or prevent frequent trading, or does not take action promptly, certain contract owners or participants may be able to engage in frequent trading to the detriment of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan refuses to take remedial action, or takes action that the Fund deems insufficient, a determination will be made whether it is appropriate to terminate the relationship with such insurance company or qualified plan.

**Portfolio Holdings Information**

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

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**Potential Conflicts of Interest**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Fund. These activities could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the ''Affiliated Investment Accounts'') with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with the Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with the Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be.

The conflicts summarized herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled "Potential Conflicts of Interest" in the SAI. Conflicts of interest not described below or in the SAI may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include the Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

*Material Nonpublic and Other Information.* It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity, including for an extended period of time. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Fund with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser also may implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for the Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates.

*Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.* In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. The Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among the Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser.

*Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.* The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

*Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.* Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for the Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund.

*Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.* Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with the Fund and with respect to investments that the Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by the Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with the Fund and/or any of the Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley's activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to a merger or an acquisition.

**28**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Financial Highlights**

Financial Highlights

The financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund's Class I shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). In addition, this performance information does not include the impact of any charges by your insurance company. If it did, returns would be lower.

The ratios of expenses to average net assets listed in the table below for Class I shares are based on the average net assets of the Fund for each of the periods listed in the table. To the extent that the Fund's average net assets decrease over the Fund's next fiscal year, such expense ratios can be expected to increase, potentially significantly, because certain fixed costs will be spread over a smaller amount of assets.

The information below has been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP's report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are incorporated by reference into the Fund's SAI. The Fund's financial statements and additional information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR and SAI are available at no cost from the Company at the toll-free number noted on the back cover to this Prospectus or from your insurance company.

**29**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Financial Highlights

**VIF Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $5.49 | $5.51 | $5.38 | $7.20 | $7.74 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup>  | 0.40 | 0.67 | 0.48 | 0.41 | 0.34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  | 0.36 | (0.09) | 0.13 | (1.78) | (0.49) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total from Investment Operations  | 0.76 | 0.58 | 0.61 | (1.37) | (0.15) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income  | (0.84) | (0.60) | (0.48) | (0.45) | (0.39) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $5.41 | $5.49 | $5.51 | $5.38 | $7.20 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>**  | 15.33% | 11.23% | 11.84%<sup>(3)</sup>  | (18.74)% | (2.02)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $103114 | $92617 | $93484 | $91828 | $133413 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.37% | 1.33% | 1.32% | 1.24% | 1.17% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.09%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.09%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.09%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.10%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.12%<sup>(4)(5)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 7.45%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 12.18%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 9.07%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 6.96%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 4.59%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 119% | 139% | 117% | 75% | 28% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares.

(4) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(5) Effective July 1, 2021, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 1.10% for Class I shares. Prior to July 1, 2021, the maximum ratio was 1.30% for Class I shares.

(6) Amount is less than 0.005%.

**30**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17234)

Where to Find Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports") and Annual or Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information filed in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR. In the Fund's Annual Report, among other things, you will find a brief summary of the key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund has an SAI, dated April 30, 2026 (as may be supplemented from time to time), which includes additional information about the Company and the Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. For a free copy of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports or Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR, to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries, please call toll-free 1-800-869-6397 or contact your insurance company. If you purchased shares through a Financial Intermediary, you may also obtain these documents, without charge, by contacting your Financial Intermediary. Free copies of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports and Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR are also available from our Internet site at: [www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports](DUMMY_17234_0_3).

You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Financial Intermediary, if applicable, or by visiting our Internet site.

Shareholder Reports and other information about the Fund, such as Fund financial statements, are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at: [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_17234_2_1), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., member FINRA.

The Company's 1940 Act registration number is 811-7607.© 2026 Morgan Stanley

------

![image](pr17248img001.jpg)<br>

**Morgan Stanley** **Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

**Prospectus** \| April 30, 2026<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Ticker Symbol** |
| Class II | MBDBX |

---

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

**An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or endorsed by a bank, is not a bank deposit or obligation thereof, and is not** **insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the** **Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money investing in the Fund.**

![image](pr17248img002.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund that provides investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. In this prospectus, shares of the Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (the "Fund") are being offered.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [**Fund Summary**](#ref_chapter_2_17248)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17248)  |
| [**Details of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_3_17248)  | [8](#ref_chapter_3_17248)  |
| [**Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**](#ref_chapter_4_17248)  | [10](#ref_chapter_4_17248)  |
| [**Fund Management**](#ref_chapter_5_17248)  | [22](#ref_chapter_5_17248)  |
| [**Shareholder Information**](#ref_chapter_6_17248)  | [24](#ref_chapter_6_17248)  |
| [**Financial Highlights**](#ref_chapter_8_17248)  | [29](#ref_chapter_8_17248)  |

---

------

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks high total return.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class II shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge any sales loads or other fees when you purchase or redeem shares. The table below does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be higher. **You may pay fees other than the fees** **and expenses of the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and other fees charged by financial intermediaries, which are** **not reflected in the tables and examples below.**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Class II** |
| Advisory Fee | 0.75% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee | 0.25% |
| Other Expenses | 0.62% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses\* | 1.62% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\* | 0.47% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\* | 1.15% |

---

\* The Fund's "Adviser" and "Administrator," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 1.15% for Class II. In addition, the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., has agreed to waive 0.20% of the 0.25% 12b-1 fee that it may receive. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate.

**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 does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, costs shown would be higher.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). 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 II | $117  | $465  | $837  | $1882  |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in Total 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 119% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

The Adviser and the Fund's "Sub-Adviser," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited ("MSIM Limited"), seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing in fixed-income securities of government and government-related issuers and corporate issuers in emerging market countries. Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in debt securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. This policy may be changed without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified upon 60 days' in writing of any changes. Debt and other fixed-income securities are securities that pay a fixed or a variable rate of interest until a stated maturity date. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser consider an issuer to be located in an emerging market or developing country if (i) its principal securities trading market is in an emerging market or developing country, (ii) alone or on a consolidated basis it derives 50% or more of its annual revenue or profits from goods produced, sales made or services performed in emerging market or developing countries or has at least 50% of its assets in emerging market or developing countries, or (iii) it is organized under the laws of, or has a principal office in, an emerging market or developing country. Emerging market or developing countries are countries that major international financial institutions or the Fund's benchmark index generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations, such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe.

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

The Fund's securities will be denominated primarily in U.S. dollars. The Fund may invest, to a lesser extent, in securities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities that are rated below "investment grade" or are not rated, but are considered by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, to be of equivalent quality. These fixed-income securities are often referred to as "high yield securities" or "junk bonds." High yield securities are fixed-income securities rated by one or more rating agencies below Baa3 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), below BBB- by S&P Global Ratings Group, a division of S&P Global Inc. ("S&P"), below BBB- by Fitch Ratings, Inc. ("Fitch"), or the equivalent by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO"), or, if unrated, considered by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, to be of equivalent quality.

The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, implement a top down assessment of the global economic environment and the sensitivity of emerging economies in general to worldwide events. In selecting the Fund's investments, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, analyze the ability of an emerging market country's government to formulate and implement fiscal and economic policies; socio-political factors, including political risks, election calendars, human development and social stability; and exchange rate and interest rate valuation.

The Fund's investment process incorporates information about environmental, social and governance issues (also referred to as ESG) via an integrated approach within the investment team's fundamental investment analysis framework. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may engage with management of certain issuers regarding corporate governance practices as well as what the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, deem to be materially important environmental and/or social issues facing a company.

The Fund's holdings may range in maturity from overnight to 30 years or more and will not be subject to any minimum credit rating standard. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, generally consider selling a portfolio holding when it determines that the holding no longer satisfies its investment criteria.

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, structured investments and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. The Fund may also invest in restricted and illiquid securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's 80% policy discussed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to the securities included within that policy.

**Principal Risks**

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you can lose money investing in this Fund. Investments in the Fund involve risks and you should not rely on the Fund as a complete investment program. The relative significance of each risk factor summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include:

● **Fixed-Income Securities.** Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). For example, a type of fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest are corporate debt obligations. In addition to interest rate, credit and other risks, corporate debt obligations are also subject to factors directly related to the issuer, such as the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation's performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace, and by factors not directly related to the issuer, such as general market liquidity, economic conditions and inflation. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/ or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk). Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled. The Fund may be subject to certain liquidity risks that may result from the lack of an active market and the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed-income securities.

● **Credit and Interest Rate Risk.** Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security, or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise honor its obligations, including the risk of default. In such instances, the value of the Fund could decline and the Fund could lose money. If an issuer's, guarantor's or counterparty's financial condition worsens, the credit quality of the issuer, guarantor or counterparty may deteriorate. Credit ratings may not be an accurate

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

assessment of financial condition, liquidity or credit risk. Although credit ratings may not accurately reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market's perception of the creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty can have a rapid, adverse effect on the instrument's value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. Interest rate risk refers to the decline in the value of a fixed-income security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income securities go up but the yield or income from new issuances of fixed-income securities generally decreases. Securities with longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of and income generated by fixed-income instruments held by the Fund. The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate loans and other variable and floating rate securities. Although the value of these instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than fixed rate instruments, the value of variable and floating rate loans and other securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and may detract from Fund performance. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of market volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).<br>

● **Foreign Currency.** The Fund's investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar. Since the Fund may invest in such non-U.S. dollar- denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

● **High Yield Securities ("Junk Bonds").** The Fund's investments in high yield securities expose it to increased risks, including a substantial degree of credit and default risks. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly leveraged or indebted than other companies , or are financially distressed and therefore they typically have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest than issuers of higher rated investments. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss (including substantial or total loss) of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative because of increased credit risk relative to higher rated fixed income investments. High yield securities are also subject to greater price volatility, including sudden and substantial decreases in price , and less liquidity than higher rated securities. High yield securities are particularly sensitive to adverse economic, market, industry or issuer-specific developments, which may result in an increased incidence of default. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

● **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks, such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks, and heightened risks, that may result in losses to the Fund. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental interventions or other actions, such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political, and social turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. Emerging market countries may be subject to increased potential for market manipulation and to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging market countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies.<br>

● **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts.** To the extent the Fund seeks to hedge its foreign currency exposure by the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts involves the risks associated with derivatives and the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract.

● **Liquidity.** The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. Liquidity risk may be magnified in a market where credit spread and interest rate volatility is rising and where investor redemptions from fixed-income mutual funds may be higher than normal. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

● **Sovereign Debt Securities.** Investing in sovereign debt securities will expose the Fund to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when it becomes due, due to factors such as debt service burden, political constraints, cash flow problems and other national economic factors. In addition, foreign governments may default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments. Moreover, there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part.

● **Corporate Debt Obligations.** Corporate debt obligations are fixed-income securities issued by corporations. The investment return of corporate debt obligations reflects interest earnings and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of a corporate debt obligation may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates generally. There also exists the risk that the issuers of the securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument. Debtholders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders of the corporation as to both income and assets for the principal and interest due to the bondholder.

● **Derivatives.** Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument, including market risk, and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Investments in currency derivatives may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. Foreign currency forward exchange

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

contracts and currency futures and options contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated.

● **Non-Diversification.** The Fund is non-diversified, which means that the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund. Because the Fund is non-diversified, it may be more susceptible to an adverse event affecting a single issuer or portfolio investment than a diversified portfolio and a decline in the value of that issuer's securities or that portfolio investment may cause the Fund's overall value to decline to a greater degree than a diversified portfolio.

● **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic, geopolitical and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. These types of events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the value (or income generated by) and liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact the Fund's ability to sell securities and/or its ability to meet redemptions. The risks associated with these developments may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters or events, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, supply chain disruptions and the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures) adversely interrupt or otherwise affect the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These types of events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance or value of the Fund's investments, adversely affect and increase the volatility of the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

● **Portfolio Turnover.** Consistent with its investment policies, the Fund will purchase and sell securities without regard to the effect on portfolio turnover. Higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs.

● **Active Management Risk.** In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance.

Please see "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of risks of investing in the Fund. Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Performance Information**

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's Class II shares' performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's Class II shares' average annual returns for the past one, five and ten year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and one or more additional indexes. The additional index(es) in the table provide a means to compare the Fund's average annual total returns to a benchmark that the Adviser believes is representative of the Fund's investment universe. This performance information does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, returns would be lower. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years (Class II)**

Commenced operations on December 19, 2002

![image](pr17248img003.jpg)

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter**  | 06/30/20 | 12.23% |
| **Low Quarter**  | 03/31/20 | -14.06% |

---

**Average Annual Total Returns (Class II)**

(for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past One**<br>**Year** | **Past Five**<br>**Years** | **Past Ten**<br>**Years** |
| **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| Return Before Taxes | 15.24% | 2.66% | 4.46% |
| J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>1</sup>  | 14.30% | 1.78% | 4.40% |
| Emerging Markets Debt Blended Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>2</sup>  | 14.30% | 1.78% | 4.22% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging markets sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady Bonds, loans, Eurobonds and local market instruments for emerging market countries but limits the weights of countries with larger debt stocks by only including a specified portion of these countries' eligible current face amounts of debt outstanding. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Emerging Markets Debt Blended Index is a performance linked benchmark of old and new benchmark of the Fund. Old benchmark represented by J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Index (a benchmark that tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging markets sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady Bonds, loans, Eurobonds and local market instruments for emerging market countries) from the Fund's inception to December 31, 2019, and the new benchmark represented by J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index for periods thereafter. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

**Fund Management**

**Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

**Sub-Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited.

**Portfolio Managers.** The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Debt team. Information about the members primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser/Sub-Adviser** | **Date Began Managing Fund** |
| Sahil Tandon | Managing Director of MSIM Limited | October 2015 |
| Akbar Causer | Managing Director of the Adviser | July 2022 |
| Kyle Lee | Managing Director of the Adviser | July 2022 |
| Federico Sequeda | Managing Director of the Adviser | July 2022 |
| Patrick Campbell | Managing Director of the Adviser | April 2025 |
| Brian Shaw | Managing Director of the Adviser | April 2025 |
| Hussein Khattab | Managing Director of the Adviser | April 2025 |

---

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Prospectus offers Class II shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class I shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class I shares are subject to lower expenses, but may not be available through your insurance company, qualified pension plan or retirement plan. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (either directly or indirectly through other variable insurance funds) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares."

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

**Tax Information**

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Taxes."

**Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Fund-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance of their variable annuity contracts. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company to recommend one variable annuity or variable life insurance contract over another or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's web site for more information.

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks high total return.

**Approach**

The Adviser and Sub-Adviser seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing in fixed-income securities of government and government-related issuers and corporate issuers in emerging market countries. The Fund's securities will be denominated primarily in U.S. dollars. The Fund may invest, to a lesser extent, in securities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Using macroeconomic and fundamental analysis, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, seek to identify emerging market or developing countries that are believed to be undervalued and have attractive or improving fundamentals. After the country allocation is determined, the sector and security selection is made within each country.

**Process**

The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, implement a top down assessment of the global economic environment and the sensitivity of emerging economies in general to worldwide events. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, will analyze economic factors, including governmental policies (fiscal, monetary and exchange rates regimes) and objectives (gross domestic product growth, inflation, external accounts, debt serviceability). In selecting the Fund's investments, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, analyze the ability of an emerging market country's government to formulate and implement fiscal and economic policies; socio-political factors, including political risks, election calendars, human development and social stability; and exchange rate and interest rate valuation. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, will utilize proprietary sovereign risk, interest rate and yield curve valuation models to identify investment opportunities.

The Fund's investment process incorporates information about environmental, social and governance issues (also referred to as ESG) via an integrated approach within the investment team's fundamental investment analysis framework. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may engage with management of certain issuers regarding corporate governance practices as well as what the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, deem to be materially important environmental and/or social issues facing a company.

The Fund's holdings may range in maturity from overnight to 30 years or more and will not be subject to any minimum credit rating standard. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may, when or if available, use certain strategies, including the use of derivatives, to seek to protect the Fund from overvalued currencies or to seek to take advantage of undervalued currencies. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, generally consider selling a portfolio holding when it determines that the holding no longer satisfies its investment criteria.

The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities that are rated below "investment grade" or are not rated, but are considered by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, to be of equivalent quality. These fixed-income securities are often referred to as "high yield securities" or "junk bonds." High yield securities are fixed-income securities rated by one or more rating agencies below Baa3 by Moody's, below BBB- by S&P, below BBB- by Fitch, or the equivalent by another NRSRO, or, if unrated, considered by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, to be of equivalent quality.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in debt securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. This policy may be changed without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified upon 60 days' in writing of any changes. Debt and other fixed-income securities are securities that pay a fixed or a variable rate of interest until a stated maturity date.

The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser consider an issuer to be located in an emerging market or developing country if (i) its principal securities trading market is in an emerging market or developing country, (ii) alone or on a consolidated basis it derives 50% or more of its annual revenue or profits from goods produced, sales made or services performed in emerging market or developing countries or has at least 50% of its assets in emerging market or developing countries, or (iii) it is organized under the laws of, or has a principal office in, an emerging market or developing country.

Emerging market or developing countries are countries that major international financial institutions or the Fund's benchmark index generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations, such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe.

The Fund may purchase certain non-publicly traded "restricted" securities. These securities may include "Rule 144A" securities which are exempt from registration and that may only be resold to qualified institutional buyers and other restricted securities. The Fund may invest in illiquid securities, including restricted securities that are illiquid. The Fund may invest an unlimited amount in restricted securities that are considered by the Adviser to be liquid and otherwise meet the Fund's investment policies.

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Con't)

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based on the value of another underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, structured investments and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. The Fund may also invest in restricted and illiquid securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's 80% policy discussed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to the securities included within that policy.

Unless otherwise required, the Fund may change its principal investment strategies at any time without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified of any changes as required by applicable law.

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *This section discusses additional information relating to Fund investment strategies, other types of investments that the Fund may make and related risk factors. References to the "Adviser" under "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" refer to the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. Fund investment practices and limitations are also described in more detail in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), which is incorporated by reference and legally is a part of this Prospectus. For details on how to obtain a copy of the SAI and other reports and information, see the back cover of this Prospectus.* <br>

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price and yield will fluctuate with changes in the market value and/or yield of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

Economies and financial markets worldwide have experienced periods of increased volatility, uncertainty, distress, government spending, inflation, tariffs and disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. To the extent these conditions exist or continue, the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including those described below, could be heightened and the Fund's investments (and thus a shareholder's investment in the Fund) may be particularly susceptible to sudden and substantial losses, reduced yield or income or other adverse developments. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time.

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others.

The percentage limitations (including the Fund's 80% policy, if any) relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act or rule thereunder, subsequent percentage changes that result from market fluctuations generally will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.

However, the Fund may be required to reduce its borrowings, if any, in response to fluctuations in the value of such holdings.

**Market and Geopolitical Risk**

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions (i.e., increase the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period). In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such assets.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or market, or with respect to one company, may adversely impact other companies and other issuers, including those in a different country, region, sector, industry or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries and adversely impact the Fund's investments. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform or otherwise be adversely affected due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters and extreme weather events, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political (including geopolitical) discord and tensions or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in inflation rates or expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, an issuer's financial condition, the Fund's investments and an investment in the Fund. The market price of debt securities generally falls as inflation increases because the purchasing power of the future income and repaid principal is expected to be worth less when received by the Fund. The risk of inflation is greater for debt instruments with longer maturities and especially those that pay a fixed rather than variable interest rate.

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions or similar actions by the U.S. or foreign governments (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on economies, financial markets, issuers and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations.

Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations, can be adversely affected by changes in local and global economic conditions, including those that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments.

Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the price and performance of the Fund's investments, reduce market liquidity, adversely affect and increase the volatility of markets and the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing political, social, financial and economic risks to the Fund and cause overall declines in the U.S. and global markets. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions (including monetary and/or fiscal actions intended to stimulate or stabilize the global economy) that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special and heightened risks, which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers generally are subject to different corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards than U.S. issuers. There may be less information available to the public about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers can be less liquid, experience greater price movements, and may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and/or other taxes, which decreases the yield and/or return of these securities. The Fund may experience losses if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be susceptible to influence by large traders due to the limited size of many foreign securities markets and there is the risk that news and events unique to a country or region that would not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States will affect those markets and their issuers and political events in foreign countries may cause market and economic disruptions. Moreover, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Also, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. In

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

some foreign countries, there is also the risk of government expropriation, excessive or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, the imposition of currency controls or diplomatic developments that could affect the Fund's investments. There also can be difficulty obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers in foreign countries. Foreign stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed issuers may be subject to less government regulation and oversight. Securities registration, custody, and settlement may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and experience other adverse consequences. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. In addition, in certain markets the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities during certain periods.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. The value of holdings traded outside the United States or denominated in foreign currencies (and any hedging transactions in foreign currencies), including underlying securities represented by depositary receipts, will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the holding in the issuer's home country. These risks may be intensified for the Fund's investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. Moreover, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities (or force the Fund to sell foreign securities) or transfer the Fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. The Fund's investments in foreign securities are subject to trade laws of and potential economic sanctions by the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter-sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit the Fund from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions could prohibit the Fund from transacting with particular countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures also could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. In addition, economic sanctions or other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

inopportune times or prices, increase the Fund's transaction costs, make the Fund's investments more difficult to value or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

Even if the Fund does not have significant investments in securities affected by sanctions, sanctions or the threat of sanctions may cause volatility in regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, including through global supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced economic activity, which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. In addition, trade disputes and changes in tariffs may affect investor and consumer confidence and adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to predict.

In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including American Depositary Receipts, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the securities would likely decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

**Depositary Receipts**

A depositary receipt is generally issued by a bank or financial institution and represents the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks as those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. When the Fund invests in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") rather than investing directly in their underlying foreign shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the ADRs may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with the return of the underlying foreign shares. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Because the underlying foreign shares of ADRs are typically denominated or quoted in non-U.S. currencies, currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Further, since an ADR's underlying shares trade on foreign exchanges at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the ADR's underlying shares may change materially at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for Fund shares.

**Sovereign Debt Securities**

The Fund may invest in debt obligations known as "sovereign debt," which are obligations of governmental issuers in emerging market or developing countries and industrialized countries. Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations. Uncertainty surrounding the level and sustainability of sovereign debt of certain countries has at times increased volatility in the financial markets. In addition, a number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries and have a long history of reliance on foreign debt. Additional factors that may influence the ability or willingness to service debt include, but are not limited to, a country's cash flow situation, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of its debt service burden to the economy as a whole and its government's policy towards the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other multilateral agencies. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities or whose economy depends on certain strategic imports could be vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices of these commodities or imports. If a foreign sovereign obligor cannot generate sufficient earnings from foreign trade to service its external debt, it may need to depend on continuing loans and aid from foreign governments, commercial banks and multilateral organizations, and inflows of foreign investment. The commitment on the part of these foreign governments, multilateral organizations and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the government's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of its obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third-parties' commitments to lend funds, which may further impair the foreign sovereign obligor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. In addition, there is no legal process for collecting on a sovereign debt that a government does not pay or bankruptcy proceeding by which all or part of the sovereign debt that a government entity has not repaid may be collected.

**Credit and Interest Rate Risk**

Fixed-income securities, such as bonds, generally are subject to two primary types of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security, or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

honor its obligations, including the risk of default. The risk of defaults across issuers, guarantors and/or counterparties increases in adverse market and economic conditions, and the degree of credit risk depends on the financial condition of the issuer, guarantor or counterparty and terms of the obligation. Credit ratings may not be an accurate assessment of financial condition, volatility, liquidity or credit risk, as the ratings do not evaluate market risks or necessarily reflect the issuer's, guarantor's or counterparty's current financial condition or the volatility or liquidity of the security. Although credit quality may not accurately reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market's perception of the creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty, can have a rapid, adverse effect on the instrument's value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. In addition, under certain conditions, there may be an increasing amount of issuers that are unprofitable, have little cash on hand and/or are unable to pay the interest owed on their debt obligations and the number of such issuers may increase if demand for their goods and services falls, borrowing costs rise due to governmental action or inaction or other reasons. The Fund may also be subject to credit spread risk, which is the risk that economic and market conditions, or any actual or perceived credit deterioration, may lead to an increase in credit spreads (i.e., the difference in yield between two securities of similar maturity but different credit quality) and a decline in price of an issuer's securities.

Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations (such as a decline) in the value of a fixed-income security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income securities go up but the yield or income from new issuances of fixed-income securities generally decreases. Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a fixed-income security. Securities with longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations. Thus, the Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk will increase to the extent it has a longer average portfolio duration. The proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate or on other less advantageous terms during a declining interest rate environment. In a rising interest rate environment, the duration of fixed-income securities may be extended, thus potentially reducing income and increasing interest rate risk. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates, which may occur at any time based on a range of factors and may be sudden, frequent and significant. For example, during periods when interest rates are low, the Fund's yield (and total return) also may be low or otherwise adversely affected or the Fund may be unable to maintain positive returns, minimize the volatility of the Fund's NAV or pay Fund expenses out of current income. Monetary policies, and market interest rates, are subject to change at any time and potentially frequently based on a variety of market and economic conditions. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve Board will change interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of such changes. The impact on fixed income and other debt instruments and market conditions from interest rate changes, regardless of the cause, could be significant and could adversely affect the Fund and its investments.

Governmental authorities and regulators may enact significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including providing direct capital infusions into companies, creating new monetary programs and changing interest rates considerably. These actions present heightened risks to debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened if these actions are unexpectedly or suddenly reversed or are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes.

**High Yield Securities**

Fixed-income securities that are not investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or high yield, high risk securities. These securities generally offer a higher yield than higher rated securities (including those of a similar maturity), but they carry a greater degree of risk, including substantial credit and default risks. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss (including substantial or total loss) of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative by the major credit rating agencies because of increased credit risk relative to higher rated fixed income investments. High yield securities are also subject to other increased risks, including greater sensitivity to real or perceived economic changes, increased price volatility, valuation difficulties, lack of a regular trading market and greater potential illiquidity. High yield securities are particularly susceptible to default risk during periods of adverse market, industry or economic conditions or issuer-specific developments and a high yield security may lose significant value before a default occurs. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

In addition, the Fund's investments in high yield securities are subject to the risk of subordination to other creditors. Accordingly, in the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of holders of these securities, leaving few or no assets available to repay high yield securities holders, such as the Fund. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly leveraged or indebted than other companies or are financially distressed. This means that they typically have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest and a higher risk of non-payment. An issuer's ability to pay its debt obligations may also be reduced by financial stress, specific issuer developments or the unavailability of additional financing. Changes in the value of

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

and income from high yield securities are typically influenced more by changes in the financial and business position of the issuing company than by changes in interest rates when compared to investment grade securities.

In addition, high yield securities are subject to increased call risk, also known as prepayment risk, which is the risk that an issuer may exercise its right to redeem a fixed income security earlier than expected (a call). Issuers may call outstanding securities prior to their maturity for a number of reasons (e.g., declining interest rates, changes in credit spreads and improvements in the issuer's credit quality). If an issuer calls a security in which the Fund has invested, the Fund may not recoup the full amount of its initial investment (including any premiums paid) or may not realize the full anticipated earnings from the investment and may be forced to reinvest in lower-yielding securities, securities with greater credit risks or securities with other, less favorable features.

In recent years, there has been a broad trend of weaker or less restrictive covenant protections in the high yield market. Among other things, under such weaker or less restrictive covenants, borrowers might be able to exercise more flexibility with respect to certain activities than borrowers who are subject to stronger or more protective covenants. For example, borrowers might be able to incur more debt, including secured debt, return more capital to shareholders, remove or reduce assets that are designated as collateral securing high yield securities, increase the claims against assets that are permitted against collateral securing high yield securities or otherwise manage their business in ways that could impact creditors negatively. In addition, certain privately held borrowers might be permitted to file or provide less frequent, less detailed or less timely financial reporting or other information, which could negatively impact the value of the high yield securities issued by such borrowers. Each of these factors might negatively impact the high yield securities held by the Fund.

**Investment Company Securities**

Subject to the limitations set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), or as otherwise permitted by the SEC, the Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies, including foreign investment companies, ETFs and money market funds (which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates). The market value of the shares of other investment companies may differ from the net asset value per share ("NAV") of the Fund. The shares of certain investment companies, principally closed-end investment companies, frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments in other investment companies.

**Liquidity**

The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. Illiquidity can also be caused by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. Liquidity risk may be magnified in a market where credit spread and interest rate volatility is rising and where investor redemptions from fixed-income mutual funds may be higher than normal. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value.

**Emerging Market Securities**

The Fund invests in emerging market or developing countries, which are countries that major international financial institutions generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations (such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe). Emerging market or developing countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market or developing countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Such emerging market countries could also subject the Fund to greater risk associated with the custody of its securities than developed markets, which may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments (including the companies in which a Fund may invest) in emerging market or developing countries may be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. Furthermore, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) may be limited in their ability to enforce regulatory or legal obligations in emerging market countries. In addition, emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to increased potential for market manipulation and wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. These characteristics result in greater risk of price volatility in emerging market or developing countries, which may be heightened by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

A portion of the Fund's investments in emerging market securities may include investments in microfinance loans. Microfinance loans are typically very small loans (microcredit) made for providing the means for people who are not served by traditional banking systems to expand their businesses or finance their families' basic needs by providing access to affordable credit. Microfinance loans carry many of the same risks associated with investing in emerging markets countries, but because some of the microfinance loans may be used to fund crop growing and livestock, microfinance loans may also be subject to climate and geography risk. In addition, most micro-clients have low incomes and little or no previous credit history. As a result, there is no assurance that micro-clients will be able to repay the microfinance loans.

*Sukuk.* The Fund may invest in Sukuk, which are foreign or emerging market securities based on Islamic principles. Sukuk are securities with cash flows similar to conventional bonds, issued by an issuer, which is usually a special purpose vehicle incorporated by the sovereign or corporate entity seeking financing, to obtain an upfront payment in exchange for an income stream and a future promise to return capital. Such income stream may or may not be linked to a tangible asset. For Sukuk that are not linked to a tangible asset, the Sukuk represents a contractual payment obligation of the issuer or issuing vehicle to pay income or periodic payments or distributions to the investor, and such contractual payment obligation is linked to the issuer or issuing vehicle and not from interest on the investor's money for Sukuk. For Sukuk linked to a tangible asset, the Fund will not have a direct interest in, or recourse to, the underlying asset or pool of assets. Sukuk involve many of the same risks that conventional bonds incur, such as credit risk and interest rate risk, as well as the risks associated with foreign or emerging market securities. In addition to these risks, there are certain risks specific to Sukuk, such as those relating to their structures.

**Fixed-Income Securities**

Fixed-income securities are securities that pay a fixed or a variable rate of interest until a stated maturity date. Fixed-income securities include U.S. government securities, securities issued by federal or federally sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, corporate bonds and notes, asset-backed securities, mortgage securities, securities rated below investment grade (commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or "high yield/high risk securities"), municipal bonds, loan participations and assignments, zero coupon bonds, convertible securities, Eurobonds, Brady Bonds, Yankee Bonds, repurchase agreements, commercial paper and cash equivalents.

Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).

Fixed income and other debt instruments, including mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid earlier than expected, such as in the case of refinancing. This risk is increased during periods of declining interest rates and prepayments may reduce the Fund's yield or income as a result of reinvesting the income or other proceeds in lower yielding securities or instruments. These investments are also subject to extension risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid slower or later than expected. This may negatively affect Fund returns, as the value of the investment decreases when principal payments are made later than expected. This risk is elevated during periods of increasing interest rates. In addition, because principal payments are made later than expected, the investment's duration may extend (and result in increased interest rate risk) and the Fund may be prevented from investing proceeds it would otherwise have received at the higher prevailing interest rates. Prepayments and extensions may result in a security or debt instrument offering less potential for gains during periods of declining interest rates or rising interest rates, respectively.

Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled. A portion of the Fund's fixed-income securities may be rated below investment grade. The Fund may be subject to liquidity risk, which may result from the lack of an active market and the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed-income securities. Fixed-income securities may be called (i.e., redeemed by the issuer) prior to final maturity. If a callable security is called, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at a lower rate of interest.

**Foreign Currency**

Investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar. Since the Fund may invest in such non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in their discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts**

In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies.

Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. The Adviser's success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the Fund's investment objectives, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolios. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

**Corporate Debt Obligations**

Corporate debt obligations are fixed-income securities issued by private corporations. The investment return of corporate debt obligations reflects interest earnings and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of a corporate debt obligation may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates generally. There also exists the risk that the issuers of the securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument or at all. Debtholders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders of the corporation as to both income and assets for the principal and interest due to the bondholder.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

The derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use include:

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

*Futures.* A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

*Options.* If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument, foreign currency or contract, such as a swap agreement or futures contract, on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium paid by the Fund. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument, swap, foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased over-the-counter ("OTC"), the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.

Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. The price of the option may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to the Fund and poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges.

Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

*Swaps.* The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges or swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of certain standardized swap transactions. Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility unless no exchange or

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

swap execution facility "makes the swap available to trade." The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

The Fund's use of swaps may include those based on the credit of an underlying security, commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by a third-party on the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

*Structured Investments.* The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

**Active Management Risk**

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance. There is no guarantee that the use of the Adviser's investment techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected or produce the desired results.

In addition, it is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity and the Adviser may be restricted in its ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities and may impair the Fund's liquidity.

**Large Transactions Risk**

The Fund may experience adverse effects when large shareholders, or a number of shareholders collectively purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund ("large shareholder transactions"). Such larger than normal redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund's performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. Large shareholder transactions may also result in taxable income and/or gains for the Fund, which may increase taxable distributions to shareholders, and may also increase transaction costs. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plans. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains when distributed by the Fund will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for individual shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of significant events affecting investor demand for securities or asset classes in which the Fund invests; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Although large shareholder transactions may be more frequent under certain circumstances, the Fund is generally subject to the risk that shareholders can purchase or redeem a significant percentage of Fund shares at any time.

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

**Temporary** **Investments**

Under adverse or unstable market conditions or abnormal circumstances or when the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions warrant, the Fund may, in the discretion of the Adviser, take temporary positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategy in attempting to respond to such conditions or circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest without limit in cash, cash equivalents or other fixed-income instruments, derivatives, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds, for temporary purposes. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts the effects of these changes or during periods of temporary defensive or other temporary positions, such temporary investments may adversely affect the Fund's performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**Portfolio Turnover**

Consistent with its investment policies, the Fund will purchase and sell securities without regard to the effect on portfolio turnover. Higher portfolio turnover (e.g., over 100% per year) may cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in taxable gains being passed through to shareholders. The Fund may engage in frequent trading of securities to achieve its investment objective.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**

U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional (or amended) regulations and legislators pass new laws (or amend existing laws) that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**ESG Investment Risk**

To the extent that the Adviser considers environmental, social and governance ("ESG") criteria and application of related analyses when selecting investments, the Fund's performance may be affected depending on whether such investments are in or out of favor and relative to similar funds that do not adhere to such criteria or apply such analyses. A company's ESG practices or the Adviser's assessment of such may change over time. Additionally, the Adviser's adherence to its ESG criteria and application of related analyses in connection with identifying and selecting investments may require subjective analysis and may be difficult if data about a particular company is limited. The Adviser's consideration of ESG criteria may result in the Fund buying certain securities or forgoing opportunities to buy certain securities. The Fund's investments in certain companies may be susceptible to various factors that may impact their businesses or operations, including the effects of general economic conditions throughout the world, increased competition from other providers of services, unfavorable tax laws or accounting policies and high leverage.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, the Adviser, authorized participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange, as applicable, are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through the service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of the Adviser, Distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), exchanges, market participants, market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, as applicable, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected.

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants, as applicable. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management

Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, conducts a worldwide portfolio management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the United States and abroad. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS") is the parent of the Adviser, which is the parent of the Distributor. Morgan Stanley is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

Sub-Adviser

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, located at 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4QA, England. The Sub-Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with investment advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Company's officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

Advisory Fee

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Adviser received a fee for advisory services (net of fee waivers, if applicable) equal to 0.47% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of the Fund to exceed 1.15% of average daily net assets for Class II. In determining the actual amount of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation) (but includes any 12b-1 fee paid to the Distributor). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Fund's annual operating expenses may vary throughout the period and from year to year. The Fund's actual expenses may be different than the expenses listed in the Fund's fee and expense table based upon the extent and amount of a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

A discussion regarding the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements is available in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Debt team. The team consists of portfolio managers, analysts and traders. The members of the team primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Sahil Tandon, Akbar Causer, Kyle Lee, Federico Sequeda, Patrick Campbell, Brian Shaw and Hussein Khattab.

Mr. Tandon has been associated with the Sub-Adviser in an investment management capacity since August 2019. Prior to August 2019, Mr. Tandon was associated with the Adviser in an investment capacity from 2004. Mr. Causer has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since April 2017. Mr. Lee has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since July 2007. Mr. Sequeda has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since September 2010. Mr. Campbell has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since June 2008. Mr. Shaw has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since December 2008. Mr. Khattab has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since January 2013.

Members of the team collaborate to manage the assets of the Fund.

The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.

The composition of the team may change from time to time.

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management (Con't)

Distribution Plan

The Company has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") for the Fund's Class II shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a monthly 12b-1 fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares. Such amount shall be paid to compensate the Distributor for remittance to insurance companies which offer the Company as an investment option. These payments are intended to compensate insurance companies for distribution and/or administrative-related expenses incurred or paid in connection with the distribution of Class II shares of the Fund. The Distributor has agreed to waive 0.20% of the 0.25% 12b-1 fee that it may receive. This waiver will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waiver when it deems such action is appropriate.

Since the 12b-1 fees associated with the Plan are paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment.

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay additional compensation (out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers and/or certain insurance companies or other financial intermediaries or service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and/or retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. Such compensation may be significant in amount and the prospect of receiving any such additional compensation may provide such affiliated or unaffiliated entities with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund's shares over other investment options. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Fund's shares. For more information, please see the Fund's SAI.

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information

**Share Class**

This Prospectus offers Class II shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class I shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class I shares are subject to lower expenses, but may not be available through your insurance company, qualified pension plan or retirement plan. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares**

Shares are offered on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business except as noted below.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (and other funds that serve as underlying investment options for variable insurance and annuity contracts (i.e., variable insurance funds)) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order (other than as set forth below). However, contract owners who allocate a portion of their contract to the Fund through the variable life insurance or variable annuity contracts previously described do not deal directly with the Fund to purchase and redeem shares. Please refer to the prospectus of the variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for information on the allocation, transfer and withdrawal of amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by using a combination of sales of securities held by the Fund and/or holdings of cash and cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, the Fund also reserves the right to use borrowings to meet redemption requests, and the Fund may use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions.

The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Fund currently does not foresee disadvantages to variable product contract owners or qualified plan participants arising out of the fact that the Fund offers its shares to separate accounts of various insurance companies that offer different types of variable annuity and variable life insurance products and various other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Nevertheless material irreconcilable conflicts may possibly arise among the interests of these investors. The Board of Directors that oversees the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any such material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

**Pricing of Fund Shares**

The price per share will be the NAV next determined after the Company or the insurance company receives your purchase or redemption order in good order. NAV is the value of one share's portion of all of the net assets in the Fund. The Company determines the NAV for the Fund as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares will generally not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open. On any business day when the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association ("SIFMA") recommends that the bond markets close early, the Fund reserves the right to close at or prior to the SIFMA recommended closing time. If the Fund does so, it will cease granting same day credit for purchase and redemption orders received after the Fund's closing time and credit will be given on the next business day. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations.

Trading of securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges may take place on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, to the extent, if any, that the Fund invests in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**About Net Asset Value**

The NAV of Class II shares is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to Class II, less the value of any liabilities attributable to Class II, by the total number of outstanding shares of Class II. For the purpose of calculating the NAV per share of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In making this calculation, the Fund generally values its portfolio securities and other assets at market price. With respect to investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board of Directors has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser determines that a market quotation is not accurate or reliable, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on foreign exchanges, when an event occurs after the close of such exchanges that is likely to have changed the value of the securities (e.g., a percentage change in value of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a significant development affecting a country or region or an issuer specific development that is likely to have changed the value of the security. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. To the extent the Fund invests in open-end management companies (other than exchange-traded funds) that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based, in relevant part, upon the NAV of such funds. The prospectuses for such funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and its effects.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or other asset. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the values of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares. The NAV of the Fund (excluding any applicable sales charges) is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets. Although the assets of each class are invested in the same portfolio of securities or other assets, the NAV of each class will differ because the classes have different class specific expenses.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund's provider of administrative services to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

The NAV of Class II shares will differ from that of Class I shares because of class-specific expenses that each class may pay.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The Fund distributes its net investment income, if any, at least annually as dividends and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

**Inactive Accounts and Risk of Escheatment**

In accordance with state "unclaimed property" laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state (also known as "escheatment") under various circumstances. These circumstances, which vary by state, can include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), uncashed checks or a combination of these. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund or your Financial Intermediary. Since states' statutory requirements regarding inactivity differ, it is important to regularly contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent. The process described above, and the application of state escheatment laws, may vary by state and/or depending on how shareholders hold their shares in the Fund. Escheatment with respect to a retirement account is subject to a 10% federal withholding on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address for your account, keep your account active by contacting your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent (e.g., by mail or telephone), and promptly cash all checks for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws.

For more information, please contact us at 1-888-378-1630.

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**Taxes**

The Fund expects that it will not have to pay federal income taxes if it distributes annually all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund does not expect to be subject to federal excise taxes with respect to undistributed income.

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its income from foreign jurisdictions. Special rules apply to certain transactions in a foreign currency.

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique and the tax laws may change, shareholders should consult a tax advisor about the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to their investment.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares**

Frequent purchases and redemptions of shares pursuant to the instructions of insurance company contract owners or qualified plan participants is referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading" and may present risks for other contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, which may include, among other things, dilution in the value of the Fund's shares indirectly held by contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, interference with the efficient management of the Fund, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that market-timers and/or short-term traders may take advantage of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the Fund's securities trade and the time the Fund's NAV is calculated ("time-zone arbitrage"). For example, a market-timer may submit instructions for the purchase of shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before the Fund's NAV calculation that are likely to result in higher prices in foreign markets the following day. The market-timer would submit instructions to redeem the Fund's shares the next day when the Fund's share price would reflect the increased prices in foreign markets for a quick profit at the expense of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund.

Investments in other types of securities also may be susceptible to short-term trading strategies. These investments include securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or relatively illiquid, which have the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A contract owner may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price-arbitrage"). Investments in certain fixed-income securities, such as high yield bonds, may be adversely affected by price arbitrage trading strategies. The Fund's policies with respect to valuing portfolio securities are described above in "About Net Asset Value."

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Insurance companies or qualified plans generally do not provide specific contract owner or plan participant transaction instructions to the Fund on an ongoing basis. Therefore, to some extent, the Fund relies on the insurance companies and qualified plans to monitor frequent short-term trading by contract owners. However, the Fund has entered into agreements with insurance companies and qualified plans whereby the insurance companies and qualified plans are required to provide certain contract owner identification and transaction information upon the Fund's request. The Fund may use this information to help identify and prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify or prevent all market-timing activity.

If the Fund identifies suspected market-timing activity, the insurance company or qualified plan will be contacted and asked to take steps to prevent further market-timing activity (e.g., sending warning letters or blocking frequent trading by underlying contract owners or participants). Insurance companies may be prohibited by the terms of the underlying insurance contract from restricting short-term trading of mutual fund shares by contract owners, thereby limiting the ability of such insurance company to implement remedial steps to prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan is unwilling or unable to take remedial steps to discourage or prevent frequent trading, or does not take action promptly, certain contract owners or participants may be able to engage in frequent trading to the detriment of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan refuses to take remedial action, or takes action that the Fund deems insufficient, a determination will be made whether it is appropriate to terminate the relationship with such insurance company or qualified plan.

**Portfolio Holdings Information**

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

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**Potential Conflicts of Interest**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Fund. These activities could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the "Affiliated Investment Accounts") with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with the Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with the Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be.

The conflicts summarized herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled "Potential Conflicts of Interest" in the SAI. Conflicts of interest not described below or in the SAI may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include the Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

*Material Nonpublic and Other Information.* It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity, including for an extended period of time. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Fund with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser also may implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for the Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates.

*Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.* In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. The Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among the Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser.

*Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.* The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

*Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.* Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for the Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund.

*Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.* Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with the Fund and with respect to investments that the Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by the Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with the Fund and/or any of the Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley's activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to a merger or an acquisition.

**28**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Financial Highlights**

Financial Highlights

The financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund's Class II shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). In addition, this performance information does not include the impact of any charges by your insurance company. If it did, returns would be lower.

The ratios of expenses to average net assets listed in the table below for Class II shares are based on the average net assets of the Fund for each of the periods listed in the table. To the extent that the Fund's average net assets decrease over the Fund's next fiscal year, such expense ratios can be expected to increase, potentially significantly, because certain fixed costs will be spread over a smaller amount of assets.

The information below has been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP's report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are incorporated by reference into the Fund's SAI. The Fund's financial statements and additional information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR and SAI are available at no cost from the Company at the toll-free number noted on the back cover to this Prospectus or from your insurance company.

**29**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Financial Highlights

**VIF Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $5.43 | $5.45 | $5.33 | $7.14 | $7.67 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup>  | 0.40 | 0.67 | 0.47 | 0.40 | 0.34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  | 0.35 | (0.09) | 0.12 | (1.76) | (0.48) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total from Investment Operations  | 0.75 | 0.58 | 0.59 | (1.36) | (0.14) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income  | (0.84) | (0.60) | (0.47) | (0.45) | (0.39) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $5.34 | $5.43 | $5.45 | $5.33 | $7.14 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>**  | 15.24% | 11.28% | 11.69%<sup>(3)</sup>  | (18.81)% | (1.96)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $9884 | $10522 | $11410 | $12093 | $16181 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.62% | 1.58% | 1.57% | 1.49% | 1.42% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.14%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.14%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.14%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.15%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.17%<sup>(4)(5)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 7.40%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 12.13%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 9.02%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 6.91%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 4.54%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 119% | 139% | 117% | 75% | 28% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares.

(4) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(5) Effective July 1, 2021, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 1.15% for Class II shares. Prior to July 1, 2021, the maximum ratio was 1.35% for Class II shares.

(6) Amount is less than 0.005%.

**30**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17248)

Where to Find Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports") and Annual or Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information filed in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR. In the Fund's Annual Report, among other things, you will find a brief summary of the key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund has an SAI, dated April 30, 2026 (as may be supplemented from time to time), which includes additional information about the Company and the Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. For a free copy of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports or Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR, to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries, please call toll-free 1-800-869-6397 or contact your insurance company. If you purchased shares through a Financial Intermediary, you may also obtain these documents, without charge, by contacting your Financial Intermediary. Free copies of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports and Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR are also available from our Internet site at: [www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports](DUMMY_17248_0_3).

You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Financial Intermediary, if applicable, or by visiting our Internet site.

Shareholder Reports and other information about the Fund, such as Fund financial statements, are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at: [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_17248_2_1), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., member FINRA.

The Company's 1940 Act registration number is 811-7607.© 2026 Morgan Stanley

------

![image](pr17238img001.jpg)<br>

**Morgan Stanley** **Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

**Prospectus** \| April 30, 2026<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Ticker Symbol** |
| Class I | MEMEX |

---

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

**An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or endorsed by a bank, is not a bank deposit or obligation thereof, and is not** **insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the** **Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money investing in the Fund.**

![image](pr17238img002.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund that provides investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. In this prospectus, shares of the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (the "Fund") are being offered.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [**Fund Summary**](#ref_chapter_2_17238)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17238)  |
| [**Details of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_3_17238)  | [8](#ref_chapter_3_17238)  |
| [**Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**](#ref_chapter_4_17238)  | [9](#ref_chapter_4_17238)  |
| [**Fund Management**](#ref_chapter_5_17238)  | [20](#ref_chapter_5_17238)  |
| [**Shareholder Information**](#ref_chapter_6_17238)  | [22](#ref_chapter_6_17238)  |
| [**Financial Highlights**](#ref_chapter_8_17238)  | [27](#ref_chapter_8_17238)  |

---

------

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of issuers in emerging market countries.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class I shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge any sales loads or other fees when you purchase or redeem shares. The table below does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be higher. **You may pay fees other than the fees** **and expenses of the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and other fees charged by financial intermediaries, which are** **not reflected in the tables and examples below.**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Class I** |
| Advisory Fee | 0.75% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee |  |
| Other Expenses | 0.53% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses\* | 1.28% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\* | 0.03% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\* | 1.25% |

---

\* The Fund's "Adviser" and "Administrator," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 1.25% for Class I. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate.

**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 does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, costs shown would be higher.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). 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 I | $127  | $403  | $699  | $1543  |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in Total 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 23% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

The Fund's "Adviser," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., and the Fund's "Sub-Adviser," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company ("MSIM Company"), seek to maximize returns by investing primarily in quality growth-oriented equity securities in emerging markets.

The Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's investment approach combines top-down country and thematic allocation with bottom-up stock selection. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser allocate the Fund's assets among emerging markets based on relative economic, political and social fundamentals, stock valuations and investor sentiment. To seek to manage risk, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser emphasize macroeconomic and fundamental research.

The investment process integrates information about environmental, social and governance issues (also referred to as ESG) when making investment decisions. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser believe that monitoring ESG helps build a more complete picture of the opportunities and risks facing companies, and seeks to engage directly with company management to gain insights on how each company addresses material ESG issues and how these may affect long-term financial performance.

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in equity securities of issuers located in emerging market countries. This policy may be changed without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified upon 60 days' notice in writing of any changes. Equity securities generally represent an ownership interest in an issuer or may be convertible into or represent a right to acquire an ownership interest in an issuer. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser consider an issuer to be located in an emerging market country if (i) its principal securities trading market is in an emerging market country, (ii) alone or on a consolidated basis it derives 50% or more of its annual revenue or profits from goods produced, sales made or services performed in emerging market countries or has at least 50% of its assets, core business operations and/or employees in emerging markets countries or (iii) it is organized under the laws of, or has a principal office in, an emerging market country. By applying this test, it is possible that a particular issuer could be deemed to be located in more than one country. Emerging market or developing countries are countries that major international financial institutions or the Fund's benchmark index generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations, such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe. Emerging market or developing countries can include every nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser generally consider selling an investment when they determine the company no longer satisfies their investment criteria.

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's 80% policy discussed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to the securities included within that policy.

**Principal Risks**

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you can lose money investing in this Fund. Investments in the Fund involve risks and you should not rely on the Fund as a complete investment program. The relative significance of each risk factor summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include:

● **Equity Securities.** In general, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or widely, in response to activities specific to the issuer of the security as well as factors unrelated to the fundamental condition of the issuer, including general market, economic, political and public health conditions. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although prices can rebound, there is no assurance that prices of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.<br>

● **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks, such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks, and heightened risks, that may result in losses to the Fund. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political, and social turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging market countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies.<br>

● **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts.** To the extent the Fund seeks to hedge its foreign currency exposure by the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts involves the risks associated with derivatives and the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract.

● **Foreign Currency.** The Fund's investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar. Since the Fund may invest in such non-U.S. dollar- denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

● **China Risk.** Investments in securities of Chinese issuers involve risks associated with investments in foreign markets as well as special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. markets or other foreign (including emerging) markets. For example, the Chinese government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation, state ownership and/or other involvement. Actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China and operations of particular Chinese companies. In addition, the Chinese government has actively intervened in Chinese companies' operations and structures and taken (and may continue to take) actions that influenced the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encouraged companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induced mergers between companies in certain industries and induced private companies to publicly offer their securities. Investments in China involve risk of a total loss due to government action or inaction or other adverse circumstances.

Additionally, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to the economic conditions, trading policies and taxation of imports of its primary trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the Chinese economy and the Fund's investments. Moreover, a slowdown in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth or the value of investments in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund's investments. In addition, certain securities are, or may in the future, become restricted and/or sanctioned by the U.S. government or other governments and the Fund may be forced to sell or unable to sell such securities and incur a loss as a result and the Fund may be unable to purchase securities of Chinese issuers from time to time. <br>

U.S. relations with China are strained, because of, among other things, a series of trade, international treaty, tax, and sanctions actions taken by the United States and China against each other, including the designation of China as a "foreign adversary" of the U.S., as well as countersanctions or countermeasures from the Chinese government that have been triggered or are expected to be triggered. Moreover, recent developments in relations between the U.S., other trading <br>

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

partners and China have heightened concerns (and the realization) of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential for an escalation in trade tensions or a trade war. Increases in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof) could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China's export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of the Fund's direct or indirect investments in China and, therefore, the Fund's investments.<br>

These and other developments, including government actions or inactions, would likely result in significant illiquidity risk or losses or forced disposition for Chinese investments. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by a relatively small number of equity issues and relatively low trading volume, resulting in decreased liquidity, greater price volatility (caused by, among other things, military, diplomatic, or trade conflicts and government intervention in economic and securities markets), and potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund. The Fund's investments in Chinese securities are also subject to additional risks associated with differing regulatory and audit requirements in the Chinese securities market as compared to the U.S. securities market, including a lack of reliable audits and other financial information regarding many Chinese companies and heightened risk of market manipulation and fraud, which may be increased through actions taken by the Chinese government. In addition, the relationship between China and Taiwan is particularly sensitive, and hostilities between China and Taiwan, including continued threats by China to invade and control Taiwan, present a significant risk to the Fund's investments in China. Ongoing political tension between the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may have impacts on the economy of Hong Kong, and these impacts remain uncertain.<br>

*Risks of Investing through Stock Connect.* The Fund may invest in A-shares listed and traded through Stock Connect, or on such other stock exchanges in China which participate in Stock Connect from time to time or in the future. Trading through Stock Connect is subject to a number of restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns. Moreover, Stock Connect A-shares generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Stock Connect in accordance with applicable rules. The Stock Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to the program's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns. Because certain transactions through Stock Connect may not be subject to certain investor protection programs, the Fund may be exposed to the risks of default of the broker(s) they engage in their trading in China A Shares.<br>

*Variable Interest Entities.* Chinese operating companies sometimes rely on variable interest entity ("VIE") structures to raise capital from non-Chinese investors because of Chinese government limitations or prohibitions on direct foreign ownership in certain industries. In a VIE structure, a series of contractual arrangements are entered into between a holding company domiciled outside of China and a Chinese operating company or companies, which are intended to mimic direct ownership in the operating company, but in many cases these arrangements have not been tested in court and it is not clear that the contracts are enforceable or that the structures will otherwise work as intended. The offshore holding company, which is not a Chinese operating company, then issues exchange-traded shares that are sold to the public, including non-Chinese investors (such as the Fund). In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in China and a Chinese operating company, the shares of the holding company purchased by the Fund would not be equity ownership interests in the Chinese operating company and the Fund's interest would be subject to substantial legal, operational and other risks associated with the company's use of the VIE structure. For example, the Chinese government has not approved VIE structures and at any time without advance notice the Chinese government or a Chinese regulator or court could determine that the contractual arrangements constituting part of the VIE structure are unenforceable or do not comply with applicable law or regulations, these laws or regulations could change or be interpreted differently in the future, and the Chinese government also may with no advance notice otherwise intervene in or exert influence over VIE structures or the related Chinese operating companies. If any of these or similar risks or developments materialize, the Fund's investment in the holding company may suddenly and significantly decline in value or become worthless because of, among other things, difficulty enforcing (or the inability to enforce) the contractual arrangements or materially adverse effects on the Chinese operating company's performance. In these circumstances, the Fund could experience significant or total losses with no recourse available. From time to time, the Fund's investments in U.S.-listed shell companies relying on VIE structures to obtain exposure to Chinese operating companies could be significant. A decline or worsening in diplomatic or other relations between the U.S. and China could increase the risks associated with the VIE structure.<br>

● **India Risk.** To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in Indian issuers, the value of the Fund's assets may be adversely affected by political, economic, social and religious factors impacting Indian businesses and the Indian economy, changes in Indian law or regulations and the status of India's relations with other countries. Indian government actions in the future could have a significant effect on the Indian economy, which could affect private sector companies and the Fund, market conditions, and prices and yields of securities in the Fund's portfolio. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in Indian businesses and the Indian economy, factors that have an adverse impact on Indian businesses and the Indian economy may have a disproportionate impact on the Fund's performance.

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

● **Liquidity.** The Fund may make investments that are less liquid, illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

● **Derivatives.** Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument, including market risk, and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Investments in currency derivatives may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts and currency futures and options contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated.

● **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic , geopolitical and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. These types of events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the value (or income generated by) and liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact the Fund's ability to sell securities and/or its ability to meet redemptions. The risks associated with these developments may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters or events, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes , supply chain disruptions and the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures) adversely interrupt or otherwise affect the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These types of events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance or value of the Fund's investments, adversely affect and increase the volatility of the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

● **Financials Sector Risk.** To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the financials sector, factors that have an adverse impact on this sector may have a disproportionate impact on the Fund's performance. The financials sector can be affected by global and local economic conditions, such as the levels and liquidity of the global and local financial and asset markets, the absolute and relative level and volatility of interest rates and equity prices, investor sentiment, inflation, and the availability and cost of credit. Adverse developments in these conditions can have a greater adverse effect on the financials sector of an emerging market economy than on other industries of its economy. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of the financials sector.

● **Information Technology Sector Risk.** To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, product obsolescence, government regulation, and competition, and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

● **Active Management Risk.** In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance.

Please see "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of risks of investing in the Fund. Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Performance Information**

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's Class I shares' performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's Class I shares' average annual returns for the

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

past one, five and ten year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. This performance information does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, returns would be lower. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years (Class I)**

Commenced operations on October 1, 1996

![image](pr17238img003.jpg)

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter**  | 06/30/20  | 20.10% |
| **Low Quarter**  | 03/31/20  | -26.89% |

---

**Average Annual Total Returns (Class I)**

(for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past One**<br>**Year** | **Past Five**<br>**Years** | **Past Ten**<br>**Years** |
| **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| Return Before Taxes | 32.96% | 4.37% | 7.27% |
| MSCI Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>1</sup>  | 33.57% | 4.20% | 8.42% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets. The term "free float" represents the portion of shares outstanding that are deemed to be available for purchase in the public equity markets by investors. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index currently consists of 24 emerging market country indices. The performance of the Index is listed in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. Net total return indices reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indices) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

**Fund Management**

**Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

**Sub-Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company.

**Portfolio Managers.** The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Equity team. Information about the members jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser/Sub-Adviser** | **Date Began**<br>**Managing Fund** |
| Eric Carlson | Managing Director of the Adviser | September 1997 |
| Paul Psaila | Managing Director of the Adviser | October 1996 |
| Amay Hattangadi | Managing Director of MSIM Company | July 2018 |

---

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Prospectus offers Class I shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class II shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class II shares are subject to higher expenses due to the imposition of a 12b-1 fee. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (either directly or indirectly through other variable insurance funds) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares."

**Tax Information**

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Taxes."

**Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser and/or the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., may pay insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Fund-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance of their variable annuity contracts. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company to recommend one variable annuity or variable life insurance contract over another or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's web site for more information.

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of issuers in emerging market countries.

**Approach**

The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser seek to maximize returns by investing primarily in quality growth-oriented equity securities in emerging markets. The Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's investment approach combines top-down country and thematic allocation with bottom-up stock selection. Investment selection criteria include attractive growth characteristics, reasonable valuations and company managements with strong shareholder value orientation.

**Process**

The Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's global strategists analyze the global economic environment, particularly its impact on emerging markets, and allocate the Fund's assets among emerging markets based on relative economic, political and social fundamentals, stock valuations and investor sentiment. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser invest in countries based on the work of country specialists who conduct extensive fundamental analysis of companies within these markets and seeks to identify companies with strong earnings growth prospects. To manage risk, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser emphasize macroeconomic and fundamental research. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser generally consider selling a portfolio holding when it determines that the holding no longer satisfies its investment criteria.

The investment process integrates information about environmental, social and governance issues (also referred to as ESG) when making investment decisions. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser believe that monitoring ESG helps build a more complete picture of the opportunities and risks facing companies, and seeks to engage directly with company management to gain insights on how each company addresses material ESG issues and how these may affect long-term financial performance.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in equity securities of issuers located in emerging market countries. This policy may be changed without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified upon 60 days' notice in writing of any changes. Equity securities generally represent an ownership interest in an issuer or may be convertible into or represent a right to acquire an ownership interest in an issuer.

The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser consider an issuer to be located in an emerging market country if (i) its principal securities trading market is in an emerging market country, (ii) alone or on a consolidated basis it derives 50% or more of its annual revenue or profits from goods produced, sales made or services performed in emerging market countries or has at least 50% of its assets, core business operations and/or employees in emerging markets countries or (iii) it is organized under the laws of, or has a principal office in, an emerging market country. By applying this test, it is possible that a particular issuer could be deemed to be located in more than one country.

Emerging market or developing countries are countries that major international financial institutions or the Fund's benchmark index generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations, such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe. Emerging market or developing countries can include every nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe.

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's 80% policy discussed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to the securities included within that policy.

For purposes of policies adopted in accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), the term "assets," as defined in Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, means net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes.

Unless otherwise required, the Fund may change its principal investment strategies at any time without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified of any changes as required by applicable law.

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *This section discusses additional information relating to Fund investment strategies, other types of investments that the Fund may make and related risk factors. References to the "Adviser" under "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" refer to the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. Fund investment practices and limitations are also described in more detail in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), which is incorporated by reference and legally is a part of this Prospectus. For details on how to obtain a copy of the SAI and other reports and information, see the back cover of this Prospectus.* <br>

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price and yield will fluctuate with changes in the market value and/or yield of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

Economies and financial markets worldwide have experienced periods of increased volatility, uncertainty, distress, government spending, inflation, tariffs and disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. To the extent these conditions exist or continue, the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including those described below, could be heightened and the Fund's investments (and thus a shareholder's investment in the Fund) may be particularly susceptible to sudden and substantial losses, reduced yield or income or other adverse developments. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time.

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others.

The percentage limitations (including the Fund's 80% policy, if any) relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act or rule thereunder, subsequent percentage changes that result from market fluctuations generally will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.

However, the Fund may be required to reduce its borrowings, if any, in response to fluctuations in the value of such holdings.

**Market and Geopolitical Risk**

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions (i.e., increase the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period). In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such assets.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or market, or with respect to one company, may adversely impact other companies and other issuers, including those in a different country, region, sector, industry or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries and adversely impact the Fund's investments. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform or otherwise be adversely affected due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters and extreme weather events, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political (including geopolitical) discord and tensions or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in inflation rates or expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, an issuer's financial condition, the Fund's investments and an investment in the Fund. Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions or similar actions by the U.S. or foreign governments (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on economies, financial markets, issuers and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations.

Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations, can be adversely affected by changes in local and global economic conditions, including those that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments.

Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the price and performance of the Fund's investments, reduce market liquidity, adversely affect and increase the volatility of markets and the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing political, social, financial and economic risks to the Fund and cause overall declines in the U.S. and global markets. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions (including monetary and/or fiscal actions intended to stimulate or stabilize the global economy) that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**Equity Securities**

Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and equity-linked securities, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), rights and warrants to purchase common stocks, depositary receipts, shares of investment companies (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates), limited partnership interests and other specialty securities having equity features. Many factors affect the value of equity securities, including earnings, earnings forecasts, corporate events and factors impacting the issuer's financial condition, sector, industry and the market generally, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably, and these fluctuations may be frequent and significant. In addition, the Fund cannot accurately predict the income it might receive from equity securities because issuers generally have discretion as to the payment of dividends or distributions, and the common stock of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if, for example, the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because of a decline in the issuer's financial condition. The Fund may invest in equity securities that are publicly traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter ("OTC") or in equity securities that are not publicly traded. Equity securities are subject to the risk that stock prices in general (or in particular, the prices of the types of securities in which the Fund invests) may decline over short or extended periods of time. Equity securities that are not publicly traded may be more difficult to value or sell and their value may fluctuate more dramatically than publicly traded equity securities. Convertible securities are subject to many of the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and equity securities.

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or the financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. In addition, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although stock prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.

U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks. In addition, the price of equity securities of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund.

**Depositary Receipts**

A depositary receipt is generally issued by a bank or financial institution and represents the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks as those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. When the Fund invests in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") rather than investing directly in their underlying foreign shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the ADRs may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with the return of the underlying foreign shares. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Because the underlying foreign shares of ADRs are typically denominated or quoted in non-U.S. currencies, currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Further, since an ADR's underlying shares trade on foreign exchanges at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the ADR's underlying shares may change materially at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for Fund shares.

**Convertible Securities**

A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to and are subject to many of the risks associated with both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to other comparable nonconvertible fixed-income securities in such capital structure. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special and heightened risks, which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers generally are subject to different corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards than U.S. issuers. There may be less information available to the public about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers can be less liquid, experience greater price movements, and may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and/or other taxes, which decreases the yield and/or return of these securities. The Fund may experience losses if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be susceptible to influence by large traders due to the limited size of many foreign securities markets and there is the risk that news and events unique to a country or region that would not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States will affect those markets and their issuers and political events in foreign countries may cause market and economic disruptions. Moreover, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Also, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. In some foreign countries, there is also the risk of government expropriation, excessive or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, the imposition of currency controls or diplomatic developments that could affect the Fund's investments. There also can be difficulty obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers in foreign countries. Foreign stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed issuers may be subject to less government regulation and oversight. Securities registration, custody, and settlement may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and experience other adverse consequences. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. In addition, in certain markets the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities during certain periods.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. The value of holdings traded outside the United States or denominated in foreign currencies (and any hedging transactions in foreign currencies), including underlying securities represented by depositary receipts, will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the holding in the issuer's home country. These risks may be intensified for the Fund's investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. Moreover, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities (or force the Fund to sell foreign securities) or transfer the Fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. The Fund's investments in foreign securities are subject to trade laws of and potential economic sanctions by the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter-sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit the Fund from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions could prohibit the Fund from transacting with particular countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures also could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. In addition, economic sanctions or other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, increase the Fund's transaction costs, make the Fund's investments more difficult to value or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

Even if the Fund does not have significant investments in securities affected by sanctions, sanctions or the threat of sanctions may cause volatility in regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, including through global supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced economic activity, which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. In addition, trade disputes and changes in tariffs may affect investor and consumer confidence and adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to predict.

In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including American Depositary Receipts, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the securities would likely decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts**

In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to seek to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies.

Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. The Adviser's success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

**China Risk**

Investments in securities of Chinese issuers involve risks associated with investments in foreign markets as well as special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets or other foreign (including emerging) markets. For example, the Chinese government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation, state ownership and/or other involvement. Actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China and operations of particular Chinese companies. In addition, the Chinese government has actively intervened in Chinese companies' operations and structures and taken (and may continue to take) actions that influenced the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encouraged companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induced mergers between companies in certain industries and induced private companies to publicly offer their securities. Investments in China involve risk of a total loss due to government action or inaction or other adverse circumstances. Additionally, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to the economic conditions, trading policies and taxation of imports of its primary trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the Chinese economy and the Fund's investments. Moreover, a slowdown in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth or the value of investments in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund's investments. In addition, certain securities are, or may in the future become restricted and/or sanctioned by the U.S. government or other governments and the Fund may be forced to sell or

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

unable to sell such securities and incur a loss as a result and the Fund may be unable to purchase securities of Chinese issuers from time to time.

U.S. relations with China are strained, because of, among other things, a series of trade, international treaty, tax, and sanctions actions taken by the United States and China against each other, including the designation of China as a "foreign adversary" of the U.S., as well as countersanctions or countermeasures from the Chinese government that have been triggered or are expected to be triggered. Moreover, recent developments in relations between the U.S., other trading partners and China have heightened concerns (and the realization) of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential for an escalation in trade tensions or a trade war. For example, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on senior Chinese officials and certain employees of Chinese technology companies, and placed restrictions on U.S. investments in such companies. Increases in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof) could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China's export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of a Fund's direct or indirect investments in China and, therefore, the Fund's investments. In addition, the adoption or continuation of protectionist trade policies by one or more countries could lead to a decrease in demand for Chinese products and reduced flows of foreign capital to these economies.

These and other developments, including government actions or inactions, would likely result in significant illiquidity risk or losses or forced disposition for Chinese investments. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by a relatively small number of equity issues and relatively low trading volume, resulting in decreased liquidity, greater price volatility (caused by, among other things, military, diplomatic, or trade conflicts and government intervention in economic and securities markets), and potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund. The Fund's investments in Chinese securities are also subject to additional risks associated with differing regulatory and audit requirements in the Chinese securities market as compared to the U.S. securities market, including a lack of reliable audits and other financial information regarding many Chinese companies and heightened risk of market manipulation and fraud, which may be increased through actions taken by the Chinese government. These differences (including absence of information relative to issuers in many developed countries) may result in the unavailability of material information about Chinese issuers and/or inaccurate or incomplete financial records of an issuer's operations in China. The unavailability of reliable, complete or other information and lack of comparable accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards present additional risks, such as risks associated with difficulties verifying issuers' financial information. In addition, the relationship between China and Taiwan is particularly sensitive, and hostilities between China and Taiwan, including continued threats by China to invade and control Taiwan, present a significant risk to the Fund's investments in China. Ongoing political tension between the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may have impacts on the economy of Hong Kong, and these impacts remain uncertain. Military or diplomatic moves involving China could significant adversely affect the economies and issuers in the region and, thus, the Fund's investments.

*Risks of Investing through Stock Connect.* The Fund may invest in A-shares listed and traded through Stock Connect, or on such other stock exchanges in China which participate in Stock Connect from time to time or in the future. Trading through Stock Connect is subject to a number of restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns. Moreover, Stock Connect A-shares generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Stock Connect in accordance with applicable rules. The Stock Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to the program's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns. Because certain transactions through Stock Connect may not be subject to certain investor protection programs, the Fund may be exposed to the risks of default of the broker(s) they engage in their trading in China Shares.

*Variable Interest Entities.* The Fund could seek to gain economic exposure to certain operating companies in China through legal structures known as variable interest entities ("VIEs"). In a VIE structure, a series of contractual arrangements are entered into between a holding company domiciled outside of China and a Chinese operating company or companies. More specifically, in a VIE structure, a China-based operating company ("Operating Company") typically establishes an offshore shell company ("Shell Company") in another jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands, which generally does not conduct operations but enters into service and other contracts with the Operating Company and issues shares on a foreign exchange, like the New York Stock Exchange or Hong Kong Exchange. U.S. investors, such as the Fund, would hold stock in the Shell Company with contractual arrangements with an Operating Company based in China through the VIE rather than hold stock in the Operating Company and the Shell Company does not typically own stock or other equity in the Operating Company. Accordingly, the Fund's investment in the Shell Company represents an interest in the Shell Company and the Fund has no equity ownership of the Operating Company. As a result, VIE structures and these contractual arrangements are not equivalent to equity ownership in the Operating Company, which presents significant additional risks. Certain Chinese companies have used VIEs to facilitate foreign investment because of Chinese governmental prohibitions or restrictions on non-Chinese ownership (e.g., by U.S. persons and entities) of companies in certain industries in China. Through a VIE arrangement, the

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Operating Companies indirectly raise capital from U.S. investors (such as a Fund) without distributing ownership of the Operating Companies to such U.S. investors.

Investments in VIEs are subject to the risks associated with investments in China and the relevant Operating Company itself but are also subject to far greater risks associated with the VIE structure. For example, breaches of the contractual arrangements, changes in Chinese law, regulation or judicial decisions or interpretations with respect to enforceability, validity with respect to enforceability or permissibility of these arrangements or failure of these contracts to function as intended would likely adversely materially affect the Operating Company's performance and an investment in the Shell Company. In addition, VIE structures are also subject to the risk of inconsistent and unpredictable application of Chinese law and regulations, that the Shell Company could be limited in its ability to control, or may lose control over, the Operating Company, and that the equity owners of the Operating Company might have interests conflicting with those of the Shell Company's investors. There is also uncertainty related to the Chinese taxation of VIEs and the Chinese tax authorities could take positions that result in increased tax liabilities. Thus, investors, such as the Fund, face significant risks and uncertainty about future actions or intervention by the government of China or other similar developments (such as changes in regulations, laws and judicial decisions or interpretations), which could occur at any time and without advance notice and which could suddenly and significantly affect VIE structures, the Operating Companies and the Shell Companies (such as impacting, eliminating or limiting the enforceability of the Shell Company's contractual arrangements with the Operating Company or restricting the listing of the shares of the Shell Company). If any of these or similar risks materialize, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments in the Shell Company would likely be significantly adversely affected, causing a Fund to incur significant losses with no recourse available. A decline in diplomatic or other relations between the U.S. and China, such as increased U.S. sanctions against China or Chinese companies, could increase the risks associated with the VIE structure, including the potential that the Chinese government or a Chinese regulator or court could determine that VIE structures are not enforceable under Chinese law.

Although the China Securities Regulatory Commission published its position that it does not object to the use of VIE structures for Operating Companies to raise capital from non-Chinese investors, the Chinese government has not approved these structures and there is no guarantee that the Chinese government or Chinese regulator or court will not determine that these arrangements are inconsistent with Chinese laws or regulations at any time without notice or otherwise interfere with the operation of or disallow VIE structures or that this published position will remain unchanged. Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIE structures could materially adversely affect the Operating Company's performance, the enforceability of the Shell Company's contractual arrangements with the Operating Company and the value of the Shell Company's shares, which could become worthless as a result. Further, if the Chinese government or other regulatory or judicial authority determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structure do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to prohibitions on foreign ownership, the Operating Company could be subject to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses or forfeiture of ownership interests. Much of the value of an investment in the Shell Company depends on the enforceability of the contractual arrangements entered into as part of the VIE structure, which are less effective than direct ownership, and a Shell Company's ability to exert any control over the Operating Company could be jeopardized if certain legal formalities are not observed in connection with the agreements, if the agreements are breached, or if the agreements are otherwise determined not to be enforceable. In addition, the Shell Company could incur significant costs to seek to enforce the terms of these arrangements because of, among other things, legal uncertainties and jurisdictional limits. If any of the foregoing or similar developments were to occur, the market value and liquidity of the associated investments would fall, causing substantial investment losses for investors, such as the Fund with no recourse available.

**Emerging Market Securities**

The Fund may invest in emerging market or developing countries, which are countries that major international financial institutions generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations (such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe). Emerging market or developing countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market or developing countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Such emerging market countries could also subject the Fund to greater risk associated with the custody of its securities than developed markets, which may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments (including the companies in which the Fund may invest) in emerging market or developing countries may be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. Furthermore, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) may be limited in their ability to enforce regulatory or legal obligations in emerging market countries. In addition, emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to increased potential for market manipulation and wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. These characteristics result in greater risk of price volatility in emerging market or developing countries, which may be heightened by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

**Foreign Currency**

Investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. Since the Fund may invest in such non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

**Foreign Real Estate Companies**

Investing in foreign real estate companies exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly and investing in companies in the real estate industry, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which foreign real estate companies are organized and operated. For example, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management or development of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans and the underlying mortgage loans may be subject to the risks of default. Foreign real estate companies generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Operating foreign real estate companies requires specialized management skills and the Fund may indirectly bear management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. Individual foreign real estate companies may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. In addition, foreign real estate companies, like mutual funds, have expenses, including management and administration fees, that are paid by their shareholders. As a result, shareholders will absorb their proportionate share of duplicate levels of fees when the Fund invests in foreign real estate companies.

**Liquidity**

The Fund may make investments that are less liquid, illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to, among other developments, overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. Illiquidity can also be caused by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

The derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use include:

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

*Futures.* A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

*Swaps.* The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges or swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of certain standardized swap transactions. Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility unless no exchange or swap execution facility "makes the swap available to trade." The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

**Banking Industry**

Investment opportunities in many emerging markets may be concentrated in the banking industry. The banking industry can be affected by global and local economic conditions, such as the levels and liquidity of the global and local economic conditions, such as the levels and liquidity of the global and local financial and asset markets, the absolute and relative level and volatility of interest rates and equity prices, investor sentiment, inflation, and the availability and cost of credit. Adverse developments in these conditions can have a greater adverse effect on the banking industry of an emerging market economy than on other industries of its economy and these or similar developments can have a systemic negative impact on other banking industry participants. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of the banking industry. To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the banking industry, factors that have an adverse impact on this industry may have a disproportionate impact on the Fund's performance. Adverse developments that affect financial institutions, the financial services sector or the banking industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, may reduce liquidity in the market generally or have other adverse effects on the economy, the Fund, or issuers in which the Fund invests. In addition, the Fund and issuers in which it invests may not be able to identify all potential solvency or stress concerns with respect to a financial institution or to transfer assets from one bank or financial institution to another in a timely manner in the event such bank or financial institution comes under stress or fails. The financial sector, in particular depository institutions, such as banks, is particularly susceptible to systemic risks and contagion which may adversely affect the Fund's investments in the financial services sector or the banking industry.

**Financials Sector Risk**

To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the financials sector, factors that have an adverse impact on this sector may have a disproportionate impact on the Fund's performance. Investment opportunities in many emerging markets may be concentrated in the financials sector. The financials sector can be affected by global and local economic conditions, such as the levels and liquidity of the global and local financial and asset markets, the absolute and relative level and volatility of interest rates and equity prices, investor sentiment, inflation, and the availability and cost of credit. Adverse developments in these conditions can have a greater adverse effect on the financials sector of an emerging market economy than on other industries of its economy. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of the financials sector.

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

**India Risk**

Investments in securities of Indian issuers may be adversely affected by political, economic, social and religious factors impacting Indian businesses and the Indian economy, changes in Indian law or regulations and the status of India's relations with other countries. In addition, the economy of India may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as the rate of growth of gross domestic product, the rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. The Indian government has exercised and continues to exercise significant influence over many aspects of the economy, and the number of public sector enterprises in India is substantial. Accordingly, Indian government actions in the future could have a significant effect on the Indian economy, which could affect private sector companies and the Fund, market conditions, and prices and yields of securities in the Fund's portfolio. To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in Indian businesses and the Indian economy, factors that have an adverse impact on Indian businesses and the Indian economy may have a disproportionate impact on the Fund's performance.

**Active Management Risk**

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance. There is no guarantee that the use of the Adviser's investment techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected or produce the desired results.

In addition, it is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity and the Adviser may be restricted in its ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities and may impair the Fund's liquidity.

**Large Transactions Risk**

The Fund may experience adverse effects when large shareholders, or a number of shareholders collectively purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund ("large shareholder transactions"). Such larger than normal redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund's performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. Large shareholder transactions may also result in taxable income and/or gains for the Fund, which may increase taxable distributions to shareholders, and may also increase transaction costs. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plans. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains when distributed by the Fund will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for individual shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of significant events affecting investor demand for securities or asset classes in which the Fund invests; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Although large shareholder transactions may be more frequent under certain circumstances, the Fund is generally subject to the risk that shareholders can purchase or redeem a significant percentage of Fund shares at any time.

**Temporary** **Investments**

Under adverse or unstable market conditions or abnormal circumstances or when the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions warrant, the Fund may, in the discretion of the Adviser, take temporary positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategy in attempting to respond to such conditions or circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest without limit in cash, cash equivalents or other fixed-income instruments, derivatives, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds, for temporary purposes. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts the effects of these changes or during periods of temporary defensive or other temporary positions, such temporary investments may adversely affect the Fund's performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**Information Technology Sector Risk**

To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, competition for the services of qualified personnel and government regulation. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

new product introduction and unpredictable changes in growth rates. Companies in the information technology sector also can be heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. As a result, the value of shares may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, the Adviser, authorized participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange, as applicable, are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through the service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of the Adviser, Distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), exchanges, market participants, market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, as applicable, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants, as applicable. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**ESG Investment Risk**

To the extent that the Adviser considers ESG criteria and application of related analyses when selecting investments, the Fund's performance may be affected depending on whether such investments are in or out of favor and relative to similar funds that do not adhere to such criteria or apply such analyses. A company's ESG practices or the Adviser's assessment of such may change over time. Additionally, the Adviser's adherence to its ESG criteria and application of related analyses in connection with identifying and selecting investments may require subjective analysis and may be difficult if data about a particular company is limited. The Adviser's consideration of ESG criteria may result in the Fund buying certain securities or forgoing opportunities to buy certain securities. The Fund's investments in certain companies may be susceptible to various factors that may impact their businesses or operations, including the effects of general economic conditions throughout the world, increased competition from other providers of services, unfavorable tax laws or accounting policies and high leverage.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**

U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional (or amended) regulations and legislators pass new laws (or amend existing laws) that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management

Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, conducts a worldwide portfolio management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the United States and abroad. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS") is the parent of the Adviser, which is the parent of the Distributor. Morgan Stanley is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay compensation (out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers and/or certain insurance companies or other financial intermediaries or service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and/or retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. Such compensation may be significant in amount and the prospect of receiving any such compensation may provide such affiliated or unaffiliated entities with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund's shares over other investment options. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Fund's shares. For more information, please see the Fund's SAI.

Sub-Adviser

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with MSIM Company, located at 2 Central Boulevard, #22-01 West Tower, IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Singapore 018916. MSIM Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and provides the Fund with investment advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Company's officers and Directors. The Adviser pays MSIM Company on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

Advisory Fee

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Adviser received a fee for advisory services (net of fee waivers, if applicable) equal to 0.72% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of the Fund to exceed 1.25% of average daily net assets for Class I. In determining the actual amount of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Fund's annual operating expenses may vary throughout the period and from year to year. The Fund's actual expenses may be different than the expenses listed in the Fund's fee and expense table based upon the extent and amount of a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

A discussion regarding the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements is available in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Equity team. The team consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Eric Carlson, Paul Psaila and Amay Hattangadi.

Mr. Carlson has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1997. Mr. Psaila has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1994. Mr. Hattangadi has been associated with MSIM Company or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since 1997.

The Emerging Markets Equity team is comprised of dedicated portfolio managers/analysts that have extensive experience in analyzing emerging markets equity securities for investors.

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management (Con't)

The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.

The composition of the team may change from time to time.

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information

**Share Class**

This Prospectus offers Class I shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class II shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class II shares are subject to higher expenses due to the imposition of a 12b-1 fee. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares**

Shares are offered on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business except as noted below.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (and other funds that serve as underlying investment options for variable insurance and annuity contracts (i.e., variable insurance funds)) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order (other than as set forth below). However, contract owners who allocate a portion of their contract to the Fund through the variable life insurance or variable annuity contracts previously described do not deal directly with the Fund to purchase and redeem shares. Please refer to the prospectus of the variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for information on the allocation, transfer and withdrawal of amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by using a combination of sales of securities held by the Fund and/or holdings of cash and cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, the Fund also reserves the right to use borrowings to meet redemption requests, and the Fund may use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions.

The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Fund currently does not foresee disadvantages to variable product contract owners or qualified plan participants arising out of the fact that the Fund offers its shares to separate accounts of various insurance companies that offer different types of variable annuity and variable life insurance products and various other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Nevertheless material irreconcilable conflicts may possibly arise among the interests of these investors. The Board of Directors that oversees the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any such material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

**Pricing of Fund Shares**

The price per share will be the NAV next determined after the Company or the insurance company receives your purchase or redemption order in good order. NAV is the value of one share's portion of all of the net assets in the Fund. The Company determines the NAV for the Fund as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares will generally not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations.

Trading of securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges may take place on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, to the extent, if any, that the Fund invests in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

**About Net Asset Value**

The NAV of Class I shares is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to Class I, less the value of any liabilities attributable to Class I, by the total number of outstanding shares of Class I. For the purpose of calculating the NAV per share of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In making this calculation, the Fund generally values its portfolio securities and other assets at market

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

price. With respect to investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board of Directors has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser determines that a market quotation is not accurate or reliable, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on foreign exchanges, when an event occurs after the close of such exchanges that is likely to have changed the value of the securities (e.g., a percentage change in value of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a significant development affecting a country or region or an issuer specific development that is likely to have changed the value of the security. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. To the extent the Fund invests in open-end management companies (other than exchange-traded funds) that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based, in relevant part, upon the NAV of such funds. The prospectuses for such funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and its effects.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or other asset. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the values of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares. The NAV of the Fund (excluding any applicable sales charges) is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets. Although the assets of each class are invested in the same portfolio of securities or other assets, the NAV of each class will differ because the classes have different class specific expenses.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund's provider of administrative services to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

The NAV of Class I shares will differ from that of Class II shares because of class-specific expenses that each class may pay.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The Fund distributes its net investment income, if any, at least annually as dividends and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

**Inactive Accounts and Risk of Escheatment**

In accordance with state "unclaimed property" laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state (also known as "escheatment") under various circumstances. These circumstances, which vary by state, can include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), uncashed checks or a combination of these. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund or your Financial Intermediary. Since states' statutory requirements regarding inactivity differ, it is important to regularly contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent. The process described above, and the application of state escheatment laws, may vary by state and/or depending on how shareholders hold their shares in the Fund. Escheatment with respect to a retirement account is subject to a 10% federal withholding on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address for your account, keep your account active by contacting your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent (e.g., by mail or telephone), and promptly cash all checks for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws.

For more information, please contact us at 1-888-378-1630.

**Taxes**

The Fund expects that it will not have to pay federal income taxes if it distributes annually all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund does not expect to be subject to federal excise taxes with respect to undistributed income.

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its income from foreign jurisdictions. Special rules apply to certain transactions in a foreign currency.

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique and the tax laws may change, shareholders should consult a tax advisor about the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to their investment.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares**

Frequent purchases and redemptions of shares pursuant to the instructions of insurance company contract owners or qualified plan participants is referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading" and may present risks for other contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, which may include, among other things, dilution in the value of the Fund's shares indirectly held by contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, interference with the efficient management of the Fund, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that market-timers and/or short-term traders may take advantage of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the Fund's securities trade and the time the Fund's NAV is calculated ("time-zone arbitrage"). For example, a market-timer may submit instructions for the purchase of shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before the Fund's NAV calculation that are likely to result in higher prices in foreign markets the following day. The market-timer would submit instructions to redeem the Fund's shares the next day when the Fund's share price would reflect the increased prices in foreign markets for a quick profit at the expense of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund.

Investments in other types of securities also may be susceptible to short-term trading strategies. These investments include securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or relatively illiquid, which have the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A contract owner may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price-arbitrage"). Investments in certain fixed-income securities, such as high yield bonds, may be adversely affected by price arbitrage trading strategies. The Fund's policies with respect to valuing portfolio securities are described above in "About Net Asset Value."

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Insurance companies or qualified plans generally do not provide specific contract owner or plan participant transaction instructions to the Fund on an ongoing basis. Therefore, to some extent, the Fund relies on the insurance companies and qualified plans to monitor frequent short-term trading by contract owners. However, the Fund has entered into agreements with insurance companies and qualified plans whereby the insurance companies and qualified plans are required to provide certain contract owner identification and transaction information upon the Fund's request. The Fund may use this information to help identify and prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify or prevent all market-timing activity.

If the Fund identifies suspected market-timing activity, the insurance company or qualified plan will be contacted and asked to take steps to prevent further market-timing activity (e.g., sending warning letters or blocking frequent trading by underlying contract owners or participants). Insurance companies may be prohibited by the terms of the underlying insurance contract from restricting short-term trading of mutual fund shares by contract owners, thereby limiting the ability of such insurance company to implement remedial steps to prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan is unwilling or unable to take remedial steps to discourage or prevent frequent trading, or does not take action promptly, certain contract owners or participants may be able to engage in frequent trading to the detriment of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan refuses to take remedial action, or takes action that the Fund deems insufficient, a determination will be made whether it is appropriate to terminate the relationship with such insurance company or qualified plan.

**Portfolio Holdings Information**

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

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**Potential Conflicts of Interest**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Fund. These activities could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the "Affiliated Investment Accounts") with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with the Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with the Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be.

The conflicts summarized herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled "Potential Conflicts of Interest" in the SAI. Conflicts of interest not described below or in the SAI may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include the Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

*Material Nonpublic and Other Information.* It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity, including for an extended period of time. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Fund with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser also may implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for the Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates.

*Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.* In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. The Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among the Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser.

*Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.* The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

*Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.* Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for the Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund.

*Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.* Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with the Fund and with respect to investments that the Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by the Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with the Fund and/or any of the Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley's activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to a merger or an acquisition.

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Financial Highlights**

Financial Highlights

The financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund's Class I shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). In addition, this performance information does not include the impact of any charges by your insurance company. If it did, returns would be lower.

The ratios of expenses to average net assets listed in the table below for Class I shares are based on the average net assets of the Fund for each of the periods listed in the table. To the extent that the Fund's average net assets decrease over the Fund's next fiscal year, such expense ratios can be expected to increase, potentially significantly, because certain fixed costs will be spread over a smaller amount of assets.

The information below has been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP's report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are incorporated by reference into the Fund's SAI. The Fund's financial statements and additional information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR and SAI are available at no cost from the Company at the toll-free number noted on the back cover to this Prospectus or from your insurance company.

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Financial Highlights

**VIF Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $13.73 | $12.90 | $11.92 | $18.11 | $17.73 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup>  | 0.17 | 0.14 | 0.19 | 0.19 | 0.08 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  | 4.26 | 0.88 | 1.21 | (4.81) | 0.46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total from Investment Operations  | 4.43 | 1.02 | 1.40 | (4.62) | 0.54 |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income  | (0.06) | (0.19) | (0.20) | (0.06) | (0.16) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized Gain  | (0.53) |  | (0.22) | (1.51) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total Distributions  | (0.59) | (0.19) | (0.42) | (1.57) | (0.16) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $17.57 | $13.73 | $12.90 | $11.92 | $18.11 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>**  | 32.96% | 7.82% | 11.97%<sup>(3)</sup>  | (25.08)% | 2.99% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $126715 | $108157 | $112121 | $111050 | $160661 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.28% | 1.26% | 1.28% | 1.32% | 1.25% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.25%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.25%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.24%<sup>(4)(5)</sup>  | 1.25%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.25%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.11%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.04%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.52%<sup>(4)(5)</sup>  | 1.41%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.44%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 23% | 36% | 33% | 38% | 39% |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| (1) | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. |
| (2) | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. |
| (3) | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares. |
| (4) | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." |
| (5) | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class I shares: | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class I shares: | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class I shares: |
|  | **Period Ended** | **Expense**<br>**Ratio** | **Net Investment**<br>**Income Ratio** |
|  | December 31, 2023 | 1.25% | 1.51% |
| (6) | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. |

---

**28**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17238)

Where to Find Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports") and Annual or Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information filed in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR. In the Fund's Annual Report, among other things, you will find a brief summary of the key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund has an SAI, dated April 30, 2026 (as may be supplemented from time to time), which includes additional information about the Company and the Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. For a free copy of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports or Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR, to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries, please call toll-free 1-800-869-6397 or contact your insurance company. If you purchased shares through a Financial Intermediary, you may also obtain these documents, without charge, by contacting your Financial Intermediary. Free copies of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports and Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR are also available from our Internet site at: [www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports](DUMMY_17238_0_3).

You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Financial Intermediary, if applicable, or by visiting our Internet site.

Shareholder Reports and other information about the Fund, such as Fund financial statements, are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at: [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_17238_2_1), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., member FINRA.

The Company's 1940 Act registration number is 811-7607.© 2026 Morgan Stanley

------

![image](pr17255img001.jpg)<br>

**Morgan Stanley** **Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

**Prospectus** \| April 30, 2026<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Ticker Symbol** |
| Class II | MSMBX |

---

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

**An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or endorsed by a bank, is not a bank deposit or obligation thereof, and is not** **insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the** **Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money investing in the Fund.**

![image](pr17255img002.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund that provides investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. In this prospectus, shares of the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (the "Fund") are being offered.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [**Fund Summary**](#ref_chapter_2_17255)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17255)  |
| [**Details of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_3_17255)  | [8](#ref_chapter_3_17255)  |
| [**Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**](#ref_chapter_4_17255)  | [9](#ref_chapter_4_17255)  |
| [**Fund Management**](#ref_chapter_5_17255)  | [20](#ref_chapter_5_17255)  |
| [**Shareholder Information**](#ref_chapter_6_17255)  | [22](#ref_chapter_6_17255)  |
| [**Financial Highlights**](#ref_chapter_8_17255)  | [27](#ref_chapter_8_17255)  |

---

------

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of issuers in emerging market countries.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class II shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge any sales loads or other fees when you purchase or redeem shares. The table below does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be higher. **You may pay fees other than the fees** **and expenses of the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and other fees charged by financial intermediaries, which are** **not reflected in the tables and examples below.**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Class II** |
| Advisory Fee | 0.75% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee | 0.25% |
| Other Expenses | 0.53% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses\* | 1.53% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\* | 0.23% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\* | 1.30% |

---

\* The Fund's "Adviser" and "Administrator," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 1.30% for Class II. In addition, the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., has agreed to waive 0.20% of the 0.25% 12b-1 fee that it may receive. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate.

**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 does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, costs shown would be higher.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). 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 II | $132  | $461  | $812  | $1804  |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in Total 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 23% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

The Fund's "Adviser," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., and the Fund's "Sub-Adviser," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company ("MSIM Company"), seek to maximize returns by investing primarily in quality growth-oriented equity securities in emerging markets.

The Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's investment approach combines top-down country and thematic allocation with bottom-up stock selection. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser allocate the Fund's assets among emerging markets based on relative economic, political and social fundamentals, stock valuations and investor sentiment. To seek to manage risk, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser emphasize macroeconomic and fundamental research.

The investment process integrates information about environmental, social and governance issues (also referred to as ESG) when making investment decisions. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser believe that monitoring ESG helps build a more complete

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

picture of the opportunities and risks facing companies, and seeks to engage directly with company management to gain insights on how each company addresses material ESG issues and how these may affect long-term financial performance.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in equity securities of issuers located in emerging market countries. This policy may be changed without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified upon 60 days' notice in writing of any changes. Equity securities generally represent an ownership interest in an issuer or may be convertible into or represent a right to acquire an ownership interest in an issuer. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser consider an issuer to be located in an emerging market country if (i) its principal securities trading market is in an emerging market country, (ii) alone or on a consolidated basis it derives 50% or more of its annual revenue or profits from goods produced, sales made or services performed in emerging market countries or has at least 50% of its assets, core business operations and/or employees in emerging markets countries or (iii) it is organized under the laws of, or has a principal office in, an emerging market country. By applying this test, it is possible that a particular issuer could be deemed to be located in more than one country. Emerging market or developing countries are countries that major international financial institutions or the Fund's benchmark index generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations, such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe. Emerging market or developing countries can include every nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser generally consider selling an investment when they determine the company no longer satisfies their investment criteria.

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's 80% policy discussed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to the securities included within that policy.

**Principal Risks**

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you can lose money investing in this Fund. Investments in the Fund involve risks and you should not rely on the Fund as a complete investment program. The relative significance of each risk factor summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include:

● **Equity Securities.** In general, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or widely, in response to activities specific to the issuer of the security as well as factors unrelated to the fundamental condition of the issuer, including general market, economic, political and public health conditions. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although prices can rebound, there is no assurance that prices of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.<br>

● **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks, such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks, and heightened risks, that may result in losses to the Fund. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political, and social turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging market countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies.<br>

● **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts.** To the extent the Fund seeks to hedge its foreign currency exposure by the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts involves the risks associated with derivatives and the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract.

● **Foreign Currency.** The Fund's investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar. Since the Fund may invest in such non-U.S. dollar- denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

● **China Risk.** Investments in securities of Chinese issuers involve risks associated with investments in foreign markets as well as special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. markets or other foreign (including emerging) markets. For example, the Chinese government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation, state ownership and/or other involvement. Actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China and operations of particular Chinese companies. In addition, the Chinese government has actively intervened in Chinese companies' operations and structures and taken (and may continue to take) actions that influenced the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encouraged companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induced mergers between companies in certain industries and induced private companies to publicly offer their securities. Investments in China involve risk of a total loss due to government action or inaction or other adverse circumstances.

Additionally, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to the economic conditions, trading policies and taxation of imports of its primary trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the Chinese economy and the Fund's investments. Moreover, a slowdown in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth or the value of investments in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund's investments. In addition, certain securities are, or may in the future, become restricted and/or sanctioned by the U.S. government or other governments and the Fund may be forced to sell or unable to sell such securities and incur a loss as a result and the Fund may be unable to purchase securities of Chinese issuers from time to time. <br>

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

U.S. relations with China are strained, because of, among other things, a series of trade, international treaty, tax, and sanctions actions taken by the United States and China against each other, including the designation of China as a "foreign adversary" of the U.S., as well as countersanctions or countermeasures from the Chinese government that have been triggered or are expected to be triggered. Moreover, recent developments in relations between the U.S., other trading partners and China have heightened concerns (and the realization) of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential for an escalation in trade tensions or a trade war. Increases in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof) could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China's export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of the Fund's direct or indirect investments in China and, therefore, the Fund's investments.<br>

These and other developments, including government actions or inactions, would likely result in significant illiquidity risk or losses or forced disposition for Chinese investments. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by a relatively small number of equity issues and relatively low trading volume, resulting in decreased liquidity, greater price volatility (caused by, among other things, military, diplomatic, or trade conflicts and government intervention in economic and securities markets), and potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund. The Fund's investments in Chinese securities are also subject to additional risks associated with differing regulatory and audit requirements in the Chinese securities market as compared to the U.S. securities market, including a lack of reliable audits and other financial information regarding many Chinese companies and heightened risk of market manipulation and fraud, which may be increased through actions taken by the Chinese government. In addition, the relationship between China and Taiwan is particularly sensitive, and hostilities between China and Taiwan, including continued threats by China to invade and control Taiwan, present a significant risk to the Fund's investments in China. Ongoing political tension between the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may have impacts on the economy of Hong Kong, and these impacts remain uncertain.<br>

*Risks of Investing through Stock Connect.* The Fund may invest in A-shares listed and traded through Stock Connect, or on such other stock exchanges in China which participate in Stock Connect from time to time or in the future. Trading through Stock Connect is subject to a number of restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns. Moreover, Stock Connect A-shares generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Stock Connect in accordance with applicable rules. The Stock Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to the program's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns. Because certain transactions through Stock Connect may not be subject to certain investor protection programs, the Fund may be exposed to the risks of default of the broker(s) they engage in their trading in China A Shares.<br>

*Variable Interest Entities.* Chinese operating companies sometimes rely on variable interest entity ("VIE") structures to raise capital from non-Chinese investors because of Chinese government limitations or prohibitions on direct foreign ownership in certain industries. In a VIE structure, a series of contractual arrangements are entered into between a holding company domiciled outside of China and a Chinese operating company or companies, which are intended to mimic direct ownership in the operating company, but in many cases these arrangements have not been tested in court and it is not clear that the contracts are enforceable or that the structures will otherwise work as intended. The offshore holding company, which is not a Chinese operating company, then issues exchange-traded shares that are sold to the public, including non-Chinese investors (such as the Fund). In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in China and a Chinese operating company, the shares of the holding company purchased by the Fund would not be equity ownership interests in the Chinese operating company and the Fund's interest would be subject to substantial legal, operational and other risks associated with the company's use of the VIE structure. For example, the Chinese government has not approved VIE structures and at any time without advance notice the Chinese government or a Chinese regulator or court could determine that the contractual arrangements constituting part of the VIE structure are unenforceable or do not comply with applicable law or regulations, these laws or regulations could change or be interpreted differently in the future, and the Chinese government also may with no advance notice otherwise intervene in or exert influence over VIE structures or the related Chinese operating companies. If any of these or similar risks or developments materialize, the Fund's investment in the holding company may suddenly and significantly decline in value or become worthless because of, among other things, difficulty enforcing (or the inability to enforce) the contractual arrangements or materially adverse effects on the Chinese operating company's performance. In these circumstances, the Fund could experience significant or total losses with no recourse available. From time to time, the Fund's investments in U.S.-listed shell companies relying on VIE structures to obtain exposure to Chinese operating companies could be significant. A decline or worsening in diplomatic or other relations between the U.S. and China could increase the risks associated with the VIE structure.<br>

● **India Risk.** To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in Indian issuers, the value of the Fund's assets may be adversely affected by political, economic, social and religious factors impacting Indian businesses and the Indian economy, changes in Indian law or regulations and the status of India's relations with other countries. Indian government actions in the future could have a significant effect on the Indian economy, which could affect private sector

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

companies and the Fund, market conditions, and prices and yields of securities in the Fund's portfolio. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in Indian businesses and the Indian economy, factors that have an adverse impact on Indian businesses and the Indian economy may have a disproportionate impact on the Fund's performance.<br>

● **Liquidity.** The Fund may make investments that are less liquid, illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

● **Derivatives.** Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument, including market risk, and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Investments in currency derivatives may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts and currency futures and options contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated.

● **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic , geopolitical and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. These types of events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the value (or income generated by) and liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact the Fund's ability to sell securities and/or its ability to meet redemptions. The risks associated with these developments may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters or events, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes , supply chain disruptions and the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures) adversely interrupt or otherwise affect the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These types of events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance or value of the Fund's investments, adversely affect and increase the volatility of the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

● **Financials Sector Risk.** To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the financials sector, factors that have an adverse impact on this sector may have a disproportionate impact on the Fund's performance. The financials sector can be affected by global and local economic conditions, such as the levels and liquidity of the global and local financial and asset markets, the absolute and relative level and volatility of interest rates and equity prices, investor sentiment, inflation, and the availability and cost of credit. Adverse developments in these conditions can have a greater adverse effect on the financials sector of an emerging market economy than on other industries of its economy. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of the financials sector.

● **Information Technology Sector Risk.** To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, product obsolescence, government regulation, and competition, and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

● **Active Management Risk.** In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance.

Please see "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of risks of investing in the Fund. Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

**Performance Information**

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's Class II shares' performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's Class II shares' average annual returns for the past one, five and ten year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. This performance information does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, returns would be lower. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years (Class II)**

Commenced operations on January 10, 2003

![image](pr17255img003.jpg)

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter**  | 06/30/20  | 20.00% |
| **Low Quarter**  | 03/31/20  | -26.87% |

---

**Average Annual Total Returns (Class II)**

(for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past One**<br>**Year** | **Past Five**<br>**Years** | **Past Ten**<br>**Years** |
| **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| Return Before Taxes | 32.90% | 4.32% | 7.21% |
| MSCI Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>1</sup>  | 33.57% | 4.20% | 8.42% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets. The term "free float" represents the portion of shares outstanding that are deemed to be available for purchase in the public equity markets by investors. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index currently consists of 24 emerging market country indices. The performance of the Index is listed in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. Net total return indices reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indices) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

**Fund Management**

**Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

**Sub-Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company.

**Portfolio Managers.** The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Equity team. Information about the members jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser/Sub-Adviser** | **Date Began**<br>**Managing Fund** |
| Eric Carlson | Managing Director of the Adviser | September 1997 |
| Paul Psaila | Managing Director of the Adviser | October 1996 |
| Amay Hattangadi | Managing Director of MSIM Company | July 2018 |

---

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Prospectus offers Class II shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class I shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class I shares are subject to lower expenses, but may not be available through your insurance company, qualified

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Con't)

pension plan or retirement plan. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (either directly or indirectly through other variable insurance funds) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares."

**Tax Information**

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Taxes."

**Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Fund-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance of their variable annuity contracts. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company to recommend one variable annuity or variable life insurance contract over another or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's web site for more information.

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of issuers in emerging market countries.

**Approach**

The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser seek to maximize returns by investing primarily in quality growth-oriented equity securities in emerging markets. The Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's investment approach combines top-down country and thematic allocation with bottom-up stock selection. Investment selection criteria include attractive growth characteristics, reasonable valuations and company managements with strong shareholder value orientation.

**Process**

The Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's global strategists analyze the global economic environment, particularly its impact on emerging markets, and allocate the Fund's assets among emerging markets based on relative economic, political and social fundamentals, stock valuations and investor sentiment. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser invest in countries based on the work of country specialists who conduct extensive fundamental analysis of companies within these markets and seeks to identify companies with strong earnings growth prospects. To manage risk, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser emphasize macroeconomic and fundamental research. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser generally consider selling a portfolio holding when it determines that the holding no longer satisfies its investment criteria.

The investment process integrates information about environmental, social and governance issues (also referred to as ESG) when making investment decisions. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser believe that monitoring ESG helps build a more complete picture of the opportunities and risks facing companies, and seeks to engage directly with company management to gain insights on how each company addresses material ESG issues and how these may affect long-term financial performance.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in equity securities of issuers located in emerging market countries. This policy may be changed without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified upon 60 days' notice in writing of any changes. Equity securities generally represent an ownership interest in an issuer or may be convertible into or represent a right to acquire an ownership interest in an issuer.

The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser consider an issuer to be located in an emerging market country if (i) its principal securities trading market is in an emerging market country, (ii) alone or on a consolidated basis it derives 50% or more of its annual revenue or profits from goods produced, sales made or services performed in emerging market countries or has at least 50% of its assets, core business operations and/or employees in emerging markets countries or (iii) it is organized under the laws of, or has a principal office in, an emerging market country. By applying this test, it is possible that a particular issuer could be deemed to be located in more than one country.

Emerging market or developing countries are countries that major international financial institutions or the Fund's benchmark index generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations, such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe. Emerging market or developing countries can include every nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe.

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's 80% policy discussed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to the securities included within that policy.

For purposes of policies adopted in accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), the term "assets," as defined in Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, means net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes.

Unless otherwise required, the Fund may change its principal investment strategies at any time without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified of any changes as required by applicable law.

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *This section discusses additional information relating to Fund investment strategies, other types of investments that the Fund may make and related risk factors. References to the "Adviser" under "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" refer to the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. Fund investment practices and limitations are also described in more detail in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), which is incorporated by reference and legally is a part of this Prospectus. For details on how to obtain a copy of the SAI and other reports and information, see the back cover of this Prospectus.* <br>

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price and yield will fluctuate with changes in the market value and/or yield of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

Economies and financial markets worldwide have experienced periods of increased volatility, uncertainty, distress, government spending, inflation, tariffs and disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. To the extent these conditions exist or continue, the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including those described below, could be heightened and the Fund's investments (and thus a shareholder's investment in the Fund) may be particularly susceptible to sudden and substantial losses, reduced yield or income or other adverse developments. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time.

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others.

The percentage limitations (including the Fund's 80% policy, if any) relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act or rule thereunder, subsequent percentage changes that result from market fluctuations generally will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.

However, the Fund may be required to reduce its borrowings, if any, in response to fluctuations in the value of such holdings.

**Market and Geopolitical Risk**

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions (i.e., increase the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period). In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such assets.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or market, or with respect to one company, may adversely impact other companies and other issuers, including those in a different country, region, sector, industry or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries and adversely impact the Fund's investments. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform or otherwise be adversely affected due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters and extreme weather events, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political (including geopolitical) discord and tensions or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in inflation rates or expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, an issuer's financial condition, the Fund's investments and an investment in the Fund. Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions or similar actions by the U.S. or foreign governments (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on economies, financial markets, issuers and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations.

Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations, can be adversely affected by changes in local and global economic conditions, including those that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments.

Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the price and performance of the Fund's investments, reduce market liquidity, adversely affect and increase the volatility of markets and the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing political, social, financial and economic risks to the Fund and cause overall declines in the U.S. and global markets. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions (including monetary and/or fiscal actions intended to stimulate or stabilize the global economy) that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**Equity Securities**

Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and equity-linked securities, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), rights and warrants to purchase common stocks, depositary receipts, shares of investment companies (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates), limited partnership interests and other specialty securities having equity features. Many factors affect the value of equity securities, including earnings, earnings forecasts, corporate events and factors impacting the issuer's financial condition, sector, industry and the market generally, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably, and these fluctuations may be frequent and significant. In addition, the Fund cannot accurately predict the income it might receive from equity securities because issuers generally have discretion as to the payment of dividends or distributions, and the common stock of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if, for example, the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because of a decline in the issuer's financial condition. The Fund may invest in equity securities that are publicly traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter ("OTC") or in equity securities that are not publicly traded. Equity securities are subject to the risk that stock prices in general (or in particular, the prices of the types of securities in which the Fund invests) may decline over short or extended periods of time. Equity securities that are not publicly traded may be more difficult to value or sell and their value may fluctuate more dramatically than publicly traded equity securities. Convertible securities are subject to many of the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and equity securities.

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or the financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. In addition, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although stock prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.

U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks. In addition, the price of equity securities of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund.

**Depositary Receipts**

A depositary receipt is generally issued by a bank or financial institution and represents the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks as those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. When the Fund invests in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") rather than investing directly in their underlying foreign shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the ADRs may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with the return of the underlying foreign shares. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Because the underlying foreign shares of ADRs are typically denominated or quoted in non-U.S. currencies, currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Further, since an ADR's underlying shares trade on foreign exchanges at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the ADR's underlying shares may change materially at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for Fund shares.

**Convertible Securities**

A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to and are subject to many of the risks associated with both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to other comparable nonconvertible fixed-income securities in such capital structure. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special and heightened risks, which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers generally are subject to different corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards than U.S. issuers. There may be less information available to the public about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers can be less liquid, experience greater price movements, and may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and/or other taxes, which decreases the yield and/or return of these securities. The Fund may experience losses if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be susceptible to influence by large traders due to the limited size of many foreign securities markets and there is the risk that news and events unique to a country or region that would not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States will affect those markets and their issuers and political events in foreign countries may cause market and economic disruptions. Moreover, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Also, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. In some foreign countries, there is also the risk of government expropriation, excessive or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, the imposition of currency controls or diplomatic developments that could affect the Fund's investments. There also can be difficulty obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers in foreign countries. Foreign stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed issuers may be subject to less government regulation and oversight. Securities registration, custody, and settlement may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and experience other adverse consequences. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. In addition, in certain markets the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities during certain periods.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. The value of holdings traded outside the United States or denominated in foreign currencies (and any hedging transactions in foreign currencies), including underlying securities represented by depositary receipts, will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the holding in the issuer's home country. These risks may be intensified for the Fund's investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. Moreover, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities (or force the Fund to sell foreign securities) or transfer the Fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. The Fund's investments in foreign securities are subject to trade laws of and potential economic sanctions by the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter-sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit the Fund from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions could prohibit the Fund from transacting with particular countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures also could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. In addition, economic sanctions or other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, increase the Fund's transaction costs, make the Fund's investments more difficult to value or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

Even if the Fund does not have significant investments in securities affected by sanctions, sanctions or the threat of sanctions may cause volatility in regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, including through global supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced economic activity, which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. In addition, trade disputes and changes in tariffs may affect investor and consumer confidence and adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to predict.

In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including American Depositary Receipts, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the securities would likely decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts**

In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to seek to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies.

Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. The Adviser's success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

**China Risk**

Investments in securities of Chinese issuers involve risks associated with investments in foreign markets as well as special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets or other foreign (including emerging) markets. For example, the Chinese government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation, state ownership and/or other involvement. Actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China and operations of particular Chinese companies. In addition, the Chinese government has actively intervened in Chinese companies' operations and structures and taken (and may continue to take) actions that influenced the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encouraged companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induced mergers between companies in certain industries and induced private companies to publicly offer their securities. Investments in China involve risk of a total loss due to government action or inaction or other adverse circumstances. Additionally, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to the economic conditions, trading policies and taxation of imports of its primary trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the Chinese economy and the Fund's investments. Moreover, a slowdown in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth or the value of investments in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund's investments. In addition, certain securities are, or may in the future become restricted and/or sanctioned by the U.S. government or other governments and the Fund may be forced to sell or

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

unable to sell such securities and incur a loss as a result and the Fund may be unable to purchase securities of Chinese issuers from time to time.

U.S. relations with China are strained, because of, among other things, a series of trade, international treaty, tax, and sanctions actions taken by the United States and China against each other, including the designation of China as a "foreign adversary" of the U.S., as well as countersanctions or countermeasures from the Chinese government that have been triggered or are expected to be triggered. Moreover, recent developments in relations between the U.S., other trading partners and China have heightened concerns (and the realization) of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential for an escalation in trade tensions or a trade war. For example, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on senior Chinese officials and certain employees of Chinese technology companies, and placed restrictions on U.S. investments in such companies. Increases in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof) could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China's export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of a Fund's direct or indirect investments in China and, therefore, the Fund's investments. In addition, the adoption or continuation of protectionist trade policies by one or more countries could lead to a decrease in demand for Chinese products and reduced flows of foreign capital to these economies.

These and other developments, including government actions or inactions, would likely result in significant illiquidity risk or losses or forced disposition for Chinese investments. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by a relatively small number of equity issues and relatively low trading volume, resulting in decreased liquidity, greater price volatility (caused by, among other things, military, diplomatic, or trade conflicts and government intervention in economic and securities markets), and potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund. The Fund's investments in Chinese securities are also subject to additional risks associated with differing regulatory and audit requirements in the Chinese securities market as compared to the U.S. securities market, including a lack of reliable audits and other financial information regarding many Chinese companies and heightened risk of market manipulation and fraud, which may be increased through actions taken by the Chinese government. These differences (including absence of information relative to issuers in many developed countries) may result in the unavailability of material information about Chinese issuers and/or inaccurate or incomplete financial records of an issuer's operations in China. The unavailability of reliable, complete or other information and lack of comparable accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards present additional risks, such as risks associated with difficulties verifying issuers' financial information. In addition, the relationship between China and Taiwan is particularly sensitive, and hostilities between China and Taiwan, including continued threats by China to invade and control Taiwan, present a significant risk to the Fund's investments in China. Ongoing political tension between the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may have impacts on the economy of Hong Kong, and these impacts remain uncertain. Military or diplomatic moves involving China could significant adversely affect the economies and issuers in the region and, thus, the Fund's investments.

*Risks of Investing through Stock Connect.* The Fund may invest in A-shares listed and traded through Stock Connect, or on such other stock exchanges in China which participate in Stock Connect from time to time or in the future. Trading through Stock Connect is subject to a number of restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns. Moreover, Stock Connect A-shares generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Stock Connect in accordance with applicable rules. The Stock Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to the program's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns. Because certain transactions through Stock Connect may not be subject to certain investor protection programs, the Fund may be exposed to the risks of default of the broker(s) they engage in their trading in China Shares.

*Variable Interest Entities.* The Fund could seek to gain economic exposure to certain operating companies in China through legal structures known as variable interest entities ("VIEs"). In a VIE structure, a series of contractual arrangements are entered into between a holding company domiciled outside of China and a Chinese operating company or companies. More specifically, in a VIE structure, a China-based operating company ("Operating Company") typically establishes an offshore shell company ("Shell Company") in another jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands, which generally does not conduct operations but enters into service and other contracts with the Operating Company and issues shares on a foreign exchange, like the New York Stock Exchange or Hong Kong Exchange. U.S. investors, such as the Fund, would hold stock in the Shell Company with contractual arrangements with an Operating Company based in China through the VIE rather than hold stock in the Operating Company and the Shell Company does not typically own stock or other equity in the Operating Company. Accordingly, the Fund's investment in the Shell Company represents an interest in the Shell Company and the Fund has no equity ownership of the Operating Company. As a result, VIE structures and these contractual arrangements are not equivalent to equity ownership in the Operating Company, which presents significant additional risks. Certain Chinese companies have used VIEs to facilitate foreign investment because of Chinese governmental prohibitions or restrictions on non-Chinese ownership (e.g., by U.S. persons and entities) of companies in certain industries in China. Through a VIE arrangement, the

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Operating Companies indirectly raise capital from U.S. investors (such as a Fund) without distributing ownership of the Operating Companies to such U.S. investors.

Investments in VIEs are subject to the risks associated with investments in China and the relevant Operating Company itself but are also subject to far greater risks associated with the VIE structure. For example, breaches of the contractual arrangements, changes in Chinese law, regulation or judicial decisions or interpretations with respect to enforceability, validity with respect to enforceability or permissibility of these arrangements or failure of these contracts to function as intended would likely adversely materially affect the Operating Company's performance and an investment in the Shell Company. In addition, VIE structures are also subject to the risk of inconsistent and unpredictable application of Chinese law and regulations, that the Shell Company could be limited in its ability to control, or may lose control over, the Operating Company, and that the equity owners of the Operating Company might have interests conflicting with those of the Shell Company's investors. There is also uncertainty related to the Chinese taxation of VIEs and the Chinese tax authorities could take positions that result in increased tax liabilities. Thus, investors, such as the Fund, face significant risks and uncertainty about future actions or intervention by the government of China or other similar developments (such as changes in regulations, laws and judicial decisions or interpretations), which could occur at any time and without advance notice and which could suddenly and significantly affect VIE structures, the Operating Companies and the Shell Companies (such as impacting, eliminating or limiting the enforceability of the Shell Company's contractual arrangements with the Operating Company or restricting the listing of the shares of the Shell Company). If any of these or similar risks materialize, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments in the Shell Company would likely be significantly adversely affected, causing a Fund to incur significant losses with no recourse available. A decline in diplomatic or other relations between the U.S. and China, such as increased U.S. sanctions against China or Chinese companies, could increase the risks associated with the VIE structure, including the potential that the Chinese government or a Chinese regulator or court could determine that VIE structures are not enforceable under Chinese law.

Although the China Securities Regulatory Commission published its position that it does not object to the use of VIE structures for Operating Companies to raise capital from non-Chinese investors, the Chinese government has not approved these structures and there is no guarantee that the Chinese government or Chinese regulator or court will not determine that these arrangements are inconsistent with Chinese laws or regulations at any time without notice or otherwise interfere with the operation of or disallow VIE structures or that this published position will remain unchanged. Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIE structures could materially adversely affect the Operating Company's performance, the enforceability of the Shell Company's contractual arrangements with the Operating Company and the value of the Shell Company's shares, which could become worthless as a result. Further, if the Chinese government or other regulatory or judicial authority determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structure do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to prohibitions on foreign ownership, the Operating Company could be subject to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses or forfeiture of ownership interests. Much of the value of an investment in the Shell Company depends on the enforceability of the contractual arrangements entered into as part of the VIE structure, which are less effective than direct ownership, and a Shell Company's ability to exert any control over the Operating Company could be jeopardized if certain legal formalities are not observed in connection with the agreements, if the agreements are breached, or if the agreements are otherwise determined not to be enforceable. In addition, the Shell Company could incur significant costs to seek to enforce the terms of these arrangements because of, among other things, legal uncertainties and jurisdictional limits. If any of the foregoing or similar developments were to occur, the market value and liquidity of the associated investments would fall, causing substantial investment losses for investors, such as the Fund with no recourse available.

**Emerging Market Securities**

The Fund may invest in emerging market or developing countries, which are countries that major international financial institutions generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations (such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe). Emerging market or developing countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market or developing countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Such emerging market countries could also subject the Fund to greater risk associated with the custody of its securities than developed markets, which may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments (including the companies in which the Fund may invest) in emerging market or developing countries may be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. Furthermore, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) may be limited in their ability to enforce regulatory or legal obligations in emerging market countries. In addition, emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to increased potential for market manipulation and wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. These characteristics result in greater risk of price volatility in emerging market or developing countries, which may be heightened by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

**Foreign Currency**

Investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. Since the Fund may invest in such non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

**Foreign Real Estate Companies**

Investing in foreign real estate companies exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly and investing in companies in the real estate industry, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which foreign real estate companies are organized and operated. For example, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management or development of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans and the underlying mortgage loans may be subject to the risks of default. Foreign real estate companies generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Operating foreign real estate companies requires specialized management skills and the Fund may indirectly bear management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. Individual foreign real estate companies may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. In addition, foreign real estate companies, like mutual funds, have expenses, including management and administration fees, that are paid by their shareholders. As a result, shareholders will absorb their proportionate share of duplicate levels of fees when the Fund invests in foreign real estate companies.

**Liquidity**

The Fund may make investments that are less liquid, illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to, among other developments, overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. Illiquidity can also be caused by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

The derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use include:

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

*Futures.* A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

*Swaps.* The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges or swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of certain standardized swap transactions. Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility unless no exchange or swap execution facility "makes the swap available to trade." The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

**Banking Industry**

Investment opportunities in many emerging markets may be concentrated in the banking industry. The banking industry can be affected by global and local economic conditions, such as the levels and liquidity of the global and local economic conditions, such as the levels and liquidity of the global and local financial and asset markets, the absolute and relative level and volatility of interest rates and equity prices, investor sentiment, inflation, and the availability and cost of credit. Adverse developments in these conditions can have a greater adverse effect on the banking industry of an emerging market economy than on other industries of its economy and these or similar developments can have a systemic negative impact on other banking industry participants. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of the banking industry. To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the banking industry, factors that have an adverse impact on this industry may have a disproportionate impact on the Fund's performance. Adverse developments that affect financial institutions, the financial services sector or the banking industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, may reduce liquidity in the market generally or have other adverse effects on the economy, the Fund, or issuers in which the Fund invests. In addition, the Fund and issuers in which it invests may not be able to identify all potential solvency or stress concerns with respect to a financial institution or to transfer assets from one bank or financial institution to another in a timely manner in the event such bank or financial institution comes under stress or fails. The financial sector, in particular depository institutions, such as banks, is particularly susceptible to systemic risks and contagion which may adversely affect the Fund's investments in the financial services sector or the banking industry.

**Financials Sector Risk**

To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the financials sector, factors that have an adverse impact on this sector may have a disproportionate impact on the Fund's performance. Investment opportunities in many emerging markets may be concentrated in the financials sector. The financials sector can be affected by global and local economic conditions, such as the levels and liquidity of the global and local financial and asset markets, the absolute and relative level and volatility of interest rates and equity prices, investor sentiment, inflation, and the availability and cost of credit. Adverse developments in these conditions can have a greater adverse effect on the financials sector of an emerging market economy than on other industries of its economy. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of the financials sector.

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

**India Risk**

Investments in securities of Indian issuers may be adversely affected by political, economic, social and religious factors impacting Indian businesses and the Indian economy, changes in Indian law or regulations and the status of India's relations with other countries. In addition, the economy of India may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as the rate of growth of gross domestic product, the rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. The Indian government has exercised and continues to exercise significant influence over many aspects of the economy, and the number of public sector enterprises in India is substantial. Accordingly, Indian government actions in the future could have a significant effect on the Indian economy, which could affect private sector companies and the Fund, market conditions, and prices and yields of securities in the Fund's portfolio. To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in Indian businesses and the Indian economy, factors that have an adverse impact on Indian businesses and the Indian economy may have a disproportionate impact on the Fund's performance.

**Active Management Risk**

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance. There is no guarantee that the use of the Adviser's investment techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected or produce the desired results.

In addition, it is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity and the Adviser may be restricted in its ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities and may impair the Fund's liquidity.

**Large Transactions Risk**

The Fund may experience adverse effects when large shareholders, or a number of shareholders collectively purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund ("large shareholder transactions"). Such larger than normal redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund's performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. Large shareholder transactions may also result in taxable income and/or gains for the Fund, which may increase taxable distributions to shareholders, and may also increase transaction costs. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plans. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains when distributed by the Fund will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for individual shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of significant events affecting investor demand for securities or asset classes in which the Fund invests; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Although large shareholder transactions may be more frequent under certain circumstances, the Fund is generally subject to the risk that shareholders can purchase or redeem a significant percentage of Fund shares at any time.

**Temporary** **Investments**

Under adverse or unstable market conditions or abnormal circumstances or when the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions warrant, the Fund may, in the discretion of the Adviser, take temporary positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategy in attempting to respond to such conditions or circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest without limit in cash, cash equivalents or other fixed-income instruments, derivatives, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds, for temporary purposes. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts the effects of these changes or during periods of temporary defensive or other temporary positions, such temporary investments may adversely affect the Fund's performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**Information Technology Sector Risk**

To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, competition for the services of qualified personnel and government regulation. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

new product introduction and unpredictable changes in growth rates. Companies in the information technology sector also can be heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. As a result, the value of shares may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, the Adviser, authorized participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange, as applicable, are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through the service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of the Adviser, Distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), exchanges, market participants, market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, as applicable, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants, as applicable. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**ESG Investment Risk**

To the extent that the Adviser considers ESG criteria and application of related analyses when selecting investments, the Fund's performance may be affected depending on whether such investments are in or out of favor and relative to similar funds that do not adhere to such criteria or apply such analyses. A company's ESG practices or the Adviser's assessment of such may change over time. Additionally, the Adviser's adherence to its ESG criteria and application of related analyses in connection with identifying and selecting investments may require subjective analysis and may be difficult if data about a particular company is limited. The Adviser's consideration of ESG criteria may result in the Fund buying certain securities or forgoing opportunities to buy certain securities. The Fund's investments in certain companies may be susceptible to various factors that may impact their businesses or operations, including the effects of general economic conditions throughout the world, increased competition from other providers of services, unfavorable tax laws or accounting policies and high leverage.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**

U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional (or amended) regulations and legislators pass new laws (or amend existing laws) that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management

Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, conducts a worldwide portfolio management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the United States and abroad. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS") is the parent of the Adviser, which is the parent of the Distributor. Morgan Stanley is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

Sub-Adviser

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with MSIM Company, located at 2 Central Boulevard, #22-01 West Tower, IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Singapore 018916. MSIM Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and provides the Fund with investment advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Company's officers and Directors. The Adviser pays MSIM Company on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

Advisory Fee

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Adviser received a fee for advisory services (net of fee waivers, if applicable) equal to 0.72% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of the Fund to exceed 1.30% of average daily net assets for Class II. In determining the actual amount of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation) (but includes any 12b-1 fee paid to the Distributor). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Fund's annual operating expenses may vary throughout the period and from year to year. The Fund's actual expenses may be different than the expenses listed in the Fund's fee and expense table based upon the extent and amount of a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

A discussion regarding the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements is available in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Equity team. The team consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Eric Carlson, Paul Psaila and Amay Hattangadi.

Mr. Carlson has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1997. Mr. Psaila has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1994. Mr. Hattangadi has been associated with MSIM Company or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since 1997.

The Emerging Markets Equity team is comprised of dedicated portfolio managers/analysts that have extensive experience in analyzing emerging markets equity securities for investors.

The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.

The composition of the team may change from time to time.

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management (Con't)

Distribution Plan

The Company has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") for the Fund's Class II shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a monthly 12b-1 fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares. Such amount shall be paid to compensate the Distributor for remittance to insurance companies which offer the Company as an investment option. These payments are intended to compensate insurance companies for distribution and/or administrative-related expenses incurred or paid in connection with the distribution of Class II shares of the Fund. The Distributor has agreed to waive 0.20% of the 0.25% 12b-1 fee that it may receive. This waiver will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waiver when it deems such action is appropriate.

Since the 12b-1 fees associated with the Plan are paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment.

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay additional compensation (out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers and/or certain insurance companies or other financial intermediaries or service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and/or retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. Such compensation may be significant in amount and the prospect of receiving any such additional compensation may provide such affiliated or unaffiliated entities with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund's shares over other investment options. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Fund's shares. For more information, please see the Fund's SAI.

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information

**Share Class**

This Prospectus offers Class II shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class I shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class I shares are subject to lower expenses, but may not be available through your insurance company, qualified pension plan or retirement plan. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares**

Shares are offered on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business except as noted below.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (and other funds that serve as underlying investment options for variable insurance and annuity contracts (i.e., variable insurance funds)) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order (other than as set forth below). However, contract owners who allocate a portion of their contract to the Fund through the variable life insurance or variable annuity contracts previously described do not deal directly with the Fund to purchase and redeem shares. Please refer to the prospectus of the variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for information on the allocation, transfer and withdrawal of amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by using a combination of sales of securities held by the Fund and/or holdings of cash and cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, the Fund also reserves the right to use borrowings to meet redemption requests, and the Fund may use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions.

The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Fund currently does not foresee disadvantages to variable product contract owners or qualified plan participants arising out of the fact that the Fund offers its shares to separate accounts of various insurance companies that offer different types of variable annuity and variable life insurance products and various other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Nevertheless material irreconcilable conflicts may possibly arise among the interests of these investors. The Board of Directors that oversees the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any such material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

**Pricing of Fund Shares**

The price per share will be the NAV next determined after the Company or the insurance company receives your purchase or redemption order in good order. NAV is the value of one share's portion of all of the net assets in the Fund. The Company determines the NAV for the Fund as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares will generally not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations.

Trading of securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges may take place on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, to the extent, if any, that the Fund invests in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

**About Net Asset Value**

The NAV of Class II shares is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to Class II, less the value of any liabilities attributable to Class II, by the total number of outstanding shares of Class II. For the purpose of calculating the NAV per share of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures approved

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

by the Board of Directors. In making this calculation, the Fund generally values its portfolio securities and other assets at market price. With respect to investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board of Directors has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser determines that a market quotation is not accurate or reliable, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on foreign exchanges, when an event occurs after the close of such exchanges that is likely to have changed the value of the securities (e.g., a percentage change in value of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a significant development affecting a country or region or an issuer specific development that is likely to have changed the value of the security. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. To the extent the Fund invests in open-end management companies (other than exchange-traded funds) that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based, in relevant part, upon the NAV of such funds. The prospectuses for such funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and its effects.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or other asset. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the values of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares. The NAV of the Fund (excluding any applicable sales charges) is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets. Although the assets of each class are invested in the same portfolio of securities or other assets, the NAV of each class will differ because the classes have different class specific expenses.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund's provider of administrative services to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

The NAV of Class II shares will differ from that of Class I shares because of class-specific expenses that each class may pay.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The Fund distributes its net investment income, if any, at least annually as dividends and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

**Inactive Accounts and Risk of Escheatment**

In accordance with state "unclaimed property" laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state (also known as "escheatment") under various circumstances. These circumstances, which vary by state, can include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), uncashed checks or a combination of these. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund or your Financial Intermediary. Since states' statutory requirements regarding inactivity differ, it is important to regularly contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent. The process described above, and the application of state escheatment laws, may vary by state and/or depending on how shareholders hold their shares in the Fund. Escheatment with respect to a retirement account is subject to a 10% federal withholding on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address for your account, keep your account active by contacting your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent (e.g., by mail or telephone), and promptly cash all checks for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws.

For more information, please contact us at 1-888-378-1630.

**Taxes**

The Fund expects that it will not have to pay federal income taxes if it distributes annually all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund does not expect to be subject to federal excise taxes with respect to undistributed income.

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its income from foreign jurisdictions. Special rules apply to certain transactions in a foreign currency.

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique and the tax laws may change, shareholders should consult a tax advisor about the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to their investment.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares**

Frequent purchases and redemptions of shares pursuant to the instructions of insurance company contract owners or qualified plan participants is referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading" and may present risks for other contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, which may include, among other things, dilution in the value of the Fund's shares indirectly held by contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, interference with the efficient management of the Fund, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that market-timers and/or short-term traders may take advantage of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the Fund's securities trade and the time the Fund's NAV is calculated ("time-zone arbitrage"). For example, a market-timer may submit instructions for the purchase of shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before the Fund's NAV calculation that are likely to result in higher prices in foreign markets the following day. The market-timer would submit instructions to redeem the Fund's shares the next day when the Fund's share price would reflect the increased prices in foreign markets for a quick profit at the expense of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund.

Investments in other types of securities also may be susceptible to short-term trading strategies. These investments include securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or relatively illiquid, which have the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A contract owner may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price-arbitrage"). Investments in certain fixed-income securities, such as high yield bonds, may be adversely affected by price arbitrage trading strategies. The Fund's policies with respect to valuing portfolio securities are described above in "About Net Asset Value."

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Insurance companies or qualified plans generally do not provide specific contract owner or plan participant transaction instructions to the Fund on an ongoing basis. Therefore, to some extent, the Fund relies on the insurance companies and qualified plans to monitor frequent short-term trading by contract owners. However, the Fund has entered into agreements with insurance companies and qualified plans whereby the insurance companies and qualified plans are required to provide certain contract owner identification and transaction information upon the Fund's request. The Fund may use this information to help identify and prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify or prevent all market-timing activity.

If the Fund identifies suspected market-timing activity, the insurance company or qualified plan will be contacted and asked to take steps to prevent further market-timing activity (e.g., sending warning letters or blocking frequent trading by underlying contract owners or participants). Insurance companies may be prohibited by the terms of the underlying insurance contract from restricting short-term trading of mutual fund shares by contract owners, thereby limiting the ability of such insurance company to implement remedial steps to prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan is unwilling or unable to take remedial steps to discourage or prevent frequent trading, or does not take action promptly, certain contract owners or participants may be able to engage in frequent trading to the detriment of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan refuses to take remedial action, or takes action that the Fund deems insufficient, a determination will be made whether it is appropriate to terminate the relationship with such insurance company or qualified plan.

**Portfolio Holdings Information**

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

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**Potential Conflicts of Interest**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Fund. These activities could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the "Affiliated Investment Accounts") with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with the Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with the Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be.

The conflicts summarized herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled "Potential Conflicts of Interest" in the SAI. Conflicts of interest not described below or in the SAI may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include the Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

*Material Nonpublic and Other Information.* It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity, including for an extended period of time. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Fund with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser also may implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for the Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates.

*Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.* In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. The Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among the Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser.

*Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.* The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

*Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.* Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for the Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund.

*Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.* Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with the Fund and with respect to investments that the Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by the Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with the Fund and/or any of the Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley's activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to a merger or an acquisition.

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Financial Highlights**

Financial Highlights

The financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund's Class II shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). In addition, this performance information does not include the impact of any charges by your insurance company. If it did, returns would be lower.

The ratios of expenses to average net assets listed in the table below for Class II shares are based on the average net assets of the Fund for each of the periods listed in the table. To the extent that the Fund's average net assets decrease over the Fund's next fiscal year, such expense ratios can be expected to increase, potentially significantly, because certain fixed costs will be spread over a smaller amount of assets.

The information below has been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP's report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are incorporated by reference into the Fund's SAI. The Fund's financial statements and additional information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR and SAI are available at no cost from the Company at the toll-free number noted on the back cover to this Prospectus or from your insurance company.

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Financial Highlights

**VIF Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $13.67 | $12.85 | $11.87 | $18.04 | $17.66 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup>  | 0.16 | 0.14 | 0.18 | 0.18 | 0.07 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  | 4.25 | 0.86 | 1.22 | (4.79) | 0.46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total from Investment Operations  | 4.41 | 1.00 | 1.40 | (4.61) | 0.53 |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income  | (0.06) | (0.18) | (0.20) | (0.05) | (0.15) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized Gain  | (0.53) |  | (0.22) | (1.51) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total Distributions  | (0.59) | (0.18) | (0.42) | (1.56) | (0.15) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $17.49 | $13.67 | $12.85 | $11.87 | $18.04 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>**  | 32.90% | 7.72% | 11.96%<sup>(3)</sup>  | (25.13)% | 2.95% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $52532 | $45450 | $49042 | $48709 | $67300 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.53% | 1.51% | 1.53% | 1.57% | 1.50% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.30%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.30%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.29%<sup>(4)(5)</sup>  | 1.30%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.30%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.06%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.99%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.47%<sup>(4)(5)</sup>  | 1.36%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.39%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 23% | 36% | 33% | 38% | 39% |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| (1) | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. |
| (2) | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. |
| (3) | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares. |
| (4) | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." |
| (5) | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class II shares: | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class II shares: | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class II shares: |
|  | **Period Ended** | **Expense**<br>**Ratio** | **Net Investment**<br>**Income Ratio** |
|  | December 31, 2023 | 1.30% | 1.46% |
| (6) | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. |

---

**28**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17255)

Where to Find Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports") and Annual or Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information filed in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR. In the Fund's Annual Report, among other things, you will find a brief summary of the key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund has an SAI, dated April 30, 2026 (as may be supplemented from time to time), which includes additional information about the Company and the Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. For a free copy of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports or Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR, to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries, please call toll-free 1-800-869-6397 or contact your insurance company. If you purchased shares through a Financial Intermediary, you may also obtain these documents, without charge, by contacting your Financial Intermediary. Free copies of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports and Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR are also available from our Internet site at: [www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports](DUMMY_17255_0_3).

You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Financial Intermediary, if applicable, or by visiting our Internet site.

Shareholder Reports and other information about the Fund, such as Fund financial statements, are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at: [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_17255_2_1), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., member FINRA.

The Company's 1940 Act registration number is 811-7607.© 2026 Morgan Stanley

------

![image](pr17236img001.jpg)<br>

**Morgan Stanley** **Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Global Strategist Portfolio

**Prospectus** \| April 30, 2026<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Ticker Symbol** |
| Class I | MIMPX |

---

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

**An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or endorsed by a bank, is not a bank deposit or obligation thereof, and is not** **insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the** **Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money investing in the Fund.**

![image](pr17236img002.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund that provides investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. In this prospectus, shares of the Global Strategist Portfolio (the "Fund") are being offered.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [**Fund Summary**](#ref_chapter_2_17236)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17236)  |
| [**Details of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_3_17236)  | [11](#ref_chapter_3_17236)  |
| [**Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**](#ref_chapter_4_17236)  | [13](#ref_chapter_4_17236)  |
| [**Fund Management**](#ref_chapter_5_17236)  | [32](#ref_chapter_5_17236)  |
| [**Shareholder Information**](#ref_chapter_6_17236)  | [34](#ref_chapter_6_17236)  |
| [**Consolidated Financial Highlights**](#ref_chapter_7_17236)  | [39](#ref_chapter_7_17236)  |

---

------

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks total return.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class I shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge any sales loads or other fees when you purchase or redeem shares. The table below does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be higher. **You may pay fees other than** **the fees and expenses of the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and other fees charged by financial intermediaries,** **which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Class I** |
| Advisory Fee\* | 0.75% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee |  |
| Other Expenses\*\* | 1.05% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses\*\*\* | 1.80% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 0.90% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 0.90% |

---

\* "Advisory Fee" includes the management fee of the Subsidiary (as defined below). The Fund's "Adviser" and "Administrator," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., has agreed to waive or credit a portion of the advisory fee in an amount equal to the management fee paid to the Adviser by the Subsidiary.

\*\* "Other Expenses" include expenses of the Fund's and Subsidiary's (as defined below) most recent fiscal year.

\*\*\* The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 0.90% for Class I. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate.

**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 does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, costs shown would be higher.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). 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 I | $92  | $479  | $891  | $2042  |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in Total 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 95% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

The Adviser and/or the Fund's "Sub-Adviser," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in a blend of equity and fixed-income securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, depositary receipts, convertible securities, equity-linked securities, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), rights and warrants to purchase equity securities and limited partnership interests. Fixed-income securities may include mortgage-related or mortgage-backed securities, floating rate securities, inflation-linked fixed-income securities, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, securities issued or guaranteed by non-U.S. governments, their agencies or instrumentalities, corporate bonds and notes issued by U.S. and non-U.S. entities.

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser will utilize a top-down investment approach that focuses on asset class, sector, region, country and currency and thematic allocations. The Fund's allocations will be based upon the Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's evaluations and analyses, taking into account results of its fundamental market research and recommendations generated by the Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's quantitative models. The Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's research process focuses on the following factors across asset classes: 1) valuation (both relative and absolute), 2) dynamics, including earnings revisions, interest rate policy and inflation expectations and 3) technicals, such as investor flows and sentiment. The Fund may invest in any country, including developing or emerging market countries. The Fund's investments may be U.S. and non-U.S. dollar denominated. In determining whether to sell a security, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser consider a number of factors, including changes in capital appreciation potential, or the overall assessment of asset class, sector, region, country, and currency and thematic allocation shifts.

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in below investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). The Fund may also invest in restricted and illiquid securities. The mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest include mortgage pass-through securities that represent a participation interest in a pool of mortgage loans originated by U.S. governmental or private lenders such as banks.

The Fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, Fund management or to earn income. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps and structured investments (including commodity-linked notes), and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's exposure to the types of securities listed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities.

The Fund may, consistent with its principal investment strategies, invest up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the "Subsidiary"). The Subsidiary may invest, directly or indirectly through the use of derivatives, in securities, commodities, commodity-related instruments and other investments, primarily futures, swaps and notes. The Subsidiary is advised by the Adviser.

Investments in the Subsidiary are intended to provide the Fund with exposure to commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements that apply to the Fund. The Subsidiary primarily obtains its commodity exposure by investing in commodity-linked derivative instruments, which may include, but are not limited to, total return swaps, commodity (U.S. or foreign) futures and commodity-linked notes. The Subsidiary may also invest in other instruments, including fixed-income securities, either as investments or to serve as margin or collateral for its swap positions and foreign currency transactions (including forward contracts).

**Principal Risks**

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you can lose money investing in this Fund. Investments in the Fund involve risks and you should not rely on the Fund as a complete investment program. The relative significance of each risk factor summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include:

● **Equity Securities.** In general, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or widely, in response to activities specific to the issuer of the security as well as factors unrelated to the fundamental condition of the issuer, including general market, economic, political and public health conditions. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although prices can rebound, there is no assurance that prices of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.<br>

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

● **Convertible Securities.** A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. To the extent that the Fund invests in convertible securities, and the convertible security's investment value is greater than its conversion value, its price will be likely to increase when interest rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise. If the conversion value exceeds the investment value, the price of the convertible security will tend to fluctuate directly with the price of the underlying security.

● **Fixed-Income Securities.** Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). For example, a type of fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest are corporate debt obligations. In addition to interest rate, credit and other risks, corporate debt obligations are also subject to factors directly related to the issuer, such as the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation's performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace, and by factors not directly related to the issuer, such as general market liquidity, economic conditions and inflation. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/ or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk). The Fund is not limited as to the maturities (when a debt security provides its final payment) or durations (measure of interest rate sensitivity) of the securities in which it may invest. Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled. Investing in emerging markets intensifies this risk, because lower quality fixed-income securities are more volatile in price.

● **Credit and Interest Rate Risk.** Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security, or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise honor its obligations, including the risk of default. In such instances, the value of the Fund could decline and the Fund could lose money. If an issuer's, guarantor's or counterparty's financial condition worsens, the credit quality of the issuer, guarantor or counterparty may deteriorate. Credit ratings may not be an accurate assessment of financial condition, liquidity or credit risk. Although credit ratings may not accurately reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market's perception of the creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty can have a rapid, adverse effect on the instrument's value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. Interest rate risk refers to the decline in the value of a fixed-income security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income securities go up but the yield or income from new issuances of fixed-income securities generally decreases. Securities with longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of and income generated by fixed-income instruments held by the Fund. The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate loans and other variable and floating rate securities. Although the value of these instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than fixed rate instruments, the value of variable and floating rate loans and other securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and may detract from Fund performance. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of market volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).

● **Mortgage-Backed Securities.** Mortgage-backed securities entail prepayment risk, which generally increases during a period of falling interest rates. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of mortgage-backed securities will increase and market price will decrease. Rates of prepayment, faster or slower than expected by the Adviser, could reduce the Fund's yield, increase the volatility of the Fund and/or cause a decline in net asset value per share ("NAV"). Mortgage-backed securities are also subject to extension risk, which is the risk that rising interest rates could cause mortgages or other obligations underlying the securities to be prepaid more slowly than expected, thereby lengthening the duration of such securities, increasing their sensitivity to interest rate changes and causing their prices to decline. Certain mortgage-backed securities may be more volatile and less liquid than other traditional types of debt securities. In addition, mortgage-backed securities are subject to credit risk. The Fund may invest in non-agency mortgage-backed securities offered by non-governmental issuers, such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers. Non-agency

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

mortgage-backed securities are not subject to the same underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-backed securities that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying non-agency mortgage-backed securities may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities and have wider variances in a number of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics. To the extent the Fund invests in non-agency mortgage-backed securities offered by non-governmental issuers, the Fund will be exposed to additional risks because, among other things, there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in pools underlying the securities. An unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to the Fund. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. Furthermore, mortgage-backed securities may be subject to risks associated with the assets underlying those securities, such as a decline in value. Investments in mortgage-backed securities may give rise to a form of leverage (indebtedness) and may cause the Fund's portfolio turnover rate to appear higher. Leverage may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. The risks associated with mortgage-backed securities typically become elevated during periods of distressed economic, market, health and labor conditions. In particular, increased levels of unemployment, delays and delinquencies in payments of mortgage and rent obligations, and uncertainty regarding the effects and extent of government intervention with respect to mortgage payments and other economic matters may adversely affect the Fund's investments in mortgage-backed securities. In addition, commercial mortgage-backed securities are also subject to risks associated with reduced demand for commercial and office space, tightening lending standards and increased interest and lending rates, and other developments adverse to the commercial real estate market.<br>

● **REITs.** Investing in REITs exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly and investing in companies in the real estate industry, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. For example, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management or development of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans and the underlying mortgage loans may be subject to the risks of default. Operating REITs requires specialized management skills and the Fund indirectly bears management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. REITs are also subject to certain provisions under federal tax law and the failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse consequences for the Fund.

● **High Yield Securities ("Junk Bonds").** The Fund's investments in high yield securities expose it to increased risks, including a substantial degree of credit and default risks. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly leveraged or indebted than other companies or are financially distressed, and therefore they typically have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest than issuers of higher rated investments. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss (including substantial or total loss) of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative because of increased credit risk relative to higher rated fixed income investments. High yield securities are also subject to greater price volatility, including sudden and substantial decreases in price and less liquidity than higher rated securities. High yield securities are particularly sensitive to adverse economic, market, industry or issuer-specific developments, which may result in an increased incidence of default. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

● **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks, and heightened risks, that may result in losses to the Fund. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund,

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

particularly during periods of market, economic, political, and social turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations. In addition, foreign governments may default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments. Moreover, there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging market countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. To the extent the Fund seeks to hedge its foreign currency exposure by the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts involves the risks associated with derivatives and the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. <br>

● **U.S. Government Securities.** Different types of U.S. government securities are subject to different levels of credit risk, including the risk of default, depending on the nature of the particular government support for that security. For example, a U.S. government-sponsored entity, such as Federal National Mortgage Association or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, although chartered or sponsored by an Act of Congress, may issue securities that are neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. With respect to U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, there is the risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to such U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. U.S. government securities are also subject to interest rate risks and can exhibit price fluctuations resulting from increases or decreases in interest rates.

● **Sovereign Debt Securities.** Investing in sovereign debt securities will expose the Fund to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when it becomes due, due to factors such as debt service burden, political constraints, cash flow problems and other national economic factors. In addition, foreign governments may default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments. Moreover, there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part.

● **Liquidity.** The Fund may make investments that are less liquid, illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. Liquidity risk may be magnified in a market where credit spread and interest rate volatility is rising and where investor redemptions from fixed-income mutual funds may be higher than normal. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

● **Investment Company Securities.** Subject to the limitations set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), or as otherwise permitted by the SEC, the Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies, including foreign investment companies, ETFs and money market funds which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates. The market value of the shares of other investment companies may differ from the NAV of the Fund. The shares of

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees, and be subject to the associated risks. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders, in effect, will also be absorbing fees with respect to investments in other investment companies.<br>

● **Derivatives.** Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument, including market risk, and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Investments in currency derivatives may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts and currency futures and options contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated.

● **Inflation-Linked Securities Risk.** The values of inflation-linked securities change in response to actual or anticipated changes in specific inflation rates. Inflation-linked securities are also subject to the effects of changes in market interest rates caused by factors other than inflation (real interest rates). Real interest rates change over time as a result of many factors, such as currency exchange rates, central bank monetary policies and general economic conditions. Such changes may be unanticipated by the Adviser. In addition, inflation-linked securities are subject to the risks associated with fixed- income securities. When inflation is low, declining, or negative, the inflation-linked securities in which the Fund invests could underperform more conventional bonds. Interest payments on inflation-linked investments may vary widely and will fluctuate as the principal and interest are adjusted for inflation.

● **Commodity-Related Investments Risk.** The value of commodity-related investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and a variety of factors, including domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates, investment and trading activities of mutual funds, hedge funds and commodities funds and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity, which may include weather, embargoes, tariffs, supply and demand fluctuations and health, political, environmental, international and regulatory (including environmental) developments. Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can impact the demand for commodities, which may impact market prices and cause the value of the Fund's commodity-related investments to experience volatility and decline. The frequency and magnitude of such changes are unpredictable. Commodity-related investments may involve substantial risks and subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, and prices of such investments may fluctuate quickly and dramatically. No active trading market may exist for certain commodity-related investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of commodity-related investments and subject the Fund's commodity-related investments to liquidity risk. Commodity-linked notes may be structured such that their performance deviates significantly from the underlying index or instrument.

As noted above, the Fund expects to invest in the Subsidiary, which invests in commodity-related investments, as well as other permitted instruments. The Subsidiary is subject to the laws of the Cayman Islands and is not subject to U.S. laws, including securities laws and their protections and provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Subsidiary is not registered under U.S. federal securities laws and may not be able to negotiate terms with its counterparties that are equivalent to those of a registered fund. As a result, the Subsidiary may be subject to greater counterparty risk than a registered fund. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Subsidiary to operate as described, and could adversely affect the Fund's investment approach. In addition, commodity-related investments generally generate income that is not qualifying income for purposes of meeting source of income tests applicable to mutual funds under the Code. Applicable Treasury regulations would generally treat the Fund's income inclusion with respect to the Subsidiary as "qualifying income" either if (i) there is a current-year distribution out of the earnings and profits of the Subsidiary that are attributable to such income inclusion or (ii) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. The Fund intends to treat its income from the Subsidiary as qualifying income. The tax treatment of the Fund's income from the Subsidiary may be adversely affected by future legislation, court decisions, Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income derived from such investments is "qualifying income" under Subchapter M of the Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund's taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Fund.<br>

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

● **Subsidiary Risk.** The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described herein and could adversely affect the Fund. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments.

● **Tax Risk.** The Fund may seek to gain exposure to the commodity markets through investments in the Subsidiary. Historically, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has issued private letter rulings in which the IRS specifically concluded that income and gains from investments in commodity index-linked structured notes (the "Notes Rulings") or a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary that invests in commodity-linked instruments are "qualifying income" for purposes of compliance with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Fund has not received such a private letter ruling, and is not able to rely on private letter rulings issued to other taxpayers. The IRS issued a revenue procedure, which states that the IRS will not in the future issue private letter rulings that would require a determination of whether an asset (such as a commodity index-linked note) is a "security" under the 1940 Act. In connection with issuing such revenue procedure, the IRS has revoked the Notes Rulings. The IRS also issued final regulations that would generally treat the Fund's income inclusion with respect to the Subsidiary as qualifying income either if (A) there is a current distribution out of the earnings and profits of the Subsidiary that are attributable to such income inclusion or (B) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. The Fund intends to treat its income from the Subsidiary as qualifying income. No assurances can be provided that the IRS would not be able to successfully assert that the Fund's income from such investments was not "qualifying income," in which case the Fund would fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code if over 10% of its gross income was derived from these investments. If the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be subject to federal and state income tax on all of its taxable income at regular corporate tax rates with no deduction for any distributions paid to shareholders, which would significantly adversely affect the returns to, and could cause substantial losses for, Fund shareholders. Additionally, the failure to qualify as a regulated investment company could have significant adverse tax consequences to the holders of the contracts and annuities which invest in the Fund through a separate account. The Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

● **China Risk.** Investments in securities of Chinese issuers involve risks associated with investments in foreign markets as well as special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. markets or other foreign (including emerging) markets. For example, the Chinese government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation, state ownership and/or other involvement. Actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China and operations of particular Chinese companies. In addition, the Chinese government has actively intervened in Chinese companies' operations and structures and taken (and may continue to take) actions that influenced the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encouraged companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induced mergers between companies in certain industries and induced private companies to publicly offer their securities. Investments in China involve risk of a total loss due to government action or inaction or other adverse circumstances.

Additionally, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to the economic conditions, trading policies and taxation of imports of its primary trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the Chinese economy and the Fund's investments. Moreover, a slowdown in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth or the value of investments in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund's investments. In addition, certain securities are, or may in the future, become restricted and/or sanctioned by the U.S. government or other governments and the Fund may be forced to sell or unable to sell such securities and incur a loss as a result and the Fund may be unable to purchase securities of Chinese issuers from time to time. <br>

U.S. relations with China are strained, because of, among other things, a series of trade, international treaty, tax, and sanctions actions taken by the United States and China against each other, including the designation of China as a "foreign adversary" of the U.S., as well as countersanctions or countermeasures from the Chinese government that have been triggered or are expected to be triggered. Moreover, recent developments in relations between the U.S., other trading partners and China have heightened concerns (and the realization) of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential for an escalation in trade tensions or a trade war. Increases in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof) could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China's export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of the Fund's direct or indirect investments in China and, therefore, the Fund's investments.<br>

These and other developments, including government actions or inactions, would likely result in significant illiquidity risk or losses or forced disposition for Chinese investments. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

by a relatively small number of equity issues and relatively low trading volume, resulting in decreased liquidity, greater price volatility (caused by, among other things, military, diplomatic, or trade conflicts and government intervention in economic and securities markets), and potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund. The Fund's investments in Chinese securities are also subject to additional risks associated with differing regulatory and audit requirements in the Chinese securities market as compared to the U.S. securities market, including a lack of reliable audits and other financial information regarding many Chinese companies and heightened risk of market manipulation and fraud, which may be increased through actions taken by the Chinese government. In addition, the relationship between China and Taiwan is particularly sensitive, and hostilities between China and Taiwan, including continued threats by China to invade and control Taiwan, present a significant risk to the Fund's investments in China. Ongoing political tension between the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may have impacts on the economy of Hong Kong, and these impacts remain uncertain.<br>

Risks of Investing through Bond Connect. The Fund may invest in fixed-income instruments listed and traded through the Bond Connect program ("Bond Connect"). Trading through Bond Connect is subject to a number of restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns. Moreover, fixed-income instruments purchased through Bond Connect generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Bond Connect in accordance with applicable rules. The Bond Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to the program's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns.<br>

● **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic, geopolitical and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. These types of events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the value (or income generated by) and liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact the Fund's ability to sell securities and/or its ability to meet redemptions. The risks associated with these developments may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters or events, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, supply chain disruptions and the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures) adversely interrupt or otherwise affect the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These types of events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance or value of the Fund's investments, adversely affect and increase the volatility of the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

● **Portfolio Turnover.** Consistent with its investment policies, the Fund will purchase and sell securities without regard to the effect on portfolio turnover. Higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs.

● **Active Management Risk.** In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance.

Please see "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of risks of investing in the Fund. Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Performance Information**

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's Class I shares' performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's Class I shares' average annual returns for the past one, five and ten year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and one or more additional indexes. The additional index in the table provides a means to compare the Fund's average annual returns to a benchmark that the Adviser believes is representative of the Fund's investment universe. This performance information does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, returns would be lower. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years (Class I)**

Commenced operations on January 2, 1997

![image](pr17236img003.jpg)

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter**  | 06/30/20  | 13.90% |
| **Low Quarter**  | 03/31/20  | -17.60% |

---

**Average Annual Total Return (Class I)**

(for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past One**<br>**Year** | **Past Five**<br>**Years** | **Past Ten**<br>**Years** |
| **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| Return Before Taxes | 17.40% | 5.31% | 6.85% |
| MSCI All Country World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>1</sup>  | 22.34% | 11.19% | 11.72% |
| Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>2</sup>  | 16.60% | 5.79% | 7.57% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | The MSCI All Country World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The term "free float" represents the portion of shares outstanding that are deemed to be available for purchase in the public equity markets by investors. The performance of the index is listed in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. Net total return indices reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indices) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index is a performance linked benchmark comprised of 60% MSCI All Country World Index and 40% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index for periods after May 31, 2017. Prior to May 31, 2017, the Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index consisted of 60% MSCI All Country World Index (benchmark that measures the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets), 30% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index (benchmark that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment grade fixed-rate debt markets), 5% S&P GSCI Light Energy Index (benchmark for investment performance in the energy commodity market) and 5% ICE BofA U.S. Dollar 1-Month LIBID Average Index (benchmark that tracks the performance of a basket of synthetic assets paying LIBID to a stated maturity). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

**Fund Management**

**Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

**Sub-Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited.

**Portfolio Managers.** The Fund is managed by members of the Portfolio Solutions Group. Information about the individuals jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser or Affiliate** | **Date Began**<br>**Managing Fund** |
| Rui De Figueiredo, Ph.D. | Managing Director | October 2025 |
| Ryan Meredith | Managing Director | October 2025 |
| Jim Caron | Managing Director | October 2025 |
| Steven Turner | Managing Director | October 2025 |
| Damon Wu | Managing Director | October 2025 |
| Mark A. Bavoso | Managing Director | September 2010 |

---

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Prospectus offers Class I shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class II shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class II shares are subject to higher expenses due to the imposition of a 12b-1 fee. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (either directly or indirectly through other variable insurance funds) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares."

**Tax Information**

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Taxes."

**Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser and/or the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., may pay insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Fund-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance of their variable annuity contracts. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company to recommend one variable annuity or variable life insurance contract over another or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Shareholders should ask their salesperson or visit their insurance company's web site for more information.

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Global Strategist Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks total return.

**Approach**

The Adviser and/or the Fund's Sub-Adviser seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in a blend of equity and fixed-income securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, depositary receipts, convertible securities, equity-linked securities, REITs, rights and warrants to purchase equity securities and limited partnership interests. Fixed-income securities may include mortgage-related or mortgage-backed securities, floating rate securities, inflation-linked fixed-income securities, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, securities issued or guaranteed by non-U.S. governments, their agencies or instrumentalities, corporate bonds and notes issued by U.S. and non-U.S. entities.

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in below investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). The Fund may also invest in restricted and illiquid securities. The mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest include mortgage pass-through securities that represent a participation interest in a pool of mortgage loans originated by U.S. governmental or private lenders such as banks. The Fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in other investment companies, including ETFs. The securities in which the Fund may invest may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

The Fund may purchase certain non-publicly traded "restricted" securities. These securities may include "Rule 144A" securities, which are exempt from registration and may only be resold to qualified institutional buyers. The Fund may invest in illiquid securities, including restricted securities that are illiquid. The Fund may invest an unlimited amount in restricted securities that are considered by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser to be liquid and otherwise meet the Fund's investment policies.

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, Fund management or to earn income. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps and structured investments (including commodity-linked notes), and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may also utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's exposure to the types of securities listed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities.

The Fund may, consistent with its principal investment strategies, invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary may invest, directly or indirectly through the use of derivatives, in securities, commodities, commodity-related instruments and other investments, primarily futures, swaps and notes. The Subsidiary is advised by the Adviser.

Investments in the Subsidiary are intended to provide the Fund with exposure to commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements that apply to the Fund. The Subsidiary primarily obtains its commodity exposure by investing in commodity-linked derivative instruments, which may include, but are not limited to, total return swaps, commodity (U.S. or foreign) futures and commodity-linked notes. The Subsidiary may also invest in other instruments, including fixed-income securities, either as investments or to serve as margin or collateral for its swap positions, and foreign currency transactions (including forward contracts).

**Process**

The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser will utilize a top-down investment approach that focuses on asset class, sector, region, country and currency and thematic allocations. The Fund's allocations will be based upon the Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's evaluations and analyses, taking into account results of its fundamental market research and recommendations generated by the Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's quantitative models. The Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's research process focuses on the following factors across asset classes: 1) valuation (both relative and absolute), 2) dynamics, including earnings revisions, interest rate policy and inflation expectations and 3) technicals, such as investor flows and sentiment. The Fund may invest in any country, including developing or emerging market countries. The Fund's investments may be U.S. and non-U.S. dollar denominated. In determining whether to sell a security, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser consider a number of factors, including changes in capital appreciation potential, or the overall assessment of asset class, sector, region, country, and currency and thematic allocation shifts.

Thematic allocation shifts refers to allocating the Fund's assets between different thematic baskets of securities. A thematic basket of securities encompasses a specific investment idea that the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser believe will play out within the current global macro environment. Screening processes based on factors adhering to the investment themes are utilized to select securities for inclusion in each thematic basket.

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund **\| Details of the Fund**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

Unless otherwise required, the Fund may change its principal investment strategies at any time without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified of any changes as required by applicable law.

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *This section discusses additional information relating to Fund investment strategies, other types of investments that the Fund may make and related risk factors. References to the "Adviser" under "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" refer to the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. Fund investment practices and limitations are also described in more detail in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), which is incorporated by reference and legally is a part of this Prospectus. For details on how to obtain a copy of the SAI and other reports and information, see the back cover of this Prospectus.* <br>

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price and yield will fluctuate with changes in the market value and/or yield of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

Economies and financial markets worldwide have experienced periods of increased volatility, uncertainty, distress, government spending, inflation, tariffs and disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. To the extent these conditions exist or continue, the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including those described below, could be heightened and the Fund's investments (and thus a shareholder's investment in the Fund) may be particularly susceptible to sudden and substantial losses, reduced yield or income or other adverse developments. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time.

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others.

The percentage limitations (including the Fund's 80% policy, if any) relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act or rule thereunder, subsequent percentage changes that result from market fluctuations generally will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.

However, the Fund may be required to reduce its borrowings, if any, in response to fluctuations in the value of such holdings.

**Market and Geopolitical Risk**

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions (i.e., increase the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period). In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such assets.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or market, or with respect to one company, may adversely impact other companies and other issuers, including those in a different country, region, sector, industry or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries and adversely impact the Fund's investments. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform or otherwise be adversely affected due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters and extreme weather events, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political (including geopolitical) discord and tensions or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in inflation rates or expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, an issuer's financial condition, the Fund's investments and an investment in the Fund. The market price of debt securities generally falls as inflation increases because the purchasing power of the future income and repaid principal is expected to be worth less when received by the Fund. The risk of inflation is greater for debt instruments with longer maturities and especially those that pay a fixed rather than variable interest rate.

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions or similar actions by the U.S. or foreign governments (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on economies, financial markets, issuers and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations.

Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations, can be adversely affected by changes in local and global economic conditions, including those that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments.

Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the price and performance of the Fund's investments, reduce market liquidity, adversely affect and increase the volatility of markets and the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing political, social, financial and economic risks to the Fund and cause overall declines in the U.S. and global markets. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions (including monetary and/or fiscal actions intended to stimulate or stabilize the global economy) that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**Equity Securities**

Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and equity-linked securities, rights and warrants to purchase common stocks, depositary receipts, shares of investment companies (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates), limited partnership interests and other specialty securities having equity features. Many factors affect the value of equity securities, including earnings, earnings forecasts, corporate events and factors impacting the issuer's financial condition, sector, industry and the market generally, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably, and these fluctuations may be frequent and significant. In addition, the Fund cannot accurately predict the income it might receive from equity securities because issuers generally have discretion as to the payment of dividends or distributions, and the common stock of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if, for example, the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because of a decline in the issuer's financial condition. The Fund may invest in equity securities that are publicly traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter ("OTC") or in equity securities that are not publicly traded. Equity securities are subject to the risk that stock prices in general (or in particular, the prices of the types of securities in which the Fund invests) may decline over short or extended periods of time. Equity securities that are not publicly traded may be more difficult to value or sell and their value may fluctuate more dramatically than publicly

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

traded equity securities. Convertible securities are subject to many of the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and equity securities.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or the financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. In addition, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although stock prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.

U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks. In addition, the price of equity securities of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund.

**Depositary Receipts**

A depositary receipt is generally issued by a bank or financial institution and represents the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks as those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. When the Fund invests in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") rather than investing directly in their underlying foreign shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the ADRs may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with the return of the underlying foreign shares. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Because the underlying foreign shares of ADRs are typically denominated or quoted in non-U.S. currencies, currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Further, since an ADR's underlying shares trade on foreign exchanges at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the ADR's underlying shares may change materially at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for Fund shares.

**Convertible Securities**

A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to and are subject to many of the risks associated with both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to other comparable nonconvertible fixed-income securities in such capital structure. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities.

**Corporate Debt Obligations**

Corporate debt obligations are fixed-income securities issued by corporations. The investment return of corporate debt obligations reflects interest earnings and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of a corporate debt obligation may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates generally. There also exists the risk that the issuers of the securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument or at all. Debtholders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders of the corporation as to both income and assets for the principal and interest due to the bondholder.

**Fixed-Income Securities**

Fixed-income securities are securities that pay a fixed or a variable rate of interest until a stated maturity date. Fixed-income securities include U.S. government securities, securities issued by federal or federally sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, corporate bonds and notes, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, securities rated below

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

investment grade (commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or "high yield/high risk securities"), municipal bonds, loan participations and assignments, zero coupon bonds, convertible securities, Eurobonds, Brady Bonds, Yankee Bonds, repurchase agreements, commercial paper and cash equivalents.

Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).

Fixed income and other debt instruments, including mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid earlier than expected, such as in the case of refinancing. This risk is increased during periods of declining interest rates and prepayments may reduce the Fund's yield or income as a result of reinvesting the income or other proceeds in lower yielding securities or instruments. These investments are also subject to extension risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid slower or later than expected. This may negatively affect Fund returns, as the value of the investment decreases when principal payments are made later than expected. This risk is elevated during periods of increasing interest rates. In addition, because principal payments are made later than expected, the investment's duration may extend (and result in increased interest rate risk) and the Fund may be prevented from investing proceeds it would otherwise have received at the higher prevailing interest rates. Prepayments and extensions may result in a security or debt instrument offering less potential for gains during periods of declining interest rates or rising interest rates, respectively.

The Fund is not limited as to the maturities (when a debt security provides its final payment) or durations (measure of interest rate sensitivity) of the securities in which it may invest. Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled. The Fund may be subject to liquidity risk, which may result from the lack of an active market and the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed-income securities. Fixed-income securities may be called (i.e., redeemed by the issuer) prior to final maturity. If a callable security is called, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at a lower rate of interest.

**Credit and Interest Rate Risk**

Fixed-income securities, such as bonds, generally are subject to two primary types of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security, or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise honor its obligations, including the risk of default. The risk of defaults across issuers, guarantors and/or counterparties increases in adverse market and economic conditions, and the degree of credit risk depends on the financial condition of the issuer, guarantor or counterparty and terms of the obligation. Credit ratings may not be an accurate assessment of financial condition, volatility, liquidity or credit risk, as the ratings do not evaluate market risks or necessarily reflect the issuer's, guarantor's or counterparty's current financial condition or the volatility or liquidity of the security. Although credit quality may not accurately reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market's perception of the creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty, can have a rapid, adverse effect on the instrument's value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. In addition, under certain conditions, there may be an increasing amount of issuers that are unprofitable, have little cash on hand and/or are unable to pay the interest owed on their debt obligations and the number of such issuers may increase if demand for their goods and services falls, borrowing costs rise due to governmental action or inaction or other reasons. The Fund may also be subject to credit spread risk, which is the risk that economic and market conditions, or any actual or perceived credit deterioration, may lead to an increase in credit spreads (i.e., the difference in yield between two securities of similar maturity but different credit quality) and a decline in price of an issuer's securities.

Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations (such as a decline) in the value of (or yield or income generated by) a fixed-income or other debt security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income securities go up but the yield or income from new issuances of fixed-income securities generally decreases. To the extent the Fund invests in variable and floating rate securities, although these instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than fixed rate instruments, the value of these securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a fixed-income security. Securities with

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations. Thus, the Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk will increase to the extent it has a longer average portfolio duration. The proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate or on other less advantageous terms during a declining interest rate environment. In a rising interest rate environment, the duration of fixed-income securities may be extended, thus potentially reducing income and increasing interest rate risk. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates, which may occur at any time based on a range of factors and may be sudden, frequent and significant. For example, during periods when interest rates are low, the Fund's yield (and total return) also may be low or otherwise adversely affected or the Fund may be unable to maintain positive returns or pay Fund expenses out of current income. Monetary policies, and market interest rates, are subject to change at any time and potentially frequently based on a variety of market and economic conditions. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve Board will change interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of such changes. The impact on fixed income and other debt instruments and market conditions from interest rate changes, regardless of the cause, could be significant and could adversely affect the Fund and its investments. Low or high interest rates could magnify the risks associated with changes in interest rates.

In general, changing interest rates could have unpredictable effects on markets and may expose debt and related markets to heightened volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates and/or volatility.

Governmental authorities and regulators may enact significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including providing direct capital infusions into companies, creating new monetary programs and changing interest rates considerably. These actions present heightened risks to debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened if these actions are unexpectedly or suddenly reversed or are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes.

**Duration**

The average duration of a portfolio of fixed-income securities represents its exposure to changing interest rates. For example, when the level of interest rates increases by 1%, a fixed-income security having a positive duration of four years generally will decrease in value by 4%; when the level of interest rates decreases by 1%, the value of that same security generally will increase by 4%. A portfolio with a lower average duration generally will experience less price volatility in response to changes in interest rates than a portfolio with a higher average duration.

**High Yield Securities**

Fixed-income securities that are not investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or high yield, high risk securities. These securities generally offer a higher yield than higher rated securities (including those of a similar maturity), but they carry a greater degree of risk, including substantial credit and default risks. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss (including substantial or total loss) of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative by the major credit rating agencies because of increased credit risk relative to higher rated fixed income investments. High yield securities are also subject to other increased risks, including greater sensitivity to real or perceived economic changes, increased price volatility, valuation difficulties, lack of a regular trading market and greater potential illiquidity. High yield securities are particularly susceptible to default risk during periods of adverse market, industry or economic conditions or issuer-specific developments and a high yield security may lose significant value before a default occurs. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

In addition, the Fund's investments in high yield securities are subject to the risk of subordination to other creditors. Accordingly, in the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of holders of these securities, leaving few or no assets available to repay high yield securities holders, such as the Fund. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly leveraged or indebted than other companies or are financially distressed. This means that they typically have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest and a higher risk of non-payment. An issuer's ability to pay its debt obligations may also be reduced by financial stress, specific issuer developments or the unavailability of additional financing. Changes in the value of high yield securities are typically influenced more by changes in the financial and business position of the issuing company than by changes in interest rates when compared to investment grade securities.

In addition, high yield securities are subject to increased call risk, also known as prepayment risk, which is the risk that an issuer may exercise its right to redeem a fixed income security earlier than expected (a call). Issuers may call outstanding securities prior to their maturity for a number of reasons (e.g., declining interest rates, changes in credit spreads and improvements in the issuer's credit quality). If an issuer calls a security in which the Fund has invested, the Fund may not recoup the full amount of its initial investment (including any premiums paid) or may not realize the full anticipated earnings from the investment and may be forced to reinvest in lower-yielding securities, securities with greater credit risks or securities with other, less favorable features.

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

In recent years, there has been a broad trend of weaker or less restrictive covenant protections in the high yield market. Among other things, under such weaker or less restrictive covenants, borrowers might be able to exercise more flexibility with respect to certain activities than borrowers who are subject to stronger or more protective covenants. For example, borrowers might be able to incur more debt, including secured debt, return more capital to shareholders, remove or reduce assets that are designated as collateral securing high yield securities, increase the claims against assets that are permitted against collateral securing high yield securities or otherwise manage their business in ways that could impact creditors negatively. In addition, certain privately held borrowers might be permitted to file or provide less frequent, less detailed or less timely financial reporting or other information, which could negatively impact the value of the high yield securities issued by such borrowers. Each of these factors might negatively impact the high yield securities held by the Fund.

**Inflation-Linked Securities Risk**

The values of inflation-linked securities change in response to actual or anticipated changes in specific inflation rates. There can be no assurance that the inflation index used will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. Inflation-linked securities are also subject to the effects of changes in market interest rates caused by factors other than inflation (real interest rates). Real interest rates change over time as a result of many factors, such as currency exchange rates, central bank monetary policies and general economic conditions. Such changes may be unanticipated by the Adviser. In addition, inflation-linked securities are subject to the risks associated with fixed-income securities. When inflation is low, declining, or negative, the inflation-linked securities in which the Fund invests could underperform more conventional bonds. Interest payments on inflation-linked investments may vary widely and will fluctuate as the principal and interest are adjusted for inflation. The market for inflation-linked securities may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets.

**Liquidity**

The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to, among other developments, overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. Illiquidity can also be caused by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

**Mortgage-Backed Securities**

Mortgage-backed securities are fixed-income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. They are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed-income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans (*i.e.*, when a borrower pays back the principal of a debt obligation earlier than expected). As a result, it may not be possible to determine in advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase and its market price will decrease. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because additional mortgage prepayments must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average maturity of a portfolio of mortgage-backed securities and, therefore, to assess the volatility risk of that portfolio.

The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. These securities are either direct obligations of the U.S. Government or the issuing agency or instrumentality has the right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations although it is not legally required to extend credit to the agency or instrumentality. Certain of these mortgage-backed securities purchased by the Fund, such as those issued by the Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal Housing Administration, are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Other of these mortgage-backed securities purchased by the Fund, such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and there is a risk that the U.S. Government will not provide financial support to these agencies if it is not obligated to do so by law. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some of the mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

assurance that the private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. Mortgage pools underlying mortgage-backed securities offered by non-governmental issuers more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value ratio mortgages and manufactured housing loans, in addition to commercial mortgages and other types of mortgages where a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee is not available. An unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to the Fund. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. Subprime mortgages refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their mortgages. For these reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had in many cases higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements. The risk of non-payment is greater for mortgage-related securities that are backed by loans that were originated under weak underwriting standards, including loans made to borrowers with limited means to make repayment. A level of risk exists for all loans, although, historically, the poorest performing loans have been those classified as subprime. Other types of privately issued mortgage-related securities, such as those classified as pay-option adjustable rate or Alt-A, have also performed poorly.

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, mortgage-related securities held in the Fund's portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans or to sell. Non-agency mortgage-backed securities include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property. Many of the risks of investing in commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") reflect the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants.

The risks associated with mortgage-backed securities are elevated in distressed economic, market, health and labor conditions, notably, increased levels of unemployment, delays and delinquencies in payments of mortgage and rent obligations, and uncertainty regarding the effects and extent of government intervention with respect to mortgage payments and other economic matters.

Delinquencies, defaults and losses on residential mortgage loans may increase substantially over certain periods, which may affect the performance of the mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest. Mortgage loans backing non-agency mortgage-backed securities are more sensitive to economic factors that could affect the ability of borrowers to pay their obligations under the mortgage loans backing these securities. In addition, housing prices and appraisal values in many states and localities over certain periods have declined or stopped appreciating. A sustained decline or an extended flattening of those values may result in additional increases in delinquencies and losses on mortgage-backed securities generally (including the mortgaged-backed securities that the Fund may invest in as described above). Adverse changes in market conditions and regulatory climate may reduce the cash flow which the Fund, to the extent it invests in mortgage-backed securities or other asset-backed securities, receives from such securities and increase the incidence and severity of credit events and losses in respect of such securities. In the event that interest rate spreads for mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities widen following the purchase of such assets by the Fund, the market value of such securities is likely to decline and, in the case of a substantial spread widening, could decline by a substantial amount. Furthermore, adverse changes in market conditions may result in reduced liquidity in the market for mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities (including the mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities in which the Fund may invest) and an unwillingness by banks, financial institutions and investors to extend credit to servicers, originators and other participants in the market for mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities. As a result, the liquidity and/or the market value of any mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities that are owned by the Fund may experience declines after they are purchased by the Fund.

*Collateralized Mortgage Obligations*. Collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") are debt obligations collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities (collectively "Mortgage Assets"). Payments of principal and interest on the Mortgage Assets and any reinvestment income are used to make payments on the CMOs. CMOs are issued in multiple classes. Each class has a fixed or floating rate and a stated maturity or final distribution date. The principal and interest on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated among the classes in a number of different ways. Certain classes will, as a result of the allocation, have more predictable cash flows than others. As a general matter, the more predictable the cash flow, the lower the yield relative to other Mortgage Assets. The less predictable the cash flow, the higher the yield and the greater the risk. The Fund may invest in any class of CMO, including classes that vary inversely with interest rates and may be more volatile and sensitive to prepayment rates.

The principal and interest on the Mortgage Assets comprising a CMO may be allocated among the several classes of a CMO in many ways. The general goal in allocating cash flows on Mortgage Assets to the various classes of a CMO is to create certain tranches on which the expected cash flows have a higher degree of predictability than do the underlying Mortgage Assets. As

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

a general matter, the more predictable the cash flow is on a particular CMO tranche, the lower the anticipated yield on that tranche at the time of issue will be relative to the prevailing market yields on the Mortgage Assets. As part of the process of creating more predictable cash flows on certain tranches of a CMO, one or more tranches generally must be created that absorb most of the changes in the cash flows on the underlying Mortgage Assets. The yields on these tranches are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage related securities with similar average lives. Principal prepayments on the underlying Mortgage Assets may cause the CMOs to be retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or final distribution dates. Because of the uncertainty of the cash flows on these tranches, the market prices and yields of these tranches are more volatile and may increase or decrease in value substantially with changes in interest rates and/or the rates of prepayment relative to other tranches. Due to the possibility that prepayments (on home mortgages and other collateral) will alter the cash flow on CMOs, it is not possible to determine in advance the final maturity date or average life. Faster prepayment will shorten the average life and slower prepayments will lengthen it. In addition, if the collateral securing CMOs or any third party guarantees are insufficient to make payments, the Fund could sustain a loss.

*Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities*. Stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage-backed securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest only or "IO" class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or "PO" class). Investments in each class of SMBS are extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates. IOs tend to decrease in value substantially if interest rates decline and prepayment rates become more rapid. POs tend to decrease in value substantially if interest rates increase and the rate of prepayment decreases. If the Fund invests in SMBS and interest rates move in a manner not anticipated by management, it is possible that the Fund could lose all or substantially all of its investment.

*Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities.* CMBS are generally multi-class or pass-through securities backed by a mortgage loan or a pool of mortgage loans secured by commercial property, such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments. The commercial mortgage loans that underlie CMBS are generally not amortizing or not fully amortizing. That is, at their maturity date, repayment of their remaining principal balance or "balloon" is due and is repaid through the attainment of an additional loan or sale of the property. An extension of a final payment on commercial mortgages will increase the average life of the CMBS, generally resulting in a lower yield for discount bonds and a higher yield for premium bonds.

CMBS are subject to credit risk and prepayment risk, among other risks. Although prepayment risk is present, it is of a lesser degree in the CMBS market than in the residential mortgage market; commercial real estate property loans often contain provisions that substantially reduce the likelihood that such securities will be prepaid (e.g., significant prepayment penalties on loans and, in some cases, prohibition on principal payments for several years following origination).

CMBS may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities. CMBS issued by private issuers may offer higher yields than CMBS issued by government issuers, but also may be subject to greater volatility and credit or default risk than CMBS issued by government issuers. In addition, at times the commercial real estate market has experienced substantially lower valuations combined with higher interest rates, leading to difficulty in refinancing debt and, as a result, the CMBS market has experienced (and could in the future experience) greatly reduced liquidity and valuations. CMBS held by the Fund may be subordinated to one or more other classes of securities of the same series for purposes of, among other things, establishing payment priorities and offsetting losses and other shortfalls with respect to the related underlying mortgage loans. There can be no assurance that the subordination will be sufficient on any date to offset all losses or expenses incurred by the underlying trust.

The values of, and income generated by, CMBS may be adversely affected by changing interest rates, tightening lending standards, and other developments impacting the commercial real estate market, such as population shifts and other demographic changes, increasing vacancies (potentially for extended periods) and reduced demand for commercial and office space as well as maintenance or tenant improvement costs and costs to convert properties for other uses. These developments could result from, among other things, changing tastes and preferences (such as remote work arrangements) as well as cultural, technological, global or local economic and market developments. In addition, changing interest rate environments and associated changes in lending standards and higher refinancing rates may adversely affect the commercial real estate and CMBS markets. The occurrence of any of the foregoing or similar developments would likely increase default risk for the properties and loans underlying these investments as well as impact the value of, and income generated by, these investments. These developments could also result in reduced liquidity for CMBS.

**Inverse Floaters**

Inverse floaters are obligations which pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in market rates of interest. Because the interest rate paid to holders of such obligations is generally determined by subtracting a variable or floating rate from a

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

predetermined amount, the interest rate paid to holders of such obligations will decrease as such variable or floating rate increases and increase as such variable or floating rate decreases.

Like most other fixed-income securities, the value of inverse floaters will decrease as interest rates increase. They are more volatile, however, than most other fixed-income securities because the coupon rate on an inverse floater typically changes at a multiple of the change in the relevant index rate. Thus, any rise in the index rate (as a consequence of an increase in interest rates) causes a correspondingly greater drop in the coupon rate of an inverse floater while a drop in the index rate causes a correspondingly greater increase in the coupon of an inverse floater. Some inverse floaters may also increase or decrease substantially because of changes in the rate of prepayments.

**Exchange-Traded Funds**

The Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates). ETFs seek to track the performance of various portions or segments of the equity and fixed-income markets. Shares of ETFs have many of the same risks as direct investments in common stocks or bonds. In addition, the market value of ETF shares may differ from their net asset value per share ("NAV") because the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying securities. Also, ETFs that track particular indices typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly due to, among other things, the ETF's operating expenses and transaction costs. ETFs typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. Therefore, as a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own investment management fees and other expenses. As a result, shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments in ETFs with respect to investments in ETFs. Further, certain ETFs in which the Fund may invest are leveraged. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater. Leveraged ETFs can deviate substantially from the performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods of time, particularly in volatile periods. Furthermore, disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETFs purchased or sold by the Fund could result in losses on the Fund's investment in ETFs.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special and heightened risks, which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers generally are subject to different corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards than U.S. issuers. There may be less information available to the public about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers can be less liquid, experience greater price movements, and may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and/or other taxes, which decreases the yield and/or return of these securities. The Fund may experience losses if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be susceptible to influence by large traders due to the limited size of many foreign securities markets and there is the risk that news and events unique to a country or region that would not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States will affect those markets and their issuers and political events in foreign countries may cause market and economic disruptions. Moreover, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Also, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. In some foreign countries, there is also the risk of government expropriation, excessive or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, the imposition of currency controls or diplomatic developments that could affect the Fund's investments. There also can be difficulty obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers in foreign countries. Foreign stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed issuers may be subject to less government regulation and oversight. Securities registration, custody, and settlement may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and experience other adverse consequences. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. In addition, in certain markets the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities during certain periods.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. The value of holdings traded outside the United States or denominated in foreign currencies (and any hedging transactions in foreign currencies), including underlying securities represented by depositary receipts, will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the holding in the issuer's home country. These risks may be intensified for the Fund's investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. Moreover, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities (or force the Fund to sell foreign securities) or transfer the Fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. The Fund's investments in foreign securities are subject to trade laws of and potential economic sanctions by the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter-sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit the Fund from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions could prohibit the Fund from transacting with particular countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures also could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. In addition, economic sanctions or other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, increase the Fund's transaction costs, make the Fund's investments more difficult to value or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

Even if the Fund does not have significant investments in securities affected by sanctions, sanctions or the threat of sanctions may cause volatility in regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, including through global supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced economic activity, which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. In addition, trade disputes and changes in tariffs may affect investor and consumer confidence and adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to predict.

In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including American Depositary Receipts, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

securities would likely decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts**

In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to seek to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies.

Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. The Adviser's success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

**Sovereign Debt Obligations**

The Fund may invest in debt obligations known as "sovereign debt," which are obligations of governmental issuers in emerging market or developing countries and industrialized countries. Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations. Uncertainty surrounding the level and sustainability of sovereign debt of certain countries has at times increased volatility in the financial markets. In addition, a number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries and have a long history of reliance on foreign debt. Additional factors that may influence the ability or willingness to service debt include, but are not limited to, a country's cash flow situation, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of its debt service burden to the economy as a whole and its government's policy towards the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other multilateral agencies. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities or whose economy depends on certain strategic imports could be vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices of these commodities or imports. If a foreign sovereign obligor cannot generate sufficient earnings from foreign trade to service its external debt, it may need to depend on continuing loans and aid from foreign governments, commercial banks and multilateral organizations, and inflows of foreign investment. The commitment on the part of these foreign governments, multilateral organizations and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the government's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of its obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third-parties' commitments to lend funds, which may further impair the foreign sovereign obligor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. In addition, there is no legal process for collecting on a sovereign debt that a government does not pay or bankruptcy proceeding by which all or part of the sovereign debt that a government entity has not repaid may be collected.

**China Risk**

Investments in securities of Chinese issuers involve risks associated with investments in foreign markets as well as special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets or other foreign (including emerging) markets. For example, the Chinese government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation, state ownership and/or other involvement. Actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China and operations of particular Chinese companies. In addition, the Chinese government has actively intervened in Chinese companies' operations and structures and taken (and may continue to take) actions that influenced the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encouraged companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induced mergers between companies in certain industries and induced private companies to publicly offer their securities. Investments in China involve risk of a total loss due to government action or inaction or other adverse circumstances. Additionally, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to the economic conditions, trading policies and taxation of imports of its primary

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the Chinese economy and the Fund's investments. Moreover, a slowdown in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth or the value of investments in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund's investments. In addition, certain securities are, or may in the future become restricted and/or sanctioned by the U.S. government or other governments and the Fund may be forced to sell or unable to sell such securities and incur a loss as a result and the Fund may be unable to purchase securities of Chinese issuers from time to time.

U.S. relations with China are strained, because of, among other things, a series of trade, international treaty, tax, and sanctions actions taken by the United States and China against each other, including the designation of China as a "foreign adversary" of the U.S., as well as countersanctions or countermeasures from the Chinese government that have been triggered or are expected to be triggered. Moreover, recent developments in relations between the U.S., other trading partners and China have heightened concerns (and the realization) of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential for an escalation in trade tensions or a trade war. For example, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on senior Chinese officials and certain employees of Chinese technology companies, and placed restrictions on U.S. investments in such companies. Increases in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof) could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China's export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of a Fund's direct or indirect investments in China and, therefore, the Fund's investments. In addition, the adoption or continuation of protectionist trade policies by one or more countries could lead to a decrease in demand for Chinese products and reduced flows of foreign capital to these economies.

These and other developments, including government actions or inactions, would likely result in significant illiquidity risk or losses or forced disposition for Chinese investments. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by a relatively small number of equity issues and relatively low trading volume, resulting in decreased liquidity, greater price volatility (caused by, among other things, military, diplomatic, or trade conflicts and government intervention in economic and securities markets), and potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund. The Fund's investments in Chinese securities are also subject to additional risks associated with differing regulatory and audit requirements in the Chinese securities market as compared to the U.S. securities market, including a lack of reliable audits and other financial information regarding many Chinese companies and heightened risk of market manipulation and fraud, which may be increased through actions taken by the Chinese government. These differences (including absence of information relative to issuers in many developed countries) may result in the unavailability of material information about Chinese issuers and/or inaccurate or incomplete financial records of an issuer's operations in China. The unavailability of reliable, complete or other information and lack of comparable accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards present additional risks, such as risks associated with difficulties verifying issuers' financial information. In addition, the relationship between China and Taiwan is particularly sensitive, and hostilities between China and Taiwan, including continued threats by China to invade and control Taiwan, present a significant risk to the Fund's investments in China. Ongoing political tension between the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may have impacts on the economy of Hong Kong, and these impacts remain uncertain. Military or diplomatic moves involving China could significant adversely affect the economies and issuers in the region and, thus, the Fund's investments.

*Risks of Investing through Bond Connect*

The Fund may invest in fixed-income instruments listed and traded through the Bond Connect Program. Trading through Bond Connect is subject to a number of restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns. Moreover, fixed-income instruments purchased through Bond Connect generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Bond Connect in accordance with applicable rules. The Bond Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to the program's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns.

**Emerging Market Securities**

The Fund may invest in emerging market or developing countries, which are countries that major international financial institutions generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations (such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe). Emerging market or developing countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market or developing countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Such emerging market countries could also subject the Fund to greater risk associated with the custody of its securities than developed markets, which may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments (including the companies in which the Fund may invest) in emerging market or developing countries may be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. Furthermore, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) may be limited in their ability to enforce regulatory or legal obligations in emerging market countries. In addition, emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to increased potential for market manipulation and wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. These characteristics result in greater risk of price volatility in emerging market or developing countries, which may be heightened by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

**Foreign Currency**

Investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. Since the Fund may invest in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so, or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

The derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use include:

*Futures.* A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

*Options.* If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument, foreign currency or contract, such as a swap agreement or futures contract, on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium paid by the Fund. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument, swap, foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased OTC, the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.

Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. The price of the option may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to the Fund and poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges.

Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

*Swaps.* The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges or swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of certain standardized swap transactions. Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility unless no exchange or swap execution facility "makes the swap available to trade." The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

The Fund's use of swaps may include those based on the credit of an underlying security, commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by a third-party on the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

*Structured Investments.* The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

**Commodity-Related Investments**

Commodity-related investments include, but are not limited to: commodity contracts; commodity futures or options thereon (investments in contracts for the future purchase or sale of commodities); commodity options (including certain event contracts); commodity exchange-traded funds (exchange-traded funds that track the price of a single commodity, such as gold or oil, or a basket of commodities); commodity exchange-traded notes (debt instruments whose price fluctuates (by contractual commitment) with an underlying commodity or commodity index); total return swaps based on a commodity or commodity index (permitting one party to receive/pay the total return on a commodity or commodity index against payment/receipt of an agreed upon spread/interest rate); commodity-linked notes (debt instruments providing a return based on a formula referenced to a commodity or commodity index); sovereign-issued oil warrants (a sovereign obligation the coupon on which is contingent on the price of oil); precious metals; and any other commodity-related investment permitted by law. Commodity-related investments may be used to seek to gain exposure to a particular type of commodity, basket of commodities, commodity market or commodity index, or to seek to hedge such exposures or a position in a commodity-producing country.

The value of commodity-related investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and a variety of factors, including domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies (including actual or threatened impositions of tariffs, sanctions or similar measures), war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates, investment and trading activities of mutual funds, hedge funds and commodities funds, regulatory, health, economic and political developments, weather (such as droughts and floods) or other environmental events and natural disasters, pestilence or livestock disease and market disruptions. Exposure to commodities and commodity markets may involve substantial risks and subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, and prices of such investments may fluctuate quickly and dramatically. Such investments are also subject to, among other risks, risks associated with commodity index volatility or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture, and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. For example, the metals sector can be affected by sharp price volatility over short periods caused by global economic, financial and political factors, resource availability, government regulation, economic cycles, changes in inflation or expectations about inflation, changes in interest rates, currency fluctuations, metal sales by governments, central banks or international agencies, investment speculation and fluctuation in supply and demand. Commodity-related investments are often offered by companies in the financial services sector, including the banking, brokerage, and insurance sectors. As a result, events affecting issuers in the financial services sector may cause the Fund's share value to decline. Although investments in commodities have historically moved in different directions than traditional equity and fixed-income securities, when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic and other conditions, there is no guarantee that these investments will perform differently, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-related investments have been parallel to those of equity and fixed-income securities but there also is no guarantee that such price movements will correlate to price increases in other asset classes. In addition, commodity-related investments are subject to liquidity and counterparty risks and may be subject to other risks associated with derivatives.

The low margin normally required to be posted to trade commodity futures contracts and the low premiums received to sell options on futures contracts may provide a large amount of leverage, and a relatively small change in the price of the asset underlying futures or options on futures contracts can produce a disproportionately large profit or loss. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for commodity futures contracts or options on commodity futures contracts, and the Fund may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in losses. Commodity futures positions may be illiquid because, for example, most designated contract markets limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single day by rules referred to as "daily price fluctuation limits" or "daily limits." Once the price of a contract for a particular future has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the futures contract can neither be taken nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Suspensions or disruptions of trading in the commodity futures markets may adversely affect the value of securities providing exposure to the commodity futures markets.

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

**U.S. Government Securities**

Different types of U.S. government securities are subject to different levels of credit risk, including the risk of default, depending on the nature of the particular government support for that security. For example, a U.S. government-sponsored entity, such as Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), although chartered or sponsored by an Act of Congress, may issue securities that are neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. With respect to U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, there is the risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to such U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. U.S. government securities are also subject to interest rate risks and can exhibit price fluctuations resulting from increases or decreases in interest rates. The U.S. government securities in which the Fund may invest may pay fixed, floating, variable or adjustable interest rates.

The U.S. government securities that the Fund may purchase include U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, all of which are direct obligations of the U.S. government and may differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance. In addition, the Fund may purchase securities issued or guaranteed by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Among the agencies and instrumentalities issuing these obligations are Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae") and the Federal Housing Administration. Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government generally provide a lower current return than obligations of other issuers. The Fund may also purchase securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, but whose issuing agency or instrumentality has the right to borrow, to meet its obligations, from the U.S. Treasury. Among these agencies and instrumentalities are Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Further, the Fund may purchase securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities which are backed solely by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. Among these agencies and instrumentalities is the Federal Farm Credit System. With respect to U.S. government securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, there is a risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to these agencies if it is not obligated to do so by law, and therefore these U.S. government securities involve greater credit risk than U.S. government securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. The interest from U.S. government securities generally is not subject to state and local taxation. In addition, uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt ceiling could increase the risk that the U.S. government may default on payments on U.S. government securities and may cause the credit rating of the U.S. government to be downgraded. Any uncertainty regarding the ability of the United States to repay its debt obligations, and any default by the U.S. government, would have a negative impact on the Fund's investments in U.S. government securities. U.S. government securities generally have a lower return than other obligations.

**REITs**

Investing in REITs exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. REITs generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. An investment in a REIT is subject to the risks that impact the underlying properties of the REIT, including reduced demand for commercial and office space and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting the real estate industry and markets. Operating REITs require specialized management skills and the Fund indirectly bears management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. The value of REITs will also rise and fall in response to the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. In particular, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management or development of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans may be subject to the risks of default. REITs may be more volatile and/or more illiquid than other types securities, and publicaly traded REITs are also subject to risks associated with equity securities. In addition, individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. REITs may also be subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REITs also must satisfy specific requirements of the Code in order to qualify for tax-free pass-through income. The failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse consequences for the Fund, including significantly reducing the return to the Fund on its investment in such company. In addition, REITs, like mutual funds, have expenses, including management and administration fees, that are paid by their shareholders. As a result, shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments in REITs.

**Subsidiary Risk**

By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. These risks are described elsewhere in this Prospectus. There can be no assurance that the investment objectives of the Subsidiary will be achieved. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted

**28**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described herein and could adversely affect the Fund.

**Tax Risk**

The Fund may seek to gain exposure to the commodity markets through investments in the Subsidiary. Historically, the IRS has issued private letter rulings in which the IRS specifically concluded that income and gains from investments in commodity index-linked structured notes (the "Notes Rulings") or a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary that invests in commodity-linked instruments are "qualifying income" for purposes of compliance with Subchapter M of the Code. The Fund has not received such a private letter ruling, and is not able to rely on private letter rulings issued to other taxpayers. The IRS issued a revenue procedure, which states that the IRS will not in the future issue private letter rulings that would require a determination of whether an asset (such as a commodity index-linked note) is a "security" under the 1940 Act. In connection with issuing such revenue procedure, the IRS has revoked the Notes Rulings. The IRS also issued final regulations that would generally treat the Fund's income inclusion with respect to the Subsidiary as qualifying income either if (A) there is a current distribution out of the earnings and profits of the Subsidiary that are attributable to such income inclusion or (B) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. The Fund intends to treat its income from the Subsidiary as qualifying income. The tax treatment of the Fund's investments in the Subsidiary may be adversely affected by future legislation, court decisions, Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income derived from such investments is "qualifying income" under Subchapter M of the Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund's taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Fund. No assurances can be provided that the IRS would not be able to successfully assert that the Fund's income from such investments was not "qualifying income," in which case the Fund would fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code if over 10% of its gross income was derived from these investments. If the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be subject to federal and state income tax on all of its taxable income at regular corporate tax rates with no deduction for any distributions paid to shareholders, which would significantly adversely affect the returns to, and could cause substantial losses for, Fund shareholders. Additionally, the failure to qualify as a regulated investment company could have significant adverse tax consequences to the holders of the contracts and annuities which invest in the Fund through a separate account. The Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

**Active Management Risk**

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance. There is no guarantee that the use of the Adviser's investment techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected or produce the desired results.

In addition, it is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity and the Adviser may be restricted in its ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities and may impair the Fund's liquidity.

**Investment Company Securities**

Subject to the limitations set forth in the 1940 Act, or as otherwise permitted by the SEC, the Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies, including foreign investment companies, ETFs and money market funds (which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates). The market value of the shares of other investment companies may differ from the NAV of the Fund. The shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments in other investment companies.

**When-Issued Securities, Delayed Delivery Securities, TBAs and Forward Commitments**

The Fund may purchase or sell securities that it is entitled to receive on a when-issued basis. The Fund may also purchase or sell securities on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment (including on a TBA (to be announced) basis). These transactions involve the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The Fund enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. For example, the Fund may invest in TBAs, which settle on a delayed delivery

**29**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

basis. In a TBA transaction, the seller agrees to deliver the MBS for an agreed upon price on an agreed upon future date, but makes no guarantee as to which or how many securities are to be delivered. Accordingly, the Fund's investments in TBAs are subject to risks such as failure of the counterparty to perform its obligation to deliver the security, the characteristics of a security delivered to the Fund may be less favorable than expected and the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. Investments in TBAs may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged and may increase the impact that gains (losses) have on the Fund. Further, TBAs may increase the Fund's portfolio turnover rate. FINRA rules include mandatory margin requirements that will require the Fund to post collateral in connection with its TBA transactions, which could increase the cost of TBA transactions to the Fund and impose added operational complexity.

The Fund's purchase of other securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or through a forward commitment basis are subject to similar risks, including counterparty risk and that the value of securities in these transactions on the delivery date may be less than the price paid by the Fund to purchase the securities. In addition, there can be no assurance that a security purchased on a when-issued basis will be issued. When the Fund has sold a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis, the Fund does not benefit if the value of the security appreciates above the sale price during the commitment period and the Fund is subject to failure of the counterparty to pay for the securities.

**Large Transactions Risk**

The Fund may experience adverse effects when large shareholders, or a number of shareholders collectively purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund ("large shareholder transactions"). Such larger than normal redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund's performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. Large shareholder transactions may also result in taxable income and/or gains for the Fund, which may increase taxable distributions to shareholders, and may also increase transaction costs. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plans. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains when distributed by the Fund will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for individual shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of significant events affecting investor demand for securities or asset classes in which the Fund invests; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Although large shareholder transactions may be more frequent under certain circumstances, the Fund is generally subject to the risk that shareholders can purchase or redeem a significant percentage of Fund shares at any time.

**Temporary** **Investments**

Under adverse or unstable market conditions or abnormal circumstances or when the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions warrant, the Fund may, in the discretion of the Adviser, take temporary positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategy in attempting to respond to such conditions or circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest without limit in cash, cash equivalents or other fixed-income instruments, derivatives, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds, for temporary purposes. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts the effects of these changes or during periods of temporary defensive or other temporary positions, such temporary investments may adversely affect the Fund's performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**Portfolio Turnover**

Consistent with its investment policies, the Fund will purchase and sell securities without regard to the effect on portfolio turnover. Higher portfolio turnover (e.g., over 100% per year) will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in taxable gains being passed through to shareholders. The Fund may engage in frequent trading of securities to achieve its investment objective.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, the Adviser, authorized participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange, as applicable, are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through the service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting

**30**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of the Adviser, Distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), exchanges, market participants, market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, as applicable, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants, as applicable. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**

U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional (or amended) regulations and legislators pass new laws (or amend existing laws) that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**Investments in Artificial Intelligence Companies**

The Company may invest in companies involved in, or exposed to AI and related technologies ("AI Companies"), which are subject to a wide additional range of risks that may adversely affect the performance of the Company's investment.

For example, many AI Companies have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel and may be particularly sensitive to fluctuations in consumer demand, rapid changes in business cycles, world economic growth, technological progress and industry trends. Securities of AI Companies, especially smaller or start-up firms, tend to be more volatile than those of companies that do not rely heavily on the growth of such technology and business. In addition, prices of securities of AI Companies may be based on expectations that might not materialize and are particularly subject to investor sentiment that could shift and, in each case, such developments could cause losses for the Company's investments in AI Companies. Investments in AI Companies are subject to other risks, such as intense competition and the risk of rapid product obsolescence. Moreover, risks associated with investment in, or exposure to, AI Companies are heightened for companies devoting substantial resources to "agentic AI" (generally, a more autonomous version of AI). AI Companies also are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, and are potential targets for cyberattacks, which could result in reputational harm, legal liability and operational disruption. In addition, inaccurate, incomplete or biased data may lead to flawed outputs and decision-making errors.

The legal and regulatory environment relating to AI is uncertain and evolving and future changes, such as those related to privacy, data protection and intellectual property, could have an impact on the operations of AI Companies. Customers and suppliers of AI Companies may be concentrated in specific countries, regions or industries and, as a result, adverse events affecting these areas could negatively impact performance.

**31**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management

Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, conducts a worldwide portfolio management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the United States and abroad. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS") is the parent of the Adviser, which is the parent of the Distributor. Morgan Stanley is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay compensation (out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers and/or certain insurance companies or other financial intermediaries or service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and/or retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. Such compensation may be significant in amount and the prospect of receiving any such compensation may provide such affiliated or unaffiliated entities with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund's shares over other investment options. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Fund's shares. For more information, please see the Fund's SAI.

Sub-Adviser

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, located at 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4QA, England. The Sub-Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with investment advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Fund's officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

Advisory Fee

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Adviser received a fee for advisory services (net of fee waivers, if applicable) equal to 0.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets. For purposes of calculating the fees for the Fund, the net assets of the Fund include the value of the Fund's interest in the Subsidiary. Pursuant to a management agreement between the Adviser and the Subsidiary (the "Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement"), the Adviser will receive certain fees for managing the Subsidiary's assets and the Adviser will waive or credit such amounts against the fees payable to the Adviser by the Fund. This waiver may not be terminated by the Adviser and will remain in effect for as long as the Adviser's contract with the Subsidiary is in place.

The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of the Fund to exceed 0.90% of average daily net assets for Class I. In determining the actual amount of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Fund's annual operating expenses may vary throughout the period and from year to year. The Fund's actual expenses may be different than the expenses listed in the Fund's fee and expense table based upon the extent and amount of a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

A discussion regarding the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements is available in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

The Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Subsidiary pursuant to the Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement. Under the Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser provides the Subsidiary with the same type of investment advisory services as are provided to the Fund.

The Company and the Subsidiary have entered into contracts for the provision of custody services with service providers.

The Subsidiary is managed pursuant to compliance policies and procedures that are the same, in all material respects, as the policies and procedures adopted by the Company. As a result, the Adviser, in managing the Subsidiary's portfolio, is subject to the same investment policies and restrictions that apply to the management of the Fund (although the Subsidiary may invest

**32**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management (Con't)

without limitation in commodity-related instruments) and, in particular, to the requirements relating to portfolio leverage, liquidity, brokerage and the timing and method of valuation of the Subsidiary's portfolio investments and shares of the Subsidiary. Certain of these policies and restrictions are described in detail in the Fund's SAI.

The consolidated financial statements of the Subsidiary are included in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR.

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of the Portfolio Solutions Group. The team consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Rui De Figueiredo, Ph.D., Ryan Meredith, Jim Caron, Steven Turner, Damon Wu and Mark A. Bavoso.

Mr. Figueiredo has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2007. Mr. Meredith has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2007. Mr. Caron has been associated with Morgan Stanley since 2006 and with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since June 2012. Mr. Turner has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2013. Mr. Wu has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2008. Mr. Bavoso has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1986. Team members collaborate to manage the assets of the Fund.

**33**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information

**Share Class**

This Prospectus offers Class I shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class II shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class II shares are subject to higher expenses due to the imposition of a 12b-1 fee. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares**

Shares are offered on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business except as noted below.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (and other funds that serve as underlying investment options for variable insurance and annuity contracts (i.e., variable insurance funds)) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order (other than as set forth below). However, contract owners who allocate a portion of their contract to the Fund through the variable life insurance or variable annuity contracts previously described do not deal directly with the Fund to purchase and redeem shares. Please refer to the prospectus of the variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for information on the allocation, transfer and withdrawal of amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by using a combination of sales of securities held by the Fund and/or holdings of cash and cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, the Fund also reserves the right to use borrowings to meet redemption requests, and the Fund may use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions.

The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Fund currently does not foresee disadvantages to variable product contract owners or qualified plan participants arising out of the fact that the Fund offers its shares to separate accounts of various insurance companies that offer different types of variable annuity and variable life insurance products and various other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Nevertheless material irreconcilable conflicts may possibly arise among the interests of these investors. The Board of Directors that oversees the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any such material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

**Pricing of Fund Shares**

The price per share will be the NAV next determined after the Company or the insurance company receives your purchase or redemption order in good order. NAV is the value of one share's portion of all of the net assets in the Fund. The Company determines the NAV for the Fund as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares will generally not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations.

Trading of securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges may take place on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, to the extent, if any, that the Fund invests in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in shares of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary offers to redeem all or a portion of its shares at its current NAV every regular business day. The value of shares of the Subsidiary fluctuates with the value of the Subsidiary's portfolio investments. The Subsidiary prices its portfolio investments pursuant to the same pricing and valuation methodologies and procedures used by the Fund, which require, among other things, that each of the Subsidiary's portfolio

**34**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

investments be marked-to-market (that is, the value on the Subsidiary's books changes) each business day to reflect changes in the market value of each investment.

**About Net Asset Value**

The NAV of Class I shares is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to Class I, less the value of any liabilities attributable to Class I, by the total number of outstanding shares of Class I. For the purpose of calculating the NAV per share of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In making this calculation, the Fund generally values its portfolio securities and other assets at market price. With respect to investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board of Directors has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser determines that a market quotation is not accurate or reliable, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on foreign exchanges, when an event occurs after the close of such exchanges that is likely to have changed the value of the securities (e.g., a percentage change in value of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a significant development affecting a country or region or an issuer specific development that is likely to have changed the value of the security. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. To the extent the Fund invests in open-end management companies (other than ETFs) that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based, in relevant part, upon the NAV of such funds. The prospectuses for such funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and its effects.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or other asset. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the values of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares. The NAV of the Fund (excluding any applicable sales charges) is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets. Although the assets of each class are invested in the same portfolio of securities or other assets, the NAV of each class will differ because the classes have different class specific expenses.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund's provider of administrative services to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

The NAV of Class I shares will differ from that of Class II shares because of class-specific expenses that each class may pay.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The Fund distributes its net investment income, if any, at least annually as dividends and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

**Inactive Accounts and Risk of Escheatment**

In accordance with state "unclaimed property" laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state (also known as "escheatment") under various circumstances. These circumstances, which vary by state, can include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), uncashed checks or a combination of these. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund or your Financial Intermediary. Since states' statutory requirements regarding inactivity differ, it is important to regularly contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent. The process described above, and the application of state escheatment laws, may vary by state and/or depending on how shareholders hold their shares in the Fund. Escheatment with respect to a retirement account is subject to a 10% federal withholding on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address for your account, keep your account active by contacting your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent (e.g., by mail or telephone), and promptly cash all checks

**35**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws.

For more information, please contact us at 1-888-378-1630.

**Taxes**

The Fund expects that it will not have to pay federal income taxes if it distributes annually all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund does not expect to be subject to federal excise taxes with respect to undistributed income.

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its income from foreign jurisdictions. Special rules apply to certain transactions in a foreign currency.

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique and the tax laws may change, shareholders should consult a tax advisor about the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to their investment.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares**

Frequent purchases and redemptions of shares pursuant to the instructions of insurance company contract owners or qualified plan participants is referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading" and may present risks for other contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, which may include, among other things, dilution in the value of the Fund's shares indirectly held by contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, interference with the efficient management of the Fund, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that market-timers and/or short-term traders may take advantage of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the Fund's securities trade and the time the Fund's NAV is calculated ("time-zone arbitrage"). For example, a market-timer may submit instructions for the purchase of shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before the Fund's NAV calculation that are likely to result in higher prices in foreign markets the following day. The market-timer would submit instructions to redeem the Fund's shares the next day when the Fund's share price would reflect the increased prices in foreign markets for a quick profit at the expense of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund.

Investments in other types of securities also may be susceptible to short-term trading strategies. These investments include securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or relatively illiquid, which have the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A contract owner may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price-arbitrage"). Investments in certain fixed-income securities, such as high yield bonds, may be adversely affected by price arbitrage trading strategies. The Fund's policies with respect to valuing portfolio securities are described above in "About Net Asset Value."

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Insurance companies or qualified plans generally do not provide specific contract owner or plan participant transaction instructions to the Fund on an ongoing basis. Therefore, to some extent, the Fund relies on the insurance companies and qualified plans to monitor frequent short-term trading by contract owners. However, the Fund has entered into agreements with insurance companies and qualified plans whereby the insurance companies and qualified plans are required to provide certain contract owner identification and transaction information upon the Fund's request. The Fund may use this information to help identify and prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify or prevent all market-timing activity.

If the Fund identifies suspected market-timing activity, the insurance company or qualified plan will be contacted and asked to take steps to prevent further market-timing activity (e.g., sending warning letters or blocking frequent trading by underlying contract owners or participants). Insurance companies may be prohibited by the terms of the underlying insurance contract from restricting short-term trading of mutual fund shares by contract owners, thereby limiting the ability of such insurance company to implement remedial steps to prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan is unwilling or unable to take remedial steps to discourage or prevent frequent trading, or does not take action promptly, certain contract owners or participants may be able to engage in frequent trading to the detriment of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan refuses to take remedial action, or takes action that the Fund deems insufficient, a determination will be made whether it is appropriate to terminate the relationship with such insurance company or qualified plan.

**36**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**Portfolio Holdings Information**

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

**Potential Conflicts of Interest**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Fund. These activities could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the ''Affiliated Investment Accounts'') with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with the Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with the Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be.

The conflicts summarized herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled "Potential Conflicts of Interest" in the SAI. Conflicts of interest not described below or in the SAI may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include the Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

*Material Nonpublic and Other Information.* It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity, including for an extended period of time. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Fund with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser also may implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for the Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates.

*Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.* In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. The Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among the Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including

**37**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser.

*Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.* The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

*Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.* Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for the Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund.

*Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.* Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with the Fund and with respect to investments that the Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by the Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with the Fund and/or any of the Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley's activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to a merger or an acquisition.

**38**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

Consolidated Financial Highlights

The consolidated financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund's Class I shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). In addition, this performance information does not include the impact of any charges by your insurance company. If it did, returns would be lower.

The ratios of expenses to average net assets listed in the table below for Class I shares are based on the average net assets of the Fund for each of the periods listed in the table. To the extent that the Fund's average net assets decrease over the Fund's next fiscal year, such expense ratios can be expected to increase, potentially significantly, because certain fixed costs will be spread over a smaller amount of assets.

The information below has been derived from the consolidated financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP's report, along with the Fund's consolidated financial statements, are incorporated by reference into the Fund's SAI. The Fund's consolidated financial statements and additional information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR and SAI are available at no cost from the Company at the toll-free number noted on the back cover to this Prospectus or from your insurance company.

**39**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

**VIF Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $9.21 | $8.57 | $7.64 | $11.30 | $10.99 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup>  | 0.17 | 0.21 | 0.17 | 0.14 | 0.10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  | 1.41 | 0.43 | 0.89 | (2.07) | 0.81 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total from Investment Operations  | 1.58 | 0.64 | 1.06 | (1.93) | 0.91 |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income  |  |  | (0.13) |  | (0.21) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized Gain  | (0.35) |  |  | (1.73) | (0.39) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total Distributions  | (0.35) |  | (0.13) | (1.73) | (0.60) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $10.44 | $9.21 | $8.57 | $7.64 | $11.30 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>**  | 17.40% | 7.47% | 14.07%<sup>(3)</sup>  | (16.94)% | 8.37% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $68953 | $67928 | $68557 | $66072 | $88704 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.80% | 1.79% | 1.69% | 1.77% | 1.52% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.88%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.88%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.87%<sup>(4)(5)</sup>  | 0.88%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.90%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.75%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 2.30%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 2.06%<sup>(4)(5)</sup>  | 1.59%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.89%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 95% | 98% | 102% | 99% | 111% |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| (1) | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. |
| (2) | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. |
| (3) | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares. |
| (4) | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." |
| (5) | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class I shares: | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class I shares: | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class I shares: |
|  | **Period Ended** | **Expense**<br>**Ratio** | **Net Investment**<br>**Income Ratio** |
|  | December 31, 2023 | 0.88% | 2.05% |
| (6) | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. |

---

**40**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17236)

Where to Find Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports") and Annual or Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information filed in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR. In the Fund's Annual Report, among other things, you will find a brief summary of the key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund has an SAI, dated April 30, 2026 (as may be supplemented from time to time), which includes additional information about the Company and the Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. For a free copy of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports or Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR, to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries, please call toll-free 1-800-869-6397 or contact your insurance company. If you purchased shares through a Financial Intermediary, you may also obtain these documents, without charge, by contacting your Financial Intermediary. Free copies of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports and Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR are also available from our Internet site at: [www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports](DUMMY_17236_0_3).

You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Financial Intermediary, if applicable, or by visiting our Internet site.

Shareholder Reports and other information about the Fund, such as Fund financial statements, are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at: [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_17236_2_1), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., member FINRA.

The Company's 1940 Act registration number is 811-7607.© 2026 Morgan Stanley

------

![image](pr17250img001.jpg)<br>

**Morgan Stanley** **Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Global Strategist Portfolio

**Prospectus** \| April 30, 2026<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Ticker Symbol** |
| Class II | MGTPX |

---

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

**An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or endorsed by a bank, is not a bank deposit or obligation thereof, and is not** **insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the** **Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money investing in the Fund.**

![image](pr17250img002.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund that provides investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. In this prospectus, shares of the Global Strategist Portfolio (the "Fund") are being offered.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [**Fund Summary**](#ref_chapter_2_17250)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17250)  |
| [**Details of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_3_17250)  | [11](#ref_chapter_3_17250)  |
| [**Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**](#ref_chapter_4_17250)  | [13](#ref_chapter_4_17250)  |
| [**Fund Management**](#ref_chapter_5_17250)  | [32](#ref_chapter_5_17250)  |
| [**Shareholder Information**](#ref_chapter_6_17250)  | [34](#ref_chapter_6_17250)  |
| [**Consolidated Financial Highlights**](#ref_chapter_7_17250)  | [39](#ref_chapter_7_17250)  |

---

------

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks total return.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class II shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge any sales loads or other fees when you purchase or redeem shares. The table below does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be higher. **You may pay fees other than the fees** **and expenses of the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and other fees charged by financial intermediaries, which are** **not reflected in the tables and examples below.**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Class II** |
| Advisory Fee\* | 0.75% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee | 0.25% |
| Other Expenses\*\* | 1.05% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses\*\*\* | 2.05% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 1.05% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 1.00% |

---

\* "Advisory Fee" includes the management fee of the Subsidiary (as defined below). The Fund's "Adviser" and "Administrator," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., has agreed to waive or credit a portion of the advisory fee in an amount equal to the management fee paid to the Adviser by the Subsidiary.

\*\* "Other Expenses" include expenses of the Fund's and Subsidiary's (as defined below) most recent fiscal year.

\*\*\* The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 1.00% for Class II. In addition, the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., has agreed to waive 0.15% of the 0.25% 12b-1 fee that it may receive. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate.

**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 does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, costs shown would be higher.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). 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 II | $102  | $541  | $1006  | $2295  |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in Total 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 95% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

The Adviser and/or the Fund's "Sub-Adviser," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in a blend of equity and fixed-income securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, depositary receipts, convertible securities, equity-linked securities, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), rights and warrants to purchase equity securities and limited partnership interests. Fixed-income securities may include mortgage-related or mortgage-backed securities, floating rate securities, inflation-linked fixed-income securities, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, securities issued or guaranteed by non-U.S. governments, their agencies or instrumentalities, corporate bonds and notes issued by U.S. and non-U.S. entities.

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser will utilize a top-down investment approach that focuses on asset class, sector, region, country and currency and thematic allocations. The Fund's allocations will be based upon the Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's evaluations and analyses, taking into account results of its fundamental market research and recommendations generated by the Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's quantitative models. The Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's research process focuses on the following factors across asset classes: 1) valuation (both relative and absolute), 2) dynamics, including earnings revisions, interest rate policy and inflation expectations and 3) technicals, such as investor flows and sentiment. The Fund may invest in any country, including developing or emerging market countries. The Fund's investments may be U.S. and non-U.S. dollar denominated. In determining whether to sell a security, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser consider a number of factors, including changes in capital appreciation potential, or the overall assessment of asset class, sector, region, country, and currency and thematic allocation shifts.

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in below investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). The Fund may also invest in restricted and illiquid securities. The mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest include mortgage pass-through securities that represent a participation interest in a pool of mortgage loans originated by U.S. governmental or private lenders such as banks.

The Fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, Fund management or to earn income. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps and structured investments (including commodity-linked notes), and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's exposure to the types of securities listed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities.

The Fund may, consistent with its principal investment strategies, invest up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the "Subsidiary"). The Subsidiary may invest, directly or indirectly through the use of derivatives, in securities, commodities, commodity-related instruments and other investments, primarily futures, swaps and notes. The Subsidiary is advised by the Adviser.

Investments in the Subsidiary are intended to provide the Fund with exposure to commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements that apply to the Fund. The Subsidiary primarily obtains its commodity exposure by investing in commodity-linked derivative instruments, which may include, but are not limited to, total return swaps, commodity (U.S. or foreign) futures and commodity-linked notes. The Subsidiary may also invest in other instruments, including fixed-income securities, either as investments or to serve as margin or collateral for its swap positions and foreign currency transactions (including forward contracts).

**Principal Risks**

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you can lose money investing in this Fund. Investments in the Fund involve risks and you should not rely on the Fund as a complete investment program. The relative significance of each risk factor summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include:

● **Equity Securities.** In general, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or widely, in response to activities specific to the issuer of the security as well as factors unrelated to the fundamental condition of the issuer, including general market, economic, political and public health conditions. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although prices can rebound, there is no assurance that prices of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.<br>

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

● **Convertible Securities.** A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. To the extent that the Fund invests in convertible securities, and the convertible security's investment value is greater than its conversion value, its price will be likely to increase when interest rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise. If the conversion value exceeds the investment value, the price of the convertible security will tend to fluctuate directly with the price of the underlying security.

● **Fixed-Income Securities.** Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). For example, a type of fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest are corporate debt obligations. In addition to interest rate, credit and other risks, corporate debt obligations are also subject to factors directly related to the issuer, such as the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation's performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace, and by factors not directly related to the issuer, such as general market liquidity, economic conditions and inflation. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/ or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk). The Fund is not limited as to the maturities (when a debt security provides its final payment) or durations (measure of interest rate sensitivity) of the securities in which it may invest. Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled. Investing in emerging markets intensifies this risk, because lower quality fixed-income securities are more volatile in price.

● **Credit and Interest Rate Risk.** Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security, or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise honor its obligations, including the risk of default. In such instances, the value of the Fund could decline and the Fund could lose money. If an issuer's, guarantor's or counterparty's financial condition worsens, the credit quality of the issuer, guarantor or counterparty may deteriorate. Credit ratings may not be an accurate assessment of financial condition, liquidity or credit risk. Although credit ratings may not accurately reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market's perception of the creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty can have a rapid, adverse effect on the instrument's value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. Interest rate risk refers to the decline in the value of a fixed-income security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income securities go up but the yield or income from new issuances of fixed-income securities generally decreases. Securities with longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of and income generated by fixed-income instruments held by the Fund. The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate loans and other variable and floating rate securities. Although the value of these instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than fixed rate instruments, the value of variable and floating rate loans and other securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and may detract from Fund performance. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of market volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).

● **Mortgage-Backed Securities.** Mortgage-backed securities entail prepayment risk, which generally increases during a period of falling interest rates. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of mortgage-backed securities will increase and market price will decrease. Rates of prepayment, faster or slower than expected by the Adviser, could reduce the Fund's yield, increase the volatility of the Fund and/or cause a decline in net asset value per share ("NAV"). Mortgage-backed securities are also subject to extension risk, which is the risk that rising interest rates could cause mortgages or other obligations underlying the securities to be prepaid more slowly than expected, thereby lengthening the duration of such securities, increasing their sensitivity to interest rate changes and causing their prices to decline. Certain mortgage-backed securities may be more volatile and less liquid than other traditional types of debt securities. In addition, mortgage-backed securities are subject to credit risk. The Fund may invest in non-agency mortgage-backed securities offered by non-governmental issuers, such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers. Non-agency

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

mortgage-backed securities are not subject to the same underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-backed securities that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying non-agency mortgage-backed securities may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities and have wider variances in a number of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics. To the extent the Fund invests in non-agency mortgage-backed securities offered by non-governmental issuers, the Fund will be exposed to additional risks because, among other things, there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in pools underlying the securities. An unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to the Fund. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. Furthermore, mortgage-backed securities may be subject to risks associated with the assets underlying those securities, such as a decline in value. Investments in mortgage-backed securities may give rise to a form of leverage (indebtedness) and may cause the Fund's portfolio turnover rate to appear higher. Leverage may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. The risks associated with mortgage-backed securities typically become elevated during periods of distressed economic, market, health and labor conditions. In particular, increased levels of unemployment, delays and delinquencies in payments of mortgage and rent obligations, and uncertainty regarding the effects and extent of government intervention with respect to mortgage payments and other economic matters may adversely affect the Fund's investments in mortgage-backed securities. In addition, commercial mortgage-backed securities are also subject to risks associated with reduced demand for commercial and office space, tightening lending standards and increased interest and lending rates, and other developments adverse to the commercial real estate market.<br>

● **REITs.** Investing in REITs exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly and investing in companies in the real estate industry, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. For example, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management or development of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans and the underlying mortgage loans may be subject to the risks of default. Operating REITs requires specialized management skills and the Fund indirectly bears management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. REITs are also subject to certain provisions under federal tax law and the failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse consequences for the Fund.

● **High Yield Securities ("Junk Bonds").** The Fund's investments in high yield securities expose it to increased risks, including a substantial degree of credit and default risks. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly leveraged or indebted than other companies or are financially distressed, and therefore they typically have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest than issuers of higher rated investments. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss (including substantial or total loss) of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative because of increased credit risk relative to higher rated fixed income investments. High yield securities are also subject to greater price volatility, including sudden and substantial decreases in price and less liquidity than higher rated securities. High yield securities are particularly sensitive to adverse economic, market, industry or issuer-specific developments, which may result in an increased incidence of default. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

● **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks, and heightened risks, that may result in losses to the Fund. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund,

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

particularly during periods of market, economic, political, and social turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations. In addition, foreign governments may default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments. Moreover, there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging market countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. To the extent the Fund seeks to hedge its foreign currency exposure by the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts involves the risks associated with derivatives and the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. <br>

● **U.S. Government Securities.** Different types of U.S. government securities are subject to different levels of credit risk, including the risk of default, depending on the nature of the particular government support for that security. For example, a U.S. government-sponsored entity, such as Federal National Mortgage Association or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, although chartered or sponsored by an Act of Congress, may issue securities that are neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. With respect to U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, there is the risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to such U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. U.S. government securities are also subject to interest rate risks and can exhibit price fluctuations resulting from increases or decreases in interest rates.

● **Sovereign Debt Securities.** Investing in sovereign debt securities will expose the Fund to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when it becomes due, due to factors such as debt service burden, political constraints, cash flow problems and other national economic factors. In addition, foreign governments may default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments. Moreover, there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part.

● **Liquidity.** The Fund may make investments that are less liquid, illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. Liquidity risk may be magnified in a market where credit spread and interest rate volatility is rising and where investor redemptions from fixed-income mutual funds may be higher than normal. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

● **Investment Company Securities.** Subject to the limitations set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), or as otherwise permitted by the SEC, the Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies, including foreign investment companies, ETFs and money market funds which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates. The market value of the shares of other investment companies may differ from the NAV of the Fund. The shares of

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees, and be subject to the associated risks. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders, in effect, will also be absorbing fees with respect to investments in other investment companies. <br>

● **Derivatives.** Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument, including market risk, and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Investments in currency derivatives may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts and currency futures and options contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated.

● **Inflation-Linked Securities Risk.** The values of inflation-linked securities change in response to actual or anticipated changes in specific inflation rates. Inflation-linked securities are also subject to the effects of changes in market interest rates caused by factors other than inflation (real interest rates). Real interest rates change over time as a result of many factors, such as currency exchange rates, central bank monetary policies and general economic conditions. Such changes may be unanticipated by the Adviser. In addition, inflation-linked securities are subject to the risks associated with fixed- income securities. When inflation is low, declining, or negative, the inflation-linked securities in which the Fund invests could underperform more conventional bonds. Interest payments on inflation-linked investments may vary widely and will fluctuate as the principal and interest are adjusted for inflation.

● **Commodity-Related Investments Risk.** The value of commodity-related investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and a variety of factors, including domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates, investment and trading activities of mutual funds, hedge funds and commodities funds and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity, which may include weather, embargoes, tariffs, supply and demand fluctuations and health, political, environmental, international and regulatory (including environmental) developments. Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can impact the demand for commodities, which may impact market prices and cause the value of the Fund's commodity-related investments to experience volatility and decline. The frequency and magnitude of such changes are unpredictable. Commodity-related investments may involve substantial risks and subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, and prices of such investments may fluctuate quickly and dramatically. No active trading market may exist for certain commodity-related investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of commodity-related investments and subject the Fund's commodity-related investments to liquidity risk. Commodity-linked notes may be structured such that their performance deviates significantly from the underlying index or instrument.

As noted above, the Fund expects to invest in the Subsidiary, which invests in commodity-related investments, as well as other permitted instruments. The Subsidiary is subject to the laws of the Cayman Islands and is not subject to U.S. laws, including securities laws and their protections and provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Subsidiary is not registered under U.S. federal securities laws and may not be able to negotiate terms with its counterparties that are equivalent to those of a registered fund. As a result, the Subsidiary may be subject to greater counterparty risk than a registered fund. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Subsidiary to operate as described, and could adversely affect the Fund's investment approach. In addition, commodity-related investments generally generate income that is not qualifying income for purposes of meeting source of income tests applicable to mutual funds under the Code. Applicable Treasury regulations would generally treat the Fund's income inclusion with respect to the Subsidiary as "qualifying income" either if (i) there is a current-year distribution out of the earnings and profits of the Subsidiary that are attributable to such income inclusion or (ii) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. The Fund intends to treat its income from the Subsidiary as qualifying income. The tax treatment of the Fund's income from the Subsidiary may be adversely affected by future legislation, court decisions, Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income derived from such investments is "qualifying income" under Subchapter M of the Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund's taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Fund.<br>

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

● **Subsidiary Risk.** The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described herein and could adversely affect the Fund. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments.

● **Tax Risk.** The Fund may seek to gain exposure to the commodity markets through investments in the Subsidiary. Historically, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has issued private letter rulings in which the IRS specifically concluded that income and gains from investments in commodity index-linked structured notes (the "Notes Rulings") or a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary that invests in commodity-linked instruments are "qualifying income" for purposes of compliance with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Fund has not received such a private letter ruling, and is not able to rely on private letter rulings issued to other taxpayers. The IRS issued a revenue procedure, which states that the IRS will not in the future issue private letter rulings that would require a determination of whether an asset (such as a commodity index-linked note) is a "security" under the 1940 Act. In connection with issuing such revenue procedure, the IRS has revoked the Notes Rulings. The IRS also issued final regulations that would generally treat the Fund's income inclusion with respect to the Subsidiary as qualifying income either if (A) there is a current distribution out of the earnings and profits of the Subsidiary that are attributable to such income inclusion or (B) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. The Fund intends to treat its income from the Subsidiary as qualifying income. No assurances can be provided that the IRS would not be able to successfully assert that the Fund's income from such investments was not "qualifying income," in which case the Fund would fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code if over 10% of its gross income was derived from these investments. If the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be subject to federal and state income tax on all of its taxable income at regular corporate tax rates with no deduction for any distributions paid to shareholders, which would significantly adversely affect the returns to, and could cause substantial losses for, Fund shareholders. Additionally, the failure to qualify as a regulated investment company could have significant adverse tax consequences to the holders of the contracts and annuities which invest in the Fund through a separate account. The Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

● **China Risk.** Investments in securities of Chinese issuers involve risks associated with investments in foreign markets as well as special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. markets or other foreign (including emerging) markets. For example, the Chinese government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation, state ownership and/or other involvement. Actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China and operations of particular Chinese companies. In addition, the Chinese government has actively intervened in Chinese companies' operations and structures and taken (and may continue to take) actions that influenced the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encouraged companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induced mergers between companies in certain industries and induced private companies to publicly offer their securities. Investments in China involve risk of a total loss due to government action or inaction or other adverse circumstances.

Additionally, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to the economic conditions, trading policies and taxation of imports of its primary trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the Chinese economy and the Fund's investments. Moreover, a slowdown in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth or the value of investments in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund's investments. In addition, certain securities are, or may in the future, become restricted and/or sanctioned by the U.S. government or other governments and the Fund may be forced to sell or unable to sell such securities and incur a loss as a result and the Fund may be unable to purchase securities of Chinese issuers from time to time. <br>

U.S. relations with China are strained, because of, among other things, a series of trade, international treaty, tax, and sanctions actions taken by the United States and China against each other, including the designation of China as a "foreign adversary" of the U.S., as well as countersanctions or countermeasures from the Chinese government that have been triggered or are expected to be triggered. Moreover, recent developments in relations between the U.S., other trading partners and China have heightened concerns (and the realization) of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential for an escalation in trade tensions or a trade war. Increases in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof) could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China's export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of the Fund's direct or indirect investments in China and, therefore, the Fund's investments.<br>

These and other developments, including government actions or inactions, would likely result in significant illiquidity risk or losses or forced disposition for Chinese investments. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

by a relatively small number of equity issues and relatively low trading volume, resulting in decreased liquidity, greater price volatility (caused by, among other things, military, diplomatic, or trade conflicts and government intervention in economic and securities markets), and potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund. The Fund's investments in Chinese securities are also subject to additional risks associated with differing regulatory and audit requirements in the Chinese securities market as compared to the U.S. securities market, including a lack of reliable audits and other financial information regarding many Chinese companies and heightened risk of market manipulation and fraud, which may be increased through actions taken by the Chinese government. In addition, the relationship between China and Taiwan is particularly sensitive, and hostilities between China and Taiwan, including continued threats by China to invade and control Taiwan, present a significant risk to the Fund's investments in China. Ongoing political tension between the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may have impacts on the economy of Hong Kong, and these impacts remain uncertain.<br>

Risks of Investing through Bond Connect. The Fund may invest in fixed-income instruments listed and traded through the Bond Connect program ("Bond Connect"). Trading through Bond Connect is subject to a number of restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns. Moreover, fixed-income instruments purchased through Bond Connect generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Bond Connect in accordance with applicable rules. The Bond Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to the program's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns.<br>

● **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic, geopolitical and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. These types of events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the value (or income generated by) and liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact the Fund's ability to sell securities and/or its ability to meet redemptions. The risks associated with these developments may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters or events, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, supply chain disruptions and the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures) adversely interrupt or otherwise affect the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These types of events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance or value of the Fund's investments, adversely affect and increase the volatility of the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

● **Portfolio Turnover.** Consistent with its investment policies, the Fund will purchase and sell securities without regard to the effect on portfolio turnover. Higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs.

● **Active Management Risk.** In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance.

Please see "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of risks of investing in the Fund. Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Performance Information**

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's Class II shares' performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's Class II shares' average annual returns for the past one, five and ten year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and one or more additional indexes. The additional index in the table provides a means to compare the Fund's average annual returns to a benchmark that the Adviser believes is representative of the Fund's investment universe. This performance information does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, returns would be lower. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years (Class II)**

Commenced operations on March 15, 2011

![image](pr17250img003.jpg)

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter**  | 06/30/20  | 13.87% |
| **Low Quarter**  | 03/31/20  | -17.60% |

---

**Average Annual Total Returns (Class II)**

(for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past One**<br>**Year** | **Past Five**<br>**Years** | **Past Ten**<br>**Years** |
| **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |  |
| Return Before Taxes | 17.36% | 5.21% | 6.75% |
| MSCI All Country World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>1</sup>  | 22.34% | 11.19% | 11.72% |
| Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>2</sup>  | 16.60% | 5.79% | 7.57% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | The MSCI All Country World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The term "free float" represents the portion of shares outstanding that are deemed to be available for purchase in the public equity markets by investors. The performance of the index is listed in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. Net total return indices reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indices) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index is a performance linked benchmark comprised of 60% MSCI All Country World Index and 40% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index for periods after May 31, 2017. Prior to May 31, 2017, the Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index consisted of 60% MSCI All Country World Index (benchmark that measures the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets), 30% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index (benchmark that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment grade fixed-rate debt markets), 5% S&P GSCI Light Energy Index (benchmark for investment performance in the energy commodity market) and 5% ICE BofA U.S. Dollar 1-Month LIBID Average Index (benchmark that tracks the performance of a basket of synthetic assets paying LIBID to a stated maturity). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

**Fund Management**

**Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

**Sub-Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited.

**Portfolio Managers.** The Fund is managed by members of the Portfolio Solutions Group. Information about the individuals jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser or Affiliate** | **Date Began**<br>**Managing Fund** |
| Rui De Figueiredo, Ph.D. | Managing Director | October 2025 |
| Ryan Meredith | Managing Director | October 2025 |
| Jim Caron | Managing Director | October 2025 |
| Steven Turner | Managing Director | October 2025 |
| Damon Wu | Managing Director | October 2025 |
| Mark A. Bavoso | Managing Director | September 2010 |

---

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Prospectus offers Class II shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class I shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class I shares are subject to lower expenses, but may not be available through your insurance company, qualified pension plan or retirement plan. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (either directly or indirectly through other variable insurance funds) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information— Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares."

**Tax Information**

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Taxes."

**Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Fund-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance of their variable annuity contracts. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company to recommend one variable annuity or variable life insurance contract over another or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Shareholders should ask their salesperson or visit their insurance company's web site for more information.

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Global Strategist Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks total return.

**Approach**

The Adviser and/or the Fund's Sub-Adviser seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in a blend of equity and fixed-income securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, depositary receipts, convertible securities, equity-linked securities, REITs, rights and warrants to purchase equity securities and limited partnership interests. Fixed-income securities may include mortgage-related or mortgage-backed securities, floating rate securities, inflation-linked fixed-income securities, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, securities issued or guaranteed by non-U.S. governments, their agencies or instrumentalities, corporate bonds and notes issued by U.S. and non-U.S. entities.

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in below investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). The Fund may also invest in restricted and illiquid securities. The mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest include mortgage pass-through securities that represent a participation interest in a pool of mortgage loans originated by U.S. governmental or private lenders such as banks. The Fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in other investment companies, including ETFs. The securities in which the Fund may invest may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

The Fund may purchase certain non-publicly traded "restricted" securities. These securities may include "Rule 144A" securities, which are exempt from registration and may only be resold to qualified institutional buyers. The Fund may invest in illiquid securities, including restricted securities that are illiquid. The Fund may invest an unlimited amount in restricted securities that are considered by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser to be liquid and otherwise meet the Fund's investment policies.

The Fund may, but it is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, Fund management or to earn income. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. The Fund's use of derivatives may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps and structured investments (including commodity-linked notes), and other similar instruments and techniques. The Fund may also utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's exposure to the types of securities listed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities.

The Fund may, consistent with its principal investment strategies, invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary may invest, directly or indirectly through the use of derivatives, in securities, commodities, commodity-related instruments and other investments, primarily futures, swaps and notes. The Subsidiary is advised by the Adviser.

Investments in the Subsidiary are intended to provide the Fund with exposure to commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements that apply to the Fund. The Subsidiary primarily obtains its commodity exposure by investing in commodity-linked derivative instruments, which may include, but are not limited to, total return swaps, commodity (U.S. or foreign) futures and commodity-linked notes. The Subsidiary may also invest in other instruments, including fixed-income securities, either as investments or to serve as margin or collateral for its swap positions, and foreign currency transactions (including forward contracts).

**Process**

The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser will utilize a top-down investment approach that focuses on asset class, sector, region, country and currency and thematic allocations. The Fund's allocations will be based upon the Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's evaluations and analyses, taking into account results of its fundamental market research and recommendations generated by the Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's quantitative models. The Adviser's and/or Sub-Adviser's research process focuses on the following factors across asset classes: 1) valuation (both relative and absolute), 2) dynamics, including earnings revisions, interest rate policy and inflation expectations and 3) technicals, such as investor flows and sentiment. The Fund may invest in any country, including developing or emerging market countries. The Fund's investments may be U.S. and non-U.S. dollar denominated. In determining whether to sell a security, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser consider a number of factors, including changes in capital appreciation potential, or the overall assessment of asset class, sector, region, country, and currency and thematic allocation shifts.

Thematic allocation shifts refers to allocating the Fund's assets between different thematic baskets of securities. A thematic basket of securities encompasses a specific investment idea that the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser believe will play out within the current global macro environment. Screening processes based on factors adhering to the investment themes are utilized to select securities for inclusion in each thematic basket.

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund **\| Details of the Fund**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

Unless otherwise required, the Fund may change its principal investment strategies at any time without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified of any changes as required by applicable law.

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *This section discusses additional information relating to Fund investment strategies, other types of investments that the Fund may make and related risk factors. References to the "Adviser" under "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" refer to the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. Fund investment practices and limitations are also described in more detail in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), which is incorporated by reference and legally is a part of this Prospectus. For details on how to obtain a copy of the SAI and other reports and information, see the back cover of this Prospectus.* <br>

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price and yield will fluctuate with changes in the market value and/or yield of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

Economies and financial markets worldwide have experienced periods of increased volatility, uncertainty, distress, government spending, inflation, tariffs and disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. To the extent these conditions exist or continue, the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including those described below, could be heightened and the Fund's investments (and thus a shareholder's investment in the Fund) may be particularly susceptible to sudden and substantial losses, reduced yield or income or other adverse developments. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time.

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others.

The percentage limitations (including the Fund's 80% policy, if any) relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act or rule thereunder, subsequent percentage changes that result from market fluctuations generally will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.

However, the Fund may be required to reduce its borrowings, if any, in response to fluctuations in the value of such holdings.

**Market and Geopolitical Risk**

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions (i.e., increase the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period). In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such assets.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or market, or with respect to one company, may adversely impact other companies and other issuers, including those in a different country, region, sector, industry or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries and adversely impact the Fund's investments. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform or otherwise be adversely affected due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters and extreme weather events, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political (including geopolitical) discord and tensions or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in inflation rates or expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, an issuer's financial condition, the Fund's investments and an investment in the Fund. The market price of debt securities generally falls as inflation increases because the purchasing power of the future income and repaid principal is expected to be worth less when received by the Fund. The risk of inflation is greater for debt instruments with longer maturities and especially those that pay a fixed rather than variable interest rate.

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions or similar actions by the U.S. or foreign governments (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on economies, financial markets, issuers and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations.

Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations, can be adversely affected by changes in local and global economic conditions, including those that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments.

Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the price and performance of the Fund's investments, reduce market liquidity, adversely affect and increase the volatility of markets and the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing political, social, financial and economic risks to the Fund and cause overall declines in the U.S. and global markets. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions (including monetary and/or fiscal actions intended to stimulate or stabilize the global economy) that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**Equity Securities**

Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and equity-linked securities, rights and warrants to purchase common stocks, depositary receipts, shares of investment companies (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates), limited partnership interests and other specialty securities having equity features. Many factors affect the value of equity securities, including earnings, earnings forecasts, corporate events and factors impacting the issuer's financial condition, sector, industry and the market generally, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably, and these fluctuations may be frequent and significant. In addition, the Fund cannot accurately predict the income it might receive from equity securities because issuers generally have discretion as to the payment of dividends or distributions, and the common stock of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if, for example, the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because of a decline in the issuer's financial condition. The Fund may invest in equity securities that are publicly traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter ("OTC") or in equity securities that are not publicly traded. Equity securities are subject to the risk that stock prices in general (or in particular, the prices of the types of securities in which the Fund invests) may decline over short or extended periods of time. Equity securities that are not publicly traded may be more difficult to value or sell and their value may fluctuate more dramatically than publicly

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

traded equity securities. Convertible securities are subject to many of the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and equity securities.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or the financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. In addition, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although stock prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.

U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks. In addition, the price of equity securities of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund.

**Depositary Receipts**

A depositary receipt is generally issued by a bank or financial institution and represents the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks as those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. When the Fund invests in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") rather than investing directly in their underlying foreign shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the ADRs may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with the return of the underlying foreign shares. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Because the underlying foreign shares of ADRs are typically denominated or quoted in non-U.S. currencies, currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Further, since an ADR's underlying shares trade on foreign exchanges at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the ADR's underlying shares may change materially at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for Fund shares.

**Convertible Securities**

A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to and are subject to many of the risks associated with both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to other comparable nonconvertible fixed-income securities in such capital structure. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities.

**Corporate Debt Obligations**

Corporate debt obligations are fixed-income securities issued by corporations. The investment return of corporate debt obligations reflects interest earnings and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of a corporate debt obligation may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates generally. There also exists the risk that the issuers of the securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument or at all. Debtholders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders of the corporation as to both income and assets for the principal and interest due to the bondholder.

**Fixed-Income Securities**

Fixed-income securities are securities that pay a fixed or a variable rate of interest until a stated maturity date. Fixed-income securities include U.S. government securities, securities issued by federal or federally sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, corporate bonds and notes, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, securities rated below

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

investment grade (commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or "high yield/high risk securities"), municipal bonds, loan participations and assignments, zero coupon bonds, convertible securities, Eurobonds, Brady Bonds, Yankee Bonds, repurchase agreements, commercial paper and cash equivalents.

Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).

Fixed income and other debt instruments, including mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid earlier than expected, such as in the case of refinancing. This risk is increased during periods of declining interest rates and prepayments may reduce the Fund's yield or income as a result of reinvesting the income or other proceeds in lower yielding securities or instruments. These investments are also subject to extension risk, which is the risk that the principal of such obligation is paid slower or later than expected. This may negatively affect Fund returns, as the value of the investment decreases when principal payments are made later than expected. This risk is elevated during periods of increasing interest rates. In addition, because principal payments are made later than expected, the investment's duration may extend (and result in increased interest rate risk) and the Fund may be prevented from investing proceeds it would otherwise have received at the higher prevailing interest rates. Prepayments and extensions may result in a security or debt instrument offering less potential for gains during periods of declining interest rates or rising interest rates, respectively.

The Fund is not limited as to the maturities (when a debt security provides its final payment) or durations (measure of interest rate sensitivity) of the securities in which it may invest. Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled. The Fund may be subject to liquidity risk, which may result from the lack of an active market and the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed-income securities. Fixed-income securities may be called (i.e., redeemed by the issuer) prior to final maturity. If a callable security is called, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at a lower rate of interest.

**Credit and Interest Rate Risk**

Fixed-income securities, such as bonds, generally are subject to two primary types of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security, or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise honor its obligations, including the risk of default. The risk of defaults across issuers, guarantors and/or counterparties increases in adverse market and economic conditions, and the degree of credit risk depends on the financial condition of the issuer, guarantor or counterparty and terms of the obligation. Credit ratings may not be an accurate assessment of financial condition, volatility, liquidity or credit risk, as the ratings do not evaluate market risks or necessarily reflect the issuer's, guarantor's or counterparty's current financial condition or the volatility or liquidity of the security. Although credit quality may not accurately reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market's perception of the creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty, can have a rapid, adverse effect on the instrument's value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. In addition, under certain conditions, there may be an increasing amount of issuers that are unprofitable, have little cash on hand and/or are unable to pay the interest owed on their debt obligations and the number of such issuers may increase if demand for their goods and services falls, borrowing costs rise due to governmental action or inaction or other reasons. The Fund may also be subject to credit spread risk, which is the risk that economic and market conditions, or any actual or perceived credit deterioration, may lead to an increase in credit spreads (i.e., the difference in yield between two securities of similar maturity but different credit quality) and a decline in price of an issuer's securities.

Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations (such as a decline) in the value of (or yield or income generated by) a fixed-income or other debt security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income securities go up but the yield or income from new issuances of fixed-income securities generally decreases. To the extent the Fund invests in variable and floating rate securities, although these instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than fixed rate instruments, the value of these securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a fixed-income security. Securities with

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations. Thus, the Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk will increase to the extent it has a longer average portfolio duration. The proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate or on other less advantageous terms during a declining interest rate environment. In a rising interest rate environment, the duration of fixed-income securities may be extended, thus potentially reducing income and increasing interest rate risk. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates, which may occur at any time based on a range of factors and may be sudden, frequent and significant. For example, during periods when interest rates are low, the Fund's yield (and total return) also may be low or otherwise adversely affected or the Fund may be unable to maintain positive returns or pay Fund expenses out of current income. Monetary policies, and market interest rates, are subject to change at any time and potentially frequently based on a variety of market and economic conditions. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve Board will change interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of such changes. The impact on fixed income and other debt instruments and market conditions from interest rate changes, regardless of the cause, could be significant and could adversely affect the Fund and its investments. Low or high interest rates could magnify the risks associated with changes in interest rates.

In general, changing interest rates could have unpredictable effects on markets and may expose debt and related markets to heightened volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates and/or volatility.

Governmental authorities and regulators may enact significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including providing direct capital infusions into companies, creating new monetary programs and changing interest rates considerably. These actions present heightened risks to debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened if these actions are unexpectedly or suddenly reversed or are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes.

**Duration**

The average duration of a portfolio of fixed-income securities represents its exposure to changing interest rates. For example, when the level of interest rates increases by 1%, a fixed-income security having a positive duration of four years generally will decrease in value by 4%; when the level of interest rates decreases by 1%, the value of that same security generally will increase by 4%. A portfolio with a lower average duration generally will experience less price volatility in response to changes in interest rates than a portfolio with a higher average duration.

**High Yield Securities**

Fixed-income securities that are not investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or high yield, high risk securities. These securities generally offer a higher yield than higher rated securities (including those of a similar maturity), but they carry a greater degree of risk, including substantial credit and default risks. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss (including substantial or total loss) of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative by the major credit rating agencies because of increased credit risk relative to higher rated fixed income investments. High yield securities are also subject to other increased risks, including greater sensitivity to real or perceived economic changes, increased price volatility, valuation difficulties, lack of a regular trading market and greater potential illiquidity. High yield securities are particularly susceptible to default risk during periods of adverse market, industry or economic conditions or issuer-specific developments and a high yield security may lose significant value before a default occurs. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

In addition, the Fund's investments in high yield securities are subject to the risk of subordination to other creditors. Accordingly, in the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of holders of these securities, leaving few or no assets available to repay high yield securities holders, such as the Fund. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly leveraged or indebted than other companies or are financially distressed. This means that they typically have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest and a higher risk of non-payment. An issuer's ability to pay its debt obligations may also be reduced by financial stress, specific issuer developments or the unavailability of additional financing. Changes in the value of high yield securities are typically influenced more by changes in the financial and business position of the issuing company than by changes in interest rates when compared to investment grade securities.

In addition, high yield securities are subject to increased call risk, also known as prepayment risk, which is the risk that an issuer may exercise its right to redeem a fixed income security earlier than expected (a call). Issuers may call outstanding securities prior to their maturity for a number of reasons (e.g., declining interest rates, changes in credit spreads and improvements in the issuer's credit quality). If an issuer calls a security in which the Fund has invested, the Fund may not recoup the full amount of its initial investment (including any premiums paid) or may not realize the full anticipated earnings from the investment and may be forced to reinvest in lower-yielding securities, securities with greater credit risks or securities with other, less favorable features.

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

In recent years, there has been a broad trend of weaker or less restrictive covenant protections in the high yield market. Among other things, under such weaker or less restrictive covenants, borrowers might be able to exercise more flexibility with respect to certain activities than borrowers who are subject to stronger or more protective covenants. For example, borrowers might be able to incur more debt, including secured debt, return more capital to shareholders, remove or reduce assets that are designated as collateral securing high yield securities, increase the claims against assets that are permitted against collateral securing high yield securities or otherwise manage their business in ways that could impact creditors negatively. In addition, certain privately held borrowers might be permitted to file or provide less frequent, less detailed or less timely financial reporting or other information, which could negatively impact the value of the high yield securities issued by such borrowers. Each of these factors might negatively impact the high yield securities held by the Fund.

**Inflation-Linked Securities Risk**

The values of inflation-linked securities change in response to actual or anticipated changes in specific inflation rates. There can be no assurance that the inflation index used will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. Inflation-linked securities are also subject to the effects of changes in market interest rates caused by factors other than inflation (real interest rates). Real interest rates change over time as a result of many factors, such as currency exchange rates, central bank monetary policies and general economic conditions. Such changes may be unanticipated by the Adviser. In addition, inflation-linked securities are subject to the risks associated with fixed-income securities. When inflation is low, declining, or negative, the inflation-linked securities in which the Fund invests could underperform more conventional bonds. Interest payments on inflation-linked investments may vary widely and will fluctuate as the principal and interest are adjusted for inflation. The market for inflation-linked securities may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets.

**Liquidity**

The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to, among other developments, overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. Illiquidity can also be caused by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

**Mortgage-Backed Securities**

Mortgage-backed securities are fixed-income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. They are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed-income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans (*i.e.*, when a borrower pays back the principal of a debt obligation earlier than expected). As a result, it may not be possible to determine in advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase and its market price will decrease. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because additional mortgage prepayments must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average maturity of a portfolio of mortgage-backed securities and, therefore, to assess the volatility risk of that portfolio.

The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. These securities are either direct obligations of the U.S. Government or the issuing agency or instrumentality has the right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations although it is not legally required to extend credit to the agency or instrumentality. Certain of these mortgage-backed securities purchased by the Fund, such as those issued by the Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal Housing Administration, are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Other of these mortgage-backed securities purchased by the Fund, such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and there is a risk that the U.S. Government will not provide financial support to these agencies if it is not obligated to do so by law. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some of the mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

assurance that the private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. Mortgage pools underlying mortgage-backed securities offered by non-governmental issuers more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value ratio mortgages and manufactured housing loans, in addition to commercial mortgages and other types of mortgages where a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee is not available. An unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to the Fund. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. Subprime mortgages refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their mortgages. For these reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had in many cases higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements. The risk of non-payment is greater for mortgage-related securities that are backed by loans that were originated under weak underwriting standards, including loans made to borrowers with limited means to make repayment. A level of risk exists for all loans, although, historically, the poorest performing loans have been those classified as subprime. Other types of privately issued mortgage-related securities, such as those classified as pay-option adjustable rate or Alt-A, have also performed poorly.

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, mortgage-related securities held in the Fund's portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans or to sell. Non-agency mortgage-backed securities include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property. Many of the risks of investing in commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") reflect the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants.

The risks associated with mortgage-backed securities are elevated in distressed economic, market, health and labor conditions, notably, increased levels of unemployment, delays and delinquencies in payments of mortgage and rent obligations, and uncertainty regarding the effects and extent of government intervention with respect to mortgage payments and other economic matters.

Delinquencies, defaults and losses on residential mortgage loans may increase substantially over certain periods, which may affect the performance of the mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest. Mortgage loans backing non-agency mortgage-backed securities are more sensitive to economic factors that could affect the ability of borrowers to pay their obligations under the mortgage loans backing these securities. In addition, housing prices and appraisal values in many states and localities over certain periods have declined or stopped appreciating. A sustained decline or an extended flattening of those values may result in additional increases in delinquencies and losses on mortgage-backed securities generally (including the mortgaged-backed securities that the Fund may invest in as described above). Adverse changes in market conditions and regulatory climate may reduce the cash flow which the Fund, to the extent it invests in mortgage-backed securities or other asset-backed securities, receives from such securities and increase the incidence and severity of credit events and losses in respect of such securities. In the event that interest rate spreads for mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities widen following the purchase of such assets by the Fund, the market value of such securities is likely to decline and, in the case of a substantial spread widening, could decline by a substantial amount. Furthermore, adverse changes in market conditions may result in reduced liquidity in the market for mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities (including the mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities in which the Fund may invest) and an unwillingness by banks, financial institutions and investors to extend credit to servicers, originators and other participants in the market for mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities. As a result, the liquidity and/or the market value of any mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities that are owned by the Fund may experience declines after they are purchased by the Fund.

*Collateralized Mortgage Obligations*. Collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") are debt obligations collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities (collectively "Mortgage Assets"). Payments of principal and interest on the Mortgage Assets and any reinvestment income are used to make payments on the CMOs. CMOs are issued in multiple classes. Each class has a fixed or floating rate and a stated maturity or final distribution date. The principal and interest on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated among the classes in a number of different ways. Certain classes will, as a result of the allocation, have more predictable cash flows than others. As a general matter, the more predictable the cash flow, the lower the yield relative to other Mortgage Assets. The less predictable the cash flow, the higher the yield and the greater the risk. The Fund may invest in any class of CMO, including classes that vary inversely with interest rates and may be more volatile and sensitive to prepayment rates.

The principal and interest on the Mortgage Assets comprising a CMO may be allocated among the several classes of a CMO in many ways. The general goal in allocating cash flows on Mortgage Assets to the various classes of a CMO is to create certain tranches on which the expected cash flows have a higher degree of predictability than do the underlying Mortgage Assets. As

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

a general matter, the more predictable the cash flow is on a particular CMO tranche, the lower the anticipated yield on that tranche at the time of issue will be relative to the prevailing market yields on the Mortgage Assets. As part of the process of creating more predictable cash flows on certain tranches of a CMO, one or more tranches generally must be created that absorb most of the changes in the cash flows on the underlying Mortgage Assets. The yields on these tranches are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage related securities with similar average lives. Principal prepayments on the underlying Mortgage Assets may cause the CMOs to be retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or final distribution dates. Because of the uncertainty of the cash flows on these tranches, the market prices and yields of these tranches are more volatile and may increase or decrease in value substantially with changes in interest rates and/or the rates of prepayment relative to other tranches. Due to the possibility that prepayments (on home mortgages and other collateral) will alter the cash flow on CMOs, it is not possible to determine in advance the final maturity date or average life. Faster prepayment will shorten the average life and slower prepayments will lengthen it. In addition, if the collateral securing CMOs or any third party guarantees are insufficient to make payments, the Fund could sustain a loss.

*Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities*. Stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage-backed securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest only or "IO" class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or "PO" class). Investments in each class of SMBS are extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates. IOs tend to decrease in value substantially if interest rates decline and prepayment rates become more rapid. POs tend to decrease in value substantially if interest rates increase and the rate of prepayment decreases. If the Fund invests in SMBS and interest rates move in a manner not anticipated by management, it is possible that the Fund could lose all or substantially all of its investment.

*Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities.* CMBS are generally multi-class or pass-through securities backed by a mortgage loan or a pool of mortgage loans secured by commercial property, such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments. The commercial mortgage loans that underlie CMBS are generally not amortizing or not fully amortizing. That is, at their maturity date, repayment of their remaining principal balance or "balloon" is due and is repaid through the attainment of an additional loan or sale of the property. An extension of a final payment on commercial mortgages will increase the average life of the CMBS, generally resulting in a lower yield for discount bonds and a higher yield for premium bonds.

CMBS are subject to credit risk and prepayment risk, among other risks. Although prepayment risk is present, it is of a lesser degree in the CMBS market than in the residential mortgage market; commercial real estate property loans often contain provisions that substantially reduce the likelihood that such securities will be prepaid (e.g., significant prepayment penalties on loans and, in some cases, prohibition on principal payments for several years following origination).

CMBS may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities. CMBS issued by private issuers may offer higher yields than CMBS issued by government issuers, but also may be subject to greater volatility and credit or default risk than CMBS issued by government issuers. In addition, at times the commercial real estate market has experienced substantially lower valuations combined with higher interest rates, leading to difficulty in refinancing debt and, as a result, the CMBS market has experienced (and could in the future experience) greatly reduced liquidity and valuations. CMBS held by the Fund may be subordinated to one or more other classes of securities of the same series for purposes of, among other things, establishing payment priorities and offsetting losses and other shortfalls with respect to the related underlying mortgage loans. There can be no assurance that the subordination will be sufficient on any date to offset all losses or expenses incurred by the underlying trust.

The values of, and income generated by, CMBS may be adversely affected by changing interest rates, tightening lending standards, and other developments impacting the commercial real estate market, such as population shifts and other demographic changes, increasing vacancies (potentially for extended periods) and reduced demand for commercial and office space as well as maintenance or tenant improvement costs and costs to convert properties for other uses. These developments could result from, among other things, changing tastes and preferences (such as remote work arrangements) as well as cultural, technological, global or local economic and market developments. In addition, changing interest rate environments and associated changes in lending standards and higher refinancing rates may adversely affect the commercial real estate and CMBS markets. The occurrence of any of the foregoing or similar developments would likely increase default risk for the properties and loans underlying these investments as well as impact the value of, and income generated by, these investments. These developments could also result in reduced liquidity for CMBS.

**Inverse Floaters**

Inverse floaters are obligations which pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in market rates of interest. Because the interest rate paid to holders of such obligations is generally determined by subtracting a variable or floating rate from a

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

predetermined amount, the interest rate paid to holders of such obligations will decrease as such variable or floating rate increases and increase as such variable or floating rate decreases.

Like most other fixed-income securities, the value of inverse floaters will decrease as interest rates increase. They are more volatile, however, than most other fixed-income securities because the coupon rate on an inverse floater typically changes at a multiple of the change in the relevant index rate. Thus, any rise in the index rate (as a consequence of an increase in interest rates) causes a correspondingly greater drop in the coupon rate of an inverse floater while a drop in the index rate causes a correspondingly greater increase in the coupon of an inverse floater. Some inverse floaters may also increase or decrease substantially because of changes in the rate of prepayments.

**Exchange-Traded Funds**

The Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates). ETFs seek to track the performance of various portions or segments of the equity and fixed-income markets. Shares of ETFs have many of the same risks as direct investments in common stocks or bonds. In addition, the market value of ETF shares may differ from their net asset value per share ("NAV") because the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying securities. Also, ETFs that track particular indices typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly due to, among other things, the ETF's operating expenses and transaction costs. ETFs typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. Therefore, as a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own investment management fees and other expenses. As a result, shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments in ETFs with respect to investments in ETFs. Further, certain ETFs in which the Fund may invest are leveraged. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater. Leveraged ETFs can deviate substantially from the performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods of time, particularly in volatile periods. Furthermore, disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETFs purchased or sold by the Fund could result in losses on the Fund's investment in ETFs.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special and heightened risks, which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers generally are subject to different corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards than U.S. issuers. There may be less information available to the public about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers can be less liquid, experience greater price movements, and may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and/or other taxes, which decreases the yield and/or return of these securities. The Fund may experience losses if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be susceptible to influence by large traders due to the limited size of many foreign securities markets and there is the risk that news and events unique to a country or region that would not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States will affect those markets and their issuers and political events in foreign countries may cause market and economic disruptions. Moreover, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Also, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. In some foreign countries, there is also the risk of government expropriation, excessive or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, the imposition of currency controls or diplomatic developments that could affect the Fund's investments. There also can be difficulty obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers in foreign countries. Foreign stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed issuers may be subject to less government regulation and oversight. Securities registration, custody, and settlement may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and experience other adverse consequences. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. In addition, in certain markets the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities during certain periods.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. The value of holdings traded outside the United States or denominated in foreign currencies (and any hedging transactions in foreign currencies), including underlying securities represented by depositary receipts, will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the holding in the issuer's home country. These risks may be intensified for the Fund's investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. Moreover, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities (or force the Fund to sell foreign securities) or transfer the Fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. The Fund's investments in foreign securities are subject to trade laws of and potential economic sanctions by the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter-sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit the Fund from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions could prohibit the Fund from transacting with particular countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures also could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. In addition, economic sanctions or other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, increase the Fund's transaction costs, make the Fund's investments more difficult to value or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

Even if the Fund does not have significant investments in securities affected by sanctions, sanctions or the threat of sanctions may cause volatility in regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, including through global supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced economic activity, which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. In addition, trade disputes and changes in tariffs may affect investor and consumer confidence and adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to predict.

In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including American Depositary Receipts, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

securities would likely decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts**

In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to seek to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies.

Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. The Adviser's success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

**Sovereign Debt Obligations**

The Fund may invest in debt obligations known as "sovereign debt," which are obligations of governmental issuers in emerging market or developing countries and industrialized countries. Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations. Uncertainty surrounding the level and sustainability of sovereign debt of certain countries has at times increased volatility in the financial markets. In addition, a number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries and have a long history of reliance on foreign debt. Additional factors that may influence the ability or willingness to service debt include, but are not limited to, a country's cash flow situation, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of its debt service burden to the economy as a whole and its government's policy towards the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other multilateral agencies. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities or whose economy depends on certain strategic imports could be vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices of these commodities or imports. If a foreign sovereign obligor cannot generate sufficient earnings from foreign trade to service its external debt, it may need to depend on continuing loans and aid from foreign governments, commercial banks and multilateral organizations, and inflows of foreign investment. The commitment on the part of these foreign governments, multilateral organizations and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the government's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of its obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third-parties' commitments to lend funds, which may further impair the foreign sovereign obligor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. In addition, there is no legal process for collecting on a sovereign debt that a government does not pay or bankruptcy proceeding by which all or part of the sovereign debt that a government entity has not repaid may be collected.

**China Risk**

Investments in securities of Chinese issuers involve risks associated with investments in foreign markets as well as special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets or other foreign (including emerging) markets. For example, the Chinese government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation, state ownership and/or other involvement. Actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China and operations of particular Chinese companies. In addition, the Chinese government has actively intervened in Chinese companies' operations and structures and taken (and may continue to take) actions that influenced the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encouraged companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induced mergers between companies in certain industries and induced private companies to publicly offer their securities. Investments in China involve risk of a total loss due to government action or inaction or other adverse circumstances. Additionally, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to the economic conditions, trading policies and taxation of imports of its primary

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the Chinese economy and the Fund's investments. Moreover, a slowdown in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth or the value of investments in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund's investments. In addition, certain securities are, or may in the future become restricted and/or sanctioned by the U.S. government or other governments and the Fund may be forced to sell or unable to sell such securities and incur a loss as a result and the Fund may be unable to purchase securities of Chinese issuers from time to time.

U.S. relations with China are strained, because of, among other things, a series of trade, international treaty, tax, and sanctions actions taken by the United States and China against each other, including the designation of China as a "foreign adversary" of the U.S., as well as countersanctions or countermeasures from the Chinese government that have been triggered or are expected to be triggered. Moreover, recent developments in relations between the U.S., other trading partners and China have heightened concerns (and the realization) of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential for an escalation in trade tensions or a trade war. For example, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on senior Chinese officials and certain employees of Chinese technology companies, and placed restrictions on U.S. investments in such companies. Increases in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof) could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China's export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of a Fund's direct or indirect investments in China and, therefore, the Fund's investments. In addition, the adoption or continuation of protectionist trade policies by one or more countries could lead to a decrease in demand for Chinese products and reduced flows of foreign capital to these economies.

These and other developments, including government actions or inactions, would likely result in significant illiquidity risk or losses or forced disposition for Chinese investments. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by a relatively small number of equity issues and relatively low trading volume, resulting in decreased liquidity, greater price volatility (caused by, among other things, military, diplomatic, or trade conflicts and government intervention in economic and securities markets), and potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund. The Fund's investments in Chinese securities are also subject to additional risks associated with differing regulatory and audit requirements in the Chinese securities market as compared to the U.S. securities market, including a lack of reliable audits and other financial information regarding many Chinese companies and heightened risk of market manipulation and fraud, which may be increased through actions taken by the Chinese government. These differences (including absence of information relative to issuers in many developed countries) may result in the unavailability of material information about Chinese issuers and/or inaccurate or incomplete financial records of an issuer's operations in China. The unavailability of reliable, complete or other information and lack of comparable accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards present additional risks, such as risks associated with difficulties verifying issuers' financial information. In addition, the relationship between China and Taiwan is particularly sensitive, and hostilities between China and Taiwan, including continued threats by China to invade and control Taiwan, present a significant risk to the Fund's investments in China. Ongoing political tension between the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may have impacts on the economy of Hong Kong, and these impacts remain uncertain. Military or diplomatic moves involving China could significant adversely affect the economies and issuers in the region and, thus, the Fund's investments.

*Risks of Investing through Bond Connect*

The Fund may invest in fixed-income instruments listed and traded through the Bond Connect Program. Trading through Bond Connect is subject to a number of restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns. Moreover, fixed-income instruments purchased through Bond Connect generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Bond Connect in accordance with applicable rules. The Bond Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to the program's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns.

**Emerging Market Securities**

The Fund may invest in emerging market or developing countries, which are countries that major international financial institutions generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations (such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe). Emerging market or developing countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market or developing countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Such emerging market countries could also subject the Fund to greater risk associated with the custody of its securities than developed markets, which may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments (including the companies in which the Fund may invest) in emerging market or developing countries may be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. Furthermore, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) may be limited in their ability to enforce regulatory or legal obligations in emerging market countries. In addition, emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to increased potential for market manipulation and wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. These characteristics result in greater risk of price volatility in emerging market or developing countries, which may be heightened by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

**Foreign Currency**

Investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. Since the Fund may invest in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so, or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

The derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use include:

*Futures.* A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

*Options.* If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument, foreign currency or contract, such as a swap agreement or futures contract, on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium paid by the Fund. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument, swap, foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased OTC, the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.

Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. The price of the option may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to the Fund and poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges.

Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

*Swaps.* The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges or swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of certain standardized swap transactions. Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility unless no exchange or swap execution facility "makes the swap available to trade." The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

The Fund's use of swaps may include those based on the credit of an underlying security, commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by a third-party on the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

*Structured Investments.* The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

**Commodity-Related Investments**

Commodity-related investments include, but are not limited to: commodity contracts; commodity futures or options thereon (investments in contracts for the future purchase or sale of commodities); commodity options (including certain event contracts); commodity exchange-traded funds (exchange-traded funds that track the price of a single commodity, such as gold or oil, or a basket of commodities); commodity exchange-traded notes (debt instruments whose price fluctuates (by contractual commitment) with an underlying commodity or commodity index); total return swaps based on a commodity or commodity index (permitting one party to receive/pay the total return on a commodity or commodity index against payment/receipt of an agreed upon spread/interest rate); commodity-linked notes (debt instruments providing a return based on a formula referenced to a commodity or commodity index); sovereign-issued oil warrants (a sovereign obligation the coupon on which is contingent on the price of oil); precious metals; and any other commodity-related investment permitted by law. Commodity-related investments may be used to seek to gain exposure to a particular type of commodity, basket of commodities, commodity market or commodity index, or to seek to hedge such exposures or a position in a commodity-producing country.

The value of commodity-related investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and a variety of factors, including domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies (including actual or threatened impositions of tariffs, sanctions or similar measures), war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates, investment and trading activities of mutual funds, hedge funds and commodities funds, regulatory, health, economic and political developments, weather (such as droughts and floods) or other environmental events and natural disasters, pestilence or livestock disease and market disruptions. Exposure to commodities and commodity markets may involve substantial risks and subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, and prices of such investments may fluctuate quickly and dramatically. Such investments are also subject to, among other risks, risks associated with commodity index volatility or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture, and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. For example, the metals sector can be affected by sharp price volatility over short periods caused by global economic, financial and political factors, resource availability, government regulation, economic cycles, changes in inflation or expectations about inflation, changes in interest rates, currency fluctuations, metal sales by governments, central banks or international agencies, investment speculation and fluctuation in supply and demand. Commodity-related investments are often offered by companies in the financial services sector, including the banking, brokerage, and insurance sectors. As a result, events affecting issuers in the financial services sector may cause the Fund's share value to decline. Although investments in commodities have historically moved in different directions than traditional equity and fixed-income securities, when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic and other conditions, there is no guarantee that these investments will perform differently, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-related investments have been parallel to those of equity and fixed-income securities but there also is no guarantee that such price movements will correlate to price increases in other asset classes. In addition, commodity-related investments are subject to liquidity and counterparty risks and may be subject to other risks associated with derivatives.

The low margin normally required to be posted to trade commodity futures contracts and the low premiums received to sell options on futures contracts may provide a large amount of leverage, and a relatively small change in the price of the asset underlying futures or options on futures contracts can produce a disproportionately large profit or loss. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for commodity futures contracts or options on commodity futures contracts, and the Fund may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in losses. Commodity futures positions may be illiquid because, for example, most designated contract markets limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single day by rules referred to as "daily price fluctuation limits" or "daily limits." Once the price of a contract for a particular future has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the futures contract can neither be taken nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Suspensions or disruptions of trading in the commodity futures markets may adversely affect the value of securities providing exposure to the commodity futures markets.

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

**U.S. Government Securities**

Different types of U.S. government securities are subject to different levels of credit risk, including the risk of default, depending on the nature of the particular government support for that security. For example, a U.S. government-sponsored entity, such as Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), although chartered or sponsored by an Act of Congress, may issue securities that are neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. With respect to U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, there is the risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to such U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. U.S. government securities are also subject to interest rate risks and can exhibit price fluctuations resulting from increases or decreases in interest rates. The U.S. government securities in which the Fund may invest may pay fixed, floating, variable or adjustable interest rates.

The U.S. government securities that the Fund may purchase include U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, all of which are direct obligations of the U.S. government and may differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance. In addition, the Fund may purchase securities issued or guaranteed by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Among the agencies and instrumentalities issuing these obligations are Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae") and the Federal Housing Administration. Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government generally provide a lower current return than obligations of other issuers. The Fund may also purchase securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, but whose issuing agency or instrumentality has the right to borrow, to meet its obligations, from the U.S. Treasury. Among these agencies and instrumentalities are Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Further, the Fund may purchase securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities which are backed solely by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. Among these agencies and instrumentalities is the Federal Farm Credit System. With respect to U.S. government securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, there is a risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to these agencies if it is not obligated to do so by law, and therefore these U.S. government securities involve greater credit risk than U.S. government securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. The interest from U.S. government securities generally is not subject to state and local taxation. In addition, uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt ceiling could increase the risk that the U.S. government may default on payments on U.S. government securities and may cause the credit rating of the U.S. government to be downgraded. Any uncertainty regarding the ability of the United States to repay its debt obligations, and any default by the U.S. government, would have a negative impact on the Fund's investments in U.S. government securities. U.S. government securities generally have a lower return than other obligations.

**REITs**

Investing in REITs exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. REITs generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. An investment in a REIT is subject to the risks that impact the underlying properties of the REIT, including reduced demand for commercial and office space and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting the real estate industry and markets. Operating REITs require specialized management skills and the Fund indirectly bears management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. The value of REITs will also rise and fall in response to the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. In particular, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management or development of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans may be subject to the risks of default. REITs may be more volatile and/or more illiquid than other types securities, and publicaly traded REITs are also subject to risks associated with equity securities. In addition, individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. REITs may also be subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REITs also must satisfy specific requirements of the Code in order to qualify for tax-free pass-through income. The failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse consequences for the Fund, including significantly reducing the return to the Fund on its investment in such company. In addition, REITs, like mutual funds, have expenses, including management and administration fees, that are paid by their shareholders. As a result, shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments in REITs.

**Subsidiary Risk**

By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. These risks are described elsewhere in this Prospectus. There can be no assurance that the investment objectives of the Subsidiary will be achieved. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted

**28**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described herein and could adversely affect the Fund.

**Tax Risk**

The Fund may seek to gain exposure to the commodity markets through investments in the Subsidiary. Historically, the IRS has issued private letter rulings in which the IRS specifically concluded that income and gains from investments in commodity index-linked structured notes (the "Notes Rulings") or a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary that invests in commodity-linked instruments are "qualifying income" for purposes of compliance with Subchapter M of the Code. The Fund has not received such a private letter ruling, and is not able to rely on private letter rulings issued to other taxpayers. The IRS issued a revenue procedure, which states that the IRS will not in the future issue private letter rulings that would require a determination of whether an asset (such as a commodity index-linked note) is a "security" under the 1940 Act. In connection with issuing such revenue procedure, the IRS has revoked the Notes Rulings. The IRS also issued final regulations that would generally treat the Fund's income inclusion with respect to the Subsidiary as qualifying income either if (A) there is a current distribution out of the earnings and profits of the Subsidiary that are attributable to such income inclusion or (B) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. The Fund intends to treat its income from the Subsidiary as qualifying income. The tax treatment of the Fund's investments in the Subsidiary may be adversely affected by future legislation, court decisions, Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income derived from such investments is "qualifying income" under Subchapter M of the Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund's taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Fund. No assurances can be provided that the IRS would not be able to successfully assert that the Fund's income from such investments was not "qualifying income," in which case the Fund would fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code if over 10% of its gross income was derived from these investments. If the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be subject to federal and state income tax on all of its taxable income at regular corporate tax rates with no deduction for any distributions paid to shareholders, which would significantly adversely affect the returns to, and could cause substantial losses for, Fund shareholders. Additionally, the failure to qualify as a regulated investment company could have significant adverse tax consequences to the holders of the contracts and annuities which invest in the Fund through a separate account. The Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

**Active Management Risk**

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance. There is no guarantee that the use of the Adviser's investment techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected or produce the desired results.

In addition, it is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity and the Adviser may be restricted in its ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities and may impair the Fund's liquidity.

**Investment Company Securities**

Subject to the limitations set forth in the 1940 Act, or as otherwise permitted by the SEC, the Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies, including foreign investment companies, ETFs and money market funds (which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates). The market value of the shares of other investment companies may differ from the NAV of the Fund. The shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments in other investment companies.

**When-Issued Securities, Delayed Delivery Securities, TBAs and Forward Commitments**

The Fund may purchase or sell securities that it is entitled to receive on a when-issued basis. The Fund may also purchase or sell securities on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment (including on a TBA (to be announced) basis). These transactions involve the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The Fund enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. For example, the Fund may invest in TBAs, which settle on a delayed delivery

**29**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

basis. In a TBA transaction, the seller agrees to deliver the MBS for an agreed upon price on an agreed upon future date, but makes no guarantee as to which or how many securities are to be delivered. Accordingly, the Fund's investments in TBAs are subject to risks such as failure of the counterparty to perform its obligation to deliver the security, the characteristics of a security delivered to the Fund may be less favorable than expected and the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. Investments in TBAs may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged and may increase the impact that gains (losses) have on the Fund. Further, TBAs may increase the Fund's portfolio turnover rate. FINRA rules include mandatory margin requirements that will require the Fund to post collateral in connection with its TBA transactions, which could increase the cost of TBA transactions to the Fund and impose added operational complexity.

The Fund's purchase of other securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or through a forward commitment basis are subject to similar risks, including counterparty risk and that the value of securities in these transactions on the delivery date may be less than the price paid by the Fund to purchase the securities. In addition, there can be no assurance that a security purchased on a when-issued basis will be issued. When the Fund has sold a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis, the Fund does not benefit if the value of the security appreciates above the sale price during the commitment period and the Fund is subject to failure of the counterparty to pay for the securities.

**Large Transactions Risk**

The Fund may experience adverse effects when large shareholders, or a number of shareholders collectively purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund ("large shareholder transactions"). Such larger than normal redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund's performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. Large shareholder transactions may also result in taxable income and/or gains for the Fund, which may increase taxable distributions to shareholders, and may also increase transaction costs. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plans. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains when distributed by the Fund will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for individual shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of significant events affecting investor demand for securities or asset classes in which the Fund invests; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Although large shareholder transactions may be more frequent under certain circumstances, the Fund is generally subject to the risk that shareholders can purchase or redeem a significant percentage of Fund shares at any time.

**Temporary** **Investments**

Under adverse or unstable market conditions or abnormal circumstances or when the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions warrant, the Fund may, in the discretion of the Adviser, take temporary positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategy in attempting to respond to such conditions or circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest without limit in cash, cash equivalents or other fixed-income instruments, derivatives, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds, for temporary purposes. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts the effects of these changes or during periods of temporary defensive or other temporary positions, such temporary investments may adversely affect the Fund's performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**Portfolio Turnover**

Consistent with its investment policies, the Fund will purchase and sell securities without regard to the effect on portfolio turnover. Higher portfolio turnover (e.g., over 100% per year) will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in taxable gains being passed through to shareholders. The Fund may engage in frequent trading of securities to achieve its investment objective.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, the Adviser, authorized participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange, as applicable, are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through the service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting

**30**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of the Adviser, Distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), exchanges, market participants, market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, as applicable, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants, as applicable. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**

U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional (or amended) regulations and legislators pass new laws (or amend existing laws) that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**Investments in Artificial Intelligence Companies**

The Company may invest in companies involved in, or exposed to AI and related technologies ("AI Companies"), which are subject to a wide additional range of risks that may adversely affect the performance of the Company's investment.

For example, many AI Companies have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel and may be particularly sensitive to fluctuations in consumer demand, rapid changes in business cycles, world economic growth, technological progress and industry trends. Securities of AI Companies, especially smaller or start-up firms, tend to be more volatile than those of companies that do not rely heavily on the growth of such technology and business. In addition, prices of securities of AI Companies may be based on expectations that might not materialize and are particularly subject to investor sentiment that could shift and, in each case, such developments could cause losses for the Company's investments in AI Companies. Investments in AI Companies are subject to other risks, such as intense competition and the risk of rapid product obsolescence. Moreover, risks associated with investment in, or exposure to, AI Companies are heightened for companies devoting substantial resources to "agentic AI" (generally, a more autonomous version of AI). AI Companies also are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, and are potential targets for cyberattacks, which could result in reputational harm, legal liability and operational disruption. In addition, inaccurate, incomplete or biased data may lead to flawed outputs and decision-making errors.

The legal and regulatory environment relating to AI is uncertain and evolving and future changes, such as those related to privacy, data protection and intellectual property, could have an impact on the operations of AI Companies. Customers and suppliers of AI Companies may be concentrated in specific countries, regions or industries and, as a result, adverse events affecting these areas could negatively impact performance.

**31**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management

Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, conducts a worldwide portfolio management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the United States and abroad. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS") is the parent of the Adviser, which is the parent of the Distributor. Morgan Stanley is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

Sub-Adviser

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, located at 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4QA, England. The Sub-Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with investment advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Fund's officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

Advisory Fee

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Adviser received a fee for advisory services (net of fee waivers, if applicable) equal to 0.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets. For purposes of calculating the fees for the Fund, the net assets of the Fund include the value of the Fund's interest in the Subsidiary. Pursuant to a management agreement between the Adviser and the Subsidiary (the "Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement"), the Adviser will receive certain fees for managing the Subsidiary's assets and the Adviser will waive or credit such amounts against the fees payable to the Adviser by the Fund. This waiver may not be terminated by the Adviser and will remain in effect for as long as the Adviser's contract with the Subsidiary is in place.

The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of the Fund to exceed 1.00% of average daily net assets for Class II. In determining the actual amount of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation) (but includes any 12b-1 fee paid to the Distributor). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Fund's annual operating expenses may vary throughout the period and from year to year. The Fund's actual expenses may be different than the expenses listed in the Fund's fee and expense table based upon the extent and amount of a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

A discussion regarding the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements is available in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

The Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Subsidiary pursuant to the Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement. Under the Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser provides the Subsidiary with the same type of investment advisory services as are provided to the Fund.

The Company and the Subsidiary have entered into contracts for the provision of custody services with service providers.

The Subsidiary is managed pursuant to compliance policies and procedures that are the same, in all material respects, as the policies and procedures adopted by the Company. As a result, the Adviser, in managing the Subsidiary's portfolio, is subject to the same investment policies and restrictions that apply to the management of the Fund (although the Subsidiary may invest without limitation in commodity-related instruments) and, in particular, to the requirements relating to portfolio leverage, liquidity, brokerage and the timing and method of valuation of the Subsidiary's portfolio investments and shares of the Subsidiary. Certain of these policies and restrictions are described in detail in the Fund's SAI.

The consolidated financial statements of the Subsidiary are included in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR.

**32**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management (Con't)

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of the Portfolio Solutions Group. The team consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Rui De Figueiredo, Ph.D., Ryan Meredith, Jim Caron, Steven Turner, Damon Wu and Mark A. Bavoso.

Mr. Figueiredo has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2007. Mr. Meredith has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2007. Mr. Caron has been associated with Morgan Stanley since 2006 and with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since June 2012. Mr. Turner has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2013. Mr. Wu has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2008. Mr. Bavoso has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1986. Team members collaborate to manage the assets of the Fund.

Distribution Plan

The Company has adopted a Plan of Distribution for the Fund's Class II shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan"). Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a monthly 12b-1 fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares. Such amount shall be paid to compensate the Distributor for remittance to insurance companies which offer the Company as an investment option. These payments are intended to compensate insurance companies for distribution and/or administrative-related expenses incurred or paid in connection with the distribution of Class II shares of the Fund. The Distributor has agreed to waive 0.15% of the 0.25% 12b-1 fee that it may receive. This waiver will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waiver when it deems such action is appropriate.

Since the 12b-1 fees associated with the Plan are paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment.

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay additional compensation (out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers and/or certain insurance companies or other financial intermediaries or service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and/or retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. Such compensation may be significant in amount and the prospect of receiving any such additional compensation may provide such affiliated or unaffiliated entities with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund's shares over other investment options. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Fund's shares. For more information, please see the Fund's SAI.

**33**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information

**Share Class**

This Prospectus offers Class II shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class I shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class I shares are subject to lower expenses, but may not be available through your insurance company, qualified pension plan or retirement plan. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares**

Shares are offered on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business except as noted below.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (and other funds that serve as underlying investment options for variable insurance and annuity contracts (i.e., variable insurance funds)) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order (other than as set forth below). However, contract owners who allocate a portion of their contract to the Fund through the variable life insurance or variable annuity contracts previously described do not deal directly with the Fund to purchase and redeem shares. Please refer to the prospectus of the variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for information on the allocation, transfer and withdrawal of amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by using a combination of sales of securities held by the Fund and/or holdings of cash and cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, the Fund also reserves the right to use borrowings to meet redemption requests, and the Fund may use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions.

The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Fund currently does not foresee disadvantages to variable product contract owners or qualified plan participants arising out of the fact that the Fund offers its shares to separate accounts of various insurance companies that offer different types of variable annuity and variable life insurance products and various other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Nevertheless material irreconcilable conflicts may possibly arise among the interests of these investors. The Board of Directors that oversees the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any such material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

**Pricing of Fund Shares**

The price per share will be the NAV next determined after the Company or the insurance company receives your purchase or redemption order in good order. NAV is the value of one share's portion of all of the net assets in the Fund. The Company determines the NAV for the Fund as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares will generally not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations.

Trading of securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges may take place on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, to the extent, if any, that the Fund invests in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in shares of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary offers to redeem all or a portion of its shares at its current NAV every regular business day. The value of shares of the Subsidiary fluctuates with the value of the Subsidiary's portfolio investments. The Subsidiary prices its portfolio investments pursuant to the same pricing and valuation methodologies and procedures used by the Fund, which require, among other things, that each of the Subsidiary's portfolio

**34**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

investments be marked-to-market (that is, the value on the Subsidiary's books changes) each business day to reflect changes in the market value of each investment.

**About Net Asset Value**

The NAV of Class II shares is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to Class II, less the value of any liabilities attributable to Class II, by the total number of outstanding shares of Class II. For the purpose of calculating the NAV per share of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In making this calculation, the Fund generally values its portfolio securities and other assets at market price. With respect to investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board of Directors has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser determines that a market quotation is not accurate or reliable, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on foreign exchanges, when an event occurs after the close of such exchanges that is likely to have changed the value of the securities (e.g., a percentage change in value of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a significant development affecting a country or region or an issuer specific development that is likely to have changed the value of the security. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. To the extent the Fund invests in open-end management companies (other than ETFs) that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based, in relevant part, upon the NAV of such funds. The prospectuses for such funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and its effects.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or other asset. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the values of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares. The NAV of the Fund (excluding any applicable sales charges) is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets. Although the assets of each class are invested in the same portfolio of securities or other assets, the NAV of each class will differ because the classes have different class specific expenses.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund's provider of administrative services to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

The NAV of Class II shares will differ from that of Class I shares because of class-specific expenses that each class may pay.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The Fund distributes its net investment income, if any, at least annually as dividends and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

**Inactive Accounts and Risk of Escheatment**

In accordance with state "unclaimed property" laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state (also known as "escheatment") under various circumstances. These circumstances, which vary by state, can include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), uncashed checks or a combination of these. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund or your Financial Intermediary. Since states' statutory requirements regarding inactivity differ, it is important to regularly contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent. The process described above, and the application of state escheatment laws, may vary by state and/or depending on how shareholders hold their shares in the Fund. Escheatment with respect to a retirement account is subject to a 10% federal withholding on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address for your account, keep your account active by contacting your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent (e.g., by mail or telephone), and promptly cash all checks

**35**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws.

For more information, please contact us at 1-888-378-1630.

**Taxes**

The Fund expects that it will not have to pay federal income taxes if it distributes annually all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund does not expect to be subject to federal excise taxes with respect to undistributed income.

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its income from foreign jurisdictions. Special rules apply to certain transactions in a foreign currency.

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique and the tax laws may change, shareholders should consult a tax advisor about the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to their investment.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares**

Frequent purchases and redemptions of shares pursuant to the instructions of insurance company contract owners or qualified plan participants is referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading" and may present risks for other contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, which may include, among other things, dilution in the value of the Fund's shares indirectly held by contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, interference with the efficient management of the Fund, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that market-timers and/or short-term traders may take advantage of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the Fund's securities trade and the time the Fund's NAV is calculated ("time-zone arbitrage"). For example, a market-timer may submit instructions for the purchase of shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before the Fund's NAV calculation that are likely to result in higher prices in foreign markets the following day. The market-timer would submit instructions to redeem the Fund's shares the next day when the Fund's share price would reflect the increased prices in foreign markets for a quick profit at the expense of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund.

Investments in other types of securities also may be susceptible to short-term trading strategies. These investments include securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or relatively illiquid, which have the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A contract owner may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price-arbitrage"). Investments in certain fixed-income securities, such as high yield bonds, may be adversely affected by price arbitrage trading strategies. The Fund's policies with respect to valuing portfolio securities are described above in "About Net Asset Value."

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Insurance companies or qualified plans generally do not provide specific contract owner or plan participant transaction instructions to the Fund on an ongoing basis. Therefore, to some extent, the Fund relies on the insurance companies and qualified plans to monitor frequent short-term trading by contract owners. However, the Fund has entered into agreements with insurance companies and qualified plans whereby the insurance companies and qualified plans are required to provide certain contract owner identification and transaction information upon the Fund's request. The Fund may use this information to help identify and prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify or prevent all market-timing activity.

If the Fund identifies suspected market-timing activity, the insurance company or qualified plan will be contacted and asked to take steps to prevent further market-timing activity (e.g., sending warning letters or blocking frequent trading by underlying contract owners or participants). Insurance companies may be prohibited by the terms of the underlying insurance contract from restricting short-term trading of mutual fund shares by contract owners, thereby limiting the ability of such insurance company to implement remedial steps to prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan is unwilling or unable to take remedial steps to discourage or prevent frequent trading, or does not take action promptly, certain contract owners or participants may be able to engage in frequent trading to the detriment of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan refuses to take remedial action, or takes action that the Fund deems insufficient, a determination will be made whether it is appropriate to terminate the relationship with such insurance company or qualified plan.

**36**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**Portfolio Holdings Information**

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

**Potential Conflicts of Interest**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Fund. These activities could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the ''Affiliated Investment Accounts'') with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with the Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with the Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be.

The conflicts summarized herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled "Potential Conflicts of Interest" in the SAI. Conflicts of interest not described below or in the SAI may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include the Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

*Material Nonpublic and Other Information.* It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity, including for an extended period of time. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Fund with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser also may implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for the Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates.

*Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.* In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. The Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among the Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including

**37**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser.

*Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.* The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

*Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.* Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for the Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund.

*Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.* Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with the Fund and with respect to investments that the Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by the Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with the Fund and/or any of the Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley's activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to a merger or an acquisition.

**38**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

Consolidated Financial Highlights

The consolidated financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund's Class II shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). In addition, this performance information does not include the impact of any charges by your insurance company. If it did, returns would be lower.

The ratios of expenses to average net assets listed in the table below for Class II shares are based on the average net assets of the Fund for each of the periods listed in the table. To the extent that the Fund's average net assets decrease over the Fund's next fiscal year, such expense ratios can be expected to increase, potentially significantly, because certain fixed costs will be spread over a smaller amount of assets.

The information below has been derived from the consolidated financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP's report, along with the Fund's consolidated financial statements, are incorporated by reference into the Fund's SAI. The Fund's consolidated financial statements and additional information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR and SAI are available at no cost from the Company at the toll-free number noted on the back cover to this Prospectus or from your insurance company.

**39**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

**VIF Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $9.12 | $8.49 | $7.58 | $11.23 | $10.93 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup>  | 0.16 | 0.20 | 0.16 | 0.13 | 0.09 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  | 1.39 | 0.43 | 0.88 | (2.05) | 0.80 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total from Investment Operations  | 1.55 | 0.63 | 1.04 | (1.92) | 0.89 |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Income  |  |  | (0.13) |  | (0.20) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized Gain  | (0.35) |  |  | (1.73) | (0.39) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total Distributions  | (0.35) |  | (0.13) | (1.73) | (0.59) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $10.32 | $9.12 | $8.49 | $7.58 | $11.23 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>**  | 17.36% | 7.42% | 13.94%<sup>(3)</sup>  | (17.07)% | 8.22% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $14037 | $14104 | $13810 | $13548 | $16785 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 2.05% | 2.04% | 1.94% | 2.02% | 1.77% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.98%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.98%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.97%<sup>(4)(5)</sup>  | 0.98%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.00%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.65%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 2.20%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 1.96%<sup>(4)(5)</sup>  | 1.49%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.79%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup>  |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 95% | 98% | 102% | 99% | 111% |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| (1) | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. |
| (2) | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. |
| (3) | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares. |
| (4) | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." |
| (5) | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class II shares: | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class II shares: | If the Fund had not received the reimbursement of transfer agency fees from the Adviser, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income, would have been as follows for Class II shares: |
|  | **Period Ended** | **Expense**<br>**Ratio** | **Net Investment**<br>**Income Ratio** |
|  | December 31, 2023 | 0.98% | 1.95% |
| (6) | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. |

---

**40**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17250)

Where to Find Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports") and Annual or Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information filed in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR. In the Fund's Annual Report, among other things, you will find a brief summary of the key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund has an SAI, dated April 30, 2026 (as may be supplemented from time to time), which includes additional information about the Company and the Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. For a free copy of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports or Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR, to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries, please call toll-free 1-800-869-6397 or contact your insurance company. If you purchased shares through a Financial Intermediary, you may also obtain these documents, without charge, by contacting your Financial Intermediary. Free copies of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports and Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR are also available from our Internet site at: [www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports](DUMMY_17250_0_3).

You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Financial Intermediary, if applicable, or by visiting our Internet site.

Shareholder Reports and other information about the Fund, such as Fund financial statements, are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at: [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_17250_2_1), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., member FINRA.

The Company's 1940 Act registration number is 811-7607.© 2026 Morgan Stanley

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![image](pr17246img001.jpg) | ![image](pr17246img002.jpg) |

---

**Morgan Stanley** **Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Growth Portfolio

**Prospectus** \| April 30, 2026<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Ticker Symbol** |
| Class I | MEGIX |

---

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

**An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or endorsed by a bank, is not a bank deposit or obligation thereof, and is not** **insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the** **Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money investing in the Fund.**

![image](pr17246img003.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund that provides investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. In this prospectus, shares of the Growth Portfolio (the "Fund") are being offered.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [**Fund Summary**](#ref_chapter_2_17246)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17246)  |
| [**Details of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_3_17246)  | [7](#ref_chapter_3_17246)  |
| [**Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**](#ref_chapter_4_17246)  | [8](#ref_chapter_4_17246)  |
| [**Fund Management**](#ref_chapter_5_17246)  | [20](#ref_chapter_5_17246)  |
| [**Shareholder Information**](#ref_chapter_6_17246)  | [21](#ref_chapter_6_17246)  |
| [**Consolidated Financial Highlights**](#ref_chapter_8_17246)  | [26](#ref_chapter_8_17246)  |

---

------

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Growth Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of large capitalization companies.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class I shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge any sales loads or other fees when you purchase or redeem shares. The table below does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be higher. **You may pay fees other than the fees** **and expenses of the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and other fees charged by financial intermediaries, which are** **not reflected in the tables and examples below.**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Class I** |
| Advisory Fee\* | 0.50% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee |  |
| Other Expenses\*\* | 0.27% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses\*\*\* | 0.77% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 0.20% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 0.57% |

---

\* "Advisory Fee" includes the management fee of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the "Subsidiary"). The Fund's "Adviser" and "Administrator," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., has agreed to waive or credit a portion of the advisory fee in an amount equal to the management fee paid to the Adviser by the Subsidiary.

\*\* "Other Expenses" include expenses of the Fund's and Subsidiary's most recent fiscal year.

\*\*\* The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 0.57% for Class I. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate.

**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 does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, costs shown would be higher.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). 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 I | $58  | $226  | $408  | $935  |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in Total 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 60% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal market conditions, the Adviser seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in established and emerging companies, with capitalizations within the range of companies included in the Russell 1000® Growth Index. As of December 31, 2025, these market capitalizations ranged between $1.6 billion and $4.5 trillion.

The Adviser emphasizes a bottom-up stock selection process, seeking attractive investments on an individual company basis. In selecting securities for investment, the Adviser typically invests in unique companies it believes have sustainable competitive advantages with above average business visibility, the ability to deploy capital at high rates of return, strong balance sheets and an attractive risk/reward. The Adviser typically focuses a significant portion of the Fund's investments in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region.

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Growth Portfolio (Con't)

The Adviser actively integrates sustainability into the investment process by using environmental, social and governance ("ESG") factors as a lens for additional fundamental research, which can contribute to investment decision-making. The Adviser seeks to understand how environmental and social initiatives within companies can create value by strengthening durable competitive advantages, creating growth opportunities, driving profitability and/or aligning with secular growth trends. The Adviser generally engages with company management teams to discuss their ESG practices, with the aim of identifying how sustainability themes present opportunities and risks that can be material to the value of the security over the long-term. Other aspects of the investment process include a proprietary, systematic evaluation of governance policies, specifically focusing on compensation alignment on long-term value creation. Although consideration of ESG factors is incorporated into the investment process, it is only one of many tools the Adviser utilizes to make investment decisions.

In addition to common stocks, the Fund may invest in other types of equity securities. The Fund may also invest in privately placed and restricted securities.

The Adviser may invest up to 25% of the Fund's total assets in foreign securities, including emerging market securities and securities classified as American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") or Global Depositary Shares ("GDSs"), foreign U.S. dollar-denominated securities that are traded on a U.S. exchange or local shares of non-U.S. issuers.

**Principal Risks**

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you can lose money investing in this Fund. Investments in the Fund involve risks and you should not rely on the Fund as a complete investment program. The relative significance of each risk factor summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include:

● **Equity Securities.** In general, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or widely, in response to activities specific to the issuer of the security as well as factors unrelated to the fundamental condition of the issuer, including general market, economic, political and public health conditions. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although prices can rebound, there is no assurance that prices of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.<br>

● **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks, such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks, and heightened risks, that may result in losses to the Fund. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental interventions or other actions, such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks associated

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Growth Portfolio (Con't)

with investments in foreign developed countries. Emerging market countries may be subject to increased potential for market manipulation and to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging market countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies.<br>

● **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts.** To the extent the Fund seeks to hedge its foreign currency exposure by the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts involves the risks associated with derivatives and the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract.

● **Liquidity.** The Fund may make investments that are less liquid, illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

● **Focused Investing.** Although the Fund is a diversified investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), the Fund typically invests a significant portion of its portfolio in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. As a result, the Fund will be more susceptible to risks associated with, and negative events affecting those issuers, industries, sectors or geographic regions, and a decline in the value of a particular instrument may cause the Fund's overall value to be more volatile and decline to a greater degree than if the Fund were invested more widely.

● **Information Technology Sector Risk.** To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, product obsolescence, government regulation, and competition, and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

● **Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk.** To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the consumer discretionary sector, the Fund will be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with companies operating in such sector. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to risks, including fluctuations in the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, shipment and supply chain disruptions, interest rate changes, currency exchange rates, increased competition and consumer confidence. Performance of such companies may also be adversely affected by factors such as reduced disposable household income, reduced consumer spending, and changing demographics and consumer tastes.

● **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic, geopolitical and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. These types of events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the value (or income generated by) and liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact the Fund's ability to sell securities and/or its ability to meet redemptions. The risks associated with these developments may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters or events, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, supply chain disruptions and the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures) adversely interrupt or otherwise affect the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Growth Portfolio (Con't)

global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These types of events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance or value of the Fund's investments, adversely affect and increase the volatility of the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.<br>

● **Private Placements and Restricted Securities.** The Fund's investments may include privately placed and restricted securities, which are generally subject to resale or transfer restrictions or prohibitions. Private placements and restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. The Fund may be unable to dispose of privately placed and restricted securities promptly or may be able to sell privately placed and restricted securities only at disadvantageous times or prices, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer. There is no assurance that a liquid market will exist for privately placed and restricted securities and these securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity. In addition, the market for certain investments deemed liquid at the time of purchase may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions. Restricted securities, including privately placed securities, may be difficult to value and may experience significant price volatility, and there is typically less information available about issuers of private placements and restricted securities and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Adviser is reliable. Private placements and restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses to the Fund.

● **Active Management Risk.** In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance.

Please see "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of risks of investing in the Fund. Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Performance Information**

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's Class I shares' performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's Class I shares' average annual returns for the past one, five and ten year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and one or more additional indexes. The additional index in the table provides a means to compare the Fund's average annual returns to a benchmark that the Adviser believes is representative of the Fund's investment universe. This performance information does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, returns would be lower. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years (Class I)**

Commenced operations on January 2, 1997

![image](pr17246img004.jpg)

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Growth Portfolio (Con't)

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter**  | 06/30/20  | 58.58% |
| **Low Quarter**  | 06/30/22  | -40.88% |

---

**Average Annual Total Returns (Class I)<sup>1</sup>**

(for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past One**<br>**Year** | **Past Five**<br>**Years** | **Past Ten**<br>**Years** |
| **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| Return Before Taxes | 35.72% | 3.41% | 17.76% |
| Russell 1000® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>2</sup>  | 17.37% | 13.59% | 14.59% |
| Russell 1000® Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>3</sup>  | 18.56% | 15.32% | 18.13% |

---

1 During 2024, the Fund received proceeds related to a certain non-recurring litigation settlement. Had this settlement not occurred, the 2024 and five and ten year returns would have been lower. Please refer to the Financial Highlights for further information.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Russell 1000® Index measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. It is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index and includes approximately 1,000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market capitalization and current index membership. The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

3 The Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

**Fund Management**

**Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

**Portfolio Managers.** The Fund is managed by members of Counterpoint Global. Information about the members jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser** | **Date Began Managing Fund** |
| Dennis P. Lynch | Managing Director | June 2004 |
| Sam G. Chainani | Managing Director | June 2004 |
| Jason C. Yeung | Managing Director | September 2007 |
| Armistead B. Nash | Managing Director | September 2008 |
| Alexander T. Norton | Executive Director | July 2005 |

---

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Prospectus offers Class I shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class II shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class II shares are subject to higher expenses due to the imposition of a 12b-1 fee. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (either directly or indirectly through other variable insurance funds) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares."

**Tax Information**

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Taxes."

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Growth Portfolio (Con't)

**Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser and/or the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., may pay insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Fund-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance of their variable annuity contracts. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company to recommend one variable annuity or variable life insurance contract over another or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Shareholders should ask their salesperson or visit their insurance company's web site for more information.

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Growth Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of large capitalization companies.

**Approach**

Under normal market conditions, the Adviser seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in established and emerging companies, with capitalizations within the range of companies included in the Russell 1000® Growth Index. As of December 31, 2025, these market capitalizations ranged between $1.6 billion and $4.5 trillion. The Fund invests primarily in companies that the Adviser believes exhibit, among other things, strong free cash flow and compelling business strategies. The Adviser emphasizes individual security selection.

**Process**

The Adviser emphasizes a bottom-up stock selection process, seeking attractive investments on an individual company basis. In selecting securities for investment, the Adviser typically invests in unique companies it believes have sustainable competitive advantages with above average business visibility, the ability to deploy capital at high rates of return, strong balance sheets and an attractive risk/reward. The Adviser typically focuses a significant portion of the Fund's investments in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. The Adviser generally considers selling a portfolio holding when it determines that the holding no longer satisfies its investment criteria.

The Adviser actively integrates sustainability into the investment process by using ESG factors as a lens for additional fundamental research, which can contribute to investment decision-making. The Adviser seeks to understand how environmental and social initiatives within companies can create value by strengthening durable competitive advantages, creating growth opportunities, driving profitability and/or aligning with secular growth trends. The Adviser generally engages with company management teams to discuss their ESG practices, with the aim of identifying how sustainability themes present opportunities and risks that can be material to the value of the security over the long-term. Other aspects of the investment process include a proprietary, systematic evaluation of governance policies, specifically focusing on compensation alignment on long-term value creation. Although consideration of ESG factors is incorporated into the investment process, it is only one of many tools the Adviser utilizes to make investment decisions.

In addition to common stocks, the Fund may invest in other types of equity securities. The Fund may also invest in privately placed and restricted securities.

The Adviser may invest up to 25% of the Fund's total assets in foreign securities, including emerging market securities and securities classified as ADRs, GDRs, ADSs or GDSs, foreign U.S. dollar-denominated securities that are traded on a U.S. exchange or local shares of non-U.S. issuers.

Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities.

Unless otherwise required, the Fund may change its principal investment strategies at any time without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified of any changes as required by applicable law.

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *This section discusses additional information relating to Fund investment strategies, other types of investments that the Fund may make and related risk factors. Fund investment practices and limitations are also described in more detail in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), which is incorporated by reference and legally is a part of this Prospectus. For details on how to obtain a copy of the SAI and other reports and information, see the back cover of this Prospectus.* <br>

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price and yield will fluctuate with changes in the market value and/or yield of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

Economies and financial markets worldwide have experienced periods of increased volatility, uncertainty, distress, government spending, inflation, tariffs and disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. To the extent these conditions exist or continue, the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including those described below, could be heightened and the Fund's investments (and thus a shareholder's investment in the Fund) may be particularly susceptible to sudden and substantial losses, reduced yield or income or other adverse developments. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time.

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others.

The percentage limitations (including the Fund's 80% policy, if any) relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act or rule thereunder, subsequent percentage changes that result from market fluctuations generally will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.

However, the Fund may be required to reduce its borrowings, if any, in response to fluctuations in the value of such holdings.

**Market and Geopolitical Risk**

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions (i.e., increase the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period). In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such assets.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or market, or with respect to one company, may adversely impact other companies and other issuers, including those in a different country, region, sector, industry or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries and adversely impact the Fund's investments. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform or otherwise be adversely affected due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters and extreme weather events, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political (including geopolitical) discord and tensions or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in inflation rates or expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, an issuer's financial condition, the Fund's investments and an investment in the Fund. The market price of debt securities generally falls as inflation increases because the purchasing power of the future income and repaid principal is expected to be worth less when received by the Fund. The risk of inflation is greater for debt instruments with longer maturities and especially those that pay a fixed rather than variable interest rate. Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions or similar actions by the U.S. or foreign governments (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on economies, financial markets, issuers and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations.

Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations, can be adversely affected by changes in local and global economic conditions, including those that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments.

Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the price and performance of the Fund's investments, reduce market liquidity, adversely affect and increase the volatility of markets and the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing political, social, financial and economic risks to the Fund and cause overall declines in the U.S. and global markets. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions (including monetary and/or fiscal actions intended to stimulate or stabilize the global economy) that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**Equity Securities**

Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and equity-linked securities, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), rights and warrants to purchase common stocks, depositary receipts, shares of investment companies (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates), limited partnership interests and other specialty securities having equity features. Many factors affect the value of equity securities, including earnings, earnings forecasts, corporate events and factors impacting the issuer's financial condition, sector, industry and the market generally, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably, and these fluctuations may be frequent and significant. In addition, the Fund cannot accurately predict the income it might receive from equity securities because issuers generally have discretion as to the payment of dividends or distributions, and the common stock of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if, for example, the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because of a decline in the issuer's financial condition. The Fund may invest in equity securities that are publicly traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter ("OTC") or in equity securities that are not publicly traded. Equity securities are subject to the risk that stock prices in general (or in particular, the prices of the types of securities in which the Fund invests) may decline over short or extended periods of time. Equity securities that are not publicly traded may be more difficult to value or sell and their value

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

may fluctuate more dramatically than publicly traded equity securities. Convertible securities are subject to many of the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and equity securities.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or the financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. In addition, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although stock prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.

U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks. In addition, the price of equity securities of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund.

**Depositary Receipts**

A depositary receipt is generally issued by a bank or financial institution and represents the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks as those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. When the Fund invests in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") rather than investing directly in their underlying foreign shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the ADRs may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with the return of the underlying foreign shares. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Because the underlying foreign shares of ADRs are typically denominated or quoted in non-U.S. currencies, currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Further, since an ADR's underlying shares trade on foreign exchanges at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the ADR's underlying shares may change materially at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for Fund shares.

**Convertible Securities**

A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to and are subject to many of the risks associated with both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to other comparable nonconvertible fixed-income securities in such capital structure. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special and heightened risks, which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers generally are subject to different corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards than U.S. issuers. There may be less information available to the public about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers can be less liquid, experience greater price movements, and may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and/or other taxes, which decreases the yield and/or return of these securities. The Fund may experience losses if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be susceptible to influence by large traders due to the limited size of many foreign securities markets and there is the risk that news and events unique to a country or region that would not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States will affect those markets and their issuers and political events in foreign countries may cause market and economic disruptions. Moreover, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Also, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. In some foreign countries, there is also the risk of government expropriation, excessive or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, the imposition of currency controls or diplomatic developments that could affect the Fund's investments. There also can be difficulty obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers in foreign countries. Foreign stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed issuers may be subject to less government regulation and oversight. Securities registration, custody, and settlement may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and experience other adverse consequences. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. In addition, in certain markets the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities during certain periods.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. The value of holdings traded outside the United States or denominated in foreign currencies (and any hedging transactions in foreign currencies), including underlying securities represented by depositary receipts, will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the holding in the issuer's home country. These risks may be intensified for the Fund's investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. Moreover, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities (or force the Fund to sell foreign securities) or transfer the Fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. The Fund's investments in foreign securities are subject to trade laws of and potential economic sanctions by the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter-sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit the Fund from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions could prohibit the Fund from transacting with particular countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures also could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. In

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

addition, economic sanctions or other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, increase the Fund's transaction costs, make the Fund's investments more difficult to value or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

Even if the Fund does not have significant investments in securities affected by sanctions, sanctions or the threat of sanctions may cause volatility in regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, including through global supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced economic activity, which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. In addition, trade disputes and changes in tariffs may affect investor and consumer confidence and adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to predict.

In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including American Depositary Receipts, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the securities would likely decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

**Emerging Market Securities**

The Fund may invest in emerging market or developing countries, which are countries that major international financial institutions generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations (such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe). Emerging market or developing countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market or developing countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Such emerging market countries could also subject the Fund to greater risk associated with the custody of its securities than developed markets, which may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments (including the companies in which the Fund may invest) in emerging market or developing countries may be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. Furthermore, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) may be limited in their ability to enforce regulatory or legal obligations in emerging market countries. In addition, emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to increased potential for market manipulation and wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. These characteristics result in greater risk of price volatility in emerging market or developing countries, which may be heightened by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

**Foreign Currency**

Investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. Since the Fund may invest in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts**

In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to seek to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies.

Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. The Adviser's success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

**Private Placements and Restricted Securities**

The Fund's investments may include privately placed and restricted securities, which are generally subject to resale or transfer restrictions or prohibitions as a matter of contract and/or under applicable U.S. federal securities laws, including Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Privately placed and restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. Because there may be relatively few potential or interested purchasers for privately placed or restricted securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund may be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or may be able to sell privately placed securities only at disadvantageous times or prices.

There is no assurance that a liquid market will exist for privately placed and restricted securities and these securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity. In addition, the market for certain investments deemed liquid at the time of purchase may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, including readily available market quotations, may also adversely affect the ability to arrive at a fair value for certain securities at certain times and could make it difficult for the Fund to sell certain securities. Additionally, the Fund may be unable to sell a privately placed or restricted security if the Adviser or its affiliates receive material non-public information about the security's issuer. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value. There is typically less information available about issuers of private placements and restricted securities and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Adviser is reliable. In addition, private placements and restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses to the Fund.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

The derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use include:

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

*Futures.* A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

*Options.* If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument, foreign currency or contract, such as a swap agreement or futures contract, on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium paid by the Fund. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument, swap, foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency, at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased OTC, the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.

Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. The price of the option may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to the Fund and poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges.

Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

*Swaps.* The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges or swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of certain standardized swap transactions. Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility unless no exchange or

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

swap execution facility "makes the swap available to trade." The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

The Fund's use of swaps may include those based on the credit of an underlying security, commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by a third-party on the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

*CFDs.* A contract for difference ("CFD") is a privately-negotiated contract between two parties, buyer and seller, stipulating that the seller will pay to or receive from the buyer the difference between the nominal value of the underlying instrument at the opening of the contract and that instrument's value at the end of the contract. The underlying instrument may be a single security, stock basket or index. A CFD can be set up to take either a short or long position on the underlying instrument. The buyer and seller are typically both required to post margin, which is adjusted daily. The buyer will also pay to the seller a financing rate on the notional amount of the capital employed by the seller less the margin deposit. In addition to the general risks of derivatives, CFDs may be subject to liquidity risk and counterparty risk.

*Structured Investments.* The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

**REITs and Foreign Real Estate Companies**

Investing in REITs and foreign real estate companies exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly and investing in companies in the real estate industry, including the risks associated with residential and commercial real estate, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs and foreign real estate companies are organized and operated. REITs and foreign real estate companies generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Real estate income and values may also be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes, preferences (such as remote work arrangements) and values, and the demand for real estate and rental property. Additionally, an investment in a REIT is subject to the risks that impact the underlying properties of the REIT, including reduced demand for commercial and office space and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting the real estate industry and markets.

Operating REITs and foreign real estate companies requires specialized management skills and the Fund indirectly bears management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. The value of REIT and foreign real estate company securities will also rise and fall in response to the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. In particular, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management or development of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans and the underlying mortgage loans may be subject to the risks of default. REITs may be more volatile and/or more illiquid than other types of securities, and publicly traded REIT and real estate company shares are also subject to risks associated with equity securities. In addition, individual REITs and foreign real estate companies may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. REITs may also be subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers or tenants and self-liquidation.

REITs also must satisfy specific requirements of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in order to qualify for tax-free pass-through income. The failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse consequences for the Fund, including significantly reducing the return to the Fund on its investment in such company. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. In addition, REITs and foreign real estate companies, like mutual funds, have expenses, including management and administration fees, that are paid by their shareholders. As a result, shareholders

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments when the Fund invests in REITs and foreign real estate companies.

**Exchange-Traded Funds**

The Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates). ETFs seek to track the performance of various portions or segments of the equity and fixed-income markets. Shares of ETFs have many of the same risks as direct investments in common stocks or bonds. In addition, the market value of ETF shares may differ from their net asset value per share ("NAV") because the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying securities. Also, ETFs that track particular indices typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly due to, among other things, the ETF's operating expenses and transaction costs. ETFs typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. Therefore, as a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own investment management fees and other expenses. As a result, shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments in ETFs with respect to investments in ETFs. Further, certain ETFs in which the Fund may invest are leveraged. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater. Leveraged ETFs can deviate substantially from the performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods of time, particularly in volatile periods. Furthermore, disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETFs purchased or sold by the Fund could result in losses on the Fund's investment in ETFs.

**Focused Investing**

Although the Fund is a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act, the Fund typically invests a significant portion of its portfolio in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. As a result, the Fund will be more susceptible to risks associated with, and negative events, conditions or developments affecting or economic results of, those issuers, industries, sectors or geographic regions, and a decline in the value of a particular instrument may cause the Fund's overall value to be more volatile and decline to a greater degree than if the Fund were invested more widely. Such volatility and decline may be sudden and significant. In addition, if such issuers are within the same market segment or of a similar type (e.g., growth stocks), the Fund will be more sensitive to adverse developments or conditions and risks affecting such market segment or type of issuer, including that the market segment or type of issuer may fall out of favor, than if the Fund were invested more widely.

The Fund does not lose its status as a diversified investment company because of any subsequent discrepancy between the value of its various investments and the diversification requirements of the 1940 Act, so long as any such discrepancy existing immediately after the Fund's acquisition of any security or other property is neither wholly nor partly the result of such acquisition.

**IPOs**

The Fund may purchase shares issued as part of, or a short period after, a company's initial public offering ("IPO"), and may at times dispose of those shares shortly after their acquisition. The Fund's purchase of shares issued in IPOs exposes it to the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, including unseasoned trading, small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer, as well as to the risks inherent in those sectors of the market where these new issuers operate. The market for IPO issuers may be volatile, and share prices of newly-public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. IPOs may produce high, double-digit returns. Such returns are highly unusual and may not be sustainable.

**Special Purpose Acquisition Companies**

A special purpose acquisition company ("SPAC") is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company. Typically, the acquisition target is an existing privately held company that wants to trade publicly, which it accomplishes through a combination with a SPAC rather than by conducting a traditional IPO. SPACs and similar entities are blank check companies and do not have any operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions. The long term value of a SPAC's securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC's management to identify a merger target and complete an acquisition.

An investment in a SPAC is subject to the risks that any proposed acquisition or merger may not obtain the requisite approval of SPAC shareholders, may require governmental or other approvals that it fails to obtain or that an acquisition or merger, once effected, may prove unsuccessful and lose value. In addition, among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management, directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. This risk may become more acute as the deadline for the completion of a business combination nears or in the event that attractive acquisition or merger targets become scarce.

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

An investment in a SPAC is also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger. The value of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate over time. In addition, investments in SPACs may be subject to the same risks as investing in any initial public offering, including the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, including unseasoned trading, small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. In addition, the market for IPO issuers may be volatile, and share prices of newly-public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. Although some IPOs may produce high returns, such returns are not typical and may not be sustainable. Certain investments in SPACs are privately placed securities and are also subject to the risks of such securities.

**Sector Risk**

The Fund may, from time to time, invest more heavily in companies in a particular economic sector or sectors. Economic or regulatory changes adversely affecting such sectors may have more of an impact on the Fund's performance than if the Fund held a broader range of investments.

**Active Management Risk**

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance. There is no guarantee that the use of the Adviser's investment techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected or produce the desired results.

In addition, it is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity and the Adviser may be restricted in its ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities and may impair the Fund's liquidity.

**Information Technology Sector Risk**

To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, competition for the services of qualified personnel and government regulation. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction and unpredictable changes in growth rates. Companies in the information technology sector also can be heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. As a result, the value of shares may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

**Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk**

To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the consumer discretionary sector, the Fund will be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with companies operating in such sector. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to risks, including fluctuations in domestic and international economic conditions and forecasts, inflation, shipment and supply chain disruptions and interest rate changes, currency exchange rates, increased competition and consumer confidence as well as increases in production-related costs. Performance of such companies also may be adversely affected by factors such as reduced disposable household income, reduced consumer spending, and changing demographics and consumer tastes. Companies in this sector are subject to competitive forces (including competition brought by foreign brands), which may also have an adverse impact on their profitability and the value of their securities. This sector may be strongly affected by fads, marketing campaigns, changes in demographics and consumer preferences, and other economic or social factors affecting consumer demand. Governmental regulation, including price controls and regulations on packaging, labeling, competition, and certification, may affect the profitability of companies in such sector. Companies operating in this sector may also be adversely affected by government and private litigation.

**Large Transactions Risk**

The Fund may experience adverse effects when large shareholders, or a number of shareholders collectively purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund ("large shareholder transactions"). Such larger than normal redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund's performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. Large shareholder transactions may also result in taxable income and/or gains for the Fund, which may increase taxable distributions to shareholders, and may also increase transaction costs. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA,

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plans. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains when distributed by the Fund will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for individual shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of significant events affecting investor demand for securities or asset classes in which the Fund invests; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Although large shareholder transactions may be more frequent under certain circumstances, the Fund is generally subject to the risk that shareholders can purchase or redeem a significant percentage of Fund shares at any time.

**Liquidity**

The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to, among other developments, overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. Illiquidity can also be caused by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

**ESG Investment Risk**

To the extent that the Adviser considers ESG issues as a component in its investment decision-making process, the Fund's performance may be impacted. Additionally, the Adviser's consideration of ESG issues in its investment decision-making process may require subjective analysis and the ability of the Adviser to consider ESG issues may be difficult if data about a particular issuer (or obligor) is limited. The Adviser's consideration of ESG issues may contribute to the Adviser's decision to forgo opportunities to buy certain securities. ESG issues with respect to an issuer (or obligor) or the Adviser's assessment of such may change over time.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, the Adviser, authorized participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange, as applicable, are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through the service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of the Adviser, Distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), exchanges, market participants, market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, as applicable, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants, as applicable. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**Temporary** **Investments**

Under adverse or unstable market conditions or abnormal circumstances or when the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions warrant, the Fund may, in the discretion of the Adviser, take temporary positions that

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategy in attempting to respond to such conditions or circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest without limit in cash, cash equivalents or other fixed-income instruments, derivatives, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds, for temporary purposes. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts the effects of these changes or during periods of temporary defensive or other temporary positions, such temporary investments may adversely affect the Fund's performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**

U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional (or amended) regulations and legislators pass new laws (or amend existing laws) that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management

Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, conducts a worldwide portfolio management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the United States and abroad. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS") is the parent of the Adviser, which is the parent of the Distributor. Morgan Stanley is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay compensation (out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers and/or certain insurance companies or other financial intermediaries or service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and/or retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. Such compensation may be significant in amount and the prospect of receiving any such compensation may provide such affiliated or unaffiliated entities with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund's shares over other investment options. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Fund's shares. For more information, please see the Fund's SAI.

Advisory Fee

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Adviser received a fee for advisory services (net of fee waivers, if applicable) equal to 0.29% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of the Fund to exceed 0.57% of average daily net assets for Class I. In determining the actual amount of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Fund's annual operating expenses may vary throughout the period and from year to year. The Fund's actual expenses may be different than the expenses listed in the Fund's fee and expense table based upon the extent and amount of a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

A discussion regarding the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory agreement is available in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of Counterpoint Global. Counterpoint Global consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of Counterpoint Global jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Dennis P. Lynch, Sam G. Chainani, Jason C. Yeung, Armistead B. Nash and Alexander T. Norton.

Mr. Lynch has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1998. Mr. Chainani has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1996. Messrs. Yeung and Nash have been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2002. Mr. Norton has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2000.

Mr. Lynch is the lead portfolio manager of the Fund. Messrs. Chainani, Yeung, Nash and Norton are co-portfolio managers. Members of Counterpoint Global collaborate to manage the assets of the Fund.

The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.

The composition of Counterpoint Global may change from time to time.

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information

**Share Class**

This Prospectus offers Class I shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class II shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class II shares are subject to higher expenses due to the imposition of a 12b-1 fee. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares**

Shares are offered on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business except as noted below.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (and other funds that serve as underlying investment options for variable insurance and annuity contracts (i.e., variable insurance funds)) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order (other than as set forth below). However, contract owners who allocate a portion of their contract to the Fund through the variable life insurance or variable annuity contracts previously described do not deal directly with the Fund to purchase and redeem shares. Please refer to the prospectus of the variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for information on the allocation, transfer and withdrawal of amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by using a combination of sales of securities held by the Fund and/or holdings of cash and cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, the Fund also reserves the right to use borrowings to meet redemption requests, and the Fund may use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions.

The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Fund currently does not foresee disadvantages to variable product contract owners or qualified plan participants arising out of the fact that the Fund offers its shares to separate accounts of various insurance companies that offer different types of variable annuity and variable life insurance products and various other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Nevertheless material irreconcilable conflicts may possibly arise among the interests of these investors. The Board of Directors that oversees the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any such material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

**Pricing of Fund Shares**

The price per share will be the NAV next determined after the Company or the insurance company receives your purchase or redemption order in good order. NAV is the value of one share's portion of all of the net assets in the Fund. The Company determines the NAV for the Fund as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares will generally not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations.

Trading of securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges may take place on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, to the extent, if any, that the Fund invests in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

**About Net Asset Value**

The NAV of Class I shares is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to Class I, less the value of any liabilities attributable to Class I, by the total number of outstanding shares of Class I. For the purpose of calculating the NAV per share of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In making this calculation, the Fund generally values its portfolio securities and other assets at market

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

price. With respect to investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board of Directors has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser determines that a market quotation is not accurate or reliable, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on foreign exchanges, when an event occurs after the close of such exchanges that is likely to have changed the value of the securities (e.g., a percentage change in value of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a significant development affecting a country or region or an issuer specific development that is likely to have changed the value of the security. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. To the extent the Fund invests in open-end management companies (other than ETFs) that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based, in relevant part, upon the NAV of such funds. The prospectuses for such funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and its effects.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or other asset. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the values of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares. The NAV of the Fund (excluding any applicable sales charges) is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets. Although the assets of each class are invested in the same portfolio of securities or other assets, the NAV of each class will differ because the classes have different class specific expenses.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund's provider of administrative services to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

The NAV of Class I shares will differ from that of Class II shares because of class-specific expenses that each class may pay.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The Fund distributes its net investment income, if any, at least annually as dividends and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

**Inactive Accounts and Risk of Escheatment**

In accordance with state "unclaimed property" laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state (also known as "escheatment") under various circumstances. These circumstances, which vary by state, can include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), uncashed checks or a combination of these. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund or your Financial Intermediary. Since states' statutory requirements regarding inactivity differ, it is important to regularly contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent. The process described above, and the application of state escheatment laws, may vary by state and/or depending on how shareholders hold their shares in the Fund. Escheatment with respect to a retirement account is subject to a 10% federal withholding on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address for your account, keep your account active by contacting your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent (e.g., by mail or telephone), and promptly cash all checks for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws.

For more information, please contact us at 1-888-378-1630.

**Taxes**

The Fund expects that it will not have to pay federal income taxes if it distributes annually all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund does not expect to be subject to federal excise taxes with respect to undistributed income.

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its income from foreign jurisdictions. Special rules apply to certain transactions in a foreign currency.

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique and the tax laws may change, shareholders should consult a tax advisor about the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to their investment.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares**

Frequent purchases and redemptions of shares pursuant to the instructions of insurance company contract owners or qualified plan participants is referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading" and may present risks for other contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, which may include, among other things, dilution in the value of the Fund's shares indirectly held by contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, interference with the efficient management of the Fund, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that market-timers and/or short-term traders may take advantage of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the Fund's securities trade and the time the Fund's NAV is calculated ("time-zone arbitrage"). For example, a market-timer may submit instructions for the purchase of shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before the Fund's NAV calculation that are likely to result in higher prices in foreign markets the following day. The market-timer would submit instructions to redeem the Fund's shares the next day when the Fund's share price would reflect the increased prices in foreign markets for a quick profit at the expense of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund.

Investments in other types of securities also may be susceptible to short-term trading strategies. These investments include securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or relatively illiquid, which have the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A contract owner may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price-arbitrage"). Investments in certain fixed-income securities, such as high yield bonds, may be adversely affected by price arbitrage trading strategies. The Fund's policies with respect to valuing portfolio securities are described above in "About Net Asset Value."

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Insurance companies or qualified plans generally do not provide specific contract owner or plan participant transaction instructions to the Fund on an ongoing basis. Therefore, to some extent, the Fund relies on the insurance companies and qualified plans to monitor frequent short-term trading by contract owners. However, the Fund has entered into agreements with insurance companies and qualified plans whereby the insurance companies and qualified plans are required to provide certain contract owner identification and transaction information upon the Fund's request. The Fund may use this information to help identify and prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify or prevent all market-timing activity.

If the Fund identifies suspected market-timing activity, the insurance company or qualified plan will be contacted and asked to take steps to prevent further market-timing activity (e.g., sending warning letters or blocking frequent trading by underlying contract owners or participants). Insurance companies may be prohibited by the terms of the underlying insurance contract from restricting short-term trading of mutual fund shares by contract owners, thereby limiting the ability of such insurance company to implement remedial steps to prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan is unwilling or unable to take remedial steps to discourage or prevent frequent trading, or does not take action promptly, certain contract owners or participants may be able to engage in frequent trading to the detriment of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan refuses to take remedial action, or takes action that the Fund deems insufficient, a determination will be made whether it is appropriate to terminate the relationship with such insurance company or qualified plan.

**Portfolio Holdings Information**

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

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**Potential Conflicts of Interest**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Fund. These activities could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the "Affiliated Investment Accounts") with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with the Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with the Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be.

The conflicts summarized herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled "Potential Conflicts of Interest" in the SAI. Conflicts of interest not described below or in the SAI may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include the Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

*Material Nonpublic and Other Information.* It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity, including for an extended period of time. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Fund with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser also may implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for the Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates.

*Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.* In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. The Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among the Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser.

*Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.* The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

*Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.* Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for the Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund.

*Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.* Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with the Fund and with respect to investments that the Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by the Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with the Fund and/or any of the Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley's activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to a merger or an acquisition.

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

Consolidated Financial Highlights

The consolidated financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund's Class I shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). In addition, this performance information does not include the impact of any charges by your insurance company. If it did, returns would be lower.

The ratios of expenses to average net assets listed in the table below for Class I shares are based on the average net assets of the Fund for each of the periods listed in the table. To the extent that the Fund's average net assets decrease over the Fund's next fiscal year, such expense ratios can be expected to increase, potentially significantly, because certain fixed costs will be spread over a smaller amount of assets.

The information below has been derived from the consolidated financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP's report, along with the Fund's consolidated financial statements, are incorporated by reference into the Fund's SAI. The Fund's consolidated financial statements and additional information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR and SAI are available at no cost from the Company at the toll-free number noted on the back cover to this Prospectus or from your insurance company.

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

**VIF Growth Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $21.58 | $13.35 | $8.98 | $53.72 | $70.24 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Loss<sup>(1)</sup>  | (0.07) | (0.24) | (0.03) | (0.07) | (0.35) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  | 5.05 | 8.47 | 4.40 | (30.00) | 2.53 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total from Investment Operations  | 4.98 | 8.23 | 4.37 | (30.07) | 2.18 |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized Gain  |  |  |  | (14.67) | (18.70) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $26.56<sup>(2)</sup>  | $21.58<sup>(2)</sup>  | $13.35 | $8.98 | $53.72 |
| **Total Return<sup>(3)</sup>**  | 23.08%<sup>(2)</sup>  | 61.65%<sup>(2)(5)</sup>  | 48.66%<sup>(4)(6)</sup>  | (60.07)%<sup>(4)</sup>  | 0.10%<sup>(4)</sup>  |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $416013 | $415789 | $296798 | $220167 | $645473 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 0.77% | 2.18% | 0.78% | 0.78% | 0.74% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.56%<sup>(7)</sup>  | 1.97%<sup>(7)(8)</sup>  | 0.56%<sup>(7)</sup>  | 0.57%<sup>(7)</sup>  | 0.57%<sup>(7)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding <br>Interest Expense  | 0.56%<sup>(7)</sup>  | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss | (0.27)%<sup>(7)</sup>  | (1.63)%<sup>(7)(8)</sup>  | (0.28)%<sup>(7)</sup>  | (0.39)%<sup>(7)</sup>  | (0.52)%<sup>(7)</sup>  |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(9)</sup>  | 0.00%<sup>(9)</sup>  |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 60% | 44% | 33% | 41% | 59% |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| (1) | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. |
| (2) | The net asset value and total return have been calculated on net assets which includes an adjustment made in accordance with GAAP required at period end for financial reporting purposes. | The net asset value and total return have been calculated on net assets which includes an adjustment made in accordance with GAAP required at period end for financial reporting purposes. | The net asset value and total return have been calculated on net assets which includes an adjustment made in accordance with GAAP required at period end for financial reporting purposes. |
| (3) | Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. |
| (4) | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. |
| (5) | Performance was positively impacted by approximately 15.06% for Class I shares due to a payment from a class action settlement involving the Fund's past holdings. Had this payment not occurred, the total return for Class I shares would have been 46.59%. | Performance was positively impacted by approximately 15.06% for Class I shares due to a payment from a class action settlement involving the Fund's past holdings. Had this payment not occurred, the total return for Class I shares would have been 46.59%. | Performance was positively impacted by approximately 15.06% for Class I shares due to a payment from a class action settlement involving the Fund's past holdings. Had this payment not occurred, the total return for Class I shares would have been 46.59%. |
| (6) | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class I shares. |
| (7) | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." |
| (8) | If the Fund had not paid the asset recovery fee, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss, would have been as follows for Class I shares: | If the Fund had not paid the asset recovery fee, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss, would have been as follows for Class I shares: | If the Fund had not paid the asset recovery fee, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss, would have been as follows for Class I shares: |
|  | Period Ended | Expense<br>Ratio | Net Investment<br>Loss Ratio |
|  | December 31, 2024 | 0.56% | (0.22)% |
| (9) | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. |

---

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17246)

Where to Find Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports") and Annual or Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information filed in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR. In the Fund's Annual Report, among other things, you will find a brief summary of the key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund has an SAI, dated April 30, 2026 (as may be supplemented from time to time), which includes additional information about the Company and the Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. For a free copy of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports or Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR, to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries, please call toll-free 1-800-869-6397 or contact your insurance company. If you purchased shares through a Financial Intermediary, you may also obtain these documents, without charge, by contacting your Financial Intermediary. Free copies of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports and Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR are also available from our Internet site at: [www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports](DUMMY_17246_0_3).

You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Financial Intermediary, if applicable, or by visiting our Internet site.

Shareholder Reports and other information about the Fund, such as Fund financial statements, are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at: [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_17246_2_1), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., member FINRA.

The Company's 1940 Act registration number is 811-7607.© 2026 Morgan Stanley

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![image](pr17244img001.jpg) | ![image](pr17244img002.jpg) |

---

**Morgan Stanley** **Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Growth Portfolio

**Prospectus** \| April 30, 2026<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Ticker Symbol** |
| Class II | MEGTX |

---

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

**An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or endorsed by a bank, is not a bank deposit or obligation thereof, and is not** **insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the** **Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money investing in the Fund.**

![image](pr17244img003.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund that provides investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. In this prospectus, shares of the Growth Portfolio (the "Fund") are being offered.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [**Fund Summary**](#ref_chapter_2_17244)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17244)  |
| [**Details of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_3_17244)  | [7](#ref_chapter_3_17244)  |
| [**Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**](#ref_chapter_4_17244)  | [8](#ref_chapter_4_17244)  |
| [**Fund Management**](#ref_chapter_5_17244)  | [20](#ref_chapter_5_17244)  |
| [**Shareholder Information**](#ref_chapter_6_17244)  | [22](#ref_chapter_6_17244)  |
| [**Consolidated Financial Highlights**](#ref_chapter_8_17244)  | [27](#ref_chapter_8_17244)  |

---

------

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Growth Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of large capitalization companies.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class II shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge any sales loads or other fees when you purchase or redeem shares. The table below does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be higher. **You may pay fees other than the fees** **and expenses of the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and other fees charged by financial intermediaries, which are** **not reflected in the tables and examples below.** 

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Class II** |
| Advisory Fee\* | 0.50% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee | 0.25% |
| Other Expenses\*\* | 0.27% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses\*\*\* | 1.02% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 0.20% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement\*\*\* | 0.82% |

---

\* "Advisory Fee" includes the management fee of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the "Subsidiary"). The Fund's "Adviser" and "Administrator," Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., has agreed to waive or credit a portion of the advisory fee in an amount equal to the management fee paid to the Adviser by the Subsidiary.

\*\* "Other Expenses" include expenses of the Fund's and Subsidiary's most recent fiscal year.

\*\*\* The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 0.82% for Class II. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate.

**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 does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, costs shown would be higher.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). 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 II | $84  | $305  | $544  | $1230  |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in Total 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 60% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal market conditions, the Adviser seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in established and emerging companies, with capitalizations within the range of companies included in the Russell 1000® Growth Index. As of December 31, 2025, these market capitalizations ranged between $1.6 billion and $4.5 trillion.

The Adviser emphasizes a bottom-up stock selection process, seeking attractive investments on an individual company basis. In selecting securities for investment, the Adviser typically invests in unique companies it believes have sustainable competitive advantages with above average business visibility, the ability to deploy capital at high rates of return, strong balance sheets and an attractive risk/reward. The Adviser typically focuses a significant portion of the Fund's investments in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region.

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Growth Portfolio (Con't)

The Adviser actively integrates sustainability into the investment process by using environmental, social and governance ("ESG") factors as a lens for additional fundamental research, which can contribute to investment decision-making. The Adviser seeks to understand how environmental and social initiatives within companies can create value by strengthening durable competitive advantages, creating growth opportunities, driving profitability and/or aligning with secular growth trends. The Adviser generally engages with company management teams to discuss their ESG practices, with the aim of identifying how sustainability themes present opportunities and risks that can be material to the value of the security over the long-term. Other aspects of the investment process include a proprietary, systematic evaluation of governance policies, specifically focusing on compensation alignment on long-term value creation. Although consideration of ESG factors is incorporated into the investment process, it is only one of many tools the Adviser utilizes to make investment decisions.

In addition to common stocks, the Fund may invest in other types of equity securities. The Fund may also invest in privately placed and restricted securities.

The Adviser may invest up to 25% of the Fund's total assets in foreign securities, including emerging market securities and securities classified as American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") or Global Depositary Shares ("GDSs"), foreign U.S. dollar-denominated securities that are traded on a U.S. exchange or local shares of non-U.S. issuers.

**Principal Risks**

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you can lose money investing in this Fund. Investments in the Fund involve risks and you should not rely on the Fund as a complete investment program. The relative significance of each risk factor summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include:

● **Equity Securities.** In general, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or widely, in response to activities specific to the issuer of the security as well as factors unrelated to the fundamental condition of the issuer, including general market, economic, political and public health conditions. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although prices can rebound, there is no assurance that prices of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.<br>

● **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks, such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks, and heightened risks, that may result in losses to the Fund. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental interventions or other actions, such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks associated

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Growth Portfolio (Con't)

with investments in foreign developed countries. Emerging market countries may be subject to increased potential for market manipulation and to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging market countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates. Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies.<br>

● **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts.** To the extent the Fund seeks to hedge its foreign currency exposure by the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts involves the risks associated with derivatives and the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract.

● **Liquidity.** The Fund may make investments that are less liquid, illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

● **Focused Investing.** Although the Fund is a diversified investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), the Fund typically invests a significant portion of its portfolio in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. As a result, the Fund will be more susceptible to risks associated with, and negative events affecting those issuers, industries, sectors or geographic regions, and a decline in the value of a particular instrument may cause the Fund's overall value to be more volatile and decline to a greater degree than if the Fund were invested more widely.

● **Information Technology Sector Risk.** To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, product obsolescence, government regulation, and competition, and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

● **Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk.** To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the consumer discretionary sector, the Fund will be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with companies operating in such sector. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to risks, including fluctuations in the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, shipment and supply chain disruptions, interest rate changes, currency exchange rates, increased competition and consumer confidence. Performance of such companies may also be adversely affected by factors such as reduced disposable household income, reduced consumer spending, and changing demographics and consumer tastes.

● **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic, geopolitical and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. These types of events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the value (or income generated by) and liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact the Fund's ability to sell securities and/or its ability to meet redemptions. The risks associated with these developments may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters or events, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, supply chain disruptions and the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures) adversely interrupt or otherwise affect the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Growth Portfolio (Con't)

global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These types of events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance or value of the Fund's investments, adversely affect and increase the volatility of the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.<br>

● **Private Placements and Restricted Securities.** The Fund's investments may include privately placed and restricted securities, which are generally subject to resale or transfer restrictions or prohibitions. Private placements and restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. The Fund may be unable to dispose of privately placed and restricted securities promptly or may be able to sell privately placed and restricted securities only at disadvantageous times or prices, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer. There is no assurance that a liquid market will exist for privately placed and restricted securities and these securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity. In addition, the market for certain investments deemed liquid at the time of purchase may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions. Restricted securities, including privately placed securities, may be difficult to value and may experience significant price volatility, and there is typically less information available about issuers of private placements and restricted securities and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Adviser is reliable. Private placements and restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses to the Fund.

● **Active Management Risk.** In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments to buy, hold or sell on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies to use. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance.

Please see "Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of risks of investing in the Fund. Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Performance Information**

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's Class II shares' performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's Class II shares' average annual returns for the past one, five and ten year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and one or more additional indexes. The additional index in the table provides a means to compare the Fund's average annual returns to a benchmark that the Adviser believes is representative of the Fund's investment universe. This performance information does not reflect any fees, expenses or charges that are, or may be, associated with or imposed under your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance contract. If it did, returns would be lower. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years (Class II)**

Commenced operations on May 5, 2003

![image](pr17244img004.jpg)

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter**  | 06/30/20  | 58.47% |
| **Low Quarter**  | 06/30/22  | -40.90% |

---

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Summary**

Growth Portfolio (Con't)

**Average Annual Total Returns (Class II)<sup>1</sup>**

(for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past One**<br>**Year** | **Past Five**<br>**Years** | **Past Ten**<br>**Years** |
| **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| Return Before Taxes | 35.38% | 3.15% | 17.46% |
| Russell 1000® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>2</sup>  | 17.37% | 13.59% | 14.59% |
| Russell 1000® Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>3</sup>  | 18.56% | 15.32% | 18.13% |

---

1 During 2024, the Fund received proceeds related to a certain non-recurring litigation settlement. Had this settlement not occurred, the 2024 and five and ten year returns would have been lower. Please refer to the Financial Highlights for further information.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Russell 1000® Index measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. It is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index and includes approximately 1,000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market capitalization and current index membership. The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

---

3 The Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

**Fund Management**

**Adviser.** Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

**Portfolio Managers.** The Fund is managed by members of Counterpoint Global. Information about the members jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser** | **Date Began Managing Fund** |
| Dennis P. Lynch | Managing Director | June 2004 |
| Sam G. Chainani | Managing Director | June 2004 |
| Jason C. Yeung | Managing Director | September 2007 |
| Armistead B. Nash | Managing Director | September 2008 |
| Alexander T. Norton | Executive Director | July 2005 |

---

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Prospectus offers Class II shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class I shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class I shares are subject to lower expenses, but may not be available through your insurance company, qualified pension plan or retirement plan. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (either directly or indirectly through other variable insurance funds) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares."

**Tax Information**

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Taxes."

**Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries**

The Adviser and/or the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., may pay insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Fund-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Fund Summary

Growth Portfolio (Con't)

of their variable annuity contracts. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company to recommend one variable annuity or variable life insurance contract over another or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Shareholders should ask their salesperson or visit their insurance company's web site for more information.

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Details of the Fund**

Growth Portfolio

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of large capitalization companies.

**Approach**

Under normal market conditions, the Adviser seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in established and emerging companies, with capitalizations within the range of companies included in the Russell 1000® Growth Index. As of December 31, 2025, these market capitalizations ranged between $1.6 billion and $4.5 trillion. The Fund invests primarily in companies that the Adviser believes exhibit, among other things, strong free cash flow and compelling business strategies. The Adviser emphasizes individual security selection.

**Process**

The Adviser emphasizes a bottom-up stock selection process, seeking attractive investments on an individual company basis. In selecting securities for investment, the Adviser typically invests in unique companies it believes have sustainable competitive advantages with above average business visibility, the ability to deploy capital at high rates of return, strong balance sheets and an attractive risk/reward. The Adviser typically focuses a significant portion of the Fund's investments in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. The Adviser generally considers selling a portfolio holding when it determines that the holding no longer satisfies its investment criteria.

The Adviser actively integrates sustainability into the investment process by using ESG factors as a lens for additional fundamental research, which can contribute to investment decision-making. The Adviser seeks to understand how environmental and social initiatives within companies can create value by strengthening durable competitive advantages, creating growth opportunities, driving profitability and/or aligning with secular growth trends. The Adviser generally engages with company management teams to discuss their ESG practices, with the aim of identifying how sustainability themes present opportunities and risks that can be material to the value of the security over the long-term. Other aspects of the investment process include a proprietary, systematic evaluation of governance policies, specifically focusing on compensation alignment on long-term value creation. Although consideration of ESG factors is incorporated into the investment process, it is only one of many tools the Adviser utilizes to make investment decisions.

In addition to common stocks, the Fund may invest in other types of equity securities. The Fund may also invest in privately placed and restricted securities.

The Adviser may invest up to 25% of the Fund's total assets in foreign securities, including emerging market securities and securities classified as ADRs, GDRs, ADSs or GDSs, foreign U.S. dollar-denominated securities that are traded on a U.S. exchange or local shares of non-U.S. issuers.

Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed above to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities.

Unless otherwise required, the Fund may change its principal investment strategies at any time without shareholder approval; however, you would be notified of any changes as required by applicable law.

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *This section discusses additional information relating to Fund investment strategies, other types of investments that the Fund may make and related risk factors. Fund investment practices and limitations are also described in more detail in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), which is incorporated by reference and legally is a part of this Prospectus. For details on how to obtain a copy of the SAI and other reports and information, see the back cover of this Prospectus.* <br>

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund's share price and yield will fluctuate with changes in the market value and/or yield of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

Economies and financial markets worldwide have experienced periods of increased volatility, uncertainty, distress, government spending, inflation, tariffs and disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. To the extent these conditions exist or continue, the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including those described below, could be heightened and the Fund's investments (and thus a shareholder's investment in the Fund) may be particularly susceptible to sudden and substantial losses, reduced yield or income or other adverse developments. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time.

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others.

The percentage limitations (including the Fund's 80% policy, if any) relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act or rule thereunder, subsequent percentage changes that result from market fluctuations generally will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.

However, the Fund may be required to reduce its borrowings, if any, in response to fluctuations in the value of such holdings.

**Market and Geopolitical Risk**

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which change due to economic and other events that affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect or are perceived or expected to affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions (i.e., increase the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period). In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need or decision to liquidate such assets.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or market, or with respect to one company, may adversely impact other companies and other issuers, including those in a different country, region, sector, industry or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries and adversely impact the Fund's investments. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform or otherwise be adversely affected due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters and extreme weather events, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political (including geopolitical) discord and tensions or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in inflation rates or expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, an issuer's financial condition, the Fund's investments and an investment in the Fund. The market price of debt securities generally falls as inflation increases because the purchasing power of the future income and repaid principal is expected to be worth less when received by the Fund. The risk of inflation is greater for debt instruments with longer maturities and especially those that pay a fixed rather than variable interest rate. Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions or similar actions by the U.S. or foreign governments (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on economies, financial markets, issuers and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations.

Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations, can be adversely affected by changes in local and global economic conditions, including those that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments.

Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the price and performance of the Fund's investments, reduce market liquidity, adversely affect and increase the volatility of markets and the Fund's share price and exacerbate pre-existing political, social, financial and economic risks to the Fund and cause overall declines in the U.S. and global markets. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions (including monetary and/or fiscal actions intended to stimulate or stabilize the global economy) that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**Equity Securities**

Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and equity-linked securities, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), rights and warrants to purchase common stocks, depositary receipts, shares of investment companies (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates), limited partnership interests and other specialty securities having equity features. Many factors affect the value of equity securities, including earnings, earnings forecasts, corporate events and factors impacting the issuer's financial condition, sector, industry and the market generally, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably, and these fluctuations may be frequent and significant. In addition, the Fund cannot accurately predict the income it might receive from equity securities because issuers generally have discretion as to the payment of dividends or distributions, and the common stock of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if, for example, the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because of a decline in the issuer's financial condition. The Fund may invest in equity securities that are publicly traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter ("OTC") or in equity securities that are not publicly traded. Equity securities are subject to the risk that stock prices in general (or in particular, the prices of the types of securities in which the Fund invests) may decline over short or extended periods of time. Equity securities that are not publicly traded may be more difficult to value or sell and their value

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

may fluctuate more dramatically than publicly traded equity securities. Convertible securities are subject to many of the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and equity securities.

The value of equity securities and related instruments decline in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or the financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; inflation, interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other factors. Market conditions affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than other types of equity securities. In addition, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer. If the stock market declines, the value of the Fund's equity securities will also likely decline, which will result in a decrease in the value of your investment in the Fund. Although stock prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values of the Fund's equity securities will return to previous levels.

U.S. and foreign stock markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. During periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks. In addition, the price of equity securities of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund.

**Depositary Receipts**

A depositary receipt is generally issued by a bank or financial institution and represents the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks as those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. When the Fund invests in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") rather than investing directly in their underlying foreign shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the ADRs may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with the return of the underlying foreign shares. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Because the underlying foreign shares of ADRs are typically denominated or quoted in non-U.S. currencies, currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Further, since an ADR's underlying shares trade on foreign exchanges at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the ADR's underlying shares may change materially at times when U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for Fund shares.

**Convertible Securities**

A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to and are subject to many of the risks associated with both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to other comparable nonconvertible fixed-income securities in such capital structure. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special and heightened risks, which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers generally are subject to different corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards than U.S. issuers. There may be less information available to the public about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers can be less liquid, experience greater price movements, and may be subject to foreign withholding taxes and/or other taxes, which decreases the yield and/or return of these securities. The Fund may experience losses if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be susceptible to influence by large traders due to the limited size of many foreign securities markets and there is the risk that news and events unique to a country or region that would not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States will affect those markets and their issuers and political events in foreign countries may cause market and economic disruptions. Moreover, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

volatile and subject to increased risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Also, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. In some foreign countries, there is also the risk of government expropriation, excessive or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, the imposition of currency controls or diplomatic developments that could affect the Fund's investments. There also can be difficulty obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers in foreign countries. Foreign stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed issuers may be subject to less government regulation and oversight. Securities registration, custody, and settlement may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and experience other adverse consequences. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. In addition, in certain markets the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities during certain periods.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, tariffs, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. For example, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. The value of holdings traded outside the United States or denominated in foreign currencies (and any hedging transactions in foreign currencies), including underlying securities represented by depositary receipts, will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the holding in the issuer's home country. These risks may be intensified for the Fund's investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market or developing countries. Moreover, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities (or force the Fund to sell foreign securities) or transfer the Fund's assets back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market, economic, political and social turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

Economic sanctions or other similar measures may be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. The Fund's investments in foreign securities are subject to trade laws of and potential economic sanctions by the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter-sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit the Fund from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions could prohibit the Fund from transacting with particular countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures also could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in, or economically linked to, the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. In

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

addition, economic sanctions or other similar measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of the Fund's securities transactions, force the Fund to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, increase the Fund's transaction costs, make the Fund's investments more difficult to value or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

Even if the Fund does not have significant investments in securities affected by sanctions, sanctions or the threat of sanctions may cause volatility in regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, including through global supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced economic activity, which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. In addition, trade disputes and changes in tariffs may affect investor and consumer confidence and adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to predict.

In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including American Depositary Receipts, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the securities would likely decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

**Emerging Market Securities**

The Fund may invest in emerging market or developing countries, which are countries that major international financial institutions generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations (such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe). Emerging market or developing countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market or developing countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. Such emerging market countries could also subject the Fund to greater risk associated with the custody of its securities than developed markets, which may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments (including the companies in which the Fund may invest) in emerging market or developing countries may be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. Furthermore, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) may be limited in their ability to enforce regulatory or legal obligations in emerging market countries. In addition, emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to increased potential for market manipulation and wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. These characteristics result in greater risk of price volatility in emerging market or developing countries, which may be heightened by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

**Foreign Currency**

Investments in foreign securities may be denominated in foreign currencies. The value of foreign currencies may fluctuate relative to the value of the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. Since the Fund may invest in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and therefore may convert the value of such securities into U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates can increase or decrease the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Adviser may use derivatives to seek to reduce this risk. The Adviser may in its discretion choose not to hedge against currency risk. In addition, certain market conditions may make it impossible or uneconomical to hedge against currency risk.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts**

In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used to seek to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies.

Investments in foreign currency forward exchange contracts may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. The Adviser's success in these transactions will depend principally on its ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may be used for non-hedging purposes in seeking to meet the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currency forward exchange contracts for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

**Private Placements and Restricted Securities**

The Fund's investments may include privately placed and restricted securities, which are generally subject to resale or transfer restrictions or prohibitions as a matter of contract and/or under applicable U.S. federal securities laws, including Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Privately placed and restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. Because there may be relatively few potential or interested purchasers for privately placed or restricted securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund may be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or may be able to sell privately placed securities only at disadvantageous times or prices.

There is no assurance that a liquid market will exist for privately placed and restricted securities and these securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity. In addition, the market for certain investments deemed liquid at the time of purchase may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, including readily available market quotations, may also adversely affect the ability to arrive at a fair value for certain securities at certain times and could make it difficult for the Fund to sell certain securities. Additionally, the Fund may be unable to sell a privately placed or restricted security if the Adviser or its affiliates receive material non-public information about the security's issuer. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value. There is typically less information available about issuers of private placements and restricted securities and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Adviser is reliable. In addition, private placements and restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses to the Fund.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to seek to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar instruments that create synthetic exposure often are subject to risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may be subject to additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

The derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use include:

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

*Futures.* A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

*Options.* If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument, foreign currency or contract, such as a swap agreement or futures contract, on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium paid by the Fund. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument, swap, foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency, at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased OTC, the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.

Investments in foreign currency options may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser expects. There is a risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other applicable foreign currency. The price of the option may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to the Fund and poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges.

Foreign currency options contracts may be used for hedging purposes or non-hedging purposes in pursuing the Fund's investment objective, such as when the Adviser anticipates that particular non-U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value, even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the Fund's investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks applicable to the Fund's holdings, further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency derivatives will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times.

*Swaps.* The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges or swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of certain standardized swap transactions. Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility unless no exchange or

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

swap execution facility "makes the swap available to trade." The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

The Fund's use of swaps may include those based on the credit of an underlying security, commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by a third-party on the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

*CFDs.* A contract for difference ("CFD") is a privately-negotiated contract between two parties, buyer and seller, stipulating that the seller will pay to or receive from the buyer the difference between the nominal value of the underlying instrument at the opening of the contract and that instrument's value at the end of the contract. The underlying instrument may be a single security, stock basket or index. A CFD can be set up to take either a short or long position on the underlying instrument. The buyer and seller are typically both required to post margin, which is adjusted daily. The buyer will also pay to the seller a financing rate on the notional amount of the capital employed by the seller less the margin deposit. In addition to the general risks of derivatives, CFDs may be subject to liquidity risk and counterparty risk.

*Structured Investments.* The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

**REITs and Foreign Real Estate Companies**

Investing in REITs and foreign real estate companies exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly and investing in companies in the real estate industry, including the risks associated with residential and commercial real estate, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs and foreign real estate companies are organized and operated. REITs and foreign real estate companies generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Real estate income and values may also be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes, preferences (such as remote work arrangements) and values, and the demand for real estate and rental property. Additionally, an investment in a REIT is subject to the risks that impact the underlying properties of the REIT, including reduced demand for commercial and office space and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting the real estate industry and markets.

Operating REITs and foreign real estate companies requires specialized management skills and the Fund indirectly bears management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. The value of REIT and foreign real estate company securities will also rise and fall in response to the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. In particular, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management or development of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans and the underlying mortgage loans may be subject to the risks of default. REITs may be more volatile and/or more illiquid than other types of securities, and publicly traded REIT and real estate company shares are also subject to risks associated with equity securities. In addition, individual REITs and foreign real estate companies may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. REITs may also be subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers or tenants and self-liquidation.

REITs also must satisfy specific requirements of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in order to qualify for tax-free pass-through income. The failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse consequences for the Fund, including significantly reducing the return to the Fund on its investment in such company. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. In addition, REITs and foreign real estate companies, like mutual funds, have expenses, including management and administration fees, that are paid by their shareholders. As a result, shareholders

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments when the Fund invests in REITs and foreign real estate companies.

**Exchange-Traded Funds**

The Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (including those which may be managed by the Adviser or its affiliates). ETFs seek to track the performance of various portions or segments of the equity and fixed-income markets. Shares of ETFs have many of the same risks as direct investments in common stocks or bonds. In addition, the market value of ETF shares may differ from their net asset value per share ("NAV") because the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying securities. Also, ETFs that track particular indices typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly due to, among other things, the ETF's operating expenses and transaction costs. ETFs typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. Therefore, as a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own investment management fees and other expenses. As a result, shareholders will directly bear the expenses of their investment in the Fund and indirectly bear the expenses of the Fund's investments in ETFs with respect to investments in ETFs. Further, certain ETFs in which the Fund may invest are leveraged. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater. Leveraged ETFs can deviate substantially from the performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods of time, particularly in volatile periods. Furthermore, disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETFs purchased or sold by the Fund could result in losses on the Fund's investment in ETFs.

**Focused Investing**

Although the Fund is a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act, the Fund typically invests a significant portion of its portfolio in a limited number of issuers, which may be in the same industry, sector or geographic region. As a result, the Fund will be more susceptible to risks associated with, and negative events, conditions or developments affecting or economic results of, those issuers, industries, sectors or geographic regions, and a decline in the value of a particular instrument may cause the Fund's overall value to be more volatile and decline to a greater degree than if the Fund were invested more widely. Such volatility and decline may be sudden and significant. In addition, if such issuers are within the same market segment or of a similar type (e.g., growth stocks), the Fund will be more sensitive to adverse developments or conditions and risks affecting such market segment or type of issuer, including that the market segment or type of issuer may fall out of favor, than if the Fund were invested more widely.

The Fund does not lose its status as a diversified investment company because of any subsequent discrepancy between the value of its various investments and the diversification requirements of the 1940 Act, so long as any such discrepancy existing immediately after the Fund's acquisition of any security or other property is neither wholly nor partly the result of such acquisition.

**IPOs**

The Fund may purchase shares issued as part of, or a short period after, a company's initial public offering ("IPO"), and may at times dispose of those shares shortly after their acquisition. The Fund's purchase of shares issued in IPOs exposes it to the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, including unseasoned trading, small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer, as well as to the risks inherent in those sectors of the market where these new issuers operate. The market for IPO issuers may be volatile, and share prices of newly-public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. IPOs may produce high, double-digit returns. Such returns are highly unusual and may not be sustainable.

**Special Purpose Acquisition Companies**

A special purpose acquisition company ("SPAC") is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company. Typically, the acquisition target is an existing privately held company that wants to trade publicly, which it accomplishes through a combination with a SPAC rather than by conducting a traditional IPO. SPACs and similar entities are blank check companies and do not have any operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions. The long term value of a SPAC's securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC's management to identify a merger target and complete an acquisition.

An investment in a SPAC is subject to the risks that any proposed acquisition or merger may not obtain the requisite approval of SPAC shareholders, may require governmental or other approvals that it fails to obtain or that an acquisition or merger, once effected, may prove unsuccessful and lose value. In addition, among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management, directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. This risk may become more acute as the deadline for the completion of a business combination nears or in the event that attractive acquisition or merger targets become scarce.

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

An investment in a SPAC is also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger. The value of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate over time. In addition, investments in SPACs may be subject to the same risks as investing in any initial public offering, including the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, including unseasoned trading, small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. In addition, the market for IPO issuers may be volatile, and share prices of newly-public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. Although some IPOs may produce high returns, such returns are not typical and may not be sustainable. Certain investments in SPACs are privately placed securities and are also subject to the risks of such securities.

**Sector Risk**

The Fund may, from time to time, invest more heavily in companies in a particular economic sector or sectors. Economic or regulatory changes adversely affecting such sectors may have more of an impact on the Fund's performance than if the Fund held a broader range of investments.

**Active Management Risk**

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis, and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the Adviser, in its discretion, may determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using others. The success or failure of such decisions will affect the Fund's performance. There is no guarantee that the use of the Adviser's investment techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected or produce the desired results.

In addition, it is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity and the Adviser may be restricted in its ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities and may impair the Fund's liquidity.

**Information Technology Sector Risk**

To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the information technology sector, the value of Fund shares may be particularly impacted by events that adversely affect the information technology sector, such as rapid changes in technology product cycles, competition for the services of qualified personnel and government regulation. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction and unpredictable changes in growth rates. Companies in the information technology sector also can be heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. As a result, the value of shares may fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not invest significantly in companies in the technology sector.

**Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk**

To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in the consumer discretionary sector, the Fund will be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with companies operating in such sector. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to risks, including fluctuations in domestic and international economic conditions and forecasts, inflation, shipment and supply chain disruptions and interest rate changes, currency exchange rates, increased competition and consumer confidence as well as increases in production-related costs. Performance of such companies also may be adversely affected by factors such as reduced disposable household income, reduced consumer spending, and changing demographics and consumer tastes. Companies in this sector are subject to competitive forces (including competition brought by foreign brands), which may also have an adverse impact on their profitability and the value of their securities. This sector may be strongly affected by fads, marketing campaigns, changes in demographics and consumer preferences, and other economic or social factors affecting consumer demand. Governmental regulation, including price controls and regulations on packaging, labeling, competition, and certification, may affect the profitability of companies in such sector. Companies operating in this sector may also be adversely affected by government and private litigation.

**Large Transactions Risk**

The Fund may experience adverse effects when large shareholders, or a number of shareholders collectively purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund ("large shareholder transactions"). Such larger than normal redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund's performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. Large shareholder transactions may also result in taxable income and/or gains for the Fund, which may increase taxable distributions to shareholders, and may also increase transaction costs. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA,

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged investment plans. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains when distributed by the Fund will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for individual shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of significant events affecting investor demand for securities or asset classes in which the Fund invests; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Although large shareholder transactions may be more frequent under certain circumstances, the Fund is generally subject to the risk that shareholders can purchase or redeem a significant percentage of Fund shares at any time.

**Liquidity**

The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or restricted or that may become illiquid or less liquid in response to, among other developments, overall economic conditions or adverse investor perceptions, and which may entail greater risk than investments in other types of securities. Illiquidity can also be caused by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. These investments may be more difficult to value or sell, particularly in times of market turmoil, and there may be little trading in the secondary market available for particular securities. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid or restricted security to fund redemptions or for other cash needs, it may be forced to sell the security at a loss or for less than its fair value and may be unable to sell the security at all.

**ESG Investment Risk**

To the extent that the Adviser considers ESG issues as a component in its investment decision-making process, the Fund's performance may be impacted. Additionally, the Adviser's consideration of ESG issues in its investment decision-making process may require subjective analysis and the ability of the Adviser to consider ESG issues may be difficult if data about a particular issuer (or obligor) is limited. The Adviser's consideration of ESG issues may contribute to the Adviser's decision to forgo opportunities to buy certain securities. ESG issues with respect to an issuer (or obligor) or the Adviser's assessment of such may change over time.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, the Adviser, authorized participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange, as applicable, are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through the service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of the Adviser, Distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), exchanges, market participants, market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, as applicable, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants, as applicable. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**Temporary** **Investments**

Under adverse or unstable market conditions or abnormal circumstances or when the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions warrant, the Fund may, in the discretion of the Adviser, take temporary positions that

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks**

Additional Information About Fund Investment Strategies and Related Risks (Con't)

are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategy in attempting to respond to such conditions or circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest without limit in cash, cash equivalents or other fixed-income instruments, derivatives, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds, for temporary purposes. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts the effects of these changes or during periods of temporary defensive or other temporary positions, such temporary investments may adversely affect the Fund's performance and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**

U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional (or amended) regulations and legislators pass new laws (or amend existing laws) that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management

Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, conducts a worldwide portfolio management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services to customers in the United States and abroad. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS") is the parent of the Adviser, which is the parent of the Distributor. Morgan Stanley is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

Advisory Fee

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Adviser received a fee for advisory services (net of fee waivers, if applicable) equal to 0.29% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of the Fund to exceed 0.82% of average daily net assets for Class II. In determining the actual amount of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation) (but includes any 12b-1 fee paid to the Distributor). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of this Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Fund's annual operating expenses may vary throughout the period and from year to year. The Fund's actual expenses may be different than the expenses listed in the Fund's fee and expense table based upon the extent and amount of a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

A discussion regarding the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory agreement is available in the Fund's report filed on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of Counterpoint Global. Counterpoint Global consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of Counterpoint Global jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Dennis P. Lynch, Sam G. Chainani, Jason C. Yeung, Armistead B. Nash and Alexander T. Norton.

Mr. Lynch has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1998. Mr. Chainani has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1996. Messrs. Yeung and Nash have been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2002. Mr. Norton has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2000.

Mr. Lynch is the lead portfolio manager of the Fund. Messrs. Chainani, Yeung, Nash and Norton are co-portfolio managers. Members of Counterpoint Global collaborate to manage the assets of the Fund.

The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.

The composition of Counterpoint Global may change from time to time.

Distribution Plan

The Company has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") for the Fund's Class II shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a monthly 12b-1 fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares. Such amount shall be paid to compensate the Distributor for remittance to insurance companies which offer the Company as an investment option. These payments are intended to compensate insurance companies for distribution and/or administrative-related expenses incurred or paid in connection with the distribution of Class II shares of the Fund.

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Fund Management**

Fund Management (Con't)

Since the 12b-1 fees associated with the Plan are paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment.

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay additional compensation (out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers and/or certain insurance companies or other financial intermediaries or service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and/or retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. Such compensation may be significant in amount and the prospect of receiving any such additional compensation may provide such affiliated or unaffiliated entities with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund's shares over other investment options. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Fund's shares. For more information, please see the Fund's SAI.

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information

**Share Class**

This Prospectus offers Class II shares of the Fund. The Company also offers Class I shares of the Fund through a separate prospectus. Class I shares are subject to lower expenses, but may not be available through your insurance company, qualified pension plan or retirement plan. For eligibility information, contact your insurance company or qualified pension or retirement plan.

**Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares**

Shares are offered on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for business except as noted below.

The Fund offers its shares only to insurance companies (and other funds that serve as underlying investment options for variable insurance and annuity contracts (i.e., variable insurance funds)) for separate accounts that they establish to fund variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, and to other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. An insurance company purchases or redeems shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of net contract premiums or purchase payments allocated to a separate account investment division, transfers to or from a separate account investment division, contract loans and repayments, contract withdrawals and surrenders, and benefit payments. The contract prospectus describes how contract owners may allocate, transfer and withdraw amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order (other than as set forth below). However, contract owners who allocate a portion of their contract to the Fund through the variable life insurance or variable annuity contracts previously described do not deal directly with the Fund to purchase and redeem shares. Please refer to the prospectus of the variable life insurance policy or variable annuity contract for information on the allocation, transfer and withdrawal of amounts to, and from, separate accounts.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by using a combination of sales of securities held by the Fund and/or holdings of cash and cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, the Fund also reserves the right to use borrowings to meet redemption requests, and the Fund may use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions.

The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Fund currently does not foresee disadvantages to variable product contract owners or qualified plan participants arising out of the fact that the Fund offers its shares to separate accounts of various insurance companies that offer different types of variable annuity and variable life insurance products and various other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Nevertheless material irreconcilable conflicts may possibly arise among the interests of these investors. The Board of Directors that oversees the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any such material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

**Pricing of Fund Shares**

The price per share will be the NAV next determined after the Company or the insurance company receives your purchase or redemption order in good order. NAV is the value of one share's portion of all of the net assets in the Fund. The Company determines the NAV for the Fund as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares will generally not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations.

Trading of securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges may take place on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, to the extent, if any, that the Fund invests in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

**About Net Asset Value**

The NAV of Class II shares is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to Class II, less the value of any liabilities attributable to Class II, by the total number of outstanding shares of Class II. For the purpose of calculating the NAV per share of the Fund, investments are valued under valuation procedures approved

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

by the Board of Directors. In making this calculation, the Fund generally values its portfolio securities and other assets at market price. With respect to investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board of Directors has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser determines that a market quotation is not accurate or reliable, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on foreign exchanges, when an event occurs after the close of such exchanges that is likely to have changed the value of the securities (e.g., a percentage change in value of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a significant development affecting a country or region or an issuer specific development that is likely to have changed the value of the security. In these cases, the Fund's NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. To the extent the Fund invests in open-end management companies (other than ETFs) that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based, in relevant part, upon the NAV of such funds. The prospectuses for such funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and its effects.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or other asset. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the values of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares. The NAV of the Fund (excluding any applicable sales charges) is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets. Although the assets of each class are invested in the same portfolio of securities or other assets, the NAV of each class will differ because the classes have different class specific expenses.

The Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund's provider of administrative services to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

The NAV of Class II shares will differ from that of Class I shares because of class-specific expenses that each class may pay.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The Fund distributes its net investment income, if any, at least annually as dividends and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

**Inactive Accounts and Risk of Escheatment**

In accordance with state "unclaimed property" laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state (also known as "escheatment") under various circumstances. These circumstances, which vary by state, can include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), uncashed checks or a combination of these. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund or your Financial Intermediary. Since states' statutory requirements regarding inactivity differ, it is important to regularly contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent. The process described above, and the application of state escheatment laws, may vary by state and/or depending on how shareholders hold their shares in the Fund. Escheatment with respect to a retirement account is subject to a 10% federal withholding on the account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain a valid mailing address for your account, keep your account active by contacting your Financial Intermediary or the Fund's transfer agent (e.g., by mail or telephone), and promptly cash all checks for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws.

For more information, please contact us at 1-888-378-1630.

**Taxes**

The Fund expects that it will not have to pay federal income taxes if it distributes annually all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund does not expect to be subject to federal excise taxes with respect to undistributed income.

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its income from foreign jurisdictions. Special rules apply to certain transactions in a foreign currency.

Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Fund and federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, refer to the contract prospectus.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique and the tax laws may change, shareholders should consult a tax advisor about the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to their investment.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares**

Frequent purchases and redemptions of shares pursuant to the instructions of insurance company contract owners or qualified plan participants is referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading" and may present risks for other contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, which may include, among other things, dilution in the value of the Fund's shares indirectly held by contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund, interference with the efficient management of the Fund, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that market-timers and/or short-term traders may take advantage of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the Fund's securities trade and the time the Fund's NAV is calculated ("time-zone arbitrage"). For example, a market-timer may submit instructions for the purchase of shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before the Fund's NAV calculation that are likely to result in higher prices in foreign markets the following day. The market-timer would submit instructions to redeem the Fund's shares the next day when the Fund's share price would reflect the increased prices in foreign markets for a quick profit at the expense of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund.

Investments in other types of securities also may be susceptible to short-term trading strategies. These investments include securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or relatively illiquid, which have the risk that the current market price for the securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A contract owner may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (referred to as "price-arbitrage"). Investments in certain fixed-income securities, such as high yield bonds, may be adversely affected by price arbitrage trading strategies. The Fund's policies with respect to valuing portfolio securities are described above in "About Net Asset Value."

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Insurance companies or qualified plans generally do not provide specific contract owner or plan participant transaction instructions to the Fund on an ongoing basis. Therefore, to some extent, the Fund relies on the insurance companies and qualified plans to monitor frequent short-term trading by contract owners. However, the Fund has entered into agreements with insurance companies and qualified plans whereby the insurance companies and qualified plans are required to provide certain contract owner identification and transaction information upon the Fund's request. The Fund may use this information to help identify and prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify or prevent all market-timing activity.

If the Fund identifies suspected market-timing activity, the insurance company or qualified plan will be contacted and asked to take steps to prevent further market-timing activity (e.g., sending warning letters or blocking frequent trading by underlying contract owners or participants). Insurance companies may be prohibited by the terms of the underlying insurance contract from restricting short-term trading of mutual fund shares by contract owners, thereby limiting the ability of such insurance company to implement remedial steps to prevent market-timing activity in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan is unwilling or unable to take remedial steps to discourage or prevent frequent trading, or does not take action promptly, certain contract owners or participants may be able to engage in frequent trading to the detriment of contract owners or participants with long-term interests in the Fund. If the insurance company or qualified plan refuses to take remedial action, or takes action that the Fund deems insufficient, a determination will be made whether it is appropriate to terminate the relationship with such insurance company or qualified plan.

**Portfolio Holdings Information**

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

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| Shareholder Information

Shareholder Information (Con't)

**Potential Conflicts of Interest**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Fund. These activities could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the "Affiliated Investment Accounts") with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with the Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with the Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be.

The conflicts summarized herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled "Potential Conflicts of Interest" in the SAI. Conflicts of interest not described below or in the SAI may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include the Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

*Material Nonpublic and Other Information.* It is expected that confidential or material nonpublic information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity, including for an extended period of time. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Fund with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser also may implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for the Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates.

*Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.* In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. The Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among the Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser.

*Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.* The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Shareholder Information**

Shareholder Information (Con't)

affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

*Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.* Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for the Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund.

*Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.* Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with the Fund and with respect to investments that the Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by the Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with the Fund and/or any of the Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley's activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to a merger or an acquisition.

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

Consolidated Financial Highlights

The consolidated financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund's Class II shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). In addition, this performance information does not include the impact of any charges by your insurance company. If it did, returns would be lower.

The ratios of expenses to average net assets listed in the table below for Class II shares are based on the average net assets of the Fund for each of the periods listed in the table. To the extent that the Fund's average net assets decrease over the Fund's next fiscal year, such expense ratios can be expected to increase, potentially significantly, because certain fixed costs will be spread over a smaller amount of assets.

The information below has been derived from the consolidated financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP's report, along with the Fund's consolidated financial statements, are incorporated by reference into the Fund's SAI. The Fund's consolidated financial statements and additional information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR and SAI are available at no cost from the Company at the toll-free number noted on the back cover to this Prospectus or from your insurance company.

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund \| **Consolidated Financial Highlights**

**VIF Growth Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $16.31 | $10.13 | $6.83 | $48.42 | $65.09 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Investment Loss<sup>(1)</sup>  | (0.10)<br>| (0.21)<br>| (0.04)<br>| (0.09)<br>| (0.46)<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  | 3.84 | 6.39 | 3.34 | (26.83)<br>| 2.49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total from Investment Operations  | 3.74 | 6.18 | 3.30 | (26.92)<br>| 2.03 |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Realized Gain  |  |  |  | (14.67)<br>| (18.70)<br>|
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $20.05<br><sup>(2)</sup> <br>| $16.31<br><sup>(2)</sup> <br>| $10.13 | $6.83 | $48.42 |
| **Total Return<sup>(3)</sup>**  | 22.93<br> %<br> <sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 61.01<br> %<br> <sup>(2)(5)</sup> <br>| 48.32<br> %<br> <sup>(4)(6)</sup> <br>| (60.16)%<br> <sup>(4)</sup> <br>| (0.15)%<br> <sup>(4)</sup> <br>|
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $216227 | $302034 | $217957 | $154448 | $359607 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.02<br> %<br>| 2.40<br> %<br>| 1.03<br> %<br>| 1.03<br> %<br>| 0.99<br> %<br>|
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.81<br> %<br> <sup>(7)</sup> <br>| 2.19<br> %<br> <sup>(7)(8)</sup> <br>| 0.81<br> %<br> <sup>(7)</sup> <br>| 0.82<br> %<br> <sup>(7)</sup> <br>| 0.82<br> %<br> <sup>(7)</sup> <br>|
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding <br>Interest Expense  | 0.81<br> %<br> <sup>(7)</sup> <br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss | (0.52)%<br> <sup>(7)</sup> <br>| (1.85)%<br> <sup>(7)(8)</sup> <br>| (0.53)%<br> <sup>(7)</sup> <br>| (0.64)%<br> <sup>(7)</sup> <br>| (0.77)%<br> <sup>(7)</sup> <br>|
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.01<br> %<br>| 0.01<br> %<br>| 0.01<br> %<br>| 0.00<br> %<br> <sup>(9)</sup> <br>| 0.00<br> %<br> <sup>(9)</sup> <br>|
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 60<br> %<br>| 44<br> %<br>| 33<br> %<br>| 41<br> %<br>| 59<br> %<br>|

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| (1) | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. | Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding. |
| (2) | The net asset value and total return have been calculated on net assets which includes an adjustment made in accordance with GAAP required at period end for financial reporting purposes. | The net asset value and total return have been calculated on net assets which includes an adjustment made in accordance with GAAP required at period end for financial reporting purposes. | The net asset value and total return have been calculated on net assets which includes an adjustment made in accordance with GAAP required at period end for financial reporting purposes. |
| (3) | Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. | Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower. |
| (4) | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. | Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. |
| (5) | Performance was positively impacted by approximately 14.81% for Class II shares due to a payment from a class action settlement involving the Fund's past holdings. Had this payment not occurred, the total return for Class II shares would have been 46.20%. | Performance was positively impacted by approximately 14.81% for Class II shares due to a payment from a class action settlement involving the Fund's past holdings. Had this payment not occurred, the total return for Class II shares would have been 46.20%. | Performance was positively impacted by approximately 14.81% for Class II shares due to a payment from a class action settlement involving the Fund's past holdings. Had this payment not occurred, the total return for Class II shares would have been 46.20%. |
| (6) | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares. | Reflects prior period transfer agency fees that were reimbursed in 2023. The amount of the reimbursement was immaterial on a per share basis and the impact was less than 0.005% to the total return of Class II shares. |
| (7) | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." | The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates." |
| (8) | If the Fund had not paid the asset recovery fee, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss, would have been as follows for Class II shares: | If the Fund had not paid the asset recovery fee, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss, would have been as follows for Class II shares: | If the Fund had not paid the asset recovery fee, the Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss, would have been as follows for Class II shares: |
|  | Period Ended | Expense<br>Ratio | Net Investment<br>Loss Ratio |
|  | December 31, 2024 | 0.81% | (0.47)% |
| (9) | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. | Amount is less than 0.005%. |

---

**28**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

(This page intentionally left blank)

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17244)

Where to Find Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports") and Annual or Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information filed in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR. In the Fund's Annual Report, among other things, you will find a brief summary of the key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund has an SAI, dated April 30, 2026 (as may be supplemented from time to time), which includes additional information about the Company and the Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. For a free copy of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports or Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR, to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries, please call toll-free 1-800-869-6397 or contact your insurance company. If you purchased shares through a Financial Intermediary, you may also obtain these documents, without charge, by contacting your Financial Intermediary. Free copies of the Fund's SAI, Shareholder Reports and Financial Statements and Additional Information included in the Fund's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR are also available from our Internet site at: [www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports](DUMMY_17244_0_3).

You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Financial Intermediary, if applicable, or by visiting our Internet site.

Shareholder Reports and other information about the Fund, such as Fund financial statements, are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at: [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_17244_2_1), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., member FINRA.

The Company's 1940 Act registration number is 811-7607.© 2026 Morgan Stanley

------

![image](sa17015img001.jpg)<br>

**MORGAN STANLEY VARIABLE INSURANCE FUND, INC.**

**Statement of Additional Information**

April 30, 2026

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a no-load, open-end management investment company with diversified and non-diversified portfolios (each, a "Fund" and together the "Funds"). The Company currently consists of 5 Funds offering a broad range of investment choices. All Funds offer Class I and Class II shares. Shares of each Fund are offered with no sales charge or exchange or redemption fee. Following is a list of the Funds:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Share Class and Ticker Symbol** | **Share Class and Ticker Symbol** |
|  | **CLASS I** | **CLASS II** |
| Discovery Portfolio | MMGPX | MMGTX |
| Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio | MEMNX | MBDBX |
| Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio | MEMEX | MSMBX |
| Global Strategist Portfolio | MIMPX | MGTPX |
| Growth Portfolio | MEGIX | MEGTX |

---

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") dated April 30, 2026, as each may be supplemented from time to time, relates to the Company's Class I and Class II Prospectuses: Discovery, Emerging Markets Debt, Emerging Markets Equity, Global Strategist and Growth Portfolios, each dated April 30, 2026, as may be supplemented from time to time.

Shares of each Fund may be purchased only by insurance companies (directly and indirectly) for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and by certain tax qualified investors. The variable annuity contract and variable life insurance policyholders incur fees and expenses separate from the fees and expenses charged by the Funds. This SAI addresses Company information applicable to each of the 5 Funds.

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on March 26, 1996. The Company filed a registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") registering itself as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and its shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act").

The Funds are managed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser").

This SAI is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the prospectuses for the Funds, each dated April 30, 2026, as may be supplemented from time to time (each, a "Prospectus" and together the "Prospectuses"). This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Prospectuses in its entirety. To obtain a Prospectus, please contact the Company or your insurance company.

[The Funds' reports filed on Form N-CSR include the Funds' audited financial statements, including notes thereto, and the reports of the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, which are incorporated by reference into this SAI. The annual financial statements and additional information included in the Funds' most recent reports filed on Form N-CSR are separate documents supplied with this SAI.](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001011378/000110465926023990/tm261922d1_ncsr.htm) A copy of the Funds' annual financial statements and additional information included in the Funds' reports filed on Form N-CSR may be obtained without charge by calling 1-(800)-869-6397.

The Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio is "non-diversified" and, as such, its investments are not required to meet certain diversification requirements under federal securities law. Compared with "diversified" funds or portfolios, the Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of an individual corporation or governmental entity. Thus, the Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's assets may be focused in securities of fewer issuers than other funds. A decline in the value of those investments may cause the Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's overall value to decline to a greater degree.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [**Investment Policies and Strategies**](#ref_chapter_2_17015)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2_17015)  |
| [**Taxes**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_2_1561376_17015)  | [54](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_2_1561376_17015)  |
| [**Purchase of Shares**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_3_1561377_17015)  | [57](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_3_1561377_17015)  |
| [**Redemption of Shares**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_4_1561378_17015)  | [58](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_4_1561378_17015)  |
| [**Investment Limitations**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_5_1561379_17015)  | [58](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_5_1561379_17015)  |
| [**Management of the Company**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_6_1561380_17015)  | [59](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_6_1561380_17015)  |
| [**Compensation**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_7_1561381_17015)  | [72](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_7_1561381_17015)  |
| [**Investment Advisory and Other Services**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_8_1561382_17015)  | [74](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_8_1561382_17015)  |
| [**Distribution of Shares (Applicable to Class II Shares Only)**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_9_1561383_17015)  | [77](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_9_1561383_17015)  |
| [**Portfolio Managers**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_10_1561384_17015)  | [78](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_10_1561384_17015)  |
| [**Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_11_1561385_17015)  | [81](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_11_1561385_17015)  |
| [**Net Asset Value**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_12_1561386_17015)  | [84](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_12_1561386_17015)  |
| [**Brokerage Practices**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_13_1561387_17015)  | [85](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_13_1561387_17015)  |
| [**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_14_1561389_17015)  | [89](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_14_1561389_17015)  |
| [**General Information**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_15_1561390_17015)  | [91](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_15_1561390_17015)  |
| [**Potential Conflicts of Interest**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_16_2945585_17015)  | [92](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_16_2945585_17015)  |
| [**Financial Statements**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_17_1561391_17015)  | [99](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_17_1561391_17015)  |
| [**APPENDIX A — MORGAN STANLEY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT EQUITY PROXY VOTING POLICY AND** <br>**PROCEDURES**](#ref_chapter_3_17015)  | [A-1](#ref_chapter_3_17015)  |
| [**Appendix B — Description of Ratings**](#ref_chapter_4_17015)  | [B-1](#ref_chapter_4_17015)  |

---

------

**INVESTMENT POLICIES AND STRATEGIES**

This SAI provides additional information about the investment policies and operations of the Company and each of its Funds. "Fund" as used herein refers to each Fund listed on the cover page of this SAI (unless otherwise noted).

*Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. ("MSIM") is the adviser (the "Adviser") to the Funds.* 

Under the supervision of the Adviser, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company ("MSIM Company") serves as investment sub-adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited ("MSIM Limited") serves as investment sub-adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt and Global Strategist Portfolios (MSIM Limited and MSIM Company are each referred to individually as the "Sub-Adviser" and collectively as the "Sub-Advisers"). References to the Adviser, when used in connection with its activities as investment adviser, include any Sub-Adviser acting under the Adviser's supervision.

The following tables summarize the permissible investments for each Fund. These tables should be used in conjunction with the investment summaries for each Fund contained in the Prospectus in order to provide a complete description of such Fund's investment policies.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **U.S. EQUITY PORTFOLIOS:** | **U.S. EQUITY PORTFOLIOS:** | **U.S. EQUITY PORTFOLIOS:** |
|  | **Discovery Portfolio** | **Growth Portfolio** |
| **Investments:** |  |  |
| Agencies | X | X |
| Asset-Backed Securities |  |  |
| Borrowing for Investment Purposes |  |  |
| Brady Bonds |  |  |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | X | X |
| China Investments |  |  |
| Chinese Fixed-Income Investments |  |  |
| Combined Transactions | X | X |
| Commercial Paper | X | X |
| Common Stocks | X | X |
| Contracts for Difference | X | X |
| Convertible Securities | X | X |
| Corporates | X | X |
| Currency Forwards | X | X |
| Depositary Receipts | X | X |
| Derivatives | X | X |
| Emerging Market Securities | X | X |
| —Sukuk |  |  |
| Equity Securities | X | X |
| Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar Obligations |  | X |
| Exchange-Traded Funds | X | X |
| Fixed-Income Securities | X |  |
| Floaters |  |  |
| Foreign Currency Transactions | X | X |
| Foreign Equity Securities | X | X |
| Foreign Fixed Income Securities |  |  |
| Forwards | X | X |
| Futures Contracts | X | X |
| High Yield Securities |  |  |
| Illiquid Investments | X | X |
| Inverse Floaters |  |  |
| Investment Company Securities | X | X |
| Investment Funds |  | X |
| Investment Grade Securities | X | X |
| IPOs | X | X |
| Lease Obligations |  |  |

---

**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **U.S. EQUITY PORTFOLIOS:** | **U.S. EQUITY PORTFOLIOS:** | **U.S. EQUITY PORTFOLIOS:** |
|  | **Discovery Portfolio** | **Growth Portfolio** |
| Limited Partnership and Limited Liability Company Interests | X | X |
| Loans |  |  |
| Loans of Portfolio Securities | X | X |
| Money Market Instruments | X | X |
| Mortgage Related Securities |  |  |
| – Mortgage-Backed Securities |  |  |
| – Collateralized Mortgage Obligations |  |  |
| – Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities |  |  |
| – Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities |  |  |
| Municipals |  |  |
| Non-Publicly Traded Securities, Private Placements and Restricted Securities | X | X |
| Options | X | X |
| Preferred Securities | X | X |
| Private Investments in Public Equity | X | X |
| Real Estate Investing | X | X |
| —REITs | X | X |
| —Foreign Real Estate Companies | X | X |
| —Specialized Ownership Vehicles |  |  |
| Repurchase Agreements | X | X |
| Reverse Repurchase Agreements | X | X |
| Rights | X | X |
| Risks of Indirect Exposure to Crypto Assets |  |  |
| —Crypto Assets Risk | X | X |
| —Crypto Asset Tax Risk | X | X |
| —Digital Asset-Related Companies | X | X |
| —Bitcoin Futures | X | X |
| —Bitcoin ETPs | X | X |
| Short Sales | X | X |
| Sovereign Debt | X |  |
| Special Purpose Acquisition Companies | X | X |
| Structured Investments | X | X |
| Swaps | X | X |
| Temporary Borrowing | X | X |
| Temporary Investments | X | X |
| U.S. Treasury Securities | X | X |
| Variable Interest Entities |  |  |
| Warrants | X | X |
| When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities TBAs and Forward Commitments | X | X |
| When, As and If Issued Securities | X |  |
| Zero Coupons, Pay-In-Kind Securities or Deferred Payment Securities | X | X |
| **Additional Risks** |  |  |
| Special Risks Related to Cyber Security | X | X |
| Regulatory and Legal Risk | X | X |
| Market and Geopolitical Risk | X | X |
| ESG Investment Risk | X | X |
| Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology Risk | X | X |
| Investments in Artificial Intelligence Companies | X | X |

---

**2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **GLOBAL PORTFOLIOS:** | **GLOBAL PORTFOLIOS:** | **GLOBAL PORTFOLIOS:** | **GLOBAL PORTFOLIOS:** |
|  | **Emerging Markets Debt** **Portfolio** | **Emerging Markets Equity** **Portfolio** | **Global Strategist** **Portfolio** |
| **Investments:** |  |  |  |
| Agencies | X | X | X |
| Asset-Backed Securities | X |  | X |
| Borrowing for Investment Purposes | X |  |  |
| Brady Bonds | X | X | X |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | X | X | X |
| China Investments | X | X | X |
| Chinese Fixed-Income Investments | X |  | X |
| Combined Transactions | X | X | X |
| Commodity-Linked Investments |  |  | X |
| Commercial Paper | X |  | X |
| Common Stocks | X | X | X |
| Contracts for Difference |  | X | X |
| Convertible Securities | X | X | X |
| Corporates | X | X | X |
| Currency Forwards | X | X | X |
| Depositary Receipts | X | X | X |
| Derivatives | X | X | X |
| Emerging Market Securities | X | X | X |
| —Sukuk | X |  |  |
| Equity Securities |  | X | X |
| Exchange-Listed Equities via Stock Connect Program |  | X | X |
| Exchange-Traded Funds | X | X | X |
| Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar Obligations | X | X | X |
| Fixed-Income Securities | X |  | X |
| Floaters | X |  |  |
| Foreign Currency Transactions | X | X | X |
| Foreign Equity Securities | X | X | X |
| Foreign Fixed Income Securities | X | X | X |
| Forwards | X | X | X |
| Futures Contracts | X | X | X |
| High Yield Securities | X | X | X |
| Illiquid Investments | X | X | X |
| Inverse Floaters | X |  | X |
| Investment Company Securities | X | X | X |
| Investment Funds | X | X | X |
| Investment Grade Securities | X | X | X |
| IPOs |  | X | X |
| Lease Obligations |  |  |  |
| Limited Partnership and Limited Liability Company Interests |  | X | X |
| Loans | X | X | X |
| Loans of Portfolio Securities | X | X | X |
| Money Market Instruments | X | X | X |
| Mortgage Related Securities | X |  | X |
| – Mortgage-Backed Securities | X |  | X |
| – Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | X |  | X |
| – Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities | X |  | X |
| – Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | X |  | X |
| Municipals | X |  | X |

---

**3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **GLOBAL PORTFOLIOS:** | **GLOBAL PORTFOLIOS:** | **GLOBAL PORTFOLIOS:** | **GLOBAL PORTFOLIOS:** |
|  | **Emerging Markets Debt** **Portfolio** | **Emerging Markets Equity** **Portfolio** | **Global Strategist** **Portfolio** |
| Non-Publicly Traded Securities, Private Placements and Restricted Securities | X | X | X |
| Options | X |  | X |
| Preferred Securities | X | X | X |
| Private Investments in Public Equity |  |  | X |
| Real Estate Investing | X | X | X |
| —Real Estate Investment Trusts |  |  | X |
| —Foreign Real Estate Companies | X | X | X |
| —Specialized Ownership Vehicles |  | X |  |
| Repurchase Agreements | X | X | X |
| Reverse Repurchase Agreements | X |  | X |
| Rights | X | X | X |
| Risks of Indirect Exposure to Crypto Assets |  |  |  |
| —Crypto Assets Risk | X | X | X |
| —Crypto Asset Tax Risk |  |  | X |
| —Digital Asset-Related Companies | X | X | X |
| —Bitcoin Futures |  |  | X |
| —Bitcoin ETPs |  |  |  |
| Short Sales | X |  | X |
| Sovereign Debt | X | X | X |
| Special Purpose Acquisition Companies |  |  |  |
| Structured Investments | X | X | X |
| Swaps | X | X | X |
| Temporary Borrowing | X | X | X |
| Temporary Investments | X | X | X |
| Total Return Swaps | X |  | X |
| U.S. Treasury Securities | X | X | X |
| Variable Interest Entities |  | X |  |
| Warrants | X | X | X |
| When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities TBAs and Forward Commitments | X | X | X |
| When, As and If Issued Securities | X | X | X |
| Zero Coupons, Pay-In-Kind Securities or Deferred Payment Securities | X | X | X |
| **Additional Risks** |  |  |  |
| Special Risks Related to Cyber Security | X | X | X |
| Regulatory and Legal Risk | X | X | X |
| Market and Geopolitical Risk | X | X | X |
| ESG Investment Risk | X | X |  |
| Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology Risk | X | X | X |
| Investments in Artificial Intelligence Companies | X | X | X |

---

**4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**Agencies.** Agencies refer to fixed-income securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities. They may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. If they are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. Agencies that are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States include the Export-Import Bank, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Financing Bank and others. Certain debt issued by Resolution Funding Corporation has both its principal and interest backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury in that its principal is backed by U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues, while the U.S. Treasury is explicitly required to advance funds sufficient to pay interest on it, if needed. Certain agencies and instrumentalities, such as Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), are, in effect, backed by the full faith and credit of the United States through provisions in their charters that they may make "indefinite and unlimited" drawings on the Treasury if needed to service their debt. Debt from certain other agencies and instrumentalities, including the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), are not guaranteed by the United States, but those institutions are protected by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Treasury to purchase certain amounts of their securities to assist them in meeting their debt obligations. Finally, other agencies and instrumentalities, such as the Farm Credit System, are federally chartered institutions under U.S. Government supervision, but their debt securities are backed only by the creditworthiness of those institutions, not the U.S. Government. Some of the U.S. government agencies that issue or guarantee securities include the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration and the Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA").

An instrumentality of the U.S. Government is a government agency organized under federal charter with government supervision. Instrumentalities issuing or guaranteeing securities include, among others, Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Land Bank, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and Fannie Mae.

**Asset-Backed Securities.** Certain Funds may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities utilize the securitization techniques used to develop MBS. These techniques are also applied to a broad range of other assets. Various types of assets, primarily automobile and credit card receivables and home equity loans, are being securitized in pass-through structures similar to the mortgage pass-through structures. These types of securities are known as asset-backed securities. The Fund may invest in any type of asset-backed security. Asset-backed securities have risk characteristics similar to MBS. Like MBS, they generally decrease in value as a result of interest rate increases, but may benefit less than other fixed-income securities from declining interest rates, principally because of prepayments. Also, as in the case of MBS, prepayments generally increase during a period of declining interest rates although other factors, such as changes in credit use and payment patterns, may also influence prepayment rates. Asset-backed securities also involve the risk that various federal and state consumer laws and other legal, regulatory and economic factors may result in the collateral backing the securities being insufficient to support payment on the securities.

**Borrowing for Investment Purposes.** Borrowing for investment purposes creates leverage which is a speculative characteristic. Funds authorized to borrow will do so only when the Adviser believes that borrowing will benefit the Fund after taking into account considerations such as the costs of borrowing and the likely investment returns on securities purchased with borrowed funds. Borrowing by the Fund will create the opportunity for increased net income but, at the same time, will involve special risk considerations. Leverage that results from borrowing will magnify declines as well as increases in the Fund's NAV and net yield. The Fund that engages in borrowing expects that all of its borrowing will be made on a secured basis. The Fund will either segregate the assets securing the borrowing for the benefit of the lenders or arrangements will be made with a suitable sub-custodian. If assets used to secure the borrowing decrease in value, the Fund may be required to pledge additional collateral to the lender in the form of cash or securities to avoid liquidation of those assets.

**Brady Bonds.** Brady Bonds are fixed-income securities that are created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new obligations in connection with debt restructuring under a plan introduced by Nicholas F. Brady when he was the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. They may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various currencies (although most are U.S. dollar-denominated) and they are actively traded in the over-the-counter ("OTC") secondary market. The Fund will invest in Brady Bonds only if they are consistent with the Fund's quality specifications. Dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds may be fixed-rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds. Interest payments on Brady Bonds generally are collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed-rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of rolling interest payments or, in the case of floating rate bonds, initially is equal to at least one year's rolling interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to "value recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute supplemental interest payments but generally are not collateralized.

Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In the event of a default with respect to collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors, nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face amount of the collateral

**5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

will equal the principal payments due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. However, Brady Bonds should be viewed as speculative in light of the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds.

**Cash and Cash Equivalents.** For various portfolio management purposes (including during normal market conditions), a Fund may maintain assets in cash or allocate assets to cash equivalents. Holding cash or cash equivalents, rather than securities or other instruments in which a Fund may invest, may cause the Fund to risk losing opportunities to participate in market appreciation and may cause the Fund to experience potentially lower returns. In addition, cash equivalents may not be guaranteed as to principal or interest, and a Fund could lose money through these investments.

Cash equivalents are short-term fixed-income securities comprising:

■ Time deposits, certificates of deposit (including marketable variable rate certificates of deposit) and bankers' acceptances issued by a commercial bank or savings and loan association. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate. Certificates of deposit are negotiable short-term obligations issued by commercial banks or savings and loan associations against funds deposited in the issuing institution. Variable rate certificates of deposit are certificates of deposit on which the interest rate is periodically adjusted prior to their stated maturity based upon a specified market rate. A bankers' acceptance is a time draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in connection with an international commercial transaction (to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods);

■ Obligations of U.S. banks, foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars). Eurodollar and Yankee dollar investments will involve some of the same risks of investing in international securities that are discussed in various foreign investing sections of this SAI;

■ Any security issued by a commercial bank if (i) the bank has total assets of at least $1 billion, or the equivalent in other currencies or, in the case of domestic banks which do not have total assets of at least $1 billion, the aggregate investment made in any one such bank is limited to $250,000 principal amount per certificate and the principal amount of such investment is insured in full by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), (ii) in the case of U.S. banks, it is a member of the FDIC and (iii) in the case of foreign branches of U.S. banks, the security is deemed by the Adviser to be of an investment quality comparable with other debt securities which the Fund may purchase;

■ Commercial paper rated at time of purchase by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") in one of their two highest categories (e.g., A-l or A-2 by S&P Global Ratings Group, a division of S&P Global, Inc. ("S&P"), Prime 1 or Prime 2 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or F1 or F2 by Fitch Ratings, Inc. ("Fitch")) or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser;

■ Short-term corporate obligations rated high-grade at the time of purchase by an NRSRO (e.g., A or better by Moody's, S&P or Fitch);

■ U.S. government obligations, including bills, notes, bonds and other debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. These are direct obligations of the U.S. Government and differ mainly in interest rates, maturities and dates of issue;

■ Government agency securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities and Federal agencies. These include securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Land Bank, Farmers Home Administration, Farm Credit Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Bank, Fannie Mae, Federal Financing Bank, TVA and others; and

■ Repurchase agreements collateralized by the securities listed above.

**China Investments.** Investments in securities of Chinese issuers, including A-shares, involve risks and special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets or other foreign (including emerging) markets. These risks include, among others, (i) more frequent (and potentially widespread) trading suspensions and government interventions with respect to Chinese markets and issuers, including the risk that (a) the Chinese government directly or indirectly restricts investors' ability to transact in securities of Chinese issuers or (b) the U.S. government or other governments may sanction Chinese issuers or otherwise prohibit U.S. persons (such as the Fund) from investing in certain Chinese issuers, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility, (ii) currency revaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockage, (iii) the nature and extent of intervention by the Chinese government in the Chinese securities markets (including both direct and indirect market stabilization efforts, which may affect valuations of Chinese issuers) and operations of Chinese issuers (including with respect to financial reporting), whether such intervention will continue and the impact of such intervention or its discontinuation, (iv) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, (v) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, (vi) limitations on the use of brokers (or action by the Chinese government that discourages brokers from serving international clients), (vii) higher rates of inflation, (viii) greater political, economic and social uncertainty, (ix) market volatility caused by any potential regional or territorial conflicts (such as military, diplomatic, or trade conflicts) or natural disasters, (x) the risk of increased trade tariffs, embargoes, sanctions and other trade limitations or protectionist or retaliatory measures, (xi) custody risks associated with investing via the Stock Connect program, (xii) both interim and permanent market regulations which may affect the ability of certain stockholders to sell Chinese securities when it would otherwise be advisable, (xiii) foreign ownership limits of any listed Chinese company, (xiv) different regulatory and audit requirements related to the quality of financial statements of Chinese issuers that are less consistent and less comprehensive than in many developed markets, (xv) limitations on the ability to inspect the quality of audits performed in

**6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

China, particularly the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's ("PCAOB's") lack of access to inspect PCAOB-registered accounting firms in China, (xvi) limitations on the ability of U.S. authorities to enforce actions against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons, (xvii) limitations on the rights and remedies of investors as a matter of law, and (xviii) potential market manipulation and fraud.

The economy of China differs from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, interest rates, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. These differences may have an unfavorable impact on the Fund's investments. The Chinese central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation, state ownership and/or other involvement. Actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, the Chinese government has from time to time taken actions that influence the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in certain industries and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. It may do so in the future as well, potentially having a significant adverse effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, a Fund's investments in companies owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the central, provincial, or municipal governments of the People's Republic of China or by the People's Liberation Army (the military arm of the Chinese Communist Party) involve increased risks that political changes, social instability, regulatory uncertainty, adverse diplomatic developments, asset expropriation or nationalization, economic sanctions, trade embargos, cancellation of investors' interests, or confiscatory taxation and other unfavorable developments could adversely affect the performance of such companies and the value and liquidity of investments by the Fund in securities of those companies. These and other developments, including government actions or inactions, would likely result in significant liquidity risk or losses or forced disposition for Chinese investments.

The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by a relatively small number of equity issues and relatively low trading volume, resulting in decreased liquidity, greater price volatility, and potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund. Liquidity risks may be more pronounced for the A-share market than for Chinese securities markets generally because the A-share market is subject to greater government restrictions and control. The A-share market is more volatile with a risk of suspension of trading in a particular security or government intervention. Securities on the A-share market may be suspended from trading without an indication of how long the suspension will last, which may impair the liquidity of such securities. Price fluctuations of A-shares are limited per trading day. In addition, there is less regulation and monitoring of Chinese securities markets and the activities of investors, brokers and other participants than in the United States. Accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards in China are different from U.S. standards and, therefore, disclosure of certain material information may not be made. In addition, less information often may be available to the Fund and other investors than would be the case if the Fund's investments were restricted to securities of U.S. issuers. Moreover, these differences (including absence of information relative to issuers in many developed countries) may result in the unavailability of material information about Chinese issuers and/or inaccurate or incomplete financial records of an issuer's operations in China. The unavailability of reliable, complete or other information and lack of comparable accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards present additional risks, such as risks associated with difficulties verifying issuers' financial information. There is also generally less governmental regulation of the securities industry in China, and less enforcement of regulatory provisions relating thereto, than in the United States. Moreover, it may be more difficult to obtain a judgment in a court outside the United States.

The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to the economic conditions of its primary trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the Chinese economy and the Fund's investments. International trade tensions involving China and its trading counterparties may arise from time to time which can result in trade tariffs, embargoes, trade limitations, trade wars and other negative consequences. Such actions and consequences may ultimately result in a significant reduction in international trade, an oversupply of certain manufactured goods, devaluations of existing inventories and potentially the failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China's export industry with a potentially severe negative impact to the Fund. Moreover, a slowdown in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund's investments. In addition, certain securities are, or may in the future become restricted, and the Fund may be forced to sell or unable to sell such securities and incur a loss as a result and the Fund may be unable to purchase securities of Chinese issuers from time to time.

China's growing trade surplus with the United States has increased the risk of trade disputes. For example, recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns (and the realization) of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential for an escalation in trade tensions or a trade war. Increases in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China's, or other countries', export industry and a negative impact on the Fund's investments. In addition, China has shown a greater willingness to assert itself militarily in the region. Military or diplomatic moves to resolve any issues could significantly adversely affect the economies in the region and, thus, the Fund's investments, notably the value and liquidity of its investments.

**7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

Emerging markets such as China can experience high rates of inflation, deflation and currency devaluation. The value of the renminbi ("RMB") may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to, among other things, changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by China, the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or other national or global political or economic developments.

Events in any one country within Asia may impact other countries in the region as a whole. For example, the actual or potential escalation of hostility between China and Taiwan (including continued threats by China to invade and control Taiwan) would likely have a significant adverse impact on the value or liquidity of investments in China. Investments in China and Hong Kong involve risk of a total loss due to government action or inaction. China has committed by treaty to preserve Hong Kong's autonomy and its economic, political and social freedoms for 50 years from the July 1, 1997 transfer of sovereignty from Great Britain to China. However, as of July 2020, the Chinese Standing Committee of the National People's Congress enacted the law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As of the same month, Hong Kong is no longer afforded preferential economic treatment by the United States under U.S. law, and there is uncertainty as to how the economy of Hong Kong will be affected. Ongoing political tension between the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will have impacts on the economy of Hong Kong, and these impacts remain uncertain. If China would exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance. In addition, the Hong Kong dollar trades within a fixed trading band rate to (or is "pegged" to) the USD. This fixed exchange rate has contributed to the growth and stability of the Hong Kong economy. However, some market participants have questioned the continued viability of the currency peg. It is uncertain what affect any discontinuance of the currency peg and the establishment of an alternative exchange rate system would have on capital markets generally and the Hong Kong economy.

Military conflicts, either in response to internal social unrest or conflicts with other countries, including for example, the territorial dispute regarding the sovereignty of Taiwan, could significantly disrupt or otherwise adversely affect Chinese economies, markets and issuers. For example, the Chinese economy is vulnerable to long-running disagreements and religious and nationalist disputes with certain countries and regions (e.g., China has a complex territorial dispute regarding the sovereignty of Taiwan and has made threats of invasion). Military conflict or other escalations between China and Taiwan would likely adversely affect the value and liquidity of securities of Chinese issuers and an invasion of Taiwan would likely significantly affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's direct or indirect investments in Chinese companies. In addition, China may have strained international relations with other countries due to, among other things, territorial disputes, historical animosities and other national security concerns. Additionally, China is alleged to have participated in state-sponsored cyberattacks against foreign companies and foreign governments. Actual and threatened responses to such activity and strained international relations, including purchasing restrictions, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Chinese government or Chinese companies, may impact China's economy and securities Chinese issuers in which a Fund directly or indirectly invests. Military conflicts or other escalations between China and other countries may cause uncertainty in the Chinese market, may adversely affect the performance of the Chinese economy and may significantly impact the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments in China.

China's legal system is substantially different from the legal system in the United States and may raise risks and uncertainties concerning the intent, effect, and enforcement of its laws, rules, and regulations, including those that restrict the inflow and outflow of foreign capital or provide the Chinese government with significant authority to exert influence on a China-based issuer's ability to conduct business or raise capital. This lack of certainty may result in the inconsistent and unpredictable interpretation and enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations, which may change quickly. For example, China-based issuers face risks related to evolving laws and regulations, which could impede their ability to obtain or maintain permits or licenses required to conduct business in China. In the absence of required permits or licenses, governmental authorities may impose material sanctions or penalties on the company. Foreign investors like the Funds may face difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing judgments obtained in U.S. courts, and bringing claims against a company or its directors and officers.

China has often restricted U.S. regulators' access to information and limited regulators' ability to investigate or pursue remedies with respect to China-based issuers, generally citing to state secrecy and national security laws, blocking statutes, or other laws or regulations. In addition, according to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator can directly conduct investigations or evidence collection activities within China and no entity or individual in China may provide documents and information relating to securities business activities to overseas regulators without Chinese government approval. The SEC, U.S. Department of Justice, and other U.S. authorities face substantial challenges in bringing and enforcing actions against China-based issuers and their officers and directors. As a result, the Fund may not benefit from a regulatory environment that fosters effective enforcement of U.S. federal securities laws.

**Chinese Fixed-Income Investments.** The Fund may invest in Chinese fixed-income securities traded in the China Interbank Bond Market ("CIBM") through the Bond Connect program ("Bond Connect"), which allows non-Chinese-domiciled investors (such as the Fund) to purchase certain fixed-income investments available in China's interbank bond market. Bond Connect utilizes the trading infrastructure of both Hong Kong and China. Bond Connect therefore is not available when there are trading holidays in Hong Kong. As a result, prices of securities purchased through Bond Connect may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its position. Securities offered via Bond Connect may lose their eligibility for trading through the program at any time, in which case they may be sold but could no longer be purchased through Bond Connect. Because Bond

**8**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

Connect is relatively new, its effects on the Chinese interbank bond are uncertain. In addition, the trading, settlement and information technology systems required for non-Chinese investors in Bond Connect are relatively new and continuing to evolve. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading via Bond Connect could be disrupted, adversely affecting the ability of the Fund to acquire or dispose of securities through Bond Connect in a timely manner, which in turn could adversely impact the Fund's performance.

Bond Connect is subject to regulation by both Hong Kong and China. There can be no assurance that further regulations will not affect the availability of securities in the program, the frequency of redemptions or other limitations. In China, Bond Connect securities are held on behalf of ultimate investors (such as the Fund) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Central Money Markets Unit via accounts maintained with China's two clearinghouses for fixed-income securities. While Chinese regulators have affirmed that the ultimate investors hold a beneficial interest in Bond Connect securities, the law surrounding such rights continues to develop, and the mechanisms that beneficial owners may use to enforce their rights are untested and therefore pose uncertain risks, with legal and regulatory risks potentially having retroactive effect. Further, courts in China have limited experience in applying the concept of beneficial ownership, and the law surrounding beneficial ownership will continue to evolve as they do so. There is accordingly a risk that, as the law is tested and developed, the Fund's ability to enforce its ownership rights may be negatively impacted, which could expose the Fund to the risk of loss on such investments. The Fund may not be able to participate in corporate actions affecting Bond Connect securities due to time constraints or for other operational reasons, and payments of distributions could be delayed. Market volatility and potential lack of liquidity due to low trading volume of certain bonds may result in prices of those bonds fluctuating significantly; in addition, the bid-ask spreads of the prices of such securities may be large, and the Fund may therefore incur significant costs and suffer losses when selling such investments. More generally, bonds traded in CIBM may be difficult or impossible to sell, which could further impact the Fund's ability to acquire or dispose of such securities at their expected prices. Bond Connect trades are settled in Renminbi ("RMB"), the Chinese currency, and investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of RMB in Hong Kong, which cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, securities purchased through Bond Connect generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Bond Connect in accordance with applicable rules. Finally, uncertainties in the Chinese tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments via Bond Connect could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The withholding tax treatment of dividends and capital gains payable to overseas investors currently is unsettled.

Under the prevailing applicable Bond Connect regulations, the Fund participates in Bond Connect through an offshore custody agent, registration agent or other third parties (as the case may be), who would be responsible for making the relevant filings and account opening with the relevant authorities. The Fund is therefore subject to the risk of default or errors on the part of such agents.

*Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.* Certain Funds may invest in collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), which are MBS that are collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities, and multi-class pass-through securities, which are equity interests in a trust composed of mortgage loans or other MBS. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the discussion of CMOs below also applies to multi-class pass-through securities.

CMOs may be issued by governmental or government-related entities or by private entities, such as banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market traders. CMOs are issued in multiple classes, often referred to as "tranches," with each tranche having a specific fixed or floating coupon rate and stated maturity or final distribution date. Under the traditional CMO structure, the cash flows generated by the mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities in the collateral pool are used to first pay interest and then pay principal to the holders of the CMOs. Subject to the various provisions of individual CMO issues, the cash flow generated by the underlying collateral (to the extent it exceeds the amount required to pay the stated interest) is used to retire the bonds.

The principal and interest on the underlying collateral may be allocated among the several tranches of a CMO in innumerable ways, including "interest only" and "inverse interest only" tranches. In a common CMO structure, the tranches are retired sequentially in the order of their respective stated maturities or final distribution dates (as opposed to the pro-rata return of principal found in traditional pass-through obligations). The fastest-pay tranches would initially receive all principal payments. When those tranches are retired, the next tranches in the sequence receive all of the principal payments until they are retired. The sequential retirement of bond groups continues until the last tranche is retired. Accordingly, the CMO structure allows the issuer to use cash flows of long maturity, monthly-pay collateral to formulate securities with short, intermediate, and long final maturities and expected average lives and risk characteristics.

The primary risk of CMOs is the uncertainty of the timing of cash flows that results from the rate of prepayments on the underlying mortgages serving as collateral and from the structure of the particular CMO transaction (that is, the priority of the individual tranches). An increase or decrease in prepayment rates (resulting from a decrease or increase in mortgage interest rates) may cause the CMOs to be retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or final distribution dates and will affect the yield and price of CMOs. In addition, if the collateral securing CMOs or any third-party guarantees are insufficient to make payments, the Fund could sustain a loss. The prices of certain CMOs, depending on their structure and the rate of prepayments, can be volatile. Some CMOs may also not be as liquid as other types of mortgage-backed securities. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible to sell the securities at an advantageous time or price.

Privately issued CMOs are arrangements in which the underlying mortgages are held by the issuer, which then issues debt collateralized by the underlying mortgage assets. Such securities may be backed by mortgage insurance, letters of credit, or

**9**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

other credit enhancing features. Although payment of the principal of, and interest on, the underlying collateral securing privately issued CMOs may be guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities, these CMOs represent obligations solely of the private issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities or any other person or entity. Privately issued CMOs are subject to prepayment risk due to the possibility that prepayments on the underlying assets will alter the cash flow. Yields on privately issued CMOs have been historically higher than the yields on CMOs backed by mortgages guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities. The risk of loss due to default on privately issued CMOs, however, is historically higher since the U.S. Government has not guaranteed them.

New types of CMO tranches have evolved. These include floating rate CMOs, planned amortization classes, accrual bonds and CMO residuals. These newer structures affect the amount and timing of principal and interest received by each tranche from the underlying collateral. For example, an inverse interest-only class CMO entitles holders to receive no payments of principal and to receive interest at a rate that will vary inversely with a specified index or a multiple thereof. Under certain of these newer structures, given classes of CMOs have priority over others with respect to the receipt of prepayments on the mortgages. Therefore, depending on the type of CMOs in which the Fund invests, the investment may be subject to a greater or lesser risk of prepayment than other types of MBS.

CMOs may include real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs"). REMICs, which were authorized under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, are private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of mortgages secured by an interest in real property. A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code, and invests in certain mortgages principally secured by interests in real property.

The Fund may invest in, among others, parallel pay CMOs and planned amortization class CMOs ("PAC Bonds"). Parallel pay CMOs are structured to provide payments of principal on each payment date to more than one tranche. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the stated maturity date or final distribution date of each tranche which, as with other CMO structures, must be retired by its stated maturity date or final distribution date but may be retired earlier. PAC Bonds are a form of parallel pay CMO, with the required principal payment on such securities having the highest priority after interest has been paid to all classes. PAC Bonds generally require payments of a specified amount of principal on each payment date.

*Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities.* Certain Funds may invest in stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"). An SMBS is a derivative multi-class mortgage-backed security. SMBS usually are structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distribution on a pool of mortgage assets. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or "IO" class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or "PO" class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on such security's yield to maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities. Conversely, if the underlying mortgage assets experience less than anticipated prepayments of principal, the yield of POs could be materially adversely affected. The market values of IOs and POs are subject to greater risk of fluctuation in response to changes in market rates of interest than many other types of mortgage-backed securities. To the extent the Fund invests in IOs and POs, it may increase the risk of fluctuations in the NAV of the Fund.

*Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities.* Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") are generally multi-class or pass- through securities issued by special purpose entities that represent an undivided interest in a portfolio of mortgage loans backed by commercial properties, including, but not limited to, industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, hotels, healthcare facilities, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments. Private lenders, such as banks or insurance companies, originate these loans and then sell the loans directly into a CMBS trust or other entity. The commercial mortgage loans that underlie CMBS are generally not amortizing or not fully amortizing. That is, at their maturity date, repayment of the remaining principal balance or "balloon" is due and is repaid through the attainment of an additional loan or sale of this property. An extension of the final payment on commercial mortgages will increase the average life of the CMBS, generally resulting in a lower yield for discount bonds and a higher yield for premium bonds.

CMBS are subject to credit risk and prepayment risk. Although prepayment risk is present, it is of a lesser degree in the CMBS than in the residential mortgage market; commercial real estate property loans often contain provisions which substantially reduce the likelihood that such securities will be prepaid (e.g., significant prepayment penalties on loans and, in some cases, prohibition on principal payments for several years following origination).

CMBS may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities. CMBS issued by private issuers may offer higher yields than CMBS issued by government issuers, but also may be subject to greater volatility and credit or default risk than CMBS issued by government issuers. In addition, at times the commercial real estate market has experienced substantially lower valuations combined with higher interest rates, leading to difficulty in refinancing debt and, as a result, the CMBS market has experienced (and could in the future experience) greatly reduced liquidity and valuations. CMBS held by the Fund may be subordinated to one or more other classes of securities of the same series for purposes of, among other things, establishing payment priorities and offsetting losses and other shortfalls with respect to the related underlying mortgage loans. There can be no assurance that the subordination will be sufficient on any date to offset all losses or expenses incurred by the underlying trust.

**10**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

The values of, and income generated by, CMBS may be adversely affected by changing interest rates, tightening lending standards, and other developments impacting the commercial real estate market, such as population shifts and other demographic changes, increasing vacancies (potentially for extended periods) and reduced demand for commercial and office space as well as maintenance or tenant improvement costs and costs to convert properties for other uses. These developments could result from, among other things, changing tastes and preferences (such as remote work arrangements) as well as cultural, technological, global or local economic and market developments. In addition, changing interest rate environments and associated changes in lending standards and higher refinancing rates may adversely affect the commercial real estate and CMBS markets. The occurrence of any of the foregoing developments would likely increase default risk for the properties and loans underlying these investments as well as impact the value of, and income generated by, these investments. These developments could also result in reduced liquidity for CMBS.

*Credit Enhancement.* Mortgage-related securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of parties. To lessen the effect of failure by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, these securities may have various types of credit support. Credit support falls into two primary categories: (i) liquidity protection, and (ii) protection against losses resulting from ultimate default by an obligor on the underlying assets. Liquidity protection generally refers to the provision of advances, typically by the entity administering the pool of assets, to ensure that the pass-through of payments due on the underlying pool occurs in a timely fashion. Protection against losses resulting from ultimate default enhances the likelihood of ultimate payment of the obligations on at least a portion of the assets in the pool. Such protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third-parties (referred to herein as "third-party credit support"), through various means of structuring the transaction or through a combination of such approaches.

The ratings of mortgage-related securities for which third-party credit enhancement provides liquidity protection or protection against losses from default are generally dependent upon the continued creditworthiness of the provider of the credit enhancement. The ratings of such securities could decline in the event of deterioration in the creditworthiness of the credit enhancement provider even in cases where the delinquency and loss experience on the underlying pool of assets is better than expected.

Examples of credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include "senior-subordinated securities" (multiple class securities with one or more classes subordinate to other classes as to the payment of principal and interest thereon, with defaults on the underlying assets being borne first by the holders of the most subordinated class), creation of "reserve funds" (where cash or investments, sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the underlying assets, are held in reserve against future losses) and "over-collateralization" (where the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying assets exceed those required to make payment of the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). The degree of credit support provided for each security is generally based on historical information with respect to the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets. Delinquency or loss in excess of that which is anticipated could adversely affect the return on an investment in such a security.

**Commercial Paper.** Commercial paper refers to short-term fixed-income securities with maturities ranging from 1 to 397 days. They are primarily issued by corporations needing to finance large amounts of receivables, but may be issued by banks and other borrowers. Commercial paper is issued either directly or through broker-dealers, and may be discounted or interest bearing. Commercial paper is unsecured. Virtually all commercial paper is rated by Moody's, Fitch or S&P.

Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P has the following characteristics: (1) liquidity ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements; (2) long-term senior debt is rated "A" or better; (3) the issuer has access to at least two additional channels of borrowing; (4) basic earnings and cash flow have an upward trend with allowance made for unusual circumstances; (5) typically, the issuer's industry is well established and the issuer has a strong position within the industry; and (6) the reliability and quality of management are unquestioned. Relative strength or weakness of the above factors determines whether the issuer's commercial paper is A-1, A-2 or A-3.

The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's. Among the factors considered by Moody's in assigning ratings are the following: (1) evaluation of the management of the issuer; (2) economic evaluation of the issuer's industry or industries and the appraisal of speculative-type risks which may be inherent in certain areas; (3) evaluation of the issuer's products in relation to competition and customer acceptance; (4) liquidity; (5) amount and quality of long-term debt; (6) trend of earnings over a period of ten years; (7) financial strength of a parent company and the relationships that exist with the issuer; and (8) recognition by the management of obligations which may be present or may arise as a result of public interest questions and preparations to meet such obligations.

With respect to Fitch, a short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as "short term" based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. An F1 rating indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments whereas an F2 rating indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

**11**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**Commodity-Linked Investments.** The Global Strategist Portfolio may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in commodity-linked derivative securities, such as structured notes, and other similar investments (including commodity exchange-traded funds ("ETFs")) which are designed to provide this exposure without direct investment in physical commodities or commodities futures contracts. The Global Strategist Portfolio may also seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in the Fund's wholly-owned subsidiary (the "Global Strategist Subsidiary"). Real assets are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or certain other tangible items, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are intangible financial instruments. In choosing investments, the Adviser seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodity sectors. The value of commodity-linked derivative securities held by the Global Strategist Portfolio and/or the Global Strategist Subsidiary may be affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and regulatory developments.

The prices of commodity-linked derivative securities may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decline in value due to the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. Of course, there cannot be any guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked instruments have been parallel to those of debt or equity securities. Commodities have historically tended to increase and decrease in value during different parts of the business cycle than financial assets. Nevertheless, at various times, commodities prices may move in tandem with the prices of financial assets and thus may not provide overall portfolio diversification benefits. Under favorable economic conditions, the Global Strategist Portfolio's investments may underperform an investment in traditional securities. Over the long term, the returns on the Global Strategist Portfolio's investments are expected to exhibit low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds.

Trading in commodity interests may involve substantial risks and investment exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, such as stocks and bonds. The commodities markets may fluctuate widely based on a variety of factors, including changes in overall market movements, domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, including the imposition of tariffs, war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates and investment and trading activities of mutual funds, hedge funds and commodities funds.

The low margin normally required to be posted to trade commodity futures contracts and the low premiums received to sell options on futures contracts may provide a large amount of leverage, and a relatively small change in the price of the asset underlying futures or options on futures contracts can produce disproportionately large profits or losses. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for commodity futures contracts or options purchased or sold, and the Fund may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in losses. Commodity futures positions may be illiquid because, for example, most U.S. commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in certain futures contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as "daily price fluctuation limits" or "daily limits." Once the price of a contract for a particular future has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the future can neither be taken nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Suspensions or disruptions of trading in the commodities markets may adversely affect the value of securities providing exposure to the commodities markets.

**Common Stocks.** Common stocks are equity securities representing an ownership interest in a corporation, entitling the stockholder to voting rights and receipt of dividends paid based on proportionate ownership.

**Contracts for Difference.** Certain Funds may purchase contracts for difference ("CFDs"). A CFD is a privately negotiated contract between two parties, buyer and seller, stipulating that the seller will pay to or receive from the buyer the difference between the nominal value of the underlying instrument at the opening of the contract and that instrument's value at the end of the contract. The underlying instrument may be a single security, stock basket or index. A CFD can be set up to take either a short or long position on the underlying instrument. The buyer and seller are typically both required to post margin, which is adjusted daily. The buyer will also pay to the seller a financing rate on the notional amount of the capital employed by the seller less the margin deposit. A CFD is usually terminated at the buyer's initiative. The seller of the CFD will simply match the exposure of the underlying instrument in the open market and the parties will exchange whatever payment is due.

As is the case with owning any financial instrument, there is the risk of loss associated with buying a CFD. For example, if the Fund buys a long CFD and the underlying security is worth less at the end of the contract, the Fund would be required to make a payment to the seller and would suffer a loss. Also, there may be liquidity risk if the underlying instrument is illiquid because the liquidity of a CFD is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument. A further risk is that adverse movements in the underlying security will require the buyer to post additional margin. CFDs also carry counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. If the counterparty were to do so, the value of the contract, and of the Fund's shares, may be reduced. The Fund will not enter into a CFD transaction that is inconsistent with its investment objective, policies and strategies.

**12**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**Convertible Securities.** A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible fixed-income securities in such capital structure. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities. Certain of the convertible securities in which the Fund may invest are rated below investment grade or are unrated. The prices of such securities are likely to be more sensitive to adverse economic changes than higher-rated securities, resulting in increased volatility of market prices of these securities during periods of economic uncertainty, or adverse individual corporate developments. In addition, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, lower rated issuers may experience financial stress.

**Corporates.** Corporates are fixed-income securities issued by private businesses. Holders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over holders of equity securities of the issuer as to both income and assets for the principal and interest due to the holder.

**Crypto Assets Risk.** Crypto assets (also referred to as "digital assets") are assets issued and/or transferred using distributed ledger technology that may be designed to act as a store of wealth, a medium of exchange or an investment vehicle, among other use cases. A Fund may gain indirect exposure to crypto assets by investing in securities of companies that have direct or indirect exposure to digital assets, the digital asset markets and/or the broader digital asset industry (each, a "Digital Asset-Related Company"). Each of Discovery Portfolio, Growth Portfolio and Global Strategist Portfolio may also gain indirect exposure to crypto assets by investing in exchange-traded, cash-settled bitcoin futures ("Bitcoin Futures"). In addition, Discovery Portfolio and Growth Portfolio may gain indirect exposure to crypto assets by investing in exchange-traded products that invest in bitcoin ("Bitcoin ETPs"). To the extent the Discovery Portfolio, Growth Portfolio or Global Strategist Portfolio invest in Bitcoin Futures or Bitcoin ETPs, as applicable, each Fund may do so through a wholly-owned subsidiary organized as an exempted company under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the "Discovery Portfolio Subsidiary," "Growth Portfolio Subsidiary" and the Global Strategist Subsidiary, respectively, each referred to as a "Subsidiary"). A Fund's exposure to crypto assets or Digital Asset-Related Companies (if any) will vary over time and could be significant.

Crypto assets constitute an emerging asset class with a limited history and exposure to crypto assets is subject to significant risks, including significant price and trading volatility and fraud and manipulation, which are generally more pronounced in the crypto asset market compared to traditional asset classes. In addition, the performance and value of indirect investments in crypto assets may differ significantly from the performance or value of underlying crypto assets.

Crypto assets facilitate decentralized, peer-to-peer financial exchange and value storage without the oversight of a central authority or banks. The value of a crypto asset is generally determined by factors such as the perceived future prospects or the supply and demand for such crypto asset in the trading markets for such crypto asset. The value of a crypto asset may decline unpredictably and precipitously, including to zero, for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to: investor perceptions and expectations; regulatory changes or uncertainty; general economic or financial market conditions; slower adoption and use in the retail and commercial marketplace; public opinion regarding the environmental impact of the creation or validation ("minting," "mining" or "staking") of crypto assets; confidence in, and the maintenance and development of, its network and open-source software protocols, such as blockchain, for ensuring the integrity of crypto asset transactional data; the further development of crypto assets; custody and safekeeping of crypto assets; a change in user preference to other crypto assets; and general risks tied to the use of information technologies, including cybersecurity risks. The development and value of crypto assets is also influenced by global adoption trends, regulatory treatment (e.g., classification as currencies, commodities or securities), tax implications, anti-money laundering and sanctions requirements, and restrictions on trading platforms.

In addition, crypto asset trading platforms and exchanges (if any) for crypto assets (referred to as "crypto asset trading platforms") may be centralized or decentralized, are often unregulated and are more exposed to operational or technical issues as well as the potential for fraud or manipulation, misappropriation, or failure and other risks than established, regulated exchanges for securities, derivatives and traditional currencies. Also, crypto assets may not be widely accepted as a substitute for fiat currency. Many crypto assets do not have, or are unable to benefit from, viable trading markets. Accordingly, crypto assets are also subject to risks associated with illiquidity and valuation challenges. There may also be uncertainty on the application of laws and regulations to such platforms. Crypto asset trading platforms have in the past, and may in the future, fail or otherwise cease operating temporarily or even permanently, resulting in asset losses or other market disruptions. Because crypto assets may trade in multiple venues, liquidity may be dispersed, which may pose challenges for exiting positions, particularly in times of stress. In addition, crypto asset trading platforms and custodians (and similar market participants or service providers) are vulnerable to cyberattacks and breaches, loss, theft, destruction or other compromise of private keys, which could lead to theft or permanent and irretrievable loss of assets. A cyber-security breach or a business

**13**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

failure of a crypto asset platform or custodian (and similar market participants or service providers) may negatively impact the price of affected crypto assets (including securities of the crypto asset platform or custodian, if any). Although crypto asset transactions are typically publicly available on a blockchain or distributed ledger, the public address does not identify the controller, owner or holder of the private key. Unlike bank and brokerage accounts, crypto asset exchanges and custodians that hold crypto assets do not always identify the owner. The opaque nature of the crypto asset markets poses asset verification challenges for market participants, regulators and auditors and gives rise to increased risks, including risks associated with manipulation and fraud. Trading crypto assets generally involves paying fees to ensure that transactions are promptly recorded on a blockchain or distributed ledger. The amounts of these fees are subject to market forces and it is possible that the fees could increase substantially, particularly during a period of stress. In addition, crypto asset exchanges, wallet providers, and other custodians may charge high fees relative to custodians in many other financial markets. As an evolving asset class, crypto assets are subject to additional risks, and it is difficult to anticipate future developments or potential challenges they may present.

Additional factors affecting the further development of crypto assets (and, in turn, affecting the value and liquidity of crypto assets) include, but are not limited to: the maintenance and development of open-source software protocols; the availability and popularity of other forms or methods of buying and selling goods and services; the use of the networks supporting crypto assets, such as those for developing smart contracts and distributed applications; and cybersecurity risks. A breach or failure of one crypto asset or network may lead to a loss in confidence in, and thus decreased usage and/or value of, other crypto assets or networks. In addition, legal or regulatory changes may negatively impact the operation of a crypto asset network or restrict the use of crypto assets.

Flaws in open-source code that have been exposed and exploited or advances in fields such as quantum computing could undermine the cryptographic integrity of crypto assets and blockchain networks. Such blockchain networks are subject to operational risks, including delays in transaction processing, evolving regulatory requirements that may necessitate changes to recording methods, technical or key-custody flaws, compromise of cryptographic safeguards, inhibited access due to new technologies or services, loss of confidence from breaches on related chains, volatile transaction fees, and network forks. Any of these risks could materially and adversely affect the value of crypto assets.

Crypto assets are technological innovations with a limited history; they are highly speculative assets and future U.S. or foreign government or regulatory actions or policies may limit, perhaps to a materially adverse extent, the value of a Fund's indirect investment in crypto assets and the ability to exchange a crypto asset or utilize it as a medium of exchange.

Furthermore, the opaque nature of the crypto asset market poses asset verification challenges for market participants, regulators and auditors and gives rise to an increased risk of manipulation and fraud. Crypto assets have in the past been, and in the future could be, used to facilitate illicit activities, potentially exposing businesses transacting in such assets to increased risks of criminal or civil liability and loss of banking relationships or crypto assets to possible removal from trading platforms, all of which could negatively impact the value of the crypto assets. Any of the aforementioned occurrences could adversely affect the price of a crypto asset, the attractiveness of a crypto asset's blockchain network and the value of a Fund's investments.

**Crypto Asset Tax Risk.** Many significant aspects of the tax treatment of investments in crypto assets are uncertain, and a direct or indirect investment in crypto assets may produce income that if directly earned by a RIC (as defined above), like a Fund, would be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of the income test applicable to RICs. Accordingly, to the extent a Fund invests in Bitcoin Futures or Bitcoin ETPs, it may do so through a Subsidiary.

Under current IRS guidance, crypto assets are treated as property, not as currency, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Exchanges of crypto assets may result in capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the price at which it is exchanged and the taxpayer's basis. Certain events with respect to crypto assets (such as airdrops and forks) may result in taxable income.

Because of the evolving nature of crypto assets, it is not possible to predict potential future developments that may arise with respect to crypto assets. The U.S. federal income tax treatment of crypto assets or transactions relating to investments in crypto assets may change from those discussed above, possibly with retroactive effect. In this regard, the IRS indicated that it has made it a priority to issue additional guidance related to the taxation of crypto asset transactions, such as transactions involving bitcoin. Any future guidance on the treatment of crypto assets for federal, state or local tax purposes could result in adverse tax consequences for investors in the Funds and could have an adverse effect on the value of bitcoin and other crypto assets. Moreover, future developments may increase the uncertainty with respect to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

**Digital Asset-Related Companies.** A Fund may invest in Digital Asset-Related Companies. These Digital Asset-Related Companies may, among other things, use crypto assets as reserve assets, accept crypto assets for payment of goods or services, invest directly in crypto assets, provide crypto asset-related services (including technology or other services that support a crypto asset exchange or payment network, such as banks, payment service providers, or other financial companies), engage in or support crypto asset mining (including by providing technology that can be used in the mining of crypto assets, such as manufacturers of graphics processing units), and/or hold crypto assets on their balance sheet (including publicly traded operating companies in unrelated industries). Digital Asset-Related Companies may or may not be focused on

**14**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

the digital asset industry as a primary line of business. As a result, overall operating results of a Digital Asset-Related Company may be affected to varying degrees by digital asset-related lines of business or activities.

To the extent a Fund invests in Digital Asset-Related Companies, the Fund will be exposed to the risks associated with crypto assets generally, including those summarized above, and may experience losses, which could be sudden and significant, resulting from such investments. For example, if a Digital Asset-Related Company that owns crypto assets intends to pay a dividend using such crypto asset holdings or to otherwise make a distribution of such holdings to its shareholders, including the Funds, such dividends or distributions may face regulatory, operational and technical issues. Volatility and price declines in the crypto asset markets, and other developments adversely affecting the crypto asset markets, may have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition, and results of operation of a Digital Asset-Related Company and the Funds may experience losses to the extent they invest in such companies. Digital Asset-Related Companies may also be negatively impacted by regulatory enforcement actions against the crypto asset trading venues upon which a crypto asset trades. Such actions could significantly reduce the number of venues upon which a crypto asset trades and could negatively impact the value and liquidity of crypto assets held by a Digital Asset-Related Company in which a Fund invests. For more details regarding crypto asset risks generally, please see "Crypto Assets Risk" above.

Additionally, Digital Asset-Related Companies face risks associated with crypto assets and their business models and operations generally, including profitability challenges, viability risks, intense competition, regulatory scrutiny and related risks (including regulatory fragmentation and uncertainty), cybersecurity threats and related risks, operational disruptions and related risks, market volatility, liquidity risks, and economic risks. Many Digital Asset-Related Companies, particularly smaller or newer companies, may struggle to achieve profitability or long-term viability. In addition, many Digital Asset-Related Companies store sensitive consumer information and could be the target of cybersecurity attacks and other types of theft, which could have a negative impact on such companies. These companies could also be negatively impacted by disruptions in service caused by hardware or software failure, or by interruptions or delays in service caused by reliance on third-party service providers, including third-party data center hosting facilities, custodians and maintenance providers. Digital Asset-Related Companies involved in the use of crypto assets as "alternative currencies" may face slower adoption rates and be subject to higher levels of regulatory scrutiny in the future, which could severely impact the viability of these companies. Digital Asset-Related Companies with such significant "alternative currency" exposure may also be negatively impacted during high periods of volatility within crypto markets. Smaller Digital Asset-Related Companies may face heightened risks compared to larger, more established companies. Smaller companies often have fewer resources, less diversified business models, and limited access to capital, making them more vulnerable to adverse market conditions. Additionally, the customers and/or suppliers of Digital Asset-Related companies may be concentrated in a particular country, region, or industry. Any adverse event affecting one of these countries, regions or industries could have a negative impact on Digital Asset-Related Companies.

**Bitcoin Futures.** Bitcoin is a crypto asset whose ownership and behavior is determined by participants in an online, peer-to-peer network that connects computers that run publicly accessible, or "open source," software that follows the rules and procedures governing the bitcoin network (commonly referred to as the bitcoin protocol). The value of bitcoin, like the value of other crypto assets, is not backed by any government, corporation, or other entity. The value of bitcoin is determined in part by the limited supply of, and the demand for, bitcoin in the global market for the trading of bitcoin, which consists primarily of transactions on crypto asset trading platforms. The further development of the bitcoin network, which is part of a rapidly changing industry, is subject to a variety of factors, many of which are difficult to evaluate or predict. The market for bitcoin and Bitcoin Futures is influenced by factors such as supply and demand, adoption rates, speculative interest, regulatory restrictions, competition from other crypto assets, and hedging opportunities. Disruptions in crypto asset markets could adversely affect the Funds' indirect investments in bitcoin. For more details regarding crypto asset risks generally, please see "Crypto Assets Risk" above.

The Funds may invest in Bitcoin Futures contracts to obtain long or short exposure to bitcoin, reflecting expectations of an increase or decrease in the value of the underlying asset, respectively. To the extent a Fund invests in Bitcoin Futures, it may do so through a Subsidiary.

The only Bitcoin Futures in which the Funds may invest are cash-settled Bitcoin Futures traded on one or more futures exchanges registered with, and regulated by, the CFTC, such as the CME. Bitcoin Futures are valued based on the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate, which is a daily reference rate of the U.S. dollar price of one bitcoin, and serves as the underlying rate used to determine the final settlement of CME-traded Bitcoin Futures contracts.

The Bitcoin Futures market is still developing, and a Fund may face illiquidity risks, limiting its ability to adjust exposure or meet margin obligations. In addition, Bitcoin Futures markets may be more volatile than traditional futures markets. Bitcoin exchanges, their related clearinghouses and the Funds' FCMs generally require the Funds to maintain relatively high levels of initial margin, or place other restrictions on trading. Initial margin requirements will increase if the Funds' Bitcoin Futures investments increase in value. Margin requirements and daily or other periodic position limits and other limits, such as exchange trading halts, may limit the Funds' ability to achieve the desired exposure or exit positions, particularly during periods of high volatility.

Platforms on which bitcoin is traded (which are the source of the price(s) used to determine the cash settlement amount for the Funds' Bitcoin Futures) have experienced, and may in the future experience, technical and operational issues, making bitcoin

**15**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

prices unavailable at times. In addition, the spot market in bitcoin has been the target of fraud and manipulation, which could affect the pricing of Bitcoin Futures contracts.

The contractual obligations of a buyer or seller holding a futures contract to expiration may be satisfied by settling in cash as provided by the terms of such contract. However, the Funds do not intend to hold Bitcoin Futures through expiration. Instead, the Funds intend to "roll" their Bitcoin Futures positions, which means that the Funds will close out Bitcoin Futures contracts that are nearing expiration and replace them with new Bitcoin Futures contracts with a later expiration date. The costs associated with rolling Bitcoin Futures are typically substantially higher than the costs associated with other futures contracts and may have a significant adverse impact on the performance of the Funds' investments in Bitcoin Futures.

When the market for certain futures contracts is such that the prices are higher in the more distant delivery months than in the nearer delivery months, the sale during the "rolling process" of the Bitcoin Futures with closer delivery dates would take place at a price that is lower than the price of the Bitcoin Futures with more distant delivery dates. This pattern of higher futures prices for longer expiration Bitcoin Futures is often referred to as "contango." Alternatively, when the market for certain Bitcoin Futures is such that the prices are higher in the nearer months than in the more distant months, the sale during the rolling process of the Bitcoin Futures with closer delivery dates would take place at a price that is higher than the price of the more distant Bitcoin Futures. This pattern of higher future prices for shorter expiration Bitcoin Futures is referred to as "backwardation." There have been extended periods in which contango or backwardation has existed in certain futures markets in general. Such periods could occur in the future for Bitcoin Futures and may cause significant and sustained losses. Additionally, because of the frequency with which the Funds may roll futures contracts, the impact of contango or backwardation on Fund performance may be greater than it would have been if the Funds rolled futures contracts less frequently. In addition, bitcoin and Bitcoin Futures have generally exhibited significant price volatility relative to traditional asset classes. Bitcoin Futures may also experience significant price volatility as a result of, among other factors, the increased potential for market fraud and manipulation noted above.

In addition to the risks specific to bitcoin and other crypto assets and crypto asset markets, futures contracts based on bitcoin are also subject to the risks otherwise applicable to derivatives, in particular those described in "Futures Contracts." Furthermore, the price of Bitcoin Futures is based on a variety of factors in addition to the price of bitcoin, including regulatory changes or actions and required daily variation margin payments. For example, regulatory changes or actions may alter the nature of an investment in Bitcoin Futures or restrict the use of bitcoin or the operations of the bitcoin network or platforms on which bitcoin trades in a manner that adversely affects the price of Bitcoin Futures, which could adversely impact the Funds and necessitate the payment of large daily variation margin payments to settle the Funds' losses.

Futures contracts providing short exposure to bitcoin are also subject to additional risks, including potentially unlimited losses. A Fund's short exposure would reflect the portfolio management team's view that the value of the underlying asset is expected to decrease. If the Adviser fails to accurately predict the movement in the value of the underlying asset, a Fund may incur a theoretically unlimited loss on short exposures (whereas losses from long exposures can equal only the full value of the underlying asset).

**Bitcoin ETPs.** The Funds may gain indirect investment exposure to bitcoin by investing in Bitcoin ETPs. Investments in Bitcoin ETPs carry risks similar to those of crypto assets generally, as well as risks specific to Bitcoin ETPs and ETPs. For more details regarding these risks, please see "Crypto Assets Risk" and "Bitcoin and Bitcoin Futures" above.

Shares of Bitcoin ETPs have historically traded, and may continue to trade, at a significant discount or premium to NAV. If a Bitcoin ETP trades at a discount to NAV, the value of the Funds' investment may decrease even if the underlying bitcoin value remains stable (i.e., the market price of the ETP may move independent of the value of the underlying bitcoin). The Funds' investments in Bitcoin ETPs will also incur operating expenses. Such investments are also susceptible to theft of the bitcoin holdings, which could negatively impact the Funds.

Although Bitcoin ETPs are registered products (and therefore will benefit from protections and restrictions under applicable laws), Bitcoin ETPs are generally not registered as investment companies under the 1940 Act and therefore will generally lack the protections and restrictions of the 1940 Act or the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Funds' investments in Bitcoin ETPs are also subject to the risks associated with ETPs generally, including liquidity risk, authorized participant concentration risk, cash transactions risk and trading risk.

Bitcoin ETPs are generally expected to be treated as grantor trusts for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and therefore an investment by the Subsidiary in Bitcoin ETPs will generally be treated for tax purposes as a direct investment by the Subsidiary in bitcoin and will be subject to the tax risks related to investment in bitcoin.

**Currency Forwards.** A foreign currency forward exchange contract is a negotiated agreement between two parties to exchange specified amounts of two or more currencies at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate specified by the foreign currency forward exchange contract can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. The Fund may also invest in non-deliverable foreign currency forward exchange contracts ("NDFs"). NDFs are similar to other foreign currency forward exchange contracts, but do not require or permit physical delivery of currency upon settlement. Instead, settlement is made in cash based on the difference between the contracted exchange rate and the spot foreign exchange rate at settlement. Currency futures are similar to foreign currency forward exchange contracts, except that they are traded on an exchange and standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures call

**16**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in losses to the Fund and poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into foreign currency forward exchange contracts. The typical use of a foreign currency forward exchange contract is to "lock in" the price of a security in U.S. dollars or some other foreign currency, which the Fund is holding in its portfolio. By entering into a foreign currency forward exchange contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of dollars or other currency, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions, the Fund may be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar or other currency which is being used for the security purchase and the foreign currency in which the security is denominated during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. The Adviser also may from time to time utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts for other purposes. For example, they may be used to hedge a foreign security held in the portfolio against a decline in value of the applicable foreign currency. They also may be used to lock in the current exchange rate of the currency in which those securities anticipated to be purchased are denominated. At times, the Fund may enter into "cross-currency" hedging transactions involving currencies other than those in which securities are held or proposed to be purchased are denominated.

The Fund will not enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts or maintain a net exposure to these contracts where the consummation of the contracts would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund's portfolio securities.

The Fund may be limited in its ability to enter into hedging transactions involving foreign currency forward exchange contracts by the Code requirements relating to qualification as a RIC.

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts may limit gains on portfolio securities that could otherwise be realized had they not been utilized and could result in losses. The contracts also may increase the Fund's volatility and may involve a significant amount of risk relative to the investment of cash.

**Depositary Receipts.** Depositary receipts represent an ownership interest in securities of foreign companies (an "underlying issuer") that are deposited with a depositary. Depositary receipts are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities. Depositary receipts include American depositary receipts ("ADRs"), global depositary receipts ("GDRs") and other types of depositary receipts (which, together with ADRs and GDRs, are hereinafter collectively referred to as "Depositary Receipts"). ADRs are dollar-denominated Depositary Receipts typically issued by a U.S. financial institution and evidence an ownership interest in a security or pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs are listed and traded in the United States. ADRs also include American depositary shares. GDRs and other types of Depositary Receipts are typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, although they also may be issued by U.S. financial institutions, and evidence ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by either a foreign or a U.S. corporation. Generally, Depositary Receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. securities market and Depositary Receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside the United States.

Depositary Receipts may be "sponsored" or "unsponsored." Sponsored Depositary Receipts are established jointly by a depositary and the underlying issuer, whereas unsponsored Depositary Receipts may be established by a depositary without participation by the underlying issuer. Holders of unsponsored Depositary Receipts generally bear all the costs associated with establishing unsponsored Depositary Receipts. In addition, the issuers of the securities underlying unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. For purposes of the Fund's investment policies, the Fund's investments in Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be an investment in the underlying securities, except that ADRs may be deemed to be issued by a U.S. issuer.

**Derivatives.** Certain Funds may, but are not required to, use various derivatives and other similar instruments as described below. Derivatives may be used for a variety of purposes including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Any or all of the investment techniques described herein may be used at any time and there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather than another, as the use of any derivative by the Fund is a function of numerous variables, including market conditions. The Fund complies with applicable regulatory requirements when using derivatives. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, no assurance can be given that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted toward the Fund's 80% policy, if applicable, discussed in the Prospectuses to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to the securities included within that policy.

*General Risks of Derivatives.* Derivatives utilized by the Fund may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments. A derivative is a financial instrument the value of which depends upon (or derives from) the value of another asset, security, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Derivatives may relate to a wide variety of underlying instruments, including equity and debt securities, indices, interest rates, currencies and other assets. Certain derivative instruments that the Fund may use and the risks of those instruments are described in further detail below. The Fund may in the future also utilize derivatives techniques, instruments and strategies that may be newly developed or permitted as a result of regulatory changes, consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies. Such newly developed techniques, instruments and strategies may involve

**17**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

risks different than or in addition to those described herein. No assurance can be given that any derivatives strategy employed by the Fund will be successful.

The risks associated with the use of derivatives are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the instruments underlying such derivatives. Derivatives are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from other portfolio investments. The use of derivative instruments requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself. Certain risk factors generally applicable to derivative transactions are described below.

■ Derivatives are subject to the risk that the market value of the derivative itself or the market value of underlying instruments will change in a way adverse to the Fund's interests. The Fund bears the risk that the Adviser may incorrectly forecast future market trends and other financial or economic factors or the value of the underlying security, index, interest rate or currency when establishing a derivatives position for the Fund.

■ Derivatives may be subject to pricing risk, which exists when a derivative becomes extraordinarily expensive (or inexpensive) relative to historical prices or corresponding instruments. Under such market conditions, it may not be economically feasible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price.

■ Many derivatives are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. Many derivatives may also involve operational and legal risks.

■ Using derivatives as a hedge against a portfolio investment subjects the Fund to the risk that the derivative will have imperfect correlation with the portfolio investment, which could result in the Fund incurring substantial losses. This correlation risk may be greater in the case of derivatives based on an index or other basket of securities, as the portfolio securities being hedged may not duplicate the components of the underlying index or the basket may not be of exactly the same type of obligation as those underlying the derivative. The use of derivatives for "cross hedging" purposes (using a derivative based on one instrument as a hedge on a different instrument) may also involve greater correlation risks.

■ While using derivatives for hedging purposes can reduce the Fund's risk of loss, it may also limit the Fund's opportunity for gains or result in losses by offsetting or limiting the Fund's ability to participate in favorable price movements in portfolio investments.

■ Derivatives transactions for non-hedging purposes involve greater risks and may result in losses which would not be offset by increases in the value of portfolio securities or declines in the cost of securities to be acquired. In the event that the Fund enters into a derivatives transaction as an alternative to purchasing or selling the underlying instrument or in order to obtain desired exposure to an index or market, the Fund will be exposed to the same risks as are incurred in purchasing or selling the underlying instruments directly as well as the additional risks associated with derivatives transactions.

■ The use of certain derivatives transactions, including OTC derivatives, involves the risk of loss resulting from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure by the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. In the event of default by a counterparty, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

■ Liquidity risk exists when a particular derivative is difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, the Fund may be unable to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price.

■ While some derivatives are cleared through a regulated, central clearinghouse, many derivatives transactions are not entered into or traded on exchanges or in markets regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") or the SEC. Instead, in some cases, certain types of bilateral OTC derivatives are entered into directly by the Fund and a counterparty and may be traded only through financial institutions acting as market makers. OTC derivatives transactions can only be entered into with a willing counterparty that is approved by the Adviser in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. Where no such counterparty is available, the Fund will be unable to enter into a desired OTC transaction. There also may be greater risk that no liquid secondary market in the trading of OTC derivatives will exist, in which case the Fund may be required to hold such instruments until exercise, expiration or maturity. Many of the protections afforded to participants in the cleared derivatives markets are not available to participants in bilateral OTC derivatives transactions. Bilateral OTC derivatives transactions are not subject to the guarantee of a clearinghouse and, as a result, the Fund would bear greater risk of default by the counterparties to such transactions.

■ The Fund may be required to make physical delivery of portfolio securities underlying a derivative in order to close out or to meet margin and payment requirements and a derivatives position or to sell portfolio securities at a time or price at which it may be disadvantageous to do so in order to obtain cash to close out or to maintain a derivatives position.

■ As a result of the structure of certain derivatives, adverse changes in, among other things, interest rates, volatility or the value of the underlying instrument can result in losses 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.

■ Certain derivatives may be classified as illiquid and therefore subject to the Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid investments.

■ Derivatives transactions conducted outside the United States may not be conducted in the same manner as those entered

**18**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

into on U.S. exchanges, and may be subject to different margin, exercise, settlement or expiration procedures. Brokerage commissions, clearing costs and other transaction costs may be higher on foreign exchanges. Many of the risks of OTC derivatives transactions are also applicable to derivatives transactions conducted outside the United States. Derivatives transactions conducted outside the United States are subject to the risk of governmental action affecting the trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions could be adversely affected by foreign political and economic factors; lesser availability of data on which to make trading decisions; delays on the Fund's ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets; and less liquidity than U.S. markets.<br>

■ Currency derivatives are subject to additional risks. Currency derivatives transactions may be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages and manipulation. Currency exchange rates may be influenced by factors extrinsic to a country's economy. There is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to underlying foreign currencies. As a result, the available information on which trading in currency derivatives will be based may not be as complete as comparable data for other transactions. Events could occur in the foreign currency market which will not be reflected in currency derivatives until the following day, making it more difficult for the Fund to respond to such events in a timely manner.

*Regulatory Matters.* Regulatory developments affecting the exchange-traded and OTC derivatives markets may impair the Fund's ability to manage or hedge its investment portfolio through the use of derivatives. Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 regulates the use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies. These requirements may limit the ability of a Fund to use derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. Rule 18f-4 requires Funds to trade derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limit, certain derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless a Fund qualifies as a "limited derivatives user." Under the Rule 18f-4, when a Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the Fund's asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether a Fund is a limited derivatives user, but for funds subject to the VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. The SEC provided guidance in connection with the rule regarding use of securities lending collateral that limit the Funds' securities lending activities. In addition, under the rule, the Fund is permitted to invest in a security on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, and the transaction will be deemed not to involve a senior security under the 1940 Act, provided that (i) the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and (ii) the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the "Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision"). The Fund may otherwise engage in such transactions that do not meet the conditions of the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision so long as the Fund treats any such transaction as a "derivatives transaction" for purposes of compliance with the rule. Furthermore, under the rule, the Fund is permitted to enter into an unfunded commitment agreement, and such unfunded commitment agreement will not be subject to the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act, if the Fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all such agreements as they come due. The final rule requires funds to trade derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions) subject to a value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limit, certain derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless the Fund qualifies as a "limited derivatives user," as defined in the final rule. Under the final rule, when the Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the Fund's asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether the Fund is a limited derivatives user, but for funds subject to the VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. The SEC also provided guidance in connection with the new rule regarding use of securities lending collateral that may limit the Fund's securities lending activities. These requirements may increase the cost of a Fund's investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") and the rules promulgated thereunder may limit the ability of the Fund to enter into one or more exchange-traded or OTC derivatives transactions. The Fund's use of derivatives may also be limited by the requirements of the Code for qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice of eligibility with the National Futures Association ("NFA") claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" ("CPO") pursuant to CFTC Regulation 4.5, as promulgated under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended ("CEA"), with respect to the Fund's operations. Therefore, neither the Fund nor the Adviser (with respect to the Fund) is subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool or CPO under the CEA. If the Fund becomes subject to these requirements, as well as related NFA rules, the Fund may incur additional compliance and other expenses. With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures,

**19**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

commodity options or certain other commodity interests used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, as such term is defined in CFTC regulations, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order for its investment adviser to claim an exemption from being considered a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment company's positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment company's portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company's portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. Regulations recently adopted by federal banking regulators under the Dodd-Frank Act require that certain qualified financial contracts ("QFCs") with counterparties that are part of U.S. or foreign global systemically important banking organizations be amended to include contractual restrictions on close-out and cross-default rights. QFCs include, but are not limited to, securities contracts, commodities contracts, forward contracts, repurchase agreements, securities lending agreements and swaps agreements, as well as related master agreements, security agreements, credit enhancements, and reimbursement obligations. If a covered counterparty of the Fund or certain of the covered counterparty's affiliates were to become subject to certain insolvency proceedings, the Fund may be temporarily unable to exercise certain default rights, and the QFC may be transferred to another entity. These requirements may impact the Fund's credit and counterparty risks.

The Adviser is subject to registration and regulation as a "commodity pool operator" ("CPO") under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended ("CEA"), with respect to its service as investment adviser to the Global Strategist Portfolio. As a result, the Company, on behalf of the Global Strategist Portfolio, will be required to operate in compliance with applicable CFTC requirements, including registration, disclosure, reporting and other operational requirements under the CEA and related CFTC regulations. Compliance with these additional requirements may increase Company expenses. The Adviser and the Global Strategist Portfolio are exempt from certain CFTC recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure requirements under CFTC Rule 4.7 with respect to the Global Strategist Subsidiary (as defined below).

A Fund's use of derivatives may also be limited by the requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company ("RIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The Adviser, with respect to each Fund except for Global Strategist Portfolio, has filed a notice of eligibility with the National Futures Association ("NFA") claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term CPO pursuant to CFTC Regulation 4.5, as promulgated under the CEA, with respect to each Fund's operations. In addition, the Adviser will operate each Bitcoin Subsidiary (as defined below) in reliance on an exemption from registration as a CPO under CFTC Regulation 4.13(a)(3). Therefore, neither the Funds nor the Adviser (with respect to the Funds and each Bitcoin Subsidiary), except for Global Strategist Portfolio and Global Strategist Subsidiary, is subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool or CPO under the CEA. If the Adviser or a Fund becomes subject to these requirements, as well as related NFA rules, the Fund may incur additional compliance and other expenses.

With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other commodity interests used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order for its investment adviser to claim an exemption from being considered a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment company's positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment company's portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company's portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets.

Regulations adopted by federal banking regulators under the Dodd-Frank Act require that certain qualified financial contracts ("QFCs") with counterparties that are part of U.S. or foreign global systemically important banking organizations be amended to include contractual restrictions on close-out and cross-default rights. QFCs include, but are not limited to, securities contracts, commodities contracts, forward contracts, repurchase agreements, securities lending agreements and swaps agreements, as well as related master agreements, security agreements, credit enhancements, and reimbursement obligations. If a covered counterparty of a Fund or certain of the covered counterparty's affiliates were to become subject to certain insolvency proceedings, a Fund may be temporarily unable to exercise certain default rights, and the QFC may be transferred to another entity. These requirements may impact a Fund's credit and counterparty risks.

In December 2023, the SEC adopted rule amendments providing that any covered clearing agency ("CCA") for U.S. Treasury securities require its direct participants (which generally would be a bank or broker-dealer) to submit for clearance and settlement all eligible secondary market transactions in U.S. Treasury securities to which the direct participant is a counterparty. The clearing mandate includes in its scope all repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements of such direct participants collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities (collectively, "Treasury repo transactions") of a type accepted for

**20**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

clearing by a registered CCA, including both bilateral Treasury repo transactions and triparty Treasury repo transactions where a bank agent provides custody, collateral management and settlement services.

The Treasury repo transactions of registered funds with any direct participants of a CCA will be subject to the mandatory clearing requirement.

On February 25, 2025, the SEC extended the compliance date applicable to the Treasury repo transactions. Under the extended compliance date, market participants, absent an exemption, will be required to clear Treasury repo transactions under the rule as of June 30, 2027. The clearing mandate is expected to result in a Fund being required to clear all or substantially all of its Treasury repo transactions as of the compliance date, and the Fund may incur costs in connection with entering into new agreements (or amending existing agreements) with direct participants of a CCA and potentially other market participants and taking other actions to comply with the new requirements. In addition, upon the compliance date taking effect, the costs and benefits of entering into Treasury repo transactions to a Fund may be impacted as compared to Treasury repo transactions a Fund may enter prior to the compliance date.

**Emerging Market Securities.** The Fund may invest in emerging market securities. An emerging market security is a security issued by an emerging market foreign government or private issuer. An emerging market foreign government or private issuer has one or more of the following characteristics: (i) its principal securities trading market is in an emerging market or developing country; (ii) alone or on a consolidated basis it derives 50% or more of its annual revenue or profits from goods produced, sales made or services performed in an emerging market or developing country or has at least 50% of its assets, core business operations and/or employees in an emerging market or developing country; or (iii) it is organized under the laws of, or has a principal office in, an emerging market or developing country. Based on these criteria it is possible for a security to be considered issued by an issuer in more than one country. Therefore, it is possible for the securities of any issuer that has one or more of these characteristics in connection with any emerging market or developing country to be considered an emerging market security when held in one Fund, but not considered an emerging market security when held in another Fund if it has one or more of these characteristics in connection with a developed country.

Emerging market describes any country that is generally considered to be an emerging or developing country by major organizations in the international financial community or by the Fund's applicable benchmark index.

The economies of individual emerging market or developing countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation or deflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Further, the economies of developing countries generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures. These economies also have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.

Prior governmental approval for foreign investments may be required under certain circumstances in some emerging market or developing countries, and the extent of foreign investment in certain fixed-income securities and domestic companies may be subject to limitation in other emerging market or developing countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies in emerging market or developing countries to prevent, among other concerns, violation of foreign investment limitations. Repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some emerging countries, or may be the subject of restrictions imposed by such countries. The Fund could be adversely affected by restrictions on and delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental registration or approval for such repatriation. Any investment subject to such repatriation controls will be considered illiquid if it appears reasonably likely that this process will take more than seven days.

Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty's legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries.

Investment in emerging market or developing countries may entail purchasing securities issued by or on behalf of entities that are insolvent, bankrupt, in default or otherwise engaged in an attempt to reorganize or reschedule their obligations and in entities that have little or no proven credit rating or credit history. In any such case, the issuer's poor or deteriorating financial condition may increase the likelihood that the Fund will experience losses or diminution in available gains due to bankruptcy, insolvency or fraud.

Emerging market or developing countries also pose the risk of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, confiscation of assets and property political changes, government regulation, increased potential for market manipulation, social instability or diplomatic developments (including war) that could adversely affect the economies of such countries or the value of the Fund's investments in those countries, or result in a loss of such investments. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment in a court outside the United States.

The Fund may also be exposed to an extra degree of custodial and/or market risk, especially where the securities purchased are not traded on an official exchange or where ownership records regarding the securities are maintained by an unregulated

**21**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

entity (or even the issuer itself). For example, custodial and/or settlement systems in emerging and frontier market countries may be less developed than in developed countries and are subject to potential adverse market or government actions or legal or other restrictions or limitations restricting the Fund's ability to recover assets held by foreign custodians (or sub-custodians) or otherwise adversely affecting the Fund's investments in such countries.

*Sukuk*. The Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may invest in Sukuk, which are foreign or emerging market securities based on Islamic principles. Sukuk are securities with cash flows similar to conventional bonds, issued by an issuer, which is usually a special purpose vehicle ("SPV") incorporated by the sovereign or corporate entity seeking financing, to obtain an upfront payment in exchange for an income stream and a future promise to return capital. Sukuk are designed to comply with Islamic religious law, commonly known as Sharia and, accordingly, do not pay interest. Instead, Sukuk securities represent a contractual obligation of the issuer or issuing vehicle to make periodic distributions (such as income or other periodic payments) to the investor on pre-defined distribution dates and to return capital on a specified date, and such contractual payment obligation is linked to the issuer or issuing vehicle and not from interest on the investor's money for Sukuk. Sukuk may be linked to income streams relating to tangible assets, but even in respect of such Sukuk, the Fund will not have a direct interest in, or recourse to, the underlying asset or pool of assets.

In the event of a default or the insolvency of the issuer, the resolution process can be expected to take longer than for conventional bonds. Sukuk remain relatively new instruments, and evolving interpretations of Islamic law by courts, regulators and prominent scholars may affect liquidity, prices, free transferability and the ability and willingness of issuers of Sukuk to make payments in ways that cannot now be foreseen. In addition, issuers have, in the past, challenged the Islamic compliance of certificates. If any such or analogous events should occur, the Fund may be required to hold its Sukuk for longer than intended, even if their value or other condition is deteriorating. In such circumstances, the Fund may not be able to achieve expected returns on its investment in Sukuk or any returns at all.

Issuers of Sukuk may include SPVs established by corporations and financial institutions, foreign governments and agencies of foreign governments. Underlying assets may include, without limitation, real estate (developed and undeveloped), lease contracts, forward-sale commodity contracts and machinery and equipment. Although the Sukuk market has grown significantly in recent years, there may be times when the market is illiquid and where it is difficult for the Fund to make an investment in or dispose of Sukuk at the desired time or price. Sukuk involve many of the same risks that conventional bonds incur, such as credit risk and interest rate risk, as well as the risks associated with foreign or emerging market securities. In addition to these risks, there are certain risks specific to Sukuk, such as those relating to their structures. Furthermore, the global Sukuk market is significantly smaller than conventional bond markets, which may impact liquidity and the ability for the Fund to sell Sukuk at a desired time or price.

The unique characteristics of Sukuk may lead to uncertainties regarding their tax treatment within the Fund. In light of tax requirements applicable to the Fund, it may be necessary or advisable for the Fund to sell one or more Sukuk (or another investment) sooner than otherwise anticipated. As a result, the Fund may incur taxable gains or investment losses, as well as costs associated with such transaction.

**Equity Securities.** Equity securities generally represent an ownership interest in an issuer, or may be convertible into or represent a right to acquire an ownership interest in an issuer. While there are many types of equity securities, prices of all equity securities will fluctuate due to various factors, including changes in a company's financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. The volatility of the stock market contributes to the volatility in the price of equity securities, and a decrease in general stock market prices could cause a decline in the price of equity securities and therefore a reduction in the value of the Fund's investments in equity securities. Economic, political and other events may affect the prices of broad equity markets, including real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or generally adverse investor sentiment. For example, changes in inflation or consumer demand may affect the prices of equity securities generally in the United States. Similar events also may affect the prices of particular equity securities. For example, news about the success or failure of a new product may affect the price of a particular issuer's equity securities. In addition, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer.

**Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar Obligations.** Certain Funds may invest in Eurodollar and Yankee dollar obligations. Eurodollar and Yankee dollar obligations are fixed-income securities that include time deposits, which are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a bank for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate. The Eurodollar obligations may include bonds issued and denominated in euros. Eurodollar obligations may be issued by government and corporate issuers in Europe. Yankee dollar obligations, which include time deposits and certificates of deposit, are U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by foreign banks. Eurodollar bank obligations, which include time deposits and certificates of deposit, are U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued outside the U.S. capital markets by foreign branches of U.S. banks and by foreign banks. The Fund may consider Yankee dollar obligations to be domestic securities for purposes of their investment policies.

Eurodollar and Yankee dollar obligations are subject to the same risks as domestic issues, notably credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk. However, Eurodollar (and to a limited extent, Yankee dollar) obligations are also subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a sovereign country might prevent capital from flowing across its borders. Other risks

**22**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

include adverse political and economic developments; the extent and quality of government regulations of financial markets and institutions; the imposition of foreign withholding taxes; and the expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers.

**Exchange-Listed Equities via Stock Connect Program.** The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs ("Stock Connect") allow non-Chinese investors (such as the Fund) to purchase certain listed equities via brokers in Hong Kong. Although Stock Connect allows non-Chinese investors to trade Chinese equities without a license, purchases of securities through Stock Connect are subject to daily market-wide quota limitations, which may prevent the Fund from purchasing Stock Connect securities when it is otherwise advantageous to do so. An investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund's ability to invest in China A-shares through Stock Connect and to enter into or exit trades where it is advantageous to do so on the same trading day. Because Stock Connect trades are routed through Hong Kong brokers and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Stock Connect is affected by trading holidays in either China or Hong Kong, and there are trading days in China when Stock Connect investors will not be able to trade. As a result, prices of securities purchased through Stock Connect may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its position. Only certain China A-shares are eligible to be accessed through Stock Connect. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through Stock Connect. Because Stock Connect is relatively new, its effects on the market for trading China A-shares are uncertain. In addition, the trading, settlement and IT systems required to operate Stock Connect are relatively new and continuing to evolve. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading through Stock Connect could be disrupted.

Stock Connect is subject to regulation by both Hong Kong and China. There can be no assurance that further regulations will not affect the availability of securities in the program, the frequency of redemptions or other limitations. In China, Stock Connect securities are held on behalf of ultimate investors (such as the Fund) by the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited ("HKSCC") as nominee. The Fund may therefore depend on HKSCC's ability or willingness as record-holder of Stock Connect securities to enforce the Fund's shareholder rights. While Chinese regulators have affirmed that the ultimate investors hold a beneficial interest in Stock Connect securities, the law surrounding such rights is in its early stages and the mechanisms that beneficial owners may use to enforce their rights are untested and therefore pose uncertain risks. Further, courts in China have limited experience in applying the concept of beneficial ownership and the law surrounding beneficial ownership will continue to evolve as they do so. Accordingly, there is a risk that as the law is tested and developed, the Fund's ability to enforce its ownership rights may be negatively impacted. The Fund may not be able to participate in corporate actions affecting Stock Connect securities due to time constraints or for other operational reasons. The Fund will not be able to attend shareholders' meetings. Stock Connect trades are settled in RMB, the Chinese currency, and investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of RMB in Hong Kong, which cannot be guaranteed.

Stock Connect trades are either subject to certain pre-trade requirements or must be placed in special segregated accounts that allow brokers to comply with these pre-trade requirements by confirming that the selling shareholder has sufficient Stock Connect securities to complete the sale. If the Fund does not utilize a special segregated account, the Fund will not be able to sell the shares on any trading day where it fails to comply with the pre-trade checks. In addition, these pre-trade requirements may, as a practical matter, limit the number of brokers that the Fund may use to execute trades. While the Fund may use special segregated accounts in lieu of the pre-trade check, some market participants have yet to fully implement IT systems necessary to complete trades involving securities in such accounts in a timely manner. Market practice with respect to special segregated accounts is continuing to evolve. Investments via Stock Connect are subject to regulation by Chinese authorities. Chinese law may require aggregation of the Fund's holdings of Stock Connect securities with securities of other clients of the Adviser for purposes of disclosing positions held in the market, acquiescing to trading halts that may be imposed until regulatory filings are completed or complying with China's short-term trading rules.

Since the inception of Stock Connect, foreign investors investing in China A-shares through Stock Connect have been temporarily exempt from Chinese corporate income tax and value-added tax on the gains on disposal of such China A-shares. Dividends are subject to Chinese corporate income tax on a withholding basis at 10% unless reduced under a double tax treaty with China upon application to and obtaining approval from the competent tax authority. Additionally, uncertainties in permanent Chinese tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in Stock Connect China A-shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.

The risks related to investments in China A shares through Stock Connect are heightened to the extent that the Fund invests in China A shares listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board on the Shanghai stock exchange ("STAR market") and/or the ChiNext market of the Shenzhen stock exchange ("ChiNext market"). Listed companies on the STAR market and ChiNext market are usually of an emerging nature with smaller operating scale. They are subject to higher fluctuation in stock prices and liquidity. China A shares listed on ChiNext market and STAR market may be overvalued and such exceptionally high valuation may not be sustainable. Further, stock prices may be more susceptible to manipulation due to fewer circulating shares. It may be more common and faster for companies listed on the STAR market and ChiNext market to delist. In particular, ChiNext market and STAR market have stricter criteria for delisting compared to other boards. Investments in the ChiNext market and/or STAR market may result in significant losses for the Fund.

**Fixed-Income Securities.** Fixed-income securities generally represent an issuer's obligation to repay to the investor (or lender) the amount borrowed plus interest over a specified time period. A typical fixed-income security specifies a fixed date when the

**23**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

amount borrowed (principal) is due in full, known as the maturity date, and specifies dates when periodic interest (coupon) payments will be made over the life of the security.

Fixed-income securities come in many varieties and may differ in the way that interest is calculated, the amount and frequency of payments, the type of collateral, if any, and the presence of special features (e.g., conversion rights). Prices of fixed-income securities fluctuate and, in particular, are subject to several key risks including, but not limited to, interest rate risk, credit risk, prepayment risk and spread risk.

Interest rate risk arises due to general changes in the level of market rates after the purchase of a fixed-income security. Generally, the values of fixed-income securities vary inversely with changes in interest rates. During periods of falling interest rates, the values of most outstanding fixed-income securities generally rise and during periods of rising interest rates, the values of most fixed-income securities generally decline. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk). The Fund is not limited as to the maturities (when a debt security provides its final payment) or duration (measure of interest rate sensitivity) of the securities in which it may invest. While fixed-income securities with longer final maturities often have higher yields than those with shorter maturities, they usually possess greater price sensitivity to changes in interest rates and other factors. Traditionally, the remaining term to maturity has been used as a barometer of a fixed-income security's sensitivity to interest rate changes. This measure, however, considers only the time until the final principal payment and takes no account of the pattern or amount of principal or interest payments prior to maturity. Duration combines consideration of yield, coupon, interest and principal payments, final maturity and call (prepayment) features. Duration measures the likely percentage change in a fixed-income security's price for a small parallel shift in the general level of interest rates; it is also an estimate of the weighted average life of the remaining cash flows of a fixed-income security. In almost all cases, the duration of a fixed-income security is shorter than its term to maturity.

Credit risk represents the possibility that an issuer may be unable to meet scheduled interest and principal payment obligations. It is most often associated with corporate bonds, although it can be present in other fixed-income securities as well. Credit ratings and quantitative models attempt to measure the degree of credit risk in fixed-income securities, and provide insight as to whether prevailing yield spreads afford sufficient compensation for such risk. Other things being equal, fixed-income securities with high degrees of credit risk should trade in the market at lower prices (and higher yields) than fixed-income securities with low degrees of credit risk.

Prepayment risk, also known as call risk, arises due to the issuer's ability to prepay all or most of the fixed-income security prior to the stated final maturity date. Prepayments generally rise in response to a decline in interest rates as debtors take advantage of the opportunity to refinance their obligations. This risk is often associated with mortgage securities where the underlying mortgage loans can be refinanced, although it can also be present in corporate or other types of bonds with call provisions. When a prepayment occurs, the Fund may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding fixed-income securities. Quantitative models are designed to help assess the degree of prepayment risk, and provide insight as to whether prevailing yield spreads afford sufficient compensation for such risk.

Spread risk is the potential for the value of the Fund's assets to fall due to the widening of spreads. Fixed-income securities generally compensate for greater credit risk by paying interest at a higher rate. The difference (or "spread") between the yield of a security and the yield of a benchmark, such as a U.S. Treasury security with a comparable maturity, measures the additional interest paid for credit risk. As the spread on a security widens (or increases), the price (or value) of the security falls. Spread widening may occur, among other reasons, as a result of market concerns over the stability of the market, excess supply, general credit concerns in other markets, security- or market-specific credit concerns or general reductions in risk tolerance.

While assets in fixed-income markets have grown rapidly in recent years, the capacity for traditional dealer counterparties to engage in fixed-income trading has not kept pace and in some cases has decreased. For example, primary dealer inventories of corporate bonds, which provide a core indication of the ability of financial intermediaries to "make markets," are at or near historic lows in relation to market size. This reduction in market-making capacity may be a persistent change, to the extent it is resulting from broader structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. Because market makers provide stability to a market through their intermediary services, the significant reduction in dealer inventories could potentially lead to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed-income markets. Such issues may be exacerbated during periods of economic uncertainty.

Economic, political and other events also may affect the prices of broad fixed-income markets, although the risks associated with such events are transmitted to the market via changes in the prevailing levels of interest rates, credit risk, prepayment risk or spread risk. From time to time, uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt ceiling could impact the creditworthiness of the United States and could impact the liquidity of the U.S. Government securities markets and ultimately the Fund.

Certain of the Fund's investments are subject to inflation risk, which is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money (i.e., as inflation increases, the values of the

**24**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

Fund's assets can decline). Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in economic policies, and the Fund's investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund shareholders. This risk is greater for fixed-income instruments with longer maturities.

**Floaters.** Floaters are fixed-income securities with a rate of interest that varies with changes in specified market rates or indices, such as the prime rate, or at specified intervals. Certain floating or variable rate obligations may carry a demand feature that permits the holder to tender them back to the issuer of the underlying instrument, or to a third party, at par value prior to maturity. When the demand feature of certain floating or variable rate obligations represents an obligation of a foreign entity, the demand feature will be subject to certain risks discussed under "Foreign Securities."

**Foreign Currency Transactions.** The U.S. dollar value of the assets of the Fund, to the extent they invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations, and the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the overall economic health of the issuer. Devaluation of a currency by a country's government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. The Fund may conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the then-prevailing spot rate in the foreign currency exchange market. The Fund also may manage its foreign currency transactions by entering into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies or by using other instruments and techniques described under "Derivatives."

Under normal circumstances, consideration of the prospect for changes in the values of currency will be incorporated into the long-term investment decisions made with regard to overall diversification strategies. However, the Adviser believes that it is important to have the flexibility to use such derivative products when it determines that it is in the best interests of the Fund. It may not be practicable to hedge foreign currency risk in all markets, particularly emerging markets.

*Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities.* Principal exchange rate linked securities are debt obligations the principal of which is payable at maturity in an amount that may vary based on the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and a particular foreign currency at or about that time. The return on "standard" principal exchange rate linked securities is enhanced if the foreign currency to which the security is linked appreciates against the U.S. dollar, and is adversely affected by increases in the foreign exchange value of the U.S. dollar; "reverse" principal exchange rate linked securities are like the "standard" securities, except that their return is enhanced by increases in the value of the U.S. dollar and adversely impacted by increases in the value of foreign currency. Interest payments on the securities are generally made in U.S. dollars at rates that reflect the degree of foreign currency risk assumed or given up by the purchaser of the notes (i.e., at relatively higher interest rates if the purchaser has assumed some foreign currency risk).

**Foreign Fixed-Income Securities.** Foreign fixed-income securities are fixed-income securities that may be denominated in foreign currency and traded primarily outside of the United States, which include: (1) obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national governments, their agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions ("sovereign debt"); (2) debt securities issued, guaranteed or sponsored by supranational organizations established or supported by several national governments, the European Community, the Asian Development Bank and others; (3) non-government foreign corporate debt securities; and (4) foreign mortgage securities and various other mortgages and asset-backed securities.

Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations.

A governmental entity's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the government's dependence on expected disbursements from third-parties, the government's policy toward the International Monetary Fund and the political constraints to which a government may be subject. Governmental entities may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on a debtor's implementation of economic reforms or economic performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third-parties' commitments to lend funds to the government debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. Holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to governmental entities. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of other foreign government debt obligations in the event of default under their commercial bank loan agreements. The issuers of the government debt securities in which the Fund may invest have in the past experienced substantial difficulties in servicing their external debt obligations, which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other things, reducing and rescheduling interest and principal payments by

**25**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

negotiating new or amended credit agreements or converting outstanding principal and unpaid interest to Brady Bonds, and obtaining new credit to finance interest payments. There can be no assurance that the Brady Bonds and other foreign government debt securities in which the Fund may invest will not be subject to similar restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit, which may adversely affect the Fund's holdings. (See "Brady Bonds" above.) Furthermore, certain participants in the secondary market for such debt may be directly involved in negotiating the terms of these arrangements and may therefore have access to information not available to other market participants.

**Foreign Securities.** Investing in foreign securities (including depositary receipts) involves certain special risks which are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers, that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. Foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform corporate governance, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and may have policies that are not comparable to those of domestic issuers. As a result, there may be less information available about foreign issuers than about domestic issuers. Securities of some foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. There is generally less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, and less government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers and listed issuers than in the United States. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political and social instability, or diplomatic developments (including regional and global conflict) which could affect U.S. investments in those countries. The costs of investing in foreign countries frequently are higher than the costs of investing in the United States. Although the Adviser endeavors to achieve the most favorable execution costs in portfolio transactions, fixed commissions on many foreign stock exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges.

Securities registration, custody, and settlement of foreign securities may be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and certain of its assets may be uninvested with no return earned thereon for some period. In some non-U.S. securities markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. securities markets, and prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) expose the Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the United States. The cost of investing in foreign securities, including brokerage commissions and custodial expenses, can be higher than the cost of investing in domestic securities. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may also limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities.

Pursuant to regulatory changes effective in May 2024, many U.S., Canadian, and Mexican securities transitioned to a "T+1" (trade date plus one day) settlement cycle, while securities trading in most other markets typically have longer settlement cycles. As a result, there can be potential operational, settlement and other risks for the Fund associated with differences in settlement cycles between markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to ongoing developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. For instance, if one or more countries leave the European Union ("EU") or the EU dissolves, the world's securities markets likely will be significantly disrupted.

Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency.

On February 1, 2022, the European Union adopted a settlement discipline regime pursuant to Central Securities Depositories Regulation ("CSDR") that introduced new measures for the authorization and supervision of European Union Central Security Depositories. CSDR aims to reduce the number of settlement fails that occur in European Economic Area ("EEA") central securities depositories ("CSDs") and address settlement fails where they occur. Under the regime, among other things, EEA CSDs are required to impose cash penalties on participants that cause settlement fails and distribute these to receiving participants. The CSDR requirements apply to transactions in transferable securities (e.g., stocks and bonds), money market instruments, shares of funds and emission allowances that will be settled through an EEA CSD and are admitted to trading or traded on an EEA trading venue or cleared by an EEA central counterparty. The Fund may bear the net effect of any penalties and credits incurred under the CSDR in respect of its trading, which could increase the Fund's expenses and adversely affect Fund performance. The Adviser may seek reimbursement from the relevant broker, agent, or subadviser (as applicable), as determined by the Adviser from time to time, although there can be no assurance that the Adviser will seek such reimbursement or that the Fund will recover or be reimbursed for any amounts at issue.

Investments in securities of foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies. Accordingly, the value of the Fund's assets, as measured in U.S. dollars, may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and in exchange control regulations. The Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic

**26**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

developments (including regional and global conflicts), wars, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, may adversely affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in foreign countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer the Fund's assets back into the U.S., or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid and decline in value in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Certain foreign investments may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers and sellers or when dealers are unwilling to make a market for certain securities. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

The U.S. and governments of other countries may renegotiate some or all of its global trade relationships and may impose or threaten to impose significant import tariffs. The imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) could lead to price volatility and overall declines in U.S. and global investment markets. In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including ADRs, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies. If securities are delisted, the Fund's ability to transact in such securities will be impaired, and the liquidity and market price of the securities may decline. The Fund may also need to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities, which could increase the Fund's costs.

Certain foreign governments may levy withholding or other taxes on dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes may be recoverable, the non-recovered portion of foreign withholding taxes will reduce the income received from investments in such countries. The Fund's net asset value may decrease if the Fund's claim to recover foreign withholding taxes is not successful. See "Taxes — Foreign Income Taxes", below.

Unless otherwise noted in the Fund's Prospectus, the Adviser may consider an issuer to be from a particular country (including the United States) or geographic region if: (i) its principal securities trading market is in that country or geographic region; (ii) alone or on a consolidated basis it derives 50% or more of its annual revenue or profits from goods produced, sales made or services performed in that country or geographic region or has at least 50% of its assets, core business operations and/or employees in that country or geographic region; or (iii) it is organized under the laws of, or has a principal office in, that country or geographic region. By applying these tests, it is possible that a particular issuer could be deemed to be from more than one country or geographic region.

Foreign securities may include, without limitation, foreign equity securities, which are equity securities of a non-U.S. issuer, foreign government fixed-income securities, which are fixed-income securities issued by a government other than the U.S. Government or government-related issuer in a country other than the United States, and foreign corporate fixed-income securities, which are fixed-income securities issued by an issuer in a country other than the United States. A Fund needs a license to invest directly in securities traded in many non-U.S. securities markets. These licenses are often subject to limitations, including maximum investment amounts. Once a license is obtained, the Fund's ability to continue to invest directly is subject to the risk that the license may be terminated or suspended. In some circumstances, the receipt of a non-U.S. license by one of the Adviser's clients may prevent the Fund from obtaining a similar license. In addition, certain activities could cause the suspension or revocation of the Fund's license.

Investments in foreign companies and countries are subject to economic sanction and trade laws in the United States and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions may, from time to time, prohibit the Fund from investing in certain countries and in certain companies. Investments in certain countries and companies may be, and have in the past been, restricted as a result of the imposition of economic sanctions. In addition, economic sanction laws in the United States and other jurisdictions may prohibit the Fund from transacting with a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. These types of sanctions may significantly restrict or completely prohibit investment activities in certain jurisdictions.

Economic sanctions and other similar governmental actions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities or groups of securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), and thus may make the Fund's investments in such securities less liquid or more difficult to value. In addition, as a result of economic sanctions, the Fund may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund.

In addition, such economic sanctions or other government restrictions could impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategy because the Fund may, for example, be prohibited from investing in securities issued by companies subject to such restrictions and the Fund could be required to freeze or divest its existing investments that the Adviser would otherwise consider to be attractive.

**27**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

The risks posed by economic sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country may be heightened to the extent the Fund invests significantly in the affected country or region or in issuers from the affected country that depend on global markets.

**Futures Contracts.** A futures contract is a standardized agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time (the "settlement date"). Futures contracts may be based on, among other things, a specified equity security (securities futures), a specified debt security or reference rate (interest rate futures), the value of a specified securities index (index futures) or the value of a foreign currency (currency futures). While the value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. The buyer of a futures contract agrees to purchase the underlying instrument on the settlement date and is said to be "long" the contract. The seller of a futures contract agrees to sell the underlying instrument on the settlement date and is said to be "short" the contract. Futures contracts call for settlement only on the expiration date and cannot be "exercised" at any other time during their term.

Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date (such as in the case of futures based on a specified debt security) or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date (such as in the case of futures contracts relating to broad-based securities indices). In the case of cash-settled futures contracts, the settlement amount is equal to the difference between the reference instrument's price on the last trading day of the contract and the reference instrument's price at the time the contract was entered into. Most futures contracts, particularly futures contracts requiring physical delivery, are not held until the settlement date, but instead are offset before the settlement date through the establishment of an opposite and equal futures position (buying a contract that had been sold, or selling a contract that had been purchased). All futures transactions are effected through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the futures are traded.

When the Fund "rolls" its futures positions the Fund closes out futures contracts that are nearing expiration and replaces them with new futures contracts with a later expiration date. When the market for certain futures contracts is such that the prices are higher in the more distant delivery months than in the nearer delivery months, the sale during the "rolling process" of the futures contracts with closer delivery dates would take place at a price that is lower than the price of the futures contracts with more distant delivery dates. This pattern of higher futures prices for longer expiration futures contracts is often referred to as "contango." Alternatively, when the market for certain futures contracts is such that the prices are higher in the nearer months than in the more distant months, the sale during the rolling process of the futures contracts with closer delivery dates would take place at a price that is higher than the price of the more distant futures contracts. This pattern of higher future prices for shorter expiration futures contracts is referred to as "backwardation." There have been extended periods in which contango or backwardation has existed in certain futures markets. Such periods could occur in the future and may cause significant and sustained losses. Additionally, depending on the frequency with which the Fund rolls futures contracts, the impact of contango or backwardation on Fund performance may be greater than it would have been if the Fund rolled futures contracts less frequently.

The buyer and seller of a futures contract are not required to deliver or pay for the underlying commodity unless the contract is held until the settlement date. However, both the buyer and seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures commission merchant ("FCM") when the futures contract is entered into. Initial margin deposits are typically calculated as a percentage of the contract's market value. If the value of either party's position declines, the party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to settle the change in value on a daily basis. The process is known as "marking-to-market." Upon the closing of a futures position through the establishment of an offsetting position, a final determination of variation margin will be made and additional cash will be paid by or released to the Fund.

*Additional Risks of Futures Transactions.* The risks associated with futures contract transactions are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments. Futures are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. The use of futures requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the futures contract itself. Futures may be subject to the risk factors generally applicable to derivatives transactions described herein, and may also be subject to certain additional risk factors, including:

■ The risk of loss in buying and selling futures contracts can be substantial. Small price movements in the commodity, security, index, currency or instrument underlying a futures position may result in immediate and substantial loss (or gain) to the Fund.

■ Buying and selling futures contracts may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the position in the form of initial margin. In the event of adverse price movements in the underlying commodity, security, index, currency or instrument, the Fund would be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. The Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities, or make or take delivery of the underlying securities in order to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The Fund could lose margin payments deposited with an FCM if the FCM breaches its agreement with the Fund, becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.

■ Most exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during any single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular futures contract, no trades may be made on that day at prices beyond that

**28**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

limit. If futures contract prices were to move to the daily limit for several trading days with little or no trading, the Fund could be prevented from prompt liquidation of a futures position and subject to substantial losses. The daily limit governs only price movements during a single trading day and therefore does not limit the Fund's potential losses.<br>

■ Index futures based upon a narrower index of securities may present greater risks than futures based on broad market indices, as narrower indices are more susceptible to rapid and extreme fluctuations as a result of changes in value of a small number of securities.

**High Yield Securities.** High yield securities are generally considered to include fixed-income securities rated below the four highest rating categories at the time of purchase (e.g., Ba through C by Moody's, or BB through D by S&P or Fitch) and unrated fixed-income securities considered by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. High yield securities are not considered investment grade and are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or high yield, high risk securities. Investment grade securities that the Fund holds may be downgraded to below investment grade by the rating agencies. If the Fund holds a security that is downgraded, the Fund may choose to retain the security.

While high yield securities generally offer higher yields than higher rated securities (including those of a similar maturity), they also normally carry a high degree of credit and default risk and are considered speculative by the major credit rating agencies. High yield securities may be issued as a consequence of corporate restructuring or similar events. High yield securities are often issued by smaller, less creditworthy issuers, or by highly leveraged (indebted) issuers or those that are financially distressed, that are generally less able than more established, less leveraged or more creditworthy issuers to make scheduled payments of interest and principal. In comparison to investment grade securities, the price movement of these securities is typically influenced less by changes in interest rates and more by the financial and business position, results or outlook of the issuer and other factors, such as general market conditions, negative perceptions of high yield securities generally and competitive industry conditions. The values of high yield securities are more volatile and generally react with greater sensitivity to real or perceived market, economic or issuer-specific changes.

High yield securities are frequently ranked junior to claims by other creditors. If the issuer cannot meet its obligations, the senior obligations are generally paid off before the junior obligations, which will potentially limit the Fund's ability to fully recover principal or to receive interest payments when senior securities are in default. Thus, investors in high yield securities, such as the Fund, have a lower degree of protection with respect to principal and interest payments than do investors in higher rated securities and the Fund may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer. In addition, lower-rated securities frequently have call or redemption features that would permit an issuer to repurchase the security from the Fund. If a call were exercised by the issuer during a period of declining interest rates, the Fund likely would have to replace such called security with a lower yielding security, thus decreasing the net investment income to the Fund and any dividends to investors. In addition, if the Fund experiences net redemptions of its shares, it may be forced to sell its higher-rated securities, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of its portfolio and increasing its exposure to the risks of high yield securities.

The secondary market for high yield securities is concentrated in relatively few market makers and is dominated by institutional investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial institutions, and high yield securities may be subject to restrictions on resale. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as liquid as, and is more volatile than, the secondary market for higher-rated securities. A less liquid secondary market may adversely affect the market price of a high yield security held by the Fund and the Fund's ability to dispose of the security. In addition, because high yield securities are less liquid and have less available market pricing, judgment may play a greater role in valuing such securities held by the Fund than is the case with securities trading in a more liquid market. High yield securities that are deemed to be liquid at the time of purchase may become illiquid. Also, future legislation may have a possible negative impact on the market for high yield, high risk securities.

The credit rating of a high yield security does not necessarily address its market value risk. Ratings and market value may change from time to time, positively or negatively, to reflect new developments regarding the issuer or economy. Investments in high yield securities may be more dependent on the Adviser's credit analysis than would be the case with investments in investment-grade debt obligations.

The high yield securities markets may react strongly to adverse news about an issuer or the economy, or to the perception or expectation of adverse news, whether or not it is based on fundamental analysis. Additionally, prices for high yield securities may be affected by legislative and regulatory developments. These developments could adversely affect the Fund's NAV and investment practices, the secondary market for high yield securities, the financial condition of issuers of these securities and the value and liquidity of outstanding high yield securities, especially in a thinly traded market.

**Illiquid Investments.** In accordance with Rule 22e-4 (the "Liquidity Rule") under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in "illiquid investments" that are assets. For these purposes, "illiquid investments" are investments that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. For the Fund, each portfolio investment must be classified at least monthly into one of four liquidity categories (illiquid, as discussed above, as well as highly liquid, moderately liquid and less liquid), which are defined pursuant to the Liquidity Rule and classified in accordance with the Fund's written liquidity risk management program by the program administrator designated by the Company's Board of Directors. Such classification is to be made using information obtained after reasonable inquiry and taking into account relevant

**29**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

market, trading and investment-specific considerations. In making such classifications, the Fund determines whether trading varying portions of a position in a particular portfolio investment or asset class, in sizes that the Fund would reasonably anticipate trading, is reasonably expected to significantly affect its liquidity. If so, this determination is taken into account when classifying the liquidity of that investment. The Fund may be assisted in classification determinations by one or more third-party service providers. Assets classified according to this process as "illiquid investments" are those subject to the 15% limit on illiquid investments.

In the event that changes in the portfolio or other external events cause the Fund to exceed this limit, the Fund must take steps to bring its illiquid investments that are assets to or below the applicable limit of its net assets within a reasonable period of time. This requirement would not force the Fund to liquidate any portfolio investment.

**Inverse Floaters.** Inverse floating rate obligations are obligations which pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in market rates of interest. Because the interest rate paid to holders of such obligations is generally determined by subtracting a variable or floating rate from a predetermined amount, the interest rate paid to holders of such obligations will decrease as such variable or floating rate increases and increase as such variable or floating rate decreases.

Like most other fixed-income securities, the value of inverse floaters will decrease as interest rates increase. They are more volatile, however, than most other fixed-income securities because the coupon rate on an inverse floater typically changes at a multiple of the change in the relevant index rate. Thus, any rise in the index rate (as a consequence of an increase in interest rates) causes a correspondingly greater drop in the coupon rate of an inverse floater while a drop in the index rate causes a correspondingly greater increase in the coupon of an inverse floater. Some inverse floaters may also increase or decrease in value substantially because of changes in the rate of prepayments. Inverse floating rate investments tend to underperform the market for fixed-rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed-rate bonds when interest rates decline or remain relatively stable. Inverse floating rate investments have varying degrees of liquidity.

**Investment Company Securities.** Investment company securities are equity securities and include securities of other open-end, closed-end and unregistered investment companies, including foreign investment companies, hedge funds and ETFs. The Fund may invest in investment company securities as may be permitted by (i) the 1940 Act; (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act; or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from provisions of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act generally prohibits an investment company from acquiring more than 3% of the outstanding voting shares of an investment company and limits such investments to no more than 5% of the Fund's total assets in any one investment company and no more than 10% in any combination of investment companies. The 1940 Act also prohibits the Fund from acquiring in the aggregate more than 10% of the outstanding voting shares of any registered closed-end investment company. The Fund may invest in investment company securities of investment companies managed by the Adviser or its affiliates to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act or as otherwise authorized by the SEC. To the extent the Fund invests a portion of its assets in investment company securities, those assets will be subject to the risks of the purchased investment company's portfolio securities, and a shareholder in the Fund will bear not only their proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly the expenses of the purchased investment company.

*Money Market Funds*. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund may invest all or some of its short term cash investments in any money market fund, including funds advised or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates. In connection with any such investments, the Fund, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, will pay its share of all expenses (other than advisory and administrative fees with respect to funds advised or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates) of a money market fund in which it invests, which may result in the Fund bearing some additional expenses. The rules governing money market funds: (1) permit a "government money market fund" and "retail money market fund" (as those terms are defined in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act) to use the amortized cost method of valuation to maintain a stable net asset value ("NAV") per share, typically a stable $1.00 NAV per share, and (2) require all other types of money market funds to operate with a floating NAV per share rounded to a minimum of the fourth decimal place in the case of a fund with a $1.0000 share price or an equivalent or more precise level of accuracy for funds with a different share price (e.g., $10.000 per share, or $100.00 per share). The Fund may invest in money market funds that seek to maintain a stable $1.00 NAV per share or that have a share price that fluctuates. Although a stable share price money market fund seeks to maintain a stable $1.00 NAV per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in such a money market fund. With respect to a floating share price money market fund, because the share price will fluctuate, when the Fund sells its shares in such a fund, the shares may be worth more or less than what the Fund originally paid for them. A money market fund that is not a "government money market fund" may impose a discretionary liquidity fee (up to 2%), if the board of trustees (or its designee) determines it is in the best interests of the fund. A government money market fund is exempt from these discretionary liquidity fees, although the fund may choose to opt-in to the implementation of discretionary liquidity fees. A money market fund that does not qualify as a "government money market fund" or "retail money market fund" must impose a mandatory liquidity fee, if the fund experiences total daily net redemptions that exceed 5% of net assets based on flow information available within a reasonable period after the last computation of the fund's NAV on that day (or such smaller amount of net redemptions as the board or its delegate determines), unless the fee is de minimis (i.e., is less than 0.01% of the value of the shares redeemed).

*Exchange-Traded Funds.* Certain Funds may invest in ETFs. Investments in ETFs are subject to a variety of risks, including risks of a direct investment in the underlying securities that the ETF holds. For example, the general level of stock prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value of the underlying investments of the ETF and, consequently, the value of the

**30**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

ETF. In addition, the market value of the ETF shares may differ from their NAV because the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying securities. Also, ETFs that track particular indices typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly due to, among other things, the ETF's operating expenses and transaction costs. ETFs typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. Therefore, as a shareholder in an ETF (as with other investment companies), the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own investment management fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders, in effect, will be absorbing fees at two levels with respect to investments in ETFs. Further, certain of the ETFs in which a Fund may invest are leveraged. Leveraged ETFs seek to deliver multiples of the performance of the index or other benchmark they track and use derivatives in an effort to amplify the returns of the underlying index or benchmark. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater. Most leveraged ETFs "reset" daily, meaning they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis. Leveraged ETFs can deviate substantially from the performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods of time, particularly in volatile periods. The more a Fund invests in such leveraged ETFs, the more this leverage will magnify any losses on those investments. Furthermore, disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETFs purchased or sold by the Fund could result in losses on the Fund's investment in ETFs.

**Investment Funds.** Some emerging market countries have laws and regulations that currently preclude direct investment or make it undesirable to invest directly in the securities of their companies. However, indirect investment in the securities of companies listed and traded on the stock exchanges in these countries is permitted by certain emerging market countries through investment funds that have been specifically authorized. The Fund may invest in these investment funds subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, as applicable, and other applicable laws. The Fund will invest in such investment funds only where appropriate given that the Fund's shareholders will bear indirectly the layer of expenses of the underlying investment funds in addition to their proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund.

**Sovereign Debt.** Debt obligations known as "sovereign debt" are obligations of governmental issuers in emerging market or developing countries and industrialized countries. Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations.

A governmental entity's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the government's dependence on expected disbursements from third parties, the government's policy toward the International Monetary Fund and the political constraints to which a government may be subject. Governmental entities may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on a debtor's implementation of economic reforms or economic performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties' commitments to lend funds to the government debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. Holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to governmental entities. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of other foreign government debt obligations in the event of default under their commercial bank loan agreements. The issuers of the government debt securities in which the Fund may invest have in the past experienced substantial difficulties in servicing their external debt obligations, which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other things, reducing and rescheduling interest and principal payments by negotiating new or amended credit agreements or converting outstanding principal and unpaid interest to Brady Bonds, and obtaining new credit to finance interest payments. There can be no assurance that the Brady Bonds and other foreign government debt securities in which the Fund may invest will not be subject to similar restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit, which may adversely affect the Fund's holdings. Furthermore, certain participants in the secondary market for such debt may be directly involved in negotiating the terms of these arrangements and may therefore have access to information not available to other market participants.

**Investment Grade Securities.** Investment grade securities are fixed-income securities rated by one or more of the rating agencies in one of the four highest rating categories at the time of purchase (e.g., AAA, AA, A or BBB by S&P or Fitch or the equivalent by another nationally recognized NRSRO or Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's) or determined to be of equivalent quality by the Adviser. Securities rated BBB or Baa represent the lowest of four levels of investment grade securities and are regarded as borderline between sound obligations and those in which speculative elements predominate. A Fund is permitted to hold investment grade securities or "high grade" securities, and may hold unrated securities if the Adviser considers the risks involved in owning that security to be equivalent to the risks involved in holding an investment grade security. Ratings assigned to fixed-income securities represent only the opinion of the rating agency assigning the rating and are not dispositive of the credit risk associated with the purchase of a particular fixed-income security. Moreover, market risk also will affect the prices of even the highest rated fixed-income securities so that their prices may rise or fall even if the issuer's capacity to repay its obligations remains unchanged.

**31**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**IPOs.** Certain Funds may purchase equity securities issued as part of, or a short period after, a company's initial public offering ("IPO"), and may at times dispose of those securities shortly after their acquisition. The Fund's purchase of securities issued in IPOs exposes it to the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, as well as to the risks inherent in those sectors of the market where these issuers operate. The market for IPO issuers has been volatile, and share prices of newly-public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time.

**Lease Obligations.** Included within the revenue bonds category in which the Fund may invest are participations in lease obligations or installment purchase contracts (hereinafter collectively called "lease obligations") of municipalities. State and local governments, agencies or authorities issue lease obligations to acquire equipment and facilities. Lease obligations may have risks not normally associated with general obligation or other revenue bonds. Leases, and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which may provide for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the issuer), have developed as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without the necessity of complying with the constitutional and statutory requirements generally applicable for the issuance of debt. Certain lease obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses that provide that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on an annual or other periodic basis. Consequently, continued lease payments on those lease obligations containing "non-appropriation" clauses are dependent on future legislative actions. If such legislative actions do not occur, the holders of the lease obligation may experience difficulty in exercising their rights, including disposition of the property.

In addition, lease obligations do not have the depth of marketability associated with more conventional municipal obligations, and, as a result, certain of such lease obligations may be considered illiquid securities. The Adviser, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Directors, will make a determination as to the liquidity of each lease obligation purchased by the Fund. If a lease obligation is determined to be "liquid," the security will not be included within the category "illiquid securities." Corporates are fixed-income securities issued by private businesses. Holders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over holders of equity securities of the issuer as to both income and assets for the principal and interest due to the holder. The Fund will buy corporates subject to any quality constraints set forth under Rule 2a-7.

**Limited Partnership and Limited Liability Company Interests.** A limited partnership interest entitles the Fund to participate in the investment return of the partnership's assets as defined by the agreement among the partners. As a limited partner, the Fund generally is not permitted to participate in the management of the partnership. However, unlike a general partner whose liability is not limited, a limited partner's liability generally is limited to the amount of its commitment to the partnership. The Fund may invest in limited liability company interests to the same extent it invests in limited partnership interests. Limited liability company interests have similar characteristics as limited partnership interests.

Certain Funds may invest in master limited partnerships ("MLPs"), which are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and generally treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The securities issued by many MLPs are listed and traded on a securities exchange. If publicly traded, to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the entity must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). These qualifying sources include interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or disposition of real property, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset held for the production of income described in the foregoing, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities.

**Loans of Portfolio Securities.** The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers, banks and other institutional investors. By lending its portfolio securities, the Fund attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of interest on the cash collateral with respect to the loan or fees received from the borrower in connection with the loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the Fund. The Fund expects to employ an agent to implement the securities lending program and the agent receives a fee from the Fund for its services. The Fund will not lend more than 33⅓% of the value of its total assets.

The Fund may lend its portfolio securities so long as the terms, structure and the aggregate amount of such loans are not inconsistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations or interpretations of the SEC thereunder, which currently require that (i) the borrower pledge and maintain with the Fund collateral consisting of liquid, unencumbered assets having a value not less than 100% of the value of the securities loaned; (ii) the borrower adds to such collateral whenever the price of the securities loaned rises (i.e., the borrower "marks-to-market" on a daily basis); (iii) the loan be made subject to termination by the Fund at any time; and (iv) the Fund receives a reasonable return on the loan (which may include the Fund investing any cash collateral in interest bearing short-term investments), any distributions on the loaned securities and any increase in their market value. In addition, voting rights may pass with the loaned securities, but the Fund will retain the right to call any security in anticipation of a vote that the Adviser deems material to the security on loan.

Loans of securities involve a risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities or may fail to maintain the proper amount of collateral, which may result in a loss of money by the Fund. There may be risks of delay and costs involved in recovery of securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. These delays and costs could be greater for foreign securities. However, loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be creditworthy and when, in the judgment of the Adviser, the income that can be earned from such securities loans justifies the

**32**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

attendant risk. All relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the broker, dealer, bank or institution, will be considered in making decisions with respect to the lending of securities, subject to review by the Company's Board of Directors. The Fund also bears the risk that the reinvestment of collateral will result in a principal loss. Finally, there is the risk that the price of the securities will increase while they are on loan and the collateral will not be adequate to cover their value.

**Loans.** Loans may be primary, direct investments or investments in loan assignments or participation interests. A loan assignment represents a portion or the entirety of a loan and a portion of the entirety of a position previously attributable to a different lender. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement and has the same rights and obligations as the assigning investor. However, assignments through private negotiations may cause the purchaser of an assignment to have different and more limited rights than those held by the assigning investor. Loan participation interests are interests issued by a lender or other entity and represent a fractional interest in a loan. The Fund typically will have a contractual relationship only with the financial institution that issued the participation interest. As a result, the Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the financial institution and only upon receipt by such entity of such payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing a participation interest, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other investors through set-off against the borrower and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation interest. As a result, the Fund would generally assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the financial institution issuing the participation interest. In the event of the insolvency of the lender, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of such entity. Certain participations may be structured in a manner designed to avoid purchasers of participations being subject to the credit risk of the lender with respect to the participation. Even under such a structure, in the event of a lender's insolvency, the lender's servicing of the participation may be delayed and the assignability of the participation may be impaired. Certain participation and assignment interests may also include standby financing commitments that obligate the investing Fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. Participations involving emerging market country issuers may relate to loans as to which there has been or currently exists an event of default or other failure to make payment when due, and may represent amounts owed to lenders that are themselves subject to political, geopolitical and economic risks, including the risk of currency devaluation, expropriation, or failure. Such participations and assignments present additional risk of default or loss.

Loans may be originated by a lending agent, such as a financial institution or other entity, on behalf of a group or "syndicate" of loan investors (the "Loan Investors"). In such a case, the agent administers the terms of the loan agreement and is responsible for the collection of principal, and interest payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the Loan Investors. Failure by the agent to fulfill its obligations may delay or adversely affect receipt of payment by the Fund. Furthermore, unless under the terms of a loan agreement or participation (as applicable) the Fund has direct recourse against the borrower, the Fund must rely on the lending agent and the other Loan Investors to pursue appropriate remedies against the borrower.

When the Fund acts as a direct lender, it may participate in structuring the loan. Under these circumstances, it will have a direct contractual relationship with the borrower, may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement and may have rights with respect to any funds acquired by other lenders through set-off. Lenders also have full voting and consent rights under the applicable loan agreement. However, action subject to lender vote or consent generally requires the vote or consent of the holders of some specified percentage of the outstanding principal amount of the loan. Certain decisions, such as reducing the amount of interest on or principal of a loan, releasing collateral, changing the maturity of a loan or a change in control of the borrower, frequently require the unanimous vote or consent of all lenders affected. There is no assurance that such vote or consent would be achieved.

Loan investments may be made at par or at a discount or premium to par. The interest payable on a loan may be fixed or floating rate, and paid in cash or in-kind. In connection with transactions in loans, the Fund may be subject to facility or other fees. Loans may be secured by specific collateral or other assets of the borrower, guaranteed by a third party, unsecured or subordinated. During the term of a loan, the value of any collateral securing the loan may decline in value, causing the loan to be under collateralized. Collateral may consist of assets that may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of such assets would be available or otherwise satisfy fully a borrower's obligations under the loan. In addition, if a loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of the collateral and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of such collateral.

A lender's repayment and other rights primarily are determined by governing loan, assignment or participation documents, which (among other things) typically establish the priority of payment on the loan relative to other indebtedness and obligations of the borrower. A borrower typically is required to comply with certain covenants contained in a loan agreement between the borrower and the holders of the loan. The types of covenants included in loan agreements generally vary depending on market conditions, the creditworthiness of the issuer, and the nature of the collateral securing the loan. Loans with fewer covenants that restrict activities of the borrower may provide the borrower with more flexibility to take actions that may be detrimental to the loan holders and provide fewer investor protections in the event covenants are breached. The Fund may experience relatively greater realized or unrealized losses or delays and expense in enforcing its rights with respect to loans with fewer restrictive covenants. Loans to entities located outside of the U.S. (including to sovereign entities) may have substantially different lender protections and covenants as compared to loans to U.S. entities and may involve greater and additional risks. In the event of bankruptcy, applicable law may impact a lender's ability to enforce its rights. The Fund may

**33**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

have difficulties and incur expense enforcing its rights with respect to loans and non-U.S. loans could be subject to bankruptcy laws that are materially different than in the U.S. Sovereign entities may be unable or unwilling to meet their obligations under a loan due to budgetary limitations or economic or political changes within the country.

Investing in loans involves the risk of default in the payment of interest of principal by the borrower or other party obligated to repay the loan. In the event of insolvency of the borrower or other obligated party, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of such entity unless it has rights that are senior to that of other creditors or secured by specific collateral or assets of the borrower. Fixed-rate loans are also subject to the risk that their value will decline in a rising interest rate environment. This risk is mitigated for floating-rate loans, where the interest rate payable on the loan resets periodically by reference to a base lending rate. The base lending rate usually is the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, the Federal Reserve federal funds rate, the prime rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders.

The Adviser will seek to take whatever action it considers appropriate in the event of anticipated financial difficulties, default or bankruptcy of the borrower or other entity obligated to repay a loan. Such action may include: (i) retaining the services of various persons or firms (including affiliates of the Adviser) to evaluate or protect any collateral or other assets securing the loan or acquired as a result of any such event; (ii) managing (or engaging other persons to manage) or otherwise dealing with any collateral or other assets so acquired; and (iii) taking such other actions (including, but not limited to, payment of operating or similar expenses relating to the collateral) as the Adviser may deem appropriate to seek to reduce the likelihood or severity of loss on the Fund's investment and/or maximize the return on such investment. The Fund will incur additional expenditures in taking protective action with respect to loans in (or anticipated to be in) default and assets securing such loans. In certain circumstances, the Fund may receive equity or equity-like securities from a borrower to settle the loan or may acquire an equity interest in the borrower. Representatives on behalf of the Fund also may join creditor or similar committees relating to loans.

Lenders can be sued by other creditors and the debtor and its shareholders. Losses could be greater than the original loan amount and occur years after the loan's recovery. If a borrower becomes involved in bankruptcy proceedings, a court may invalidate the Fund's security interest in any loan collateral or subordinate the Fund's rights under the loan agreement to the interests of the borrower's unsecured creditors or cause interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower or take other actions adverse to the Fund's interests. There are also other events, such as the failure to perfect a security interest due to faulty documentation or faulty official filings, which could lead to the invalidation of the Fund's security interest in loan collateral. If any of these events occur, the Fund's performance could be negatively affected.

Interests in loans generally are not listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and no active market may exist for many loans. As a result, the Fund may be unable to readily dispose of its loans at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such loans if they were more widely-traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to hold additional cash or sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions, such as borrowing from a credit facility, if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations, including redemption and other obligations. A secondary market exists for many senior loans, but it may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. Loans in which the Fund may invest may not be rated by a rating agency and will not be registered with the SEC or any state securities commission. The amount of public information available with respect to loans will therefore generally be less extensive than that available for registered or exchange-listed securities.

From time to time the Adviser and its affiliates may borrow money from various banks in connection with their business activities. Such banks may also sell interests in loans to or acquire them from the Fund or may be intermediate participants with respect to loans in which the Fund owns interests. Such banks may also act as agents for loans held by the Fund.

To the extent that legislation or state or federal regulators that regulate certain financial institutions impose additional requirements or restrictions with respect to the ability of such institutions to make loans, particularly in connection with highly leveraged transactions, the availability of loans for investment may be adversely affected. Further, such legislation or regulation could depress the market value of loans.

*Direct Lending.* When the Fund acts as a direct lender, it may participate in structuring the loan. Under these circumstances, it will have a direct contractual relationship with the borrower, may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement and may have rights with respect to any funds acquired by other lenders through set-off. Lenders also have full voting and consent rights under the applicable loan agreement. Action subject to lender vote or consent generally requires the vote or consent of the holders of some specified percentage of the outstanding principal amount of the loan. Certain decisions, such as reducing the amount of interest on or principal of a loan, releasing collateral, changing the maturity of a loan or a change in control of the borrower, frequently require the unanimous vote or consent of all lenders affected.

*Loan Participations and Assignments.* Loan participations are interests in loans or other direct debt instruments relating to amounts owed by a corporate, governmental or other borrower to another party. These loans may represent amounts owed to lenders or lending syndicates, to suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to other parties ("Lenders") and may be fixed-rate or floating rate. These loans also may be arranged through private negotiations between an issuer of sovereign debt obligations and Lenders.

The Fund's investments in loans may be in the form of a participation in loans ("Participations") and assignments of all or a portion of loans ("Assignments") from third parties. In the case of a Participation, the Fund will have the right to receive

**34**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the Lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the Lender of the payments from the borrower. In the event of an insolvency of the Lender selling a Participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the Lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the Lender and the borrower. Certain Participations may be structured in a manner designed to avoid purchasers of Participations being subject to the credit risk of the Lender with respect to the Participation. Even under such a structure, in the event of a Lender's insolvency, the Lender's servicing of the Participation may be delayed and the assignability of the Participation may be impaired. The Fund will acquire Participations only if the Lender interpositioned between the Fund and the borrower is determined by the Adviser to be creditworthy.

When the Fund purchases Assignments from Lenders it will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. However, because Assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, the rights and obligations acquired by the Fund as the purchaser of an Assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning Lender. Because there is no liquid market for Participations and Assignments, it is likely that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular Assignments or Participations when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event, such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market for Participations and Assignments also may make it more difficult for the Fund to assign a value to these securities for purposes of valuing the Fund's securities and calculating its NAV.

Participations and Assignments involve a risk of loss in case of default or insolvency of the borrower. In addition, they may offer less legal protection to the Fund in the event of fraud or misrepresentation and may involve a risk of insolvency of the Lender. Certain Participations and Assignments may also include standby financing commitments that obligate the investing Fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. Participations involving emerging market country issuers may relate to loans as to which there has been or currently exists an event of default or other failure to make payment when due, and may represent amounts owed to Lenders that are themselves subject to political and economic risks, including the risk of currency devaluation, expropriation, or failure. Such Participations and Assignments present additional risk of default or loss.

Bank loans generally are negotiated between a borrower and several financial institutional lenders represented by one or more lenders acting as agent of all the lenders. The agent is responsible for negotiating the loan agreement that establishes the terms and conditions of the loan and the rights of the borrower and the lenders, monitoring any collateral, and collecting principal and interest on the loan. By investing in a loan, the Fund becomes a member of a syndicate of lenders. Investments in bank loans entail those risks described above, such as liquidity risk and risk of default.

Some of the loans in which the Fund may invest or obtain exposure to may be "covenant lite" loans. Certain financial institutions may define "covenant lite" loans differently. Covenant lite loans or securities, which have varied terms and conditions, may contain fewer or no restrictive covenants compared to other loans that might enable an investor to proactively enforce financial covenants or prevent undesired actions by the borrower. As a result, the Fund may experience relatively greater difficulty or delays in enforcing its rights on its holdings of certain covenant lite loans and debt securities than its holdings of loans or securities with more traditional financial covenants, which may result in losses to the Fund.

**Money Market Instruments.** Money market instruments are high quality short-term fixed-income securities. Money market instruments may include obligations of governments, government agencies, banks, corporations and special purpose entities and repurchase agreements relating to these obligations. Certain money market instruments may be denominated in a foreign currency.

**Mortgage-Related Securities.** Mortgage-related securities are securities that, directly or indirectly, represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans on real property. Mortgage-related securities include collateralized mortgage obligations and MBS issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private sector entities.

*Mortgage-Backed Securities*. With mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"), many mortgagees' obligations to make monthly payments to their lending institution are pooled together and the risk of the mortgagees' payment obligations is passed through to investors. The pools are assembled by various governmental, government-related and private organizations. Certain Funds may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, private issuers and other government agencies. MBS issued by non-agency issuers, whether or not such securities are subject to guarantees, may entail greater risk, since private issuers may not be able to meet their obligations under the policies. If there is no guarantee provided by the issuer, a Fund will purchase only MBS that, at the time of purchase, are rated investment grade by one or more NRSROs or, if unrated, are deemed by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.

MBS are issued or guaranteed by private sector originators of or investors in mortgage loans and structured similarly to governmental pass-through securities. Because private pass-throughs typically lack a guarantee by an entity having the credit status of a governmental agency or instrumentality, however, they are generally structured with one or more of the types of credit enhancement described below. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government as Ginnie Mae certificates are. Freddie Mac securities are supported by Freddie Mac's right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. Each of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantees timely distributions of interest to certificate

**35**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

holders. Each of Ginnie Mae and Fannie Mae also guarantees timely distributions of scheduled principal. Although Freddie Mac has in the past guaranteed only the ultimate collection of principal of the underlying mortgage loan, Freddie Mac now issues MBS (Freddie Mac Gold PCS) that also guarantee timely payment of monthly principal reductions. Resolution Funding Corporation obligations are backed, as to principal payments, by zero coupon U.S. Treasury bonds and, as to interest payments, ultimately by the U.S. Treasury.

There are two methods of trading MBS. A specified pool transaction is a trade in which the pool number of the security to be delivered on the settlement date is known at the time the trade is made. This is in contrast with the typical MBS transaction, called a to-be-announced ("TBA") transaction, in which the type of MBS to be delivered is specified at the time of trade but the actual pool numbers of the securities that will be delivered are not known at the time of the trade. The pool numbers of the pools to be delivered at settlement are announced shortly before settlement takes place. The terms of the TBA trade may be made more specific if desired. Generally, agency pass-through MBS are traded on a TBA basis. Investments in TBAs may give rise to a form of leverage and may cause a Fund's portfolio turnover rate to appear higher. Leverage may cause a Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged.

Like fixed-income securities in general, MBS will generally decline in price when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates also tend to discourage refinancing of home mortgages, with the result that the average life of MBS held by a Fund may be lengthened. As average life extends, price volatility generally increases. This extension of average life causes the market price of the MBS to decrease further when interest rates rise than if their average lives were fixed. However, when interest rates fall, mortgages may not enjoy as large a gain in market value due to prepayment risk because additional mortgage prepayments must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Faster prepayment will shorten the average life and slower prepayments will lengthen it. However, it is possible to determine what the range of the average life movement could be and to calculate the effect that it will have on the price of the MBS. In selecting MBS, the Adviser looks for those that offer a higher yield to compensate for any variation in average maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities, even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories. A Fund may invest, without limit, in MBS issued by private issuers when the Adviser deems that the quality of the investment, the quality of the issuer, and market conditions warrant such investments. A Fund will purchase securities issued by private issuers that are rated investment grade at the time of purchase by Moody's, Fitch or S&P or are deemed by the Adviser to be of comparable investment quality.

*Fannie Mae Certificates.* Fannie Mae is a federally chartered and privately owned corporation organized and existing under the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act of 1938. Each Fannie Mae certificate represents a pro rata interest in one or more pools of mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration under the National Housing Act of 1934, as amended (the "Housing Act"), or Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 ("FHA Loans"), or guaranteed by the Department of Veteran Affairs under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, as amended ("VA Loans"), or conventional mortgage loans (i.e., mortgage loans that are not insured or guaranteed by any governmental agency) of the following types: (i) fixed rate level payment mortgage loans; (ii) fixed rate growing equity mortgage loans; (iii) fixed rate graduated payment mortgage loans; (iv) variable rate California mortgage loans; (v) other adjustable rate mortgage loans; and (vi) fixed rate and adjustable mortgage loans secured by multi-family projects.

*Freddie Mac Certificates.* Freddie Mac is a corporate instrumentality of the United States created pursuant to the Emergency Home Finance Act of 1970, as amended (the "FHLMC Act"). Freddie Mac certificates represent a pro rata interest in a group of mortgage loans (a "Freddie Mac Certificate group") purchased by Freddie Mac. The mortgage loans underlying the Freddie Mac Certificates consist of fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage loans with original terms to maturity of between ten and thirty years, substantially all of which are secured by first liens on one-to-four-family residential properties or multi-family projects. Each mortgage loan must meet the applicable standards set forth in the FHLMC Act. A Freddie Mac Certificate group may include whole loans, participation interests in whole loans and undivided interests in whole loans and participations comprising another Freddie Mac Certificate group.

*Ginnie Mae Certificates.* Ginnie Mae is a wholly-owned corporate instrumentality of the United States within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Housing Act authorizes Ginnie Mae to guarantee the timely payment of the principal and interest on certificates that are based on and backed by a pool of FHA Loans, VA Loans or by pools of other eligible mortgage loans. The Housing Act provides that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the payment of all amounts that may be required to be paid under any guaranty. In order to meet its obligations under such guaranty, Ginnie Mae is authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury with no limitations as to amount.

Each Ginnie Mae certificate represents a pro rata interest in one or more of the following types of mortgage loans: (i) fixed rate level payment mortgage loans; (ii) fixed rate graduated payment mortgage loans; (iii) fixed rate growing equity mortgage loans; (iv) fixed rate mortgage loans secured by manufactured (mobile) homes; (v) mortgage loans on multi-family residential properties under construction; (vi) mortgage loans on completed multi-family projects; (vii) fixed rate mortgage loans as to which escrowed funds are used to reduce the borrower's monthly payments during the early years of the mortgage loans ("buydown" mortgage loans); (viii) mortgage loans that provide for adjustments in payments based on periodic changes in interest rates or in other payment terms of the mortgage loans; and (ix) mortgage-backed serial notes. All of these mortgage loans will be FHA Loans or VA loans and, except as otherwise specified above, will be fully-amortizing loans secured by first liens on one-to-four-family housing units.

**36**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**Municipals.** Municipal securities include debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories or possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, the income on which is generally exempt from regular federal income tax at the time of issuance, in the opinion of bond counsel or other counsel to the issuers of such securities. Municipals include both municipal bonds (those securities with maturities of five years or more) and municipal notes (those with maturities of less than five years). Municipal bonds are issued for a wide variety of reasons: to construct public facilities, such as airports, highways, bridges, schools, hospitals, mass transportation, streets, water and sewer works; to obtain funds for operating expenses; to refund outstanding municipal obligations; and to loan funds to various public institutions and facilities. Certain industrial development bonds are also considered municipal bonds if their interest is exempt from regular federal income tax. Industrial development bonds are issued by, or on behalf of, public authorities to obtain funds for various privately-operated manufacturing facilities, housing, sports arenas, convention centers, airports, mass transportation systems and water, gas or sewage works. Industrial development bonds are ordinarily dependent on the credit quality of a private user, not the public issuer. Private activity bonds are another type of municipal security.

The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are "general obligation" and "revenue" or "special tax" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Thus, these bonds may be vulnerable to limits on a government's power or ability to raise revenue or increase taxes and its ability to maintain a fiscally sound budget. The timely payments may also be influenced by any unfunded pension liabilities or other post-employee benefit plan liabilities. These bonds may also depend on legislative appropriation and/or funding or other support from other governmental bodies in order to make payments. Revenue or special tax bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other tax, but not from general tax revenues. As a result, these bonds historically have been subject to a greater risk of default than general obligation bonds because investors can look only to the revenue generated by the project or other revenue source backing the project, rather than to the general taxing authority of the state or local government issuer of the obligations.

Industrial revenue bonds in most cases are revenue bonds and generally do not have the pledge of the credit of the issuer. The payment of the principal and interest on such industrial revenue bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the user of the facilities financed by the bonds to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment. Short-term municipal obligations issued by states, cities, municipalities or municipal agencies, include tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, construction loan notes and short-term discount notes.

Private activity bonds may be used by municipalities to finance the development of industrial facilities for use by private enterprise. Principal and interest payments are to be made by the private enterprise benefitting from the development, which means that the holder of the bond is exposed to the risk that the private issuer may default on the bond. The credit and quality of private activity bonds and industrial development bonds are usually related to the credit of the corporate user of the facilities. Payment of interest on and repayment of principal of such bonds is the responsibility of the corporate user (and/or any guarantor).

Municipal notes are issued to meet the short-term funding requirements of local, regional and state governments. Municipal notes include bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes and tax and revenue anticipation notes. These are short-term debt obligations issued by state and local governments to aid cash flows while waiting for taxes or revenue to be collected, at which time the debt is retired. Other types of municipal notes in which the Fund may invest are construction loan notes, short-term discount notes, tax-exempt commercial paper, demand notes and similar instruments.

Municipal bonds generally include debt obligations issued by states and their political subdivisions, and duly constituted authorities and corporations, to obtain funds to construct, repair or improve various public facilities such as airports, bridges, highways, hospitals, housing, schools, streets and water and sewer works. Municipal bonds may also be issued to refinance outstanding obligations as well as to obtain funds for general operating expenses and for loans to other public institutions and facilities. In addition, municipal bonds may include obligations of municipal housing authorities and single-family mortgage revenue bonds. Weaknesses in federal housing subsidy programs and their administration may result in a decrease of subsidies available for payment of principal and interest on housing authority bonds. Economic developments, including fluctuations in interest rates and increasing construction and operating costs, may also adversely impact revenues of housing authorities. In the case of some housing authorities, inability to obtain additional financing could also reduce revenues available to pay existing obligations. Single-family mortgage revenue bonds are subject to extraordinary mandatory redemption at par in whole or in part from the proceeds derived from prepayments of underlying mortgage loans and also from the unused proceeds of the issue within a stated period which may be within a year from the date of issue.

Note obligations with demand or put options may have a stated maturity in excess of one year, but permit any holder to demand payment of principal plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days' notice. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. The issuer of such notes normally has a corresponding right, after a given period, to repay at its discretion the outstanding principal of the note plus accrued interest upon a specific number of days' notice to the bondholders. The interest rate on a demand note may be based upon a known lending rate, such as the prime lending rate, and be adjusted when such rate changes, or the interest rate on a demand note

**37**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

may be a market rate that is adjusted at specified intervals. Each note purchased by the Fund will meet the quality criteria set out in the Prospectus for the Fund.

The yields of municipal bonds depend on, among other things, general money market conditions, conditions in the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. The ratings of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and S&P Global Ratings Group, a division of S&P Global, Inc. ("S&P") represent their opinions of the quality of the municipal bonds rated by them. It should be emphasized that such ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, municipal bonds with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields, while municipal bonds of the same maturity and coupon, but with different ratings, may have the same yield. It will be the responsibility of the Adviser to appraise independently the fundamental quality of the bonds held by the Fund.

Municipal bonds are sometimes purchased on a "when-issued" or "delayed-delivery" basis, which means the Fund has committed to purchase certain specified securities at an agreed-upon price when they are issued. The period between commitment date and issuance date can be a month or more. It is possible that the securities will never be issued and the commitment canceled.

From time to time proposals have been introduced before Congress to restrict or eliminate the regular federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal bonds. Similar proposals may be introduced in the future.

Similarly, from time to time proposals have been introduced before state and local legislatures to restrict or eliminate the state and local income tax exemption for interest on municipal bonds. Similar proposals may be introduced in the future.

The Fund may also purchase bonds the income on which is subject to the alternative minimum tax ("AMT bonds"). AMT bonds are tax-exempt private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986, the proceeds of which are directed, at least in part, to private, for-profit organizations. While the income from AMT bonds is exempt from regular federal income tax, it is a tax preference item in the calculation of the alternative minimum tax. The alternative minimum tax is a special separate tax that applies to some taxpayers who have certain adjustments to income or tax preference items.

Municipal obligations of any type, such as general obligation and revenue or special tax bonds as well as other municipal obligations associated with specific projects, can be negatively affected by changing demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes and values, or increasing vacancies or declining rents resulting from legal, cultural, technological, global or local economic developments, as well as reduced demand for properties, revenues or goods. As a result of various economic, market and other factors, there could be reduced tax or other revenue available to issuers of municipal obligations and, in turn, increased budgetary and financial pressure on municipalities and other issuers of municipal obligations, which could adversely impact the risks associated with municipal obligations of such issuer. As a result, the Fund's investments in municipal obligations may be subject to and heightened risks relating to the occurrence of such developments.

An issuer of municipal securities may file for bankruptcy or otherwise seek to reorganize its debts by extending debt maturities, reducing the amount of principal or interest, refinancing the debt or taking other measures, in each case which may significantly affect the rights of creditors and the value of the municipal securities and the value of the Fund's investments in such municipal securities. In addition, changes to bankruptcy laws may adversely impact the Fund's investments in municipal securities, including creditor rights, if the issuer seeks bankruptcy protection.

Build America Bonds are taxable municipal securities on which the issuer receives federal support of the interest paid. Assuming certain specified conditions are satisfied, issuers of Build America Bonds may either (i) receive reimbursement from the U.S. Treasury with respect to a portion of its interest payments on the bonds ("direct pay" Build America Bonds) or (ii) provide tax credits to investors in the bonds ("tax credit" Build America Bonds). Unlike most other municipal securities, interest received on Build America Bonds is subject to federal and state income tax. Issuance of Build America Bonds ceased on December 31, 2010. The number of Build America Bonds available in the market is limited, which may negatively affect the value of the Build America Bonds.

The Fund may hold municipal private placements. These securities are sold through private negotiations, usually to institutions or mutual funds, and generally have resale restrictions. Their yields are usually higher than comparable public securities to compensate the investor for their limited marketability.

**Non-Publicly Traded Securities, Private Placements and Restricted Securities.** Certain Funds may invest in securities that are neither listed on a stock exchange nor traded OTC, including privately placed and restricted securities, which are generally subject to resale or transfer restrictions or prohibitions as a matter of contract and/or under applicable U.S. federal securities laws, including Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Such unlisted securities may involve a higher degree of business and financial risk that can result in substantial losses to a Fund. As a result of the absence of a public trading market for these securities, they may be less liquid than publicly traded securities. Private placements and restricted securities may be classified as illiquid and subject to the limitations discussed under "Illiquid Investments." Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to an exemption from registration under applicable securities laws, the prices realized from these sales could be less than those originally paid by a Fund or less than what may be considered the fair value of such securities. The amount of discount from the prevailing market price may vary depending on the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the restricted security and prevailing supply and demand conditions. Furthermore, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and

**38**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

other investor protection requirements which might be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, including readily available market quotations, may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to arrive at a fair value for certain securities at certain times and could make it difficult for the Fund to sell certain securities.

If restricted securities or privately placed securities are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being sold, a Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration and transaction costs may be higher for these securities generally. In such cases, a considerable time period may elapse between the time the Fund decides to sell the security and the time it is permitted to sell the security under an effective registration statement. During this time period, adverse market conditions may develop, which could result in a Fund obtaining less favorable pricing terms for its sale of the security than it would have if the security had been sold promptly.

Private placements and restricted securities may involve greater risks than investments in securities of publicly traded companies. In addition, issuers of such securities may have limited financial resources, be unable to meet their obligations and tend to be in earlier stages of development.

**Private Investments in Public Equity.** The Funds may purchase equity securities, in a private placement, that are issued by issuers who have outstanding, publicly-traded equity securities of the same class ("private investments in public equity" or "PIPEs"). PIPEs involve the direct placement of equity securities to a purchaser such as a Fund and are subject to the risks associated with equity securities. Shares in PIPEs are commonly sold at a discount to the current market value per share of the issuer's publicly traded securities. Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months and potentially longer. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the Funds cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect. Any number of factors may prevent or delay a proposed registration. There is no guarantee that an active trading market for such securities will exist at the time of disposition, and the lack of such a market could hurt the market value of a Fund's investments. Even if a Fund's shares in PIPEs become registered, or a Fund is able to sell the securities through an exempt transaction, a Fund may not be able to sell all the securities it holds on short notice and the sale could impact the market price of the securities.

**Options.** An option is a contract that gives the holder of the option the right, but not the obligation, to buy from (in the case of a call option) or sell to (in the case of a put option) the buyer or seller, as applicable, of the option (the "option writer") the underlying instrument at a specified fixed price (the "exercise price") on or prior to a specified date for American options or only at expiration for European options (the "expiration date"). The buyer of the option pays to the option writer the option premium, which is the purchase price of the option.

Exchange-traded options are issued by a regulated intermediary such as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC"), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options. OTC options are purchased from or sold to counterparties through direct bilateral agreements between the Fund and its counterparties. Certain options, such as options on individual securities, are settled through physical delivery of the underlying security, whereas other options, such as index options, may be settled in cash in an amount based on the difference between the value of the underlying instrument and the strike price, which is then multiplied by a specified multiplier.

*Writing Options.* Certain Funds may write call and put options. As the writer of a call option, the Fund receives the premium from the purchaser of the option and has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price. If the option expires without being exercised the Fund is not required to deliver the underlying security and retains the premium received.

Certain Funds may write call options that are "covered." A call option on a security is covered if (a) the Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, such amount is maintained by the Fund in earmarked or segregated cash or liquid assets) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by the Fund; or (b) the Fund has purchased a call on the underlying security, the exercise price of which is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in earmarked or segregated cash or liquid assets.

Selling call options involves the risk that the Fund may be required to sell the underlying security at a disadvantageous price, below the market price of such security, at the time the option is exercised. As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the option's life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the underlying security covering the option above the sum of the premium and the exercise price but retains the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline.

The Fund may write put options. As the writer of a put option, the Fund receives the premium from the purchaser of the option and has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to pay the exercise price and receive delivery of the underlying security. If

**39**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

the option expires without being exercised, the Fund is not required to receive the underlying security in exchange for the exercise price and retains the option premium.

The Fund may write put options that are "covered." A put option on a security is covered if (a) the Fund earmarks or segregates cash or liquid assets equal to the exercise price; or (b) the Fund has purchased a put on the same security as the put written, the exercise price of which is (i) equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written, or (ii) less than the exercise price of the put written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in earmarked or segregated cash or liquid assets.

Selling put options involves the risk that the Fund may be required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price, above the market price of such security, at the time the option is exercised. While the Fund's potential gain in writing a covered put option is limited to the premium received plus the interest earned on the liquid assets covering the put option, the Fund's risk of loss is equal to the entire value of the underlying security, offset only by the amount of the premium received.

The Fund may close out an options position that it has written through a closing purchase transaction. The Fund could execute a closing purchase transaction with respect to a written call option by purchasing a call option on the same underlying security that has the same exercise price and expiration date as the call option written by the Fund. The Fund could execute a closing purchase transaction with respect to a put option written by purchasing a put option on the same underlying security and having the same exercise price and expiration date as the put option written by the Fund. A closing purchase transaction may or may not result in a profit to the Fund. The Fund can close out its position as an option writer only if a liquid market exists for options on the same underlying security that have the same exercise price and expiration date as the option written by the Fund. There is no assurance that such a market will exist with respect to any particular option.

The writer of an American option generally has no control over the time when the option is exercised and the option writer is required to deliver or acquire the underlying security. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option. Thus, the use of options may require the Fund to buy or sell portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than the current market values of such securities, which may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment, or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell.

*Purchasing Options.* Certain Funds may purchase call and put options. As the buyer of a call option, the Fund pays the premium to the option writer and has the right to purchase the underlying security from the option writer at the exercise price. If the market price of the underlying security rises above the exercise price, the Fund could exercise the option and acquire the underlying security at a below-market price, which could result in a gain to the Fund, minus the premium paid. As the buyer of a put option, the Fund pays the premium to the option writer and has the right to sell the underlying security to the option writer at the exercise price. If the market price of the underlying security declines below the exercise price, the Fund could exercise the option and sell the underlying security at an above-market price, which could result in a gain to the Fund, minus the premium paid. The Fund may buy call and put options whether or not it holds the underlying securities.

As a buyer of a call or put option, the Fund may sell put or call options that it has purchased at any time prior to such option's expiration date through a closing sale transaction. The principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price of the underlying security in relation to the exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security, the underlying security's dividend policy, and the time remaining until the expiration date. A closing sale transaction may or may not result in a profit to the Fund. The Fund's ability to initiate a closing sale transaction is dependent upon the liquidity of the options market and there is no assurance that such a market will exist with respect to any particular option. If the Fund does not exercise or sell an option prior to its expiration date, the option expires and becomes worthless.

*OTC Options.* Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size and strike price, the terms of OTC options generally are established through negotiation between the parties to the options contract. This type of arrangement allows the purchaser and writer greater flexibility to tailor the option to their needs. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities or baskets of securities, and in a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices, than exchange-traded options. However, unlike exchange-traded options, which are issued and guaranteed by a regulated intermediary, such as the OCC, OTC options are entered into directly with the counterparty. Unless the counterparties provide for it, there is no central clearing or guaranty function for an OTC option. Therefore, OTC options are subject to the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of the counterparty to determine the likelihood that the terms of the option will be satisfied. There can be no assurance that a continuous liquid secondary market will exist for any particular OTC option at any specific time. As a result, the Fund may be unable to enter into closing sale transactions with respect to OTC options.

*Index Options.* Call and put options on indices operate similarly to options on securities. Rather than the right to buy or sell a single security at a specified price, options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash determined by reference to the difference between the value of the underlying index and the strike price. The underlying index may be a broad-based index or a narrower market index. Unlike many options on securities, all settlements are in cash. The settlement amount, which the writer of an index option must pay to the holder of the option upon exercise, is generally equal to the difference between the strike price of the option and the value of the underlying index, multiplied by a specified multiplier. The multiplier determines the size of the investment position the option represents. Gain or loss to the Fund

**40**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

on index options transactions will depend, in part, on price movements of the underlying index generally or in a particular segment of the index rather than price movements of individual components of the index. As with other options, the Fund may close out its position in index options through closing purchase transactions and closing sale transactions provided that a liquid secondary market exists for such options.

Index options written by the Fund may be covered in a manner similar to the covering of other types of options, by holding an offsetting financial position and/or earmarking or segregating cash or liquid assets. The Fund may cover call options written on an index by owning securities or other assets whose price changes, in the opinion of the Adviser, are expected to correlate to those of the underlying index.

*Foreign Currency Options.* Options on foreign currencies operate similarly to options on securities. Rather than the right to buy or sell a single security at a specified price, options on foreign currencies give the holder the right to buy or sell foreign currency for a fixed amount in U.S. dollars or other base currencies. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, but may also be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other base currency. The price of the option may vary with changes, among other things, in the value of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. As with other options, the Fund may close out its position in foreign currency options through closing purchase transactions and closing sale transactions provided that a liquid market exists for such options.

Foreign currency options written by the Fund may be covered in a manner similar to the covering of other types of options, by holding an offsetting financial position and/or earmarking or segregating cash or liquid assets. See "Derivatives — Regulatory Matters", above.

*Options on Futures Contracts.* Options on futures contracts are similar to options on securities except that options on futures contracts give the purchasers the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position in the case of a call option and a short position in the case of a put option) at a specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the parties will be subject to all of the risks associated with futures transactions and subject to margin requirements. As the writer of options on futures contracts, the Fund would also be subject to initial and variation margin requirements on the option position.

Options on futures contracts written by the Fund may be covered in a manner similar to the covering of other types of options, by holding an offsetting financial position and/or earmarking or segregating cash or liquid assets. The Fund may cover an option on a futures contract by purchasing or selling the underlying futures contract. In such instances the exercise of the option will serve to close out the Fund's futures position.

*Additional Risks of Options Transactions.* The risks associated with options transactions are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments. Options are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. The use of options requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the option itself. Options may be subject to the risk factors generally applicable to derivatives transactions described herein, and may also be subject to certain additional risk factors, including:

■ The exercise of options written or purchased by the Fund could cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities, thus increasing the Fund's portfolio turnover.

■ The Fund pays brokerage commissions each time it writes or purchases an option or buys or sells an underlying security in connection with the exercise of an option. Such brokerage commissions could be higher relative to the commissions for direct purchases of sales of the underlying securities.

■ The Fund's options transactions may be subject to limitations on options positions established by the SEC, the CFTC or the exchanges on which such options are traded.

■ The hours of trading for exchange-listed options may not coincide with the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying securities that cannot be reflected in the options markets.

■ Index options based upon a narrow index of securities or other assets may present greater risks than options based on broad market indices, as narrower indices are more susceptible to rapid and extreme fluctuations as a result of changes in the values of a smaller number of securities or other assets.

■ The Fund is subject to the risk of market movements between the time that an option is exercised and the time of performance thereunder, which could increase the extent of any losses suffered by the Fund in connection with options transactions.

**Preferred Securities.** Preferred securities have many of the characteristics of and are subject to many of the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and equity securities. Preferred securities are securities that evidence ownership in a corporation and may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. As with fixed-income securities, the market value of preferred securities is sensitive to changes in interest rates. Preferred securities generally decrease in value if interest rates rise and increase in value if interest rates fall. Preferred securities involve credit risk, which is the risk that preferred securities will

**41**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

decline in price, or fail to pay dividends when expected, because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. A company's preferred securities generally pay dividends after the company makes the required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt instruments but before dividend payments are made to common stockholders, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. However, preferred securities may not pay scheduled dividends or dividends payments may be in arrears. The value of preferred securities may react more strongly than bonds and other debt instruments to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities often include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer.

In addition, preferred securities are also subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Certain preferred securities may be convertible to common stock. See "Convertible Securities." Preferred securities may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. In the event of redemption, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Preferred securities may trade less frequently and in a more limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than many other securities, such as common stocks, corporate debt securities, and U.S. government securities.

**Real Estate Investing.** Investments in securities of issuers engaged in the real estate industry entail special risks and considerations. In particular, securities of such issuers may be subject to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These risks include the cyclical nature of real estate values, risks related to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, demographic trends and variations in rental income, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, environmental risks, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values, changes in the appeal of properties to tenants, increases in interest rates and other real estate capital market influences. Generally, increases in interest rates will increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could directly and indirectly decrease the value of certain Funds' investments.

*Real Estate Investment Trusts and Foreign Real Estate Companies .* Certain Funds may invest in real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and/or foreign real estate companies, which are similar to entities organized and operated as REITs in the United States. REITs and foreign real estate companies pool investors' funds for investment primarily in real estate properties or real estate-related loans. REITs and foreign real estate companies generally derive their income from rents on the underlying properties or interest on the underlying loans, and their value is impacted by changes in the value of the underlying property or changes in interest rates affecting the underlying loans owned by the REITs and/or foreign real estate companies. REITs and foreign real estate companies are more susceptible to risks associated with the ownership of real estate and the real estate industry in general. These risks can include fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local economic conditions; decreases in market rates for rents; increases in competition, property taxes, capital expenditures or operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting the real estate industry. In addition, REITs and foreign real estate companies depend upon specialized management skills, may not be diversified (which may increase the volatility of a REIT's and/or foreign real estate company's value), may have less trading volume, may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities market, are dependent on heavy cash flows, subject to risks associated with default by borrowers or self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to maintain their exemptions from the 1940 Act. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. Operating REITs and foreign real estate companies requires specialized management skills and the Fund indirectly bears REIT and foreign real estate company management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. REITs are generally not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with several requirements of the Code. REITs are subject to the risk of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through income under the Code.

*Specialized Ownership Vehicles.* Specialized ownership vehicles pool investors' funds for investment primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests. Such specialized ownership vehicles in which the Fund may invest include property unit trusts, foreign real estate companies, REITs and other similar specialized investment vehicles. Investments in such specialized ownership vehicles may have favorable or unfavorable legal, regulatory or tax implications for the Fund and, to the extent such vehicles are structured similarly to investment funds, a shareholder in the Fund will bear not only their proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly the expenses of the specialized ownership vehicle.

**Repurchase Agreements.** Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund purchases a security or basket of securities and simultaneously commits to resell that security or basket to the seller (a bank, broker or dealer) at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed-upon market rate of interest which is not directly related to the coupon rate or date of maturity of the purchased security. The term of these agreements usually ranges from overnight to one week, and never exceeds one year. Repurchase agreements with a term of over seven days are considered illiquid.

**42**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

In these transactions, the Fund receives securities that have a market value at least equal to the purchase price (including accrued interest) of the repurchase agreement, and this value is maintained during the term of the agreement. These securities are held by the Custodian or an approved third-party for the benefit of the Fund until repurchased. Repurchase agreements permit the Fund to remain fully invested while retaining overnight flexibility to pursue investments of a longer-term nature. If the seller defaults and the value of the repurchased securities declines, the Fund might incur a loss. If bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller, the Fund's realization upon the collateral may be delayed.

While repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities, the Fund follows procedures approved by the Directors that are designed to minimize such risks. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions only with large, well-capitalized and well-established financial institutions whose financial condition will be continually monitored by the Adviser. In addition, as described above, the value of the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement will be at least equal to the repurchase price, including any accrued interest earned on the repurchase agreement. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the Fund will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of the Fund's right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss. Repurchase agreements involving obligations other than U.S. government securities may be subject to special risks. Repurchase agreements secured by obligations that are not eligible for direct investment under the Fund's investment objectives and restrictions may require the Fund to promptly dispose of such collateral if the seller or guarantor becomes insolvent.

The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements on a forward commitment basis. To the extent the Fund does so and the counterparty to the trade fails to effectuate the trade at the scheduled time, the Fund may be forced to deploy its capital in a repurchase agreement with a less favorable rate of return than it otherwise may have achieved or may be unable to enter into a repurchase agreement at all at the desired time.

In December 2023, the SEC adopted rule amendments providing that any covered clearing agency ("CCA") for U.S. Treasury securities require that every direct participant of the CCA (which generally would be a bank or broker-dealer) submit for clearance and settlement all eligible secondary market transactions in U.S. Treasury securities to which it is a counterparty. The clearing mandate includes in its scope all repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements of such direct participants collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities (collectively, "Treasury repo transactions") of a type accepted for clearing by a registered CCA, including both bilateral Treasury repo transactions and triparty Treasury repo transactions where a bank agent provides custody, collateral management and settlement services.

The Treasury repo transactions of the Fund with any direct participants of a CCA will be subject to the mandatory clearing requirement. Compliance with the clearing mandate for Treasury repo transactions will be required by June 30, 2027. The Fund will be required to clear all or substantially all of its Treasury repo transactions as of the compliance date. There are currently substantial regulatory and operational uncertainties associated with the implementation of these requirements which may affect the cost, terms and/or availability of cleared repo transactions.

**Reverse Repurchase Agreements.** Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells a security and promises to repurchase that security at an agreed-upon future date and price. The price paid to repurchase the security reflects interest accrued during the term of the agreement. Reverse repurchase agreements may be entered into for, among other things, obtaining leverage, facilitating short-term liquidity or when the Adviser expects that the interest income to be earned from the investment of the transaction proceeds will be greater than the related interest expense. Please see "Derivatives Agreements -- Regulatory Matters" and "Repurchase Agreements." Reverse repurchase agreements may be viewed as a speculative form of borrowing called leveraging. Furthermore, reverse repurchase agreements involve the risks that (i) the interest income earned in the investment of the proceeds will be less than the interest expense, (ii) the market value of the securities retained in lieu of sale by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund has sold but is obligated to repurchase, (iii) the market value of the securities sold will decline below the price at which the Fund is required to repurchase them and (iv) the securities will not be returned to the Fund.

In addition, the use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations. Leverage, including borrowing, may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. All forms of borrowing are limited in the aggregate and may not exceed 33⅓% of the Fund's total assets, except as permitted by law or SEC regulations.

**Rights.** Rights represent the right, but not the obligation, for a fixed period of time to purchase additional shares of an issuer's common stock at the time of a new issuance, usually at a price below the initial offering price of the common stock and before the common stock is offered to the general public. Rights are usually freely transferable. The risk of investing in a right is that the right may expire prior to the market value of the common stock exceeding the price fixed by the right.

**Sector Risk.** The Fund may, from time to time, invest more heavily in companies in a particular economic sector or sectors. Economic or regulatory changes adversely affecting such sectors may have more of an impact on the Fund's performance than if the Fund held a broader range of investments.

**43**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**Short Sales.** A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells securities that it owns or has the right to acquire at no added cost (i.e., "against the box") or does not own (but has borrowed) in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities. To deliver the securities to the buyer, the Fund arranges through a broker to borrow the securities and, in so doing, the Fund becomes obligated to replace the securities borrowed at their market price at the time of replacement. When selling short, the Fund intends to replace the securities at a lower price and therefore, profit from the difference between the cost to replace the securities and the proceeds received from the sale of the securities. When the Fund makes a short sale, the proceeds it receives from the sale will be held on behalf of a broker until the Fund replaces the borrowed securities. The Fund may have to pay a premium to borrow the securities and must pay any dividends or interest payable on the securities until they are replaced.

The Fund's obligation to replace the securities borrowed in connection with a short sale will be secured by collateral deposited with the broker that consists of cash or other liquid securities. Short sales by the Fund involve certain risks and special considerations. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts that the price of the borrowed security will decline, the Fund will have to replace the securities with securities with a greater value than the amount received from the sale. As a result, losses from short sales differ from losses that could be incurred from a purchase of a security, because losses from short sales may be unlimited, whereas losses from purchases can equal only the total amount invested. Please see "Derivatives — Regulatory Matters".

**Special Purpose Acquisition Companies.** The Fund may invest in stock, warrants, rights and other securities of special purpose acquisition companies ("SPAC"), which typically are publicly traded companies that raise investment capital for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company that is identified subsequent to the SPAC's initial public offering ("IPO"), or similar special purpose entities. Typically, the acquisition target is an existing privately held company that wants to trade publicly, which it accomplishes through a combination with a SPAC rather than by conducting a traditional IPO. SPACs and similar entities are blank check companies and do not have any operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions. The long term value of a SPAC's securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC's management to identify a merger target and complete an attractive acquisition. Some SPACs pursue acquisitions only within certain sectors, industries or regions, which may increase the time horizon for an acquisition as well as other risks associated with these investments, including price volatility. Conversely, other SPACs may invest without such limitations, in which case the SPAC's management may have limited experience or knowledge of the market sector, industry or region in which the transaction is contemplated. In addition, certain securities issued by a SPAC, particularly in private placements conducted by the SPAC after its IPO, may be classified as illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale, which restrictions may be imposed for at least a year or possibly a more extended time, and may potentially be traded only in the over-the-counter market.

Until an acquisition or merger is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets, less a portion retained to cover expenses, in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically pay dividends in respect of its common stock. To the extent a SPAC is invested in these securities or cash, the SPAC may not perform similar to other equity securities and this may impact the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. SPAC shareholders may not approve any proposed acquisition or merger, or an acquisition or merger, once effected, may prove unsuccessful. If an acquisition or merger that meets the requirements of the SPAC is not completed within a pre-established period of time (typically, two years), the funds invested in the SPAC plus any interest paid on such funds while held in trust (less any permitted expenses and any losses experienced by the SPAC) are returned to its shareholders unless the shareholders approve alternative options. As a result, the Fund may be subject to opportunity costs to the extent that alternative investments would have produced higher returns. Any warrants or other rights with respect to a SPAC held by the Fund may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price.

In connection with a proposed acquisition, a SPAC may raise additional funds in order to fund the acquisition, post-acquisition working capital, redemptions or some combination of those purposes. This additional fundraising may be in the form of a private placement of a class of equity securities or debt. The debt could be secured by the assets of the SPAC or the operating company existing after the acquisition or it could be unsecured. The debt may also be investment grade debt or below investment grade debt.

The Fund may invest in stock, warrants, rights and other securities of SPACs or similar special purpose entities in a private placement transaction or as part of a public offering. If the Fund purchases securities in the SPAC's IPO, typically it will receive publicly-traded securities called "units" that include one share of common stock and one right or warrant (or partial right or warrant) conveying the right to purchase additional shares of common stock. At a specified time, the rights and warrants may be separated from the common stock at the election of the holder, after which each security typically is freely tradeable. An investment in the IPO securities of a SPAC may be diluted by additional, later offerings of securities by the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase securities of the SPAC. If the Fund invests in equity securities issued in a private placement after the IPO, those shares will not be publicly tradable unless and until there is a registration statement filed by the SPAC and approved by the SEC or if an exemption from registration is available, which exemptions typically become available at least a year after the date of the business combination. Equity investments in the SPAC made in connection with a proposed business combination will be diluted by the acquisition itself and further fundraising by the ongoing operating business.

If there is no market for the shares of the SPAC or only a thinly traded market for shares or interests in the SPAC develops, the Fund may not be able to sell its interest in a SPAC or it may only sell its interest at a price below what the Fund believes is the

**44**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

SPAC interest's value. If not subject to a restriction on resale, the Fund may sell its investments in a SPAC at any time, including before, at or after the time of an acquisition or merger. Generally, SPACs provide the opportunity for common shareholders who hold publicly traded shares to have some or all of their shares redeemed by the SPAC at or around the time of a proposed acquisition or merger. However, there is often a limit to the number of shares that can be redeemed in connection with a business combination. If the Fund holds shares of publicly traded SPAC stock, this means that the Fund may not be able to redeem those shares prior to an acquisition and may have to hold those shares until after the completion of the acquisition. If the Fund purchases shares in a private placement, those shares will not be redeemable in connection with a transaction. In addition, the Fund may elect not to participate in a proposed SPAC transaction or may be required to divest its interests in the SPAC due to regulatory or other considerations.

An investment in a SPAC is subject to the risks that any proposed acquisition or merger may not obtain the requisite approval of SPAC shareholders, may require governmental or other approvals that it fails to obtain or that an acquisition or merger, once effected, may prove unsuccessful and lose value. In addition, among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management, directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. For example, because the sponsor, directors and officers of a SPAC may directly or indirectly own interests in a SPAC, the sponsor, directors and officers may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate a business combination. SPAC sponsors generally purchase equity in the SPAC at more favorable terms than investors in the IPO or subsequent investors on the open market. As a result, although most of the SPAC's capital has been provided by IPO investors, the sponsors and potentially other initial investors will benefit more than investors from the SPAC's completion of an initial business combination and may have an incentive to complete a transaction on terms that may be less favorable to other investors. This risk may become more acute as the deadline for the completion of a business combination nears or in the event that attractive acquisition or merger targets become scarce. In addition, the requirement that a SPAC complete a business combination within a prescribed time frame may give potential target businesses leverage over the SPAC in negotiating a business combination and may limit the time the SPAC has in which to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets, which could undermine the SPAC's ability to complete a business combination on terms that would produce value for its shareholders. An investment in a SPAC is also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger. The value of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate over time.

In addition, investments in SPACs may be subject to the same risks as investing in any initial public offering, including the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, including unseasoned trading, small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. In addition, the market for IPO issuers may be volatile, and share prices of newly-public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. Although some IPOs may produce high returns, such returns are not typical and may not be sustainable. Certain investments in SPACs are privately placed securities and are also subject to the risks of such securities.

**Special Risks Related to the Cayman Islands Subsidiary.** Each of the Discovery Portfolio, Global Strategist Portfolio and Growth Portfolio may, consistent with its principal investment strategies, invest up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Each Bitcoin Subsidiary may invest in Bitcoin ETFs, cash-settled bitcoin futures and other investments. Investments in each Bitcoin Subsidiary are expected to provide the Discovery Portfolio and Growth Portfolio with exposure to bitcoin within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Code and IRS revenue rulings, as discussed below under "Taxes." The Global Strategist Subsidiary may invest, directly or indirectly through the use of derivatives, in securities, commodities, commodity-related instruments and other investments, primarily futures, swaps and notes. The Global Strategist Subsidiary may also invest in cash-settled bitcoin futures. Investments in the Global Strategist Subsidiary are expected to provide the Global Strategist Portfolio with exposure to bitcoin and the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Code and IRS revenue rulings, as discussed below under "Taxes."

Each Subsidiary is a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands and is overseen by its own board of directors. Each Fund is the sole shareholder of its respective Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of any Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. To the extent that a Fund invests in a Subsidiary, the Fund may be subject to the risks associated with such commodity-related instruments, bitcoin and other bitcoin related investments.

While each Subsidiary may be considered similar to investment companies, it is not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the Prospectus and this SAI, is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act and other U.S. regulations. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of a Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in the applicable Prospectus and this SAI and could eliminate or severely limit the Fund's ability to invest in the Subsidiary which may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders.

**Structured Investments.** Certain Funds may invest in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market, for which the amount of principal repayment and/or interest payments is based on the change in value of such underlying security, currency, commodity or market, including, among others, currency exchange rates, interest rates, referenced bonds and stock indices or

**45**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

other financial references. Structured investments may come in various forms, including notes, warrants and options to purchase securities, and may be listed and traded on an exchange or otherwise traded in the OTC market.

The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to such security, currency, commodity or market is limited or inefficient from a tax, cost or regulatory standpoint. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the holders are relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and have no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these investments.

A structured investment may be linked either positively or negatively to an underlying security, currency, commodity, index or market and a change in interest rates, principal amount, volatility, currency values or other factors, depending on the structured investment's design, may result in a gain or loss that is a multiple of the movement of such interest rates, principal amount, volatility, currency values or other factors. Application of a multiplier is comparable to the use of financial leverage, a speculative technique. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. As a result, a relatively small decline in the value of the referenced factor could result in a relatively large loss in the value of a structured investment.

Other types of structured investments include interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of underlying investment interests or securities. This type of securitization or restructuring usually involves the deposit or purchase of an underlying security by a U.S. or foreign entity, such as a corporation or trust of specified instruments, and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of securities backed by, or representing an interest in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow or rate of return on the underlying investments may be apportioned among the newly issued securities to create different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, credit quality, payment priorities and interest rate provisions. Structured investments that are subordinated, for example, in payment priority often offer higher returns, but may result in increased risks compared to other investments.

*Combined Transactions.* Combined transactions involve entering into multiple derivatives transactions (such as multiple options transactions, including purchasing and writing options in combination with each other; multiple futures transactions; and combinations of options, futures, forward and swap transactions) instead of a single derivatives transaction in order to customize the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. Combined transactions typically contain elements of risk that are present in each of the component transactions. The Fund may enter into a combined transaction instead of a single derivatives transaction when, in the opinion of the Adviser, it is in the best interest of the Fund to do so. Because combined transactions involve multiple transactions, they may result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to close out.

**Swaps.** An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Most swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each counterparty. Many swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of the counterparty to determine the likelihood that the terms of the swap will be satisfied.

Swap agreements allow for a wide variety of transactions. For example, fixed-rate payments may be exchanged for floating rate payments, U.S. dollar-denominated payments may be exchanged for payments denominated in foreign currencies, and payments tied to the price of one security, index, reference rate, currency or other instrument may be exchanged for payments tied to the price of a different security, index, reference rate, currency or other instrument. Swap contracts are typically individually negotiated and structured to provide exposure to a variety of particular types of investments or market factors. Swap contracts can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. To the extent consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies, the Fund is not limited to any particular form or variety of swap contract. The Fund may utilize swaps to increase or decrease its exposure to the underlying instrument, reference rate, foreign currency, market index or other asset. Certain Funds may also enter into related derivative instruments including caps, floors and collars.

See "Derivatives — Regulatory Matters", above.

The Dodd-Frank Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing of many standardized OTC derivative instruments that the CFTC and SEC defined as "swaps" and "security based swaps," respectively. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a central clearinghouse rather than a brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution. The Fund initially will enter into cleared swaps through an executing broker. Such transactions will then be submitted for clearing and, if cleared, will be held at regulated FCMs that are members of the clearinghouse that serves as the central counterparty. When the Fund enters into a cleared swap, it must deliver to the central counterparty (via an FCM) an amount referred to as "initial margin." Initial margin requirements are determined by the central counterparty, but an FCM may require additional initial

**46**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

margin above the amount required by the central counterparty. During the term of the swap agreement, a "variation margin" amount may also be required to be paid by the Fund or may be received by the Fund in accordance with margin controls set for such accounts, depending upon changes in the price of the underlying reference asset subject to the swap agreement. At the conclusion of the term of the swap agreement, if the Fund has a loss equal to or greater than the margin amount, the margin amount is paid to the FCM along with any loss that is greater than such margin amount. If the Fund has a loss of less than the margin amount, the excess margin is returned to the Fund. If the Fund has a gain, the full margin amount and the amount of the gain is paid to the Fund.

Central clearing is designed to reduce counterparty credit risk compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterparty to each participant's swap, but it does not eliminate those risks completely. There is also a risk of loss by the Fund of the initial and variation margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of the FCM with which the Fund has an open position in a swap contract. The assets of the Fund may not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the FCM or central counterparty because the Fund might be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds and margin segregated on behalf of an FCM's or central counterparty's customers or clearing members. If the FCM does not provide accurate reporting, the Fund is also subject to the risk that the FCM could use the Fund's assets, which are held in an omnibus account with assets belonging to the FCM's other customers, to satisfy its own financial obligations or the payment obligations of another customer to the central counterparty.

Swaps subject to mandatory central clearing must be traded on an exchange or swap execution facility ("SEF"), unless no exchange "makes the swap available to trade." An SEF is an electronic trading platform in which multiple market participants can execute swap transactions by accepting bids and offers made by multiple other participants on the platform. Transactions executed on an SEF may increase market transparency and liquidity but may cause the Fund to incur increased expenses to execute swaps. Central clearing should decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to bilateral swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterparty to each participant's swap. However, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or liquidity risk entirely. In addition, depending on the size of the Fund and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by the Fund to support its obligations under a similar bilateral swap. However, the CFTC and other applicable regulators have adopted rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps which may result in the Fund and its counterparties posting higher margin amounts for uncleared swaps. Requiring margin on uncleared swaps may reduce, but not eliminate, counterparty credit risk.

In addition, with respect to cleared swaps, the Fund may not be able to obtain as favorable terms as it would be able to negotiate for an uncleared swap. In addition, an FCM may unilaterally impose position limits or additional margin requirements for certain types of swaps in which the Fund may invest. Central counterparties and FCMs generally can require termination of existing cleared swap transactions at any time, and can also require increases in margin above the margin that is required at the initiation of the swap agreement. Margin requirements for cleared swaps vary on a number of factors, and the margin required under the rules of the clearinghouse and FCM may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by the Fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap. However, as noted above, regulators have adopted rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps, which may result in the Fund and its counterparties posting higher margin amounts for uncleared swaps. Requiring margin on uncleared swaps may reduce, but not eliminate, counterparty credit risk.

The Fund is also subject to the risk that, after entering into a cleared swap with an executing broker, no FCM or central counterparty is willing or able to clear the transaction. In such an event, the central counterparty would void the trade. Before the Fund can enter into a new trade, market conditions may become less favorable to the Fund.

The Adviser will continue to monitor developments regarding trading and execution of cleared swaps on exchanges or SEFs, particularly to the extent regulatory changes affect the Fund's ability to enter into swap agreements and the costs and risks associated with such investments.

*Interest Rate Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars.* Interest rate swaps consist of an agreement between two parties to exchange their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed-rate payments). Interest rate swaps are generally entered into on a net basis. Interest rate swaps do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets, or principal. Accordingly, the risk of market loss with respect to interest rate and total rate of return swaps is typically limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make.

Certain Funds may also buy or sell interest rate caps, floors and collars. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified interest rate index exceeds a predetermined level, to receive payments of interest on a specified notional amount from the party selling the interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below a predetermined level, to receive payments of interest on a specified notional amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates. Caps, floors and collars may be less liquid than other types of derivatives.

*Total Return Swaps.* Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in market value of the assets underlying the contract, which may include, but not be limited to, a specified

**47**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swaps may be used to obtain long or short exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market. The Fund may incur a theoretically unlimited loss on short exposures. In comparison, the Fund may incur losses on long exposures, but such losses are limited by the fact that the underlying security's price cannot fall below zero. Total return swaps may effectively add leverage to the Fund's portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

Total return swaps are subject to the risk that a counterparty will default on its payment obligations to the Fund thereunder, and conversely, that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, the Fund will enter into total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted against one another with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).

*Index Swaps.* An index swap consists of an agreement between two parties in which a party typically exchanges a cash flow based on a notional amount of a reference index for a cash flow based on a different index or on another specified instrument or reference rate. Index swaps are generally entered into on a net basis.

*Inflation Swaps.* Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party typically agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index, such as the Consumer Price Index, over the term of the swap (with some lag on the referenced inflation index), and the other party pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swap agreements may be used to protect the NAV of the Fund against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index. The value of inflation swap agreements is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation.

*Currency Swaps.* A currency swap consists of an agreement between two parties to exchange cash flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among them, such as exchanging a right to receive a payment in foreign currency for the right to receive U.S. dollars. Currency swap agreements may be entered into on a net basis or may involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the entire principal value of another designated currency. In such cases, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the counterparty will default on its contractual delivery obligations.

*Credit Default Swaps.* A credit default swap consists of an agreement between two parties in which the "buyer" typically agrees to pay to the "seller" a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and the seller agrees to pay the buyer the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to the issuer of that referenced debt obligation. Generally, a credit event means bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration or modified restructuring. The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in a credit default swap. Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by the issuer of the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and received no benefit from the contract. The use of credit default swaps could result in losses to the Fund if the Adviser fails to correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

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

*General Risks of Swaps.* The risks associated with swap transactions are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments. Swaps are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. The use of swaps requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the swap contract itself. Swap transactions may be subject to the risk factors generally applicable to derivatives transactions described above, and may also be subject to certain additional risk factors, including:

■ OTC swap agreements are not traded on exchanges and may be subject to liquidity risk, which exists when a particular swap is difficult to purchase or sell.

■ In addition to the risk of default by the counterparty, if the creditworthiness of a counterparty to a swap agreement declines, the value of the swap agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses.

■ The swaps market is subject to extensive regulation under the Dodd-Frank Act and certain CFTC and SEC rules promulgated thereunder. It is possible that further developments in the swaps market, including new and additional governmental regulation, could result in higher Fund costs and expenses and could adversely affect the Fund's ability to utilize swaps, terminate existing swap agreements or realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

**Temporary Borrowing.** The Fund is permitted to borrow from banks for extraordinary or emergency purposes. For example, the Fund may borrow for temporary defensive purposes or to meet shareholder redemptions when the Adviser believes that it

**48**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

would not be in the best interests of the Fund to liquidate portfolio holdings. Except in the case of the Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio, the Fund will not purchase additional securities while temporary borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.

The Board of Directors of the Company has approved procedures whereby the Fund together with other investment companies advised by the Adviser or its affiliates may enter into a joint line of credit arrangement with a bank. The Fund would be liable only for its own temporary borrowings under the joint line of credit arrangements.

**Temporary Investments.** When the Adviser believes that changes in market, economic, political or other conditions make it advisable, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, cash equivalents and other fixed-income securities for temporary defensive purposes that may be inconsistent with the Fund's investment strategies. These temporary investments may consist of obligations of the U.S. or foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities; money market instruments; and instruments issued by international development agencies.

**U.S. Treasury Securities.** The U.S. Treasury securities that certain Funds may purchase include U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury. These instruments are direct obligations of the U.S. Government and, as a result, are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. They differ primarily in their interest rates, the lengths of their maturities and the dates of their issuances.

**Variable Interest Entities.** Chinese operating companies sometimes rely on variable interest entity ("VIE") structures to raise capital from non-Chinese investors, even though such arrangements are not formally recognized under Chinese law, because of Chinese government limitations or prohibitions on direct foreign ownership in certain industries, such as restrictions on foreign ownership of telecommunications companies and prohibitions on ownership of educational institutions. Investments in VIEs are subject to unique risks in addition to those generally associated with investments in China. In a VIE structure, a series of contractual arrangements are entered into between a holding company domiciled outside of China and a Chinese operating company or companies, which are intended to mimic direct ownership in the operating company, but in many cases these arrangements have not been tested in court and it is not clear that the contracts are enforceable or that the structures will otherwise work as intended. The offshore holding company, which is not a Chinese operating company but is a holding company formed outside of China and the U.S., then issues exchange-traded shares sold to the public, including non-Chinese investors (such as a Fund). Shares of the offshore entity purchased by a Fund would not be equity ownership interests in the Chinese operating company.

Through these structures, the China-based issuer can consolidate the Chinese operating company in its financial statements, although whether the China-based issuer maintains legal control of the Chinese operating company is a matter of Chinese law. Under this structure, the Chinese operating company, in which the China-based issuer cannot hold an equity interest, typically holds licenses and other assets that the China-based issuer cannot hold directly.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission ("CSRC") released the "Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies" (the "Trial Measures"). The Trial Measures require Chinese companies that pursue listings outside of mainland China, including those that do so using the VIE structure, to make a filing with the CSRC. The Trial Measures suggest that companies already listed using an existing VIE structure will be grandfathered. While the Trial Measures do not prohibit the use of VIE structures, this does not serve as a formal endorsement either.

The offshore entity's control over the Chinese operating company is predicated entirely on contracts with the Chinese operating company, not equity ownership. As a result, the VIE structure may not be as effective as direct ownership in controlling entities organized in China, which often hold the licenses necessary to conduct the company's business in China. Additionally, evolving laws and regulations and inconsistent enforcement, application or interpretation thereof could lead to the VIE's failure to obtain or maintain licenses and permits to do business in China. There is a risk that the offshore company or the VIE (i) may be unable to receive or maintain any required governmental permissions or approvals or (ii) inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required and that applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change and these entities are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future. The VIE structures used by Chinese operating companies pose risks to investors that are not present in other organizational structures. For example, exerting control through contractual arrangements may be less effective than direct equity ownership, and a company may incur substantial costs to enforce the terms of the arrangements, including those relating to the distribution of funds among the entities, because of, among other things, legal uncertainties and jurisdictional limits. Control over, and funds due from, the VIE may be jeopardized if the natural person or persons that hold the equity interest in the VIE breach the terms of the agreement. As a result, the U.S. listed offshore entity could have limited control and lose any control over the VIE.

A Fund's interest would be subject to legal, operational and other risks associated with a Chinese operating company's use of the VIE structure. Although the China Securities Regulatory Commission published its position that it does not object to the use of VIE structures for Chinese operating companies to raise capital from non-Chinese investors, there is no guarantee that the Chinese government would not at any time determine that the contractual arrangements constituting part of the VIE structure do not comply with applicable law or regulations. Alternatively, these laws or regulations could change or be interpreted differently in the future, and the Chinese government may otherwise intervene in or exert influence over VIE structures or the related Chinese operating companies. Further, the Chinese government could determine that the agreements establishing the VIE structure do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, which could subject a China-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of

**49**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

ownership interests. A China-based issuer's control over a VIE may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds the equity interest in the VIE breaches the terms of the agreements, is subject to legal proceedings, or if any physical instruments, such as chops and seals, are used without the China-based issuer's authorization to enter into contractual arrangements in China. Additionally, Chinese tax authorities may disregard the VIE structure, resulting in increased tax liabilities.

If any of these or similar risks or developments materialize, a Fund's investment in the offshore entity may suddenly and significantly decline in value or become worthless because of, among other things, difficulty enforcing (or mobility to enforce) the contractual arrangements or materially adverse effects on the Chinese operating company's performance. A Fund could experience significant losses with no recourse available in these circumstances.

**Warrants.** Warrants give holders the right, but not the obligation, to buy common stock of an issuer at a given price, usually higher than the market price at the time of issuance, during a specified period. Warrants are usually freely transferable. The risk of investing in a warrant is that the warrant may expire prior to the market value of the common stock exceeding the price fixed by the warrant.

**When, As and If Issued Securities.** The Fund may purchase securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis, under which the issuance of the security depends upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring. The commitment for the purchase of any such security will not be recognized in the portfolio of the Fund until the Adviser determines that issuance of the security is probable. At that time, the Fund will record the transaction and, in determining its NAV, will reflect the value of the security daily.

An increase in the percentage of the Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis may increase the volatility of its NAV. The Fund may also sell securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis provided that the issuance of the security will result automatically from the exchange or conversion of a security owned by the Fund at the time of sale.

**When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities, TBAs and Forward Commitments.** The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis or may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis. When these transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of the commitment, but delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date of commitment. The Fund may sell the securities before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. The securities so purchased or sold are subject to market fluctuation and no interest or dividends accrue to the purchaser prior to the settlement date. In addition, the Fund may invest in to-be-announced pass-through mortgage securities, which settle on a delayed delivery basis ("TBAs"). In a TBA transaction, the buyer and seller agree upon general trade parameters such as agency, settlement date, par amount, and price at the time the contract is entered into but the MBS are delivered in the future, generally 30 days later. Accordingly, the Fund's investments in TBAs are subject to risks such as failure of the counterparty to perform its obligation to deliver the security, the characteristics of a security delivered to a Fund may be less favorable than expected and the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery.

At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase or sell securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis, it will record the transaction and thereafter reflect the value, each day, of such security purchased, or if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in determining its NAV. At the time of delivery of the securities, their value may be more or less than the purchase or sale price. An increase in the percentage of the Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis may increase the volatility of its NAV.

**Zero Coupons, Pay-In-Kind Securities or Deferred Payment Securities.** Zero coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities are all types of fixed-income securities on which the holder does not receive periodic cash payments of interest or principal. Generally, these securities are subject to greater price volatility and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities paying cash interest at regular intervals. Although the Fund will not receive cash periodic coupon payments on these securities, the Fund may be deemed to have received interest income, or "phantom income" during the life of the obligation. The Fund may have to distribute such phantom income to avoid taxes at the Fund level, although it has not received any cash payment.

*Zero Coupons.* Zero coupons are fixed-income securities on which the holder does not receive periodic cash payments of interest or principal. Instead, zero coupons are sold at a discount from their face value. The difference between a zero coupon's issue or purchase price and its face value represents the imputed interest an investor will earn if the obligation is held until maturity. For tax purposes, a portion of this imputed interest is deemed as income received by zero coupon bondholders each year. The Fund intends to pass along such interest as a component of the Fund's distributions of net investment income.

Zero coupons may offer investors the opportunity to earn a higher yield than that available on ordinary interest-paying obligations of similar credit quality and maturity. However, zero coupon prices may also exhibit greater price volatility than ordinary fixed-income securities because of the manner in which their principal and interest are returned to the investor.

*Pay-In-Kind Securities.* Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by delivery of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities.

*Deferred Payment Securities.* Deferred payment securities are securities that remain zero coupons until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals.

**50**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**Additional Risks.**

*Special Risks Related to Cyber Security.* The Company and its service providers are susceptible to cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential and highly restricted data; denial of service attacks; unauthorized access to relevant systems; compromises to networks or devices that the Company and its service providers use to service the Company's operations; or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Company and its service providers. The Company and its service providers are also subject to the cyber security and data risks discussed with respect to their use of AI tools, to the extent applicable, and the risk of AI tools and AI generated-content being used in criminal or negligent ways, including for cyberattacks. AI Companies in which the Company invest are also particularly subject to these and other cyber security risks. Cyber attacks against or security breakdowns of the Company or its service providers may adversely impact the Company and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses; the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions; inability to calculate the Fund's NAV; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; and/or additional compliance costs. The Company may incur additional costs for cyber security risk management and remediation purposes. In addition, cyber security risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Company or its service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.

*Regulatory and Legal Risk.* U.S*.* and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional regulations and legislators pass new laws that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders. For example, the SEC recently adopted amendments to rules related to fund names and related strategies, which could result in costs to some Funds in amending their names and/or strategies accordingly. In addition, a rapidly expanding or otherwise more aggressive regulatory environment may impose greater costs on all sectors and on financial services companies in particular.

*Market and Geopolitical Risk.* The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments. These values change daily due to economic and other events that affect or are perceived or expected to affect the U.S. and global markets generally, as well as those that affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies, issuers, sectors, asset classes or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region, sector, industry, market or with respect to one company may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region, sector, industry, or market. For example, adverse developments in the banking or financial services sector could impact companies operating in various sectors or industries (and in turn adversely impact the Fund's investments) and otherwise adversely affect the Fund and its operations. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or changes in interest rates), global demand for particular products or resources, market, political or financial system instability or uncertainty, embargoes, the threat and/or actual imposition of tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events, such as terrorist attacks around the world, natural disasters, social and political discord or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in increased market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. The occurrence of such events may be sudden and unexpected, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets or economies may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value, liquidity and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio, as well as its ability to sell securities to meet redemptions. In addition, no active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such assets. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. As global systems, economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, events that once had only local impact are now more likely to have regional or even global effects. Events that occur in one country, region or financial market will, more frequently, adversely impact issuers in other countries, regions or markets. These impacts can be exacerbated by failures of governments and societies to adequately respond to an emerging event or threat. These types of events quickly and significantly impact markets in the U.S. and across the globe leading to extreme market volatility and disruption. The extent and nature of the impact on supply chains or economies and markets from these events is unknown, particularly if a health emergency or other similar event, persists for an extended period of time. Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes and supply chain disruption could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the economies and financial markets and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could

**51**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations. The value of the Fund's investments may decrease as a result of such events, particularly if these events adversely impact the operations and effectiveness of the Adviser or key service providers or if these events disrupt systems and processes necessary or beneficial to the investment advisory or other activities on behalf the Fund.

Additionally, health crises and geopolitical developments have in the past, and may in the future, adversely impact a number of industries, including but not limited to retail, transportation, hospitality and entertainment. In addition to these or other developments having adverse consequences for certain companies and other issuers in which the Fund invests and the value of the Fund's investments therein, the operations of the Adviser (including those relating to the Fund) could be impacted adversely, including through quarantine measures and travel restrictions imposed on the Adviser's or service providers' personnel located in affected countries, regions or local areas, or any related health issues of such personnel. Any of the foregoing events could materially and adversely affect the Adviser's ability to source, manage and divest investments on behalf of the Fund and pursue the Fund's investment objectives and strategies. Similar consequences could arise with respect to other infectious diseases.

Low or high interest rates may magnify the risks associated with rising interest rates. During periods of low interest rates, the Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk (i.e., the risks associated with changes in interest rates) may be magnified, its yield and income may be diminished and its performance may be adversely affected (e.g., during periods of low interest rates, the Fund may be unable to maintain positive returns). Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on markets, including market volatility and reduced liquidity, and may adversely affect the Fund's yield, income and performance. In addition, government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic and market consequences that adversely affect the Fund's investments.

Investments in certain debt securities will be especially subject to the risk that, during certain periods, the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities within a particular investment category, may shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political events, or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Government and other public debt, can be adversely affected by large and sudden changes in local and global economic conditions that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments. Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

**ESG Investment Risk.** To the extent that the Adviser considers environmental, social and/or governance ("ESG") issues, the Fund's performance may be impacted. Additionally, the Adviser's consideration of ESG issues may require subjective analysis based on qualitative assessments and the ability of the Adviser to consider ESG issues may be impacted by data availability for a particular company or issuer (or obligor), including if the data is inaccurate, incomplete, unavailable or based on estimates. The Adviser's consideration of ESG issues may contribute to the Adviser's decision to buy, sell or forgo investing in certain securities, which may impact the Fund's performance. ESG issues with respect to an issuer (or obligor) or the Adviser's assessment of such may change over time. The consideration of ESG issues within the Adviser's investment decision-making process for the Fund may vary across asset classes, industries and sectors. When deemed by the Adviser to be relevant to its evaluation of a company's financial performance and when applicable information is available, the Adviser considers financially material ESG issues which may impact the prospects of an issuer or long-term stock price performance of a company. When considered, one or more ESG issues are taken into account alongside other factors in the investment decision-making process and are not the sole determinant of whether an investment can be made or will remain in the Fund's portfolio.

**Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology Risk.** The Company, its third-party vendors, shareholders, financial intermediaries or counterparties with which it interacts directly or indirectly may use or rely on proprietary and/or third-party technology, including artificial intelligence solutions. Artificial intelligence ("AI") refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, including but not limited to machine learning, natural language processing, and generative and agentic AI technologies. These systems are designed to analyze data, learn from patterns, make decisions and solve problems. Actual usage of AI will vary and is likely to change over time. Investors should be aware that the use of AI tools, while potentially beneficial, presents a range of risks and may result in material adverse consequences (such as operational errors and investment/risks) for the Company and/or its third-party vendors, shareholders, financial intermediaries or counterparties, and no assurance can be given that any controls adopted to govern the use of AI will fully mitigate the risks associated with AI technologies. In addition, AI technologies and their current and potential future applications, and the regulatory frameworks within which they operate, continue to quickly evolve, and it is impossible to anticipate the full scope of future AI capabilities or rules and the associated risks

**52**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

*Risk of Errors:* AI tools may produce inaccurate, biased, insufficient, discriminatory, misleading, incomplete, undetectable manipulative or otherwise flawed responses due to (among other things) limitations in training data, algorithmic design or operational oversight. Such deficiencies may result in operational errors, investment losses, reputational, financial, or social harm, legal liability, regulatory scrutiny or other adverse effects. The deployment and supervision of AI tools may increase operational and compliance risks. Inappropriate use of AI tools or overreliance on AI outputs without adequate human oversight may further exacerbate these risks.

*Explainability Risk:* The Company may have limited visibility into the data sources, methodologies or decision-making processes underlying AI tools, which may complicate the assessment of reliability and risks of such AI tools. Errors or defects in the coding or design of AI tools may only become apparent after widespread deployment of such tools. Additionally, AI tools may present challenges in transparency, explainability, and traceability. Users of AI tools may not be able to fully explain how decisions are made or how data is processed, which could lead to operational, regulatory, or reputational risks.

*Regulatory/Legal Risks:* The legal and regulatory environment relating to AI is uncertain and evolving and future changes, such as those related to privacy, data protection and intellectual property, could have an impact on the use of AI and existing or emerging technologies that could impact the Company and/or its third-party vendors, shareholders, financial intermediaries or counterparties. It is possible that future changes in applicable legal and regulatory requirements could increase compliance costs. Any of these risks could adversely affect the Company and/or its third-party vendors, shareholders, financial intermediaries or counterparties. Additionally, regulatory actions or legal challenges may impose restrictions or obligations that affect operational efficiency or compliance posture. There is no assurance the Company can successfully assert proprietary rights in output generated by its use of AI tools.

*Third-Party Use and Operational Resilience Risk:* The Company may not be able to control the use of AI technologies in third-party products or services, including those provided by the Company's service providers and/or other entities with which it interacts directly or indirectly. The use of third-party and open-source AI tools (if any) can pose additional risks relating to data protection and information security, including the potential exposure of confidential information to unauthorized recipients and the misuse of intellectual property, which could adversely affect the Company. Reliance on a limited number of foundation models or third-party vendors may create concentration risk, potentially impacting operational resiliency and increasing vulnerability to systemic disruption.

*Cybersecurity Risk:* AI tools may be subject to heightened security vulnerabilities, cyber attacks, and/or other acts by malicious actors. Unauthorized persons who gain access to AI tools used by the Company and/or its third-party vendors, shareholders, financial intermediaries or counterparties, or the underlying datasets thereof, may be able to access the Company's or investor's data, to impede or disrupt the Company and/or its third-party vendors, shareholders, financial intermediaries or counterparties' ability to perform their functions, or corrupt the underlying AI tool through techniques such as data poisoning, which may cause the AI tools to produce erroneous outputs.

*Additional Risks of AI Tools:* The misuse of AI tools, whether intentional or inadvertent, may expose the Company to additional risks. In addition, AI tools and technology are evolving rapidly and the integration of AI in systems and operations create new risks that can be difficult to assess and anticipate. For example, "agentic AI" (generally, a more autonomous version of AI) is a new area of AI that may be considered particularly speculative and risks may be heightened with respect to the use of "agentic AI" by the Company and/ or its third-party vendors, shareholders, financial intermediaries or counterparties.

**Investments in Artificial Intelligence Companies.** The Company may invest in companies involved in, or exposed to AI and related technologies ("AI Companies"), which are subject to a wide additional range of risks that may adversely affect the performance of the Company's investment.

*Market and Business Risks:* Many AI Companies have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel and may be particularly sensitive to fluctuations in consumer demand, rapid changes in business cycles, world economic growth, technological progress and industry trends. Securities of AI Companies, especially smaller or start-up firms, tend to be more volatile than those of companies that do not rely heavily on the growth of such technology and business. In addition, prices of securities of AI Companies may be based on expectations that might not materialize and are particularly subject to investor sentiment that could shift and, in each case, such developments could cause losses for the Company's investments in AI Companies.

*Technology and Product Risks:* AI Companies face intense competition and the risk of rapid product obsolescence. The success of their products and services is not guaranteed and may be impacted by unpredictable changes in growth rates and frequent new product introductions. Many AI Companies invest heavily in research and development, mergers and acquisitions and other innovation efforts, which may not yield successful outcomes or favorable financial results. For example, in addition, "agentic AI" (generally, a more autonomous version of AI) is a new area of AI that may be considered particularly speculative. Risks associated with investment in, or exposure to, AI Companies are heightened for companies devoting substantial resources to "agentic AI".

*Intellectual Property Risks:* AI Companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets. Loss, impairment or misappropriation of these rights could materially affect their operations and financial prospects. There is no assurance that AI Companies will be able to adequately protect their proprietary technologies or prevent competitors from developing substantially similar or superior technologies.

**53**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

*Cybersecurity and Data Risks:* AI Companies are potential targets for cyberattacks, which could result in reputational harm, legal liability and operational disruption. AI technology is highly reliant on the collection and analysis of large datasets. Inaccurate, incomplete or biased data may lead to flawed outputs and decision-making errors. AI Companies may also rely on a limited number of foundation models or third-party vendors, which may create concentration risk, potentially impacting operational resiliency and increasing vulnerability to systemic disruption.

*Regulatory Risks:* The legal and regulatory environment relating to AI is uncertain and evolving and future changes, such as those related to privacy, data protection and intellectual property, could have an impact on the operations of AI Companies. In addition, AI Companies could face increasing government and regulatory scrutiny in the future and may be subject to adverse government or legal action, which may limit the development of this technology and impede the growth of AI Companies. Similarly, the collection, storage, processing and safeguarding of data from consumers and other sources could face increased regulatory scrutiny. AI Companies may face regulatory fines and penalties, including forced break-ups, that could hinder their ability to operate on an ongoing basis.

*Sector and Geographic Concentration Risks:* Customers and suppliers of AI Companies may be concentrated in specific countries, regions or industries. Adverse events affecting these areas could negatively impact performance. Additionally, country, government, and/or region-specific legislation, regulations or restrictions could have an adverse impact on AI Companies. AI Companies may face increased risk from trade agreements between countries that develop these technologies and countries in which customers of these technologies are based. Lack of resolution or potential imposition of trade tariffs may hinder the companies' ability to successfully deploy their inventories. AI Companies may also be exposed to risks from other sectors, such as robotics, which may amplify the impact of negative developments.

*Shareholders should note that the Fund reserves the right to, at any time, discontinue offering its shares, merge or reorganize itself (or a class of shares, if applicable) into another fund, or cease operations and liquidate, subject in each case to shareholder approval to the extent required by applicable law and regulation or the relevant organizational documents.*

**TAXES**

The following is only a summary of certain additional federal income and excise tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not described in the Funds' prospectuses. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Funds or their shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Funds' prospectuses is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations, including their state and local tax liabilities.

The following general discussion of certain federal income and excise tax consequences is based on the Code, and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

Each Fund is generally treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes, and thus the provisions of the Code generally will be applied to the Fund separately, rather than to the Company as a whole.

**Federal Income Tax Treatment of Shareholders**

Shares of the Funds will be purchased by life insurance companies for their separate accounts under variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and by other entities under qualified pension and retirement plans. Under the provisions of the Code currently in effect, net income and net realized capital gains of Funds of the Company are not currently taxable when distributed to and left to accumulate within a variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy or under a qualified pension or retirement plan.

Section 817(h) of the Code provides that the investments of a separate account underlying a variable insurance contract (or the investments of a mutual fund, the shares of which are owned by the variable separate account) must be "adequately diversified" in order for the contract to be treated as an annuity or as life insurance for federal income tax purposes. The Treasury Department has issued regulations explaining these diversification requirements. These regulations generally provide that, as of the end of each calendar quarter or within 30 days thereafter no more than 55% of the total assets of a Fund may be represented by any one investment, no more than 70% by any two investments, no more than 80% by any three investments and no more than 90% by any four investments. For this purpose, all securities of the same issuer are considered a single investment, and each U.S. government agency and instrumentality is considered a separate issuer. Section 817(h) of the Code provides, as a safe harbor, that a separate account will be treated as being adequately diversified if the diversification requirements under Subchapter M of the Code are satisfied and no more than 55% of the value of the account's total assets is attributable to cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies. Each Fund intends to continue to comply with such requirements. Failure by a Fund to satisfy these diversification requirements would generally cause the variable contracts to lose their favorable tax status and require a contract holder to include as ordinary income any income accrued under the contracts for the current and all prior taxable years.

**54**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

For information on federal income taxation of a life insurance company with respect to its receipt of distributions from the Company and federal income taxation of owners of the company's variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies, refer to the life insurance company's variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy prospectus.

**Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company**

The Company intends that each of its Funds elect and qualify to be treated for each taxable year as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. Qualification as a RIC requires, among other things, that (a) at least 90% of the Fund's gross income be derived from interest, dividends, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or options thereon or foreign currencies, net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies; and (b) the Fund 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, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the Fund's total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs), or in two or more issuers that are controlled by the Fund and that are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses. It is anticipated that any net gain realized from the closing out of futures contracts will be considered gain from the sale of securities and therefore be qualified income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described above. Net income derived from an interest in a "qualified publicly traded partnership," as defined in the Code, will be treated as qualified income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement. For the purposes of the diversification requirements in clause (ii) above, the outstanding voting securities of any issuer includes the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. In addition, no more than 25% of the value of a RIC's total assets may be invested in the securities of one or more qualified traded partnerships.

For purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described above, the Code expressly provides the U.S. Treasury with authority to issue regulations that would exclude foreign currency gains from qualifying income if such gains are not directly related to a Fund's business of investing in stock or securities. While to date the U.S. Treasury has not exercised this regulatory authority, there can be no assurance that it will not issue regulations in the future (possibly with retroactive application) that would treat some or all of a Fund's foreign currency gains as non-qualifying income. For purposes of the diversification requirement described above, a Fund will not be treated as in violation of such requirement as a result of a discrepancy between the value of its various investments and the diversification percentages described above, unless such discrepancy exists immediately following the acquisition of any security or other property and is wholly or partly the result of such acquisition. Moreover, even in the event of noncompliance with the diversification requirement as of the end of any given quarter, a Fund is permitted to cure the violation by eliminating the discrepancy causing such noncompliance within a period of 30 days from the close of the relevant quarter.

Each of the Discovery Portfolio and Growth Portfolio may seek to gain exposure to bitcoin through investments in a Bitcoin Subsidiary. The Global Strategist Portfolio may seek to gain exposure to bitcoin and the commodity markets through investments in the Global Strategist Subsidiary. Historically, the IRS has issued private letter rulings in which the IRS specifically concluded that income and gains from investments in a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary that invests in commodity-linked instruments are "qualifying income" for purposes of the 90% gross income test described above. The Funds have not received such a private letter ruling, and are not able to rely on private letter rulings issued to other taxpayers. The IRS issued regulations that would generally treat a Fund's income inclusion with respect to a Subsidiary as qualifying income either if (i) there is a current distribution out of the earnings and profits of the Subsidiary that are attributable to such income inclusion or (ii) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. The tax treatment of a Fund's investments in a Subsidiary may be adversely affected by future legislation, court decisions, Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income derived from such investments is "qualifying income" under Subchapter M of the Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund's taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Fund. No assurances can be provided that the IRS would not be able to successfully assert that a Fund's income from such investments was not "qualifying income," in which case the Fund would fail to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code if over 10% of its gross income was derived from these investments. If the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC, it would be subject to federal and state income tax on all of its taxable income at regular corporate tax rates with no deduction for any distributions paid to shareholders, which would significantly adversely affect the returns to, and could cause substantial losses for, Fund shareholders. Additionally, the failure of a Fund to qualify as a RIC could result in significant adverse tax consequences for the holders of the contracts and annuities which invest in the Fund through a separate account.

A foreign corporation, such as a Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless it is deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business. The rules regarding whether the Subsidiary will be treated as engaged in a U.S. trade or business as a result of its bitcoin related investments are not certain. It is expected that each Subsidiary will conduct its activities in a manner so as to meet the requirements of a safe harbor under Section 864(b)(2) of the Code under which the Subsidiary may engage in trading in stocks or securities or certain commodities without being deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business. However, if certain of a Subsidiary's activities were determined not to be of the type described in the safe harbor, then the activities of the Subsidiary may constitute a U.S. trade or business, or be taxed as such. In general, a foreign corporation, such as a Subsidiary, that does not conduct a U.S. trade or business is nonetheless subject to tax at a flat rate of

**55**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

30 percent (or lower tax treaty rate), generally payable through withholding, on the gross amount of certain U.S.-source income that is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. There is presently no tax treaty in force between the U.S. and the Cayman Islands that would reduce this rate of withholding tax. It is not expected that any Subsidiary will derive income subject to such withholding tax.

Each Subsidiary will be treated as a controlled foreign corporation and each Fund will be treated as a "U.S. shareholder" of the Subsidiary. As a result, each Fund will be required to include in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of a Subsidiary's "Subpart F income," whether or not such income is distributed by the Subsidiary. Each Fund's recognition of a Subsidiary's "Subpart F income" will increase the Fund's tax basis in its respective Subsidiary. Distributions by a Subsidiary to a Fund will be tax-free, to the extent of their previously undistributed "Subpart F income," and will correspondingly reduce the Fund's tax basis in the Subsidiary. "Subpart F income" is generally treated as ordinary income, regardless of the character of a Subsidiary's underlying income. If a net loss is realized by a Subsidiary, such loss is not generally available to offset the income earned by a Fund, and such loss cannot be carried forward to offset taxable income of the Fund or the Subsidiary in future periods.

In addition to the requirements described above, in order to qualify as a RIC, each Fund must distribute an amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of the Fund's investment company taxable income (that generally includes dividends, taxable interest, currency gains, and the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses less operating expenses) and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income, if any, to shareholders (the "Distribution Requirement"). If a Fund meets all of the RIC requirements, it will not be subject to federal income tax on any of its net investment income or net realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. Although each Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and may distribute its net realized capital gains for any taxable year, a Fund will be subject to federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed.

A Fund is generally permitted to carry forward a net capital loss in any taxable year to offset its own capital gains, if any. These amounts are available to be carried forward to offset future capital gains to the extent permitted by the Code and applicable tax regulations. Any such loss carryforwards will retain their character as short-term or long-term.

Certain Funds may make certain investments indirectly through one or more entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such entities will generally be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax, and possibly other taxes, on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the Fund's return on income derived from such investments.

Some of the Funds may make investments that cause the Funds to recognize income or gain prior to receiving cash with respect to such investments. For example, in the event that the Funds invest in securities that bear "original issue discount" or "acquisition discount" (collectively, "OID Securities") they will be deemed to have received interest income even though no cash payments have been received. Accordingly, such investments may not produce sufficient current cash receipts to match the amount of net investment income a Fund must distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement. In some cases, a Fund may have to borrow money or dispose of other investments in order to make sufficient cash distributions to satisfy the Distribution Requirement.

If a Fund fails to qualify for any taxable year as a RIC, all of its taxable income will be subject to tax at regular corporate income tax rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders.

A Fund's transactions in derivatives (such as futures contracts and swaps) will be subject to special tax rules, the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions made by a Fund. A Fund's use of derivatives may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gains and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not use derivatives.

Positions held by a Fund in certain regulated futures contracts and foreign currency contracts ("Section 1256 Contracts") will generally be marked-to-market (i.e., treated as though sold for fair market value) on the last business day of the Fund's taxable year and all gain or loss associated with such transactions (except certain currency gains covered by Section 988 of the Code) will generally be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. The effect of the Section 1256 mark-to-market rules may be to accelerate income or to convert what otherwise would have been long-term capital gain into short-term capital gain or short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses within a Fund. The acceleration of income on Section 1256 Contracts may require a Fund to accrue taxable income without a corresponding receipt of cash. In order to generate enough cash to satisfy the Distribution Requirement, a Fund may be required to dispose of portfolio securities that it otherwise would have continued to hold or to use cash flows from other sources. Any or all of these rules may, therefore, affect the amount, character or timing of income earned and, in turn, affect the application of the Distribution Requirement to a particular Fund.

Short sales engaged in by a Fund may reduce the holding period of property held by a Fund which is substantially identical to the property sold short. This rule may have the effect of converting capital gains recognized by a Fund from long-term to short-term as well as converting capital losses recognized by a Fund from short-term to long-term.

Certain foreign exchange gains and losses realized by a Fund may be treated as ordinary income and losses.

**56**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**Federal Excise Tax**

No Fund will be subject to the 4% excise tax normally imposed on RICs that do not distribute substantially all of their income and gains each calendar year, because that tax does not apply to a RIC whose only shareholders are segregated asset accounts of life insurance companies held in connection with variable annuity accounts and/or variable life insurance policies and certain trusts under qualified pension and retirement plans.

**Certain Tax Information Reporting Considerations**

Because of the nature of the rules governing how REITs report their income and the timing of REITs issuing year-end tax information, to the extent a Fund invests in REITs, the Fund may need to estimate the character of distributions paid to its shareholders from REIT distributions. In addition, after the calendar year-end, REITs may recharacterize the nature of the distributions paid during that year, with the result that distributions previously identified as ordinary income are recharacterized as return of capital and/or capital gain. As a result, the composition of the Fund's distributions as reported initially may differ from the final composition determined after calendar year-end and reported to the Fund's shareholders on their year-end tax information statements.

**Foreign Income Taxes**

To the extent a Fund invests in foreign securities, the Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to its dividend and interest income from foreign countries, thus reducing the net amount available for distribution to the Fund's shareholders. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries that may entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of, or exemption from, taxes on such income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign taxes in advance because the amount of the Fund's assets to be invested within various countries is not known. A Fund incurring foreign taxes, if eligible, may elect to pass-through allowable foreign tax credits. The benefits, which may be potentially material, of this election will inure only to the insurance company that issued the variable contract and will not be shared with the contract holders.

**Dividends Received Deduction**

A Fund that receives dividend income from U.S. sources will annually report certain amounts of its dividends paid as eligible for the dividends received deduction. The benefits, which may be potentially material, of these reports will inure only to the insurance company that issued the variable contract and will not be shared with the contract holders.

**State and Local Tax Considerations**

Rules of U.S. state and local taxation of dividend and capital gains distributions from regulated investment companies often differ from the rules for U.S. federal income taxation described above. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the consequences of these and other U.S. state and local tax rules regarding an investment in the Fund.

**PURCHASE OF SHARES**

The purchase price of a share of the Fund of the Company is the NAV next determined after the order is received by the Company or its designee. NAV for Class I and Class II shares of a Fund will differ due to class specific expenses paid by each class, if any, and the 12b-1 fee charged to Class II shares. For the Fund of the Company, an order received prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) will be executed at the price computed on the date of receipt; and an order received after the close of the NYSE will be executed at the price computed on the next day the NYSE is open as long as the Company's transfer agent receives payment by check or in Federal Funds. Shares of the Fund may be purchased on any day the NYSE is open except as noted below. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase and redemption orders until, and calculate its NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations. The Fund may elect to remain open and price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open.

Shares may, in the Company's discretion, be purchased with investment securities (in lieu of or in conjunction with cash) acceptable to the Company. The securities would be acceptable by the Company at their market value in return for Fund Shares of equal value.

The Company may accept orders from participating insurance companies after the close of the NYSE. In these cases, all orders received by a participating insurance company on a business day are aggregated and the insurance company places a net purchase or redemption order for shares of one or more Funds later that day or the morning of the next business day. These orders are normally executed at the NAV that was computed at the close of the day on which the insurance company received the order.

The Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to suspend the offering of its shares and to reject purchase orders when in the judgment of management such rejection is in the best interest of the Fund.

**57**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**REDEMPTION OF SHARES**

The Company normally makes payment for all shares redeemed within one business day of receipt of the request, and in no event more than seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order. The Company may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed, or trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for a Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

If the Adviser determines that it is in the best interest of the Company or the Fund not to pay redemption proceeds in cash, and subject to applicable agreements with life insurance companies and other qualified investors, the Company may distribute to you securities held by the Fund from which you are redeeming. If requested, the Fund will pay a portion of your redemption(s) in cash (during any 90 day period) up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets of the Fund at the beginning of such period. Such in-kind securities may be illiquid and difficult or impossible for a shareholder to sell at a time and at a price that a shareholder would like. In addition, you may incur brokerage costs and a further gain or loss for income tax purposes when you ultimately sell the securities.

**INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS**

**Fundamental Limitations**

Each current Fund has adopted the following restrictions, which are fundamental policies and may not be changed without the approval of the lesser of: (1) at least 67% of the voting securities of the Fund present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Each Fund of the Company may not:

1. purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments; provided that this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts and related options thereon, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars and any other financial instruments or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities or as otherwise permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act;

2. purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase and sell securities of companies that deal in real estate and may purchase and sell securities that are secured by interests in real estate;

3. make loans of money or property to any person, except (a) to the extent that securities or interests in which the Fund may invest are considered to be loans, (b) through the loan of portfolio securities, (c) by engaging in repurchase agreements, or (d) as may otherwise be permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Company from the provision of the 1940 Act;

4. except with respect to the Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio, invest in a manner inconsistent with its classification as a "diversified company" as provided by (i) the 1940 Act, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act;

5. borrow money, except the Fund may borrow money to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Company from the provisions of the 1940 Act;

6. issue senior securities, except the Fund may issue senior securities to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act;

7. underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act in the disposition of restricted securities; and

8. acquire any securities of companies within one industry if, as a result of such acquisition, more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested in securities of companies within such industry; provided, that (i) there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or instruments issued by U.S. banks; (ii) utility companies will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry; (iii) financial service companies will be classified according to the end users of their services, for example, automobile finance, bank finance and diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry; and (iv) asset-backed securities will be classified according to the underlying assets securing such securities.

**Non-Fundamental Limitations**

In addition, each Fund of the Company has adopted the following non-fundamental investment limitations, which may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Each Fund of the Company will not:

**58**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

1. invest its assets in securities of any investment company, except as permitted by the 1940 Act or the rules, regulations, interpretations or orders of the SEC and its staff thereunder;

2. make loans except (i) by purchasing bonds, debentures or similar obligations (including repurchase agreements, subject to the limitations as described in the prospectus) that are publicly distributed and (ii) by lending its portfolio securities to banks, brokers, dealers and other financial institutions, so long as such loans are not inconsistent with the 1940 Act or the Rules and Regulations or interpretations of the SEC thereunder;

3. purchase on margin except that (i) each Fund may make margin deposits in connection with short sales of securities, derivatives and other similar transactions; and (ii) each Fund may use short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities; and

4. except in the case of the Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio, borrow money, other than temporarily or for extraordinary or emergency purposes or purchase additional securities when borrowings exceed 5% of total (gross) assets.

Whether diversified or non-diversified, each Fund will diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year or within 30 days thereafter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's total assets is represented by cash (including cash items and receivables), U.S. Government securities and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, for purposes of this calculation to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 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 of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities), or in two or more issuers that are controlled by the Fund and that are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or in one or more qualified traded partnerships.

The percentage limitations contained in these fundamental and non-fundamental limitations apply at the time of purchase of securities. A later change in percentage resulting from changes in a Fund's assets or in total or net assets of the Fund will not be considered a violation of the restriction and the sale of securities will not be required. The foregoing does not apply to borrowings. Future Funds of the Company may adopt different limitations.

The investments of life insurance company separate accounts made under variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies are subject to state insurance laws and regulations. The Company and its Funds will, when required, comply with investment restrictions imposed under such laws and regulations on life insurance company separate accounts investing in the Funds.

In addition, Section 817(h) of the Code requires that the assets of each Fund be adequately diversified so that insurance companies, and not variable contract owners, are considered the owners for federal income tax purposes of the assets held in the separate accounts. To meet the diversification requirements of regulations issued under Section 817(h), each Fund will meet the following test: no more than 55% of the assets will be invested in any one investment; no more than 70% of the assets will be invested in any two investments; no more than 80% of the assets will be invested in any three investments; and no more than 90% will be invested in any four investments. Each Fund must meet the above diversification requirements within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter.

The investment policies, limitations or practices of the Funds may not apply during periods of unusual or adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. Such market, economic, political or other conditions may include periods of abnormal or heightened market volatility, strained credit and/or liquidity conditions or increased governmental intervention in the markets or industries. During such periods, a Fund may not invest according to its principal investment strategies or in the manner in which its name may suggest, and may be subject to different and/or heightened risks. It is possible that such unusual or adverse conditions may continue for extended periods of time. See "Investment Policies and Strategies — Fixed-Income Securities — Temporary Investments."

For purposes of policies adopted in accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, the term "assets," as defined in Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, means net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes.

**MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY**

**General.** The Directors oversee the Company's affairs under the laws governing corporations in the State of Maryland. The Directors have approved contracts under which certain companies provide essential management, administrative and shareholder services to the Company.

**Directors and Officers.** The Board of the Company consists of ten Directors. These same individuals also serve as directors or trustees for certain of the funds advised by the Adviser and Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP. None of the Directors have an affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons or own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser's parent company, Morgan Stanley. These are the "non-interested" or "Independent" Directors as defined under the 1940 Act.

**Board Structure and Oversight Function.** The Board's leadership structure features an Independent Director serving as Chairperson and the Board Committees described below. The Chairperson participates in the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the Board and the preparation of information to be presented to the Board with respect to matters to be acted

**59**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

upon by the Board. The Chairperson also presides at all meetings of the Board and is involved in discussions regarding matters pertaining to the oversight of the management of the Company between meetings.

The Board of Directors operates using a system of committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of all matters of importance to the Directors, the Company and Company shareholders, and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and oversight of the Company's activities and associated risks. The Board of Directors has established six standing committees: (1) Audit Committee, (2) Governance Committee, (3) Compliance and Insurance Committee, (4) Equity Investment Committee, (5) Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee and (6) Risk Committee, which are each comprised exclusively of Independent Directors. Each committee charter governs the scope of the committee's responsibilities with respect to the oversight of the Company. The responsibilities of each committee, including their oversight responsibilities, are described further under the caption "Independent Directors and the Committees."

The Funds are subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance, operational and valuation risk, among others. The Board of Directors oversees these risks as part of its broader oversight of the Company's affairs through various Board and committee activities. The Board has adopted, and periodically reviews, policies and procedures designed to address various risks to the Company. In addition, appropriate personnel, including but not limited to the Company's Chief Compliance Officer, members of the Company's administration and accounting teams, representatives from the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, the Company's Treasurer, portfolio management personnel, risk management personnel and independent valuation and brokerage evaluation service provider, make regular reports regarding the Company's activities and related risks to the Board of Directors and the committees, as appropriate. These reports include, among others, quarterly performance reports, quarterly risk reports and discussions with members of the risk teams relating to each asset class. The Board's committee structure allows separate committees to focus on different aspects of risk and the potential impact of these risks on some or all of the funds in the complex and then report back to the full Board. In between regular meetings, Company officers also communicate with the Directors regarding material exceptions and items relevant to the Board's risk oversight function. The Board recognizes that it is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect the Company, and that it is not possible to develop processes and controls to eliminate all of the risks that may affect the Company. Moreover, the Board recognizes that it may be necessary for the Funds to bear certain risks (such as investment risk) to achieve their respective investment objectives.

As needed between meetings of the Board, the Board or a specific committee receives and reviews reports relating to the Company and engages in discussions with appropriate parties relating to the Company's operations and related risks.

**Directors.** The Company seeks as Directors individuals of distinction and experience in business and finance, government service or academia. In determining that a particular Director was and continues to be qualified to serve as Director, the Board has considered a variety of criteria, none of which, in isolation, was controlling. Based on a review of the experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Director, including those enumerated in the table below, the Board has determined that each of the Directors is qualified to serve as a Director of the Company. In addition, the Board believes that, collectively, the Directors have balanced and diverse experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that allow the Board to operate effectively in governing the Company and protecting the interests of shareholders. Information about the Company's Governance Committee and Board of Directors nomination process is provided below under the caption "Independent Directors and the Committees."

The Directors of the Company, their birth years, addresses, positions held, length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years and other relevant professional experience, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex (described herein) overseen by each Independent Director and other directorships, if any, held by the Directors, are shown below (as of December 31, 2025). The Fund Complex includes all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Adviser and any registered funds that have an adviser that is an affiliate of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP) (the "Morgan Stanley AIP Funds").

**60**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and** **Birth Year of** **Independent Director** | **Position(s) Held** **with Registrant** | **Length of**<br>**Time**<br>**Served** **\*** | **Principal** **Occupation(s)** **During Past 5 Years** **and Other Relevant** **Professional** **Experience** | **Number of Funds**<br>**in Fund Complex** **Overseen by** **Independent** **Director** | **Other Directorships Held** **by Independent Director** **During Past 5 Years** **\*\*** |
| Frances L. Cashman<br>c/o Morgan, Lewis and<br>Bockius LLP<br>Counsel to the<br>Independent Trustees<br>One State Street<br>Hartford, CT 06103<br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Since March 2022 | Formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Portfolio, Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (2021-2024); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010). | 80 | Board Director and Member of the Membership Committee, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (since May 2025); Trustee and Member of the Audit and Investment Committees, Baltimore Equitable Insurance (since May 2025); Board Director and Member of the Marketing Committee, Archdiocese of Baltimore School Board (since May 2025); Trustee, Chair of the Advancement Committee and Member of the Investment Committee, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (since December 2024); Trustee and Investment Committee Member, Georgia Tech Foundation (Since June 2019); Formerly, Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, and Member of Finance Committee, Loyola Blakefield (2017-2023); Formerly, Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (2017-2023). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis<br>c/o Morgan, Lewis and<br>Bockius LLP<br>Counsel to the<br>Independent Trustees<br>One State Street<br>Hartford, CT 06103<br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since<br>August<br>2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006); Senior Vice President, Chase Bank (1984-1993). | 79 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2014-2024); Director of various non-profit organizations. |

---

**61**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and** **Birth Year of** **Independent Director** | **Position(s) Held** **with Registrant** | **Length of**<br>**Time**<br>**Served** **\*** | **Principal** **Occupation(s)** **During Past 5 Years** **and Other Relevant** **Professional** **Experience** | **Number of Funds**<br>**in Fund Complex** **Overseen by** **Independent** **Director** | **Other Directorships Held** **by Independent Director** **During Past 5 Years** **\*\*** |
| Nancy C. Everett<br>c/o Morgan, Lewis and Bockius LLP<br>Counsel to the Independent Trustees<br>One State Street<br>Hartford, CT 06103<br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since<br>January<br>2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); Formerly, Interim Vice President for Investment Management, Dominion Energy (2024-2025); Formerly, Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (2015-2024); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 80 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |

---

**62**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and** **Birth Year of** **Independent Director** | **Position(s) Held** **with Registrant** | **Length of**<br>**Time**<br>**Served** **\*** | **Principal** **Occupation(s)** **During Past 5 Years** **and Other Relevant** **Professional** **Experience** | **Number of Funds**<br>**in Fund Complex** **Overseen by** **Independent** **Director** | **Other Directorships Held** **by Independent Director** **During Past 5 Years** **\*\*** |
| Richard G. Gould III<br>c/o Morgan, Lewis and Bockius LLP<br>Counsel to the Independent<br>Directors One State<br>Street Hartford, CT<br>06103<br>Birth Year: 1959 | Director | Since June 2024 | Global Chief Executive Officer, CLSA Ltd. (2019-2021); Chief Executive Officer, Americas, CLSA Americas, LLC (2014-2021); Head of Global Sales, Bloomberg Tradebook, Bloomberg LP (2010- 2014); Founding Member, Executive Vice President, Information Services Group (2006- 2010); Managing Director, Morgan Stanley (1990-2006); Executive Director, International Portfolio Trading & Derivatives, Morgan Stanley (1988-1990); Vice President, International Portfolio Trading & Derivatives, Morgan Stanley (1986-1988) Equity Derivatives Trading, Lehman Brothers (1983-1986). | 80 | Global Management Committee Member, CLSA (2014-2020); Broking Executive Committee Member, CLSA (2014-2020) |

---

**63**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and** **Birth Year of** **Independent Director** | **Position(s) Held** **with Registrant** | **Length of**<br>**Time**<br>**Served** **\*** | **Principal** **Occupation(s)** **During Past 5 Years** **and Other Relevant** **Professional** **Experience** | **Number of Funds**<br>**in Fund Complex** **Overseen by** **Independent** **Director** | **Other Directorships Held** **by Independent Director** **During Past 5 Years** **\*\*** |
| Eddie A. Grier<br>c/o Morgan, Lewis and Bockius LLP<br>Counsel to the Independent Trustees<br>One State Street<br>Hartford, CT 06103<br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (2021-2025); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 80 | Formerly, Director, Witt/Kieffer, Inc. (executive search) (2016-2024); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (2021-2024); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler<br>c/o Morgan, Lewis and Bockius LLP<br>Counsel to the Independent Trustees<br>One State Street<br>Hartford, CT 06103<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since<br>January<br>2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (since January 2023) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 80 | Director, Ingram Micro Holding Corporation and Member, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (since October 2024); Director, Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (since August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International (Since 2018) and Member of the Audit Committee and Chair of the Investment Committee; Formerly, Director, Barnes Group Inc. (2021-2025); Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship Board of Advisors; Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee. |

---

**64**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and** **Birth Year of** **Independent Director** | **Position(s) Held** **with Registrant** | **Length of**<br>**Time**<br>**Served** **\*** | **Principal** **Occupation(s)** **During Past 5 Years** **and Other Relevant** **Professional** **Experience** | **Number of Funds**<br>**in Fund Complex** **Overseen by** **Independent** **Director** | **Other Directorships Held** **by Independent Director** **During Past 5 Years** **\*\*** |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson<br>c/o Johnson Smick<br>International, Inc.<br>220 I Street, NE<br>Suite 200<br>Washington, D.C. 20002<br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since<br>July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); Co-Chairman and a founder of the Group of Seven Council (G7C) (international economic commission); formerly, Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 1991-September 2006); Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. | 79 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

---

**65**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and** **Birth Year of** **Independent Director** | **Position(s) Held** **with Registrant** | **Length of**<br>**Time**<br>**Served** **\*** | **Principal** **Occupation(s)** **During Past 5 Years** **and Other Relevant** **Professional** **Experience** | **Number of Funds**<br>**in Fund Complex** **Overseen by** **Independent** **Director** | **Other Directorships Held** **by Independent Director** **During Past 5 Years** **\*\*** |
| Michael F. Klein<br>c/o Morgan, Lewis and Bockius LLP<br>Counsel to the Independent Trustees<br>One State Street<br>Hartford, CT 06103<br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since<br>August<br>2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 79 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Formerly, Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals) (2021-2025). |

---

**66**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and** **Birth Year of** **Independent Director** | **Position(s) Held** **with Registrant** | **Length of**<br>**Time**<br>**Served** **\*** | **Principal** **Occupation(s)** **During Past 5 Years** **and Other Relevant** **Professional** **Experience** | **Number of Funds**<br>**in Fund Complex** **Overseen by** **Independent** **Director** | **Other Directorships Held** **by Independent Director** **During Past 5 Years** **\*\*** |
| Patricia A. Maleski<br>c/o Morgan, Lewis and Bockius LLP<br>Counsel to the Independent Trustees<br>One State Street<br>Hartford, CT 06103<br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since<br>January<br>2017 | Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since January 2025); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer—Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 80 | Formerly, Trustee (January 2022 to March 2023), Treasurer (January 2023 to March 2023), and Finance Committee (January 2022 to March 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed<br>c/o Morgan, Lewis and Bockius LLP<br>Counsel to the Independent Trustees<br>One State Street<br>Hartford, CT 06103<br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005). | 79 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

---

\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

**67**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

The executive officers of the Company, their birth years, addresses, positions held, length of time served and their principal business occupations during the past five years are shown below (as of April 30, 2026).

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and** **Birth Year of Executive** **Officer** | **Position(s) Held** **with Registrant** | **Length of Time** **Served** **\*** | **Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years** |
| John H. Gernon<br>1585 Broadway<br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes<br>1633 Broadway<br>New York, NY 10019<br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Managing Director of the Adviser (since January 2024) and Chief Compliance officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016 – December 2020). |
| James F. Kirchner<br>1 Post Office Square<br>Boston, MA 02109<br>Birth Year: 1967 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Since April 2026 | Managing Director, Morgan Stanley (2021-present); Vice President, Eaton Vance (2017-2021); Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, 123 Eaton Vance Registered Investment Companies (2013-present); Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, 45 Calvert Registered Investment Companies (2016-present) |
| Deidre E. Walsh<br>1 Post Office Square<br>Boston, MA 02109<br>Birth Year: 1971 | Secretary and Chief Legal Officer | Since June 2025 | Managing Director (since 2021) of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Vice President of various entities affiliated with the Adviser (since 2003); Secretary (since June 2025) and Chief Legal Officer (since June 2025) of various Morgan Stanley Funds. |
| Michael J. Key<br>1585 Broadway<br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

---

\* This is the earliest date the Officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Officer serves a one year term, until his or her successor is elected and has qualified.

In addition, the following individuals who are officers of the Adviser or its affiliates serve as assistant secretaries of the Company: Nicholas Di Lorenzo and Francesca Mead.

It is a policy of the Company's Board that each Director shall invest in any combination of the Morgan Stanley Funds that the Director determines meets his or her own specific investment objectives, without requiring any specific investment in any particular Fund.

For each Director, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Director in the Funds and in the Family of Investment Companies (Family of Investment Companies includes all of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser and Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP) for the calendar year ended December 31, 2025 is set forth in the table below.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Director** | **Dollar Range of** **Equity Securities** **in the Funds**<br>**(as of December** **31, 2025)** | **Aggregate Dollar Range of** **Equity Securities in All** **Registered Investment** **Companies Overseen by** **Director in Family of Investment** **Companies**<br>**(as of December 31, 2025)** |
| **Independent:** | **Independent:** | **Independent:** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | Over $100,000 |
| Kathleen A. Dennis |  | Over $100,000 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | Over $100,000 |
| Richard G. Gould III |  | Over $100,000 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | Over $100,000 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | Over $100,000 |
| Manuel H. Johnson |  | Over $100,000 |
| Michael F. Klein<sup>1</sup>  |  | Over $100,000 |
| Patricia Maleski |  | Over $100,000 |
| W. Allen Reed<sup>1</sup>  |  | Over $100,000 |

---

**68**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | Includes the total amount of compensation deferred by the Director at his election pursuant to a deferred compensation plan. Such deferred compensation is placed in a deferral account and deemed to be invested in one or more of the Morgan Stanley Funds (or portfolio thereof) that are offered as investment options under the plan. |

---

As to each Independent Director and his or her immediate family members, no person owned beneficially or of record securities of an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Company, or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Company.

As of April 1, 2025, the Directors and officers of the Company, as a group, owned less than 1% of any class of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of each Fund.

**Independent Directors and the Committees**

Law and regulation establish both general guidelines and specific duties for the Independent Directors. The Board has six committees: (1) Audit Committee, (2) Governance Committee, (3) Compliance and Insurance Committee, (4) Equity Investment Committee, (5) Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee and (6) Risk Committee.

The Independent Directors are charged with recommending to the full Board approval of management, advisory and administration contracts, Rule 12b-1 plans and distribution and underwriting agreements; continually reviewing fund performance, checking on the pricing of portfolio securities, brokerage commissions, transfer agent costs and performance and trading among funds in the same complex; and approving fidelity bond and related insurance coverage and allocations, as well as other matters that arise from time to time. The Independent Directors are required to select and nominate individuals to fill any Independent Director vacancy on the board of any fund that has a Rule 12b-1 plan of distribution.

The Board of Directors has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"). The Audit Committee is charged with recommending to the full Board the engagement or discharge of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm; directing investigations into matters within the scope of the independent registered public accounting firm's duties, including the power to retain outside specialists; reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the audit plan and results of the auditing engagement; approving professional services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm and other accounting firms prior to the performance of the services; reviewing the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm; considering the range of audit and non-audit fees; reviewing the adequacy of the Company's system of internal controls and reviewing the valuation process. The Company has adopted a formal, written Audit Committee Charter.

The members of the Audit Committee of the Company are Nancy C. Everett, Eddie A. Grier and Jakki L. Haussler. None of the members of the Company's Audit Committee is an "interested person," as defined under the 1940 Act, of the Company (with such disinterested Directors being "Independent Directors" or individually, an "Independent Director"). Each Independent Director is also "independent" from the Company under the listing standards of the NYSE. The Chairperson of the Audit Committee of the Company is Jakki L. Haussler.

The Board of Directors of the Company also has a Governance Committee. The Governance Committee identifies individuals qualified to serve as Independent Directors on the Company's Board and on committees of the Board and recommends such qualified individuals for nomination by the Company's Independent Directors as candidates for election as Independent Directors, advises the Company's Board with respect to Board composition, procedures and committees, develops and recommends to the Company's Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Company, monitors and makes recommendations on corporate governance matters and policies and procedures of the Company's Board of Directors and any Board committees and oversees periodic evaluations of the Company's Board and its committees. The members of the Governance Committee of the Company are Kathleen A. Dennis, Manuel H. Johnson, Michael F. Klein, Patricia A. Maleski and W. Allen Reed, each of whom is an Independent Director. In addition, W. Allen Reed (as Chair of the Morgan Stanley Funds) periodically may attend other operating Committee meetings. The Chairperson of the Governance Committee is Kathleen A. Dennis.

The Company does not have a separate nominating committee. While the Company's Governance Committee recommends qualified candidates for nominations as Independent Directors, the Board of Directors of the Company believes that the task of nominating prospective Independent Directors is important enough to require the participation of all current Independent Directors, rather than a separate committee consisting of only certain Independent Directors. Accordingly, all the Independent Directors participate in the selection and nomination of candidates for election as Independent Directors for the Company. Persons recommended by the Company's Governance Committee as candidates for nomination as Independent Directors shall possess such experience, qualifications, attributes, skills and diversity so as to enhance the Board's ability to manage and direct the affairs and business of the Company, including, when applicable, to enhance the ability of committees of the Board to fulfill their duties and/or to satisfy any independence requirements imposed by law, regulation or any listing requirements of the NYSE. While the Independent Directors of the Company expect to be able to continue to identify from their own resources an ample number of qualified candidates for the Company's Board as they deem appropriate, they will consider nominations from shareholders to the Board. Nominations from shareholders should be in writing and sent to the Independent Directors as described below under the caption "Shareholder Communications."

**69**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

The Board formed the Compliance and Insurance Committee to address insurance coverage and oversee the compliance function for the Company and the Board. The Compliance and Insurance Committee consists of Kathleen A. Dennis, Richard G. Gould III and Patricia A. Maleski, each of whom is an Independent Director. The Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee is Patricia A. Maleski.

The Equity Investment Committee and the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee oversee the Company's portfolio investment process and review the performance of the Company's investments. The Equity Investment Committee and the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee also recommend to the Board to approve or renew the Company's Investment Advisory and Administration Agreements. Each Investment Committee focuses on the Company's primary areas of investment, namely equities, fixed income, liquidity and alternatives. Kathleen A. Dennis, Nancy C. Everett, Richard G. Gould III, Eddie A. Grier, Jakki L. Haussler and Michael F. Klein are members of the Equity Investment Committee. The Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee is Nancy C. Everett. Frances L. Cashman, Manuel H. Johnson, and Patricia A. Maleski are members of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee. The Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee is Manuel H. Johnson.

The Risk Committee assists the Board in connection with the oversight of the Company's risks, including investment risks, operational risks and risks posed by the Company's service providers as well as the effectiveness of the guidelines, policies and processes for monitoring and mitigating such risks. The members of the Risk Committee of the Company are Frances L. Cashman, Manuel H. Johnson, Michael F. Klein and W. Allen Reed, each of whom is an Independent Director. The Chairperson of the Risk Committee is Michael F. Klein.

During the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Board of Directors held the following meetings:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Number of** **Meetings** |
| **Board of Directors/Committee** |  |
| Board of Directors | 7 |
| Audit Committee | 4 |
| Governance Committee | 4 |
| Compliance and Insurance Committee | 4 |
| Equity Investment Committee | 5 |
| Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee | 5 |
| Risk Committee | 4 |

---

**Experience, Qualifications and Attributes**

The Board has concluded, based on each Director's experience, qualifications and attributes that each Board member should serve as a Director. Following is a brief summary of the information that led to and/or supports this conclusion.

With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Ms. Cashman possesses valuable insights and expertise regarding governance, marketing, communications, and strategy. Ms. Cashman previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Portfolio of Delinian Ltd. Prior to that, Ms. Cashman spent over 20 years at Legg Mason & Co., ultimately serving as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Marketing and Communications. She has gained valuable experience as Director of two investment management entities and as a distribution leader reporting to boards of other mutual funds. In addition, Ms. Cashman also serves as Trustee for the Georgia Tech Foundation and as a Board Director and Member of the Marketing Committee for the Archdiocese of Baltimore School Board. Ms. Cashman also serves as a Director on the Board of the Mutual Fund Directors Forum; an Independent Trustee and Member of the Audit and Investment Committees for Baltimore Equitable Insurance; and a Trustee, Chair of the Advancement Committee, and Member of the Investment Committee of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.

Ms. Dennis has over 25 years of business experience in the financial services industry and related fields including serving as a Director or Trustee of various other funds in the Fund Complex, where she serves as Chairperson of the Governance Committee. Ms. Dennis possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on her years of service to this Board and her position as Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management. Ms. Dennis also formerly served as a Director on the Board of the Mutual Fund Directors Forum.

Ms. Everett has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, including roles with both registered investment companies and registered investment advisers. Ms. Everett serves as the Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee. By serving on the boards of other registered funds, such as GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC and Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., Ms. Everett has acquired significant experience with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters. Ms. Everett is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

With over 30 years of global experience in the financial services industry, Mr. Gould brings extensive expertise in managing and developing diverse businesses within financial organizations. Mr. Gould's approach to management combines strategic perspective with deep global operations experience. Throughout his career in finance, he has held executive positions at firms

**70**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

including Lehman Brothers, Morgan Stanley, Information Services Group (ISG), Bloomberg LP, and CLSA Americas (CLSA). Mr. Gould began his career as an equity derivatives options trader at Lehman Brothers. He then transitioned to Morgan Stanley to start its Non-US Derivatives and Global Portfolio trading business, where he eventually became a Managing Director and held a diverse set of senior positions, heading the firm's various business lines in New York, London, and Tokyo. After his tenure with Morgan Stanley, Mr. Gould began a new venture as a Founding Member and Executive Vice President of ISG, a special purpose acquisition company. After successfully taking ISG public, Mr. Gould joined Bloomberg Tradebook as its Head of Global Sales and built a sales organization around the firm's fixed income, equities derivatives, FX products, and logarithmic trading platform. Mr. Gould next held Chairman, CEO, and other executive roles within CLSA and its global affiliates. At CLSA, he provided strategic leadership for the company and its affiliates, establishing and implementing long range goals, strategies, plans, and policies. He was also a member of the CLSA Global Management Committee and the CLSA Broking Executive Committee, further contributing to his governance experience.

During the course of a career spanning more than 40 years in both academia and industry, Mr. Grier has gained substantial experience in management, operations, finance, marketing, and oversight. Mr. Grier formerly served as the Dean of Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business. Prior to that, Mr. Grier was the Dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business. Before joining academia, Mr. Grier spent 29 years at the Walt Disney Company where he served in various leadership roles, including as President of the Disneyland Resort. Mr. Grier also gained substantial oversight experience serving on the boards of Sonia Senior Living, Inc. (formerly, Capital Senior Living Corporation), NVR, Inc., and Middleburg Trust Company. In addition, Mr. Grier currently serves as Regent of University of Massachusetts Global. Mr. Grier is also a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Grier formerly served as a Director of Witt/Kieffer, Inc., and Director of NuStar GP, LLC.

With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including her years of entrepreneurial and managerial experience in the development and growth of Opus Capital Group, Ms. Haussler brings a valuable perspective to the Company's Board, where she serves as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee. Through her role at Opus Capital and her service as a director of several venture capital funds and other boards, Ms. Haussler has gained valuable experience dealing with accounting principles and evaluating financial results of large corporations. She is a certified public accountant (inactive) and a licensed attorney in the State of Ohio (inactive). The Board has determined that Ms. Haussler is an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the SEC.

In addition to his tenure as a Director or Trustee of various other funds in the Fund Complex, where he currently serves as the Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee and formerly served as Chairperson of the Audit Committee, Dr. Johnson has also served as an officer or a board member of numerous companies for over 20 years. These positions included Co-Chairman and a founder of the Group of Seven Council, Director of NVR, Inc., Director of Evergreen Energy and Director of Greenwich Capital Holdings. He also has served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. In addition, Dr. Johnson also served as Chairman of the Financial Accounting Foundation, which oversees the Financial Accounting Standards Board, for seven years.

Through his prior positions as a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and as President and a Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Funds, Mr. Klein has experience in the management and operation of registered investment companies, enabling him to provide management input and investment guidance to the Board. Mr. Klein is the Chairperson of the Risk Committee. Mr. Klein also has extensive experience in the investment management industry based on his current positions as Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive and Co-President of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP and as a Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP. In addition, he also has experience as a member of the board of other funds in the Fund Complex.

Ms. Maleski has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and extensive experience with registered investment companies and other pooled products, including serving as Director or Trustee of various other funds in the Fund Complex, where she serves as Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee. Ms. Maleski began her career as a certified public accountant at Price Waterhouse LLP ("PW") and was a member of PW's Investment Company Practice. After a brief stint at the Bank of New York, Ms. Maleski began her affiliation with the JPMorgan Funds, at the Pierpont Group, and then with J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. From 2001-2013, Ms. Maleski held roles with increasing responsibilities, from Vice President and Board Liaison, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and finally President and Principal Executive Officer for the JPMorgan Fund complex. Between 2013 and 2016, Ms. Maleski served as Global Head of Oversight and Control of JPMorgan Asset Management and then as Head of JPMorgan Chase's Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program. Ms. Maleski has extensive experience in the management and operation of funds in addition to regulatory and accounting and valuation matters.

Mr. Reed has experience on investment company boards and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters through his prior service as a Director of iShares Inc. and his service as Chair of the Board and as Trustee or Director of other funds in the Fund Complex. Mr. Reed also gained substantial experience in the financial services industry through his prior positions as a Director of Legg Mason, Inc. and as President and CEO of General Motors Asset Management.

The Directors' principal occupations and other relevant professional experience during the past five years or more are shown in the above tables.

**71**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

The Board has adopted a policy that Board members are expected to retire no later than the end of the year they reach the age of 78. The Governance Committee has discretion to grant waivers from this retirement policy under special circumstances, including for Board members to continue serving in Chair or Chair-related roles beyond the retirement age. Current Board members who reached the age of 75 as of January 1, 2021, are grandfathered as exceptions to the retirement policy and may continue to serve on the Board until the end of the year in which they turn 80 years of age.

**Advantages of Having the Same Individuals as Independent Directors for the Morgan Stanley Funds**

The Independent Directors and the Company's management believe that having the same Independent Directors for each of the Morgan Stanley Funds avoids the duplication of effort that would arise from having different groups of individuals serving as Independent Directors for each of the funds or even of sub-groups of funds. They believe that having the same individuals serve as Independent Directors of all the Morgan Stanley Funds tends to increase their knowledge and expertise regarding matters which affect the Fund Complex generally and enhances their ability to negotiate on behalf of each fund with the fund's service providers. This arrangement also precludes the possibility of separate groups of Independent Directors arriving at conflicting decisions regarding operations and management of the funds and avoids the cost and confusion that would likely ensue. Finally, having the same Independent Directors serve on all fund boards enhances the ability of each fund to obtain, at modest cost to each separate fund, the services of Independent Directors of the caliber, experience and business acumen of the individuals who serve as Independent Directors of the Morgan Stanley Funds.

**Director and Officer Indemnification**

The Company's Articles of Incorporation provides that no Director, officer, employee or agent of the Company is liable to the Company or to a shareholder, nor is any Director, officer, employee or agent liable to any third persons in connection with the affairs of the Company, except as such liability may arise from his/her or its own bad faith, willful malfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his/her or its duties. It also provides that all third persons shall look solely to Company property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Company. With the exceptions stated, the Articles of Incorporation provides that a Director, officer, employee or agent is entitled to be indemnified against all liability in connection with the affairs of the Company.

**Shareholder Communications**

Shareholders may send communications to the Company's Board of Directors. Shareholders should send communications intended for the Company's Board by addressing the communications directly to the Board (or individual Board members) and/or otherwise clearly indicating in the salutation that the communication is for the Board (or individual Board members) and by sending the communication to either the Company's office or directly to such Board member(s) at the address specified for each Director previously noted. Other shareholder communications received by the Company not directly addressed and sent to the Board will be reviewed and generally responded to by management, and will be forwarded to the Board only at management's discretion based on the matters contained therein.

**COMPENSATION**

Each Director (except for the Chair of the Boards) receives an annual retainer fee of $350,000 for serving as a Director of the Morgan Stanley Funds.

The Audit Committee Chairperson receives an additional annual retainer fee of $80,000, the Risk Committee Chairperson, the Equity Investment Committee Chairperson and Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee Chairperson each receive an additional annual retainer fee of $50,000, the Governance Committee Chairperson receives an additional annual retainer fee of $60,000 and the Compliance and Insurance Committee Chairperson receives an additional annual retainer fee of $65,000. The aggregate compensation paid to each Director is paid by the Morgan Stanley Funds, and is allocated on a pro rata basis among each of the operational funds of the Morgan Stanley Funds based on the relative net assets of each of the funds. The Chair of the Boards receives a total annual retainer fee of $630,000 for his services provided to each Board.

The Company also reimburses such Directors for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with attending such meetings. Directors of the Company who are employed by the Adviser receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Company for their services as a Director.

Effective April 1, 2004, the Company began a Deferred Compensation Plan (the "DC Plan"), which allows each Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors throughout the year. Each eligible Director generally may elect to have the deferred amounts credited with a return equal to the total return on one or more of the Morgan Stanley Funds that are offered as investment options under the DC Plan. At the Director's election, distributions are either in one lump sum payment, or in the form of equal annual installments over a period of five years. The rights of an eligible Director and the beneficiaries to the amounts held under the DC Plan are unsecured and such amounts are subject to the claims of the creditors of the Company.

Prior to April 1, 2004, the Company maintained a similar Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Prior DC Plan"), which also allowed each Independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she received for serving on the Board of

**72**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

Directors throughout the year. Generally, the DC Plan amends and supersedes the Prior DC Plan and all amounts payable under the Prior DC Plan are now subject to the terms of the DC Plan (except for amounts paid during the calendar year 2004, which remain subject to the terms of the Prior DC Plan).

The following table shows aggregate compensation payable to each of the Company's Directors from the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and the aggregate compensation payable to each of the Company's Directors by the Fund Complex (which includes all of the Morgan Stanley Funds) for the calendar year ended December 31, 2025.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Compensation<sup>1</sup>**  | **Compensation<sup>1</sup>**  | **Compensation<sup>1</sup>**  |
| **Name** | **Aggregate** **Compensation** **From the** **Company<sup>2</sup>**  | **Total** **Compensation** **From Company** **and Fund Complex** **Paid to the** **Directors<sup>3</sup>**  |
| Frank L. Bowman<sup>4</sup>  | $1360 | $350000 |
| Frances L. Cashman<sup>3</sup>  | 1358 | 350000 |
| Kathleen A. Dennis | 1593 | 410000 |
| Nancy C. Everett | 1552 | 400000 |
| Richard G. Gould III | 1359 | 350000 |
| Eddie A. Grier | 1358 | 350000 |
| Jakki L. Haussler | 1669 | 430000 |
| Manuel H. Johnson | 1554 | 400000 |
| Michael F. Klein<sup>2</sup><sup>,</sup><sup>3</sup>  | 1554 | 400000 |
| Patricia A. Maleski | 1611 | 415000 |
| W. Allen Reed<sup>3</sup>  | 2447 | 630000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | Includes all amounts paid for serving as director/trustee of the funds in the Fund Complex, as well as serving as Chair of the Boards or a Chairperson of a Committee. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate compensation before deferral with respect to the Company's fiscal year. The following Directors<br>deferred compensation from the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025: Mr. Klein, $1,554. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 3 | The amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate compensation paid by all of the funds in the Fund Complex as of December 31, 2025 before deferral by the Directors under the DC Plan. As of December 31, 2025, the value (including interest) of the deferral accounts across the Fund Complex for Ms. Cashman and Messrs. Klein and Reed pursuant to the deferred compensation plan was $379,190, $5,531,516 and $3,634,166, respectively. Because the funds in the Fund Complex have different fiscal year ends, the amounts shown in this column are presented on a calendar year basis. |

---

4 Mr. Bowman retired from the Board of Trustees on December 31, 2025.

Prior to December 31, 2003, 49 of the Morgan Stanley Funds (the "Adopting Funds"), not including the Company, had adopted a retirement program under which an Independent Director who retired after serving for at least five years as an Independent Director of any such fund (an "Eligible Director") would have been entitled to retirement payments, based on factors such as length of service, upon reaching the eligible retirement age. On December 31, 2003, the amount of accrued retirement benefits for each Eligible Director was frozen, and will be payable, together with a return of 8% per annum, at or following each such Eligible Director's retirement as shown in the table below.

The following table illustrates the retirement benefits accrued to the Company's Independent Directors by the Adopting Funds for the calendar year ended December 31, 2025, and the estimated retirement benefits for the Independent Directors from the Adopting Funds for each calendar year following retirement. Only the Directors listed below participated in the retirement program.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Retirement Benefits Accrued as** **Company Expenses** | **Estimated Annual Benefits Upon** **Retirement<sup>1</sup>**  |
| <br>**Name of Independent Director:** | **By all Adopting Funds** | **From all Adopting Funds** |
| Manuel H. Johnson<sup>2</sup>  | $(18020) | $50135 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | Total compensation accrued under the retirement plan, together with a return of 8% per annum, will be paid annually commencing upon retirement and continuing for the remainder of the Director's life. |

---

2 Mr. Johnson's retirement expenses are negative due to the fact that his retirement date has been extended and therefore his expenses have been over-accrued.

**Code of Ethics**

Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, the Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics for the Company and approved Codes of Ethics adopted by the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. (the "Distributor") (collectively

**73**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

the "Codes"). The Codes are intended to ensure that the interests of shareholders and other clients are placed ahead of any personal interest, that no undue personal benefit is obtained from the person's employment activities and that actual and potential conflicts of interest are avoided. The Codes are designed to detect and prevent improper personal trading.

The Codes permit personnel subject to the Codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased, sold or held by the Company, subject to a number of restrictions and controls, including prohibitions against purchases of securities in an initial public offering and a pre-clearance requirement with respect to personal securities transactions.

**INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES**

**Adviser**

The Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: "MS"), a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. Registered investment companies advised by Eaton Vance Management, Boston Management and Research, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. or Calvert Research and Management, each of which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, are considered to be related companies that are part of the same "group of investment companies" for purposes of investment in and by such companies pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act and Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act. The principal offices of Morgan Stanley are located at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 and the principal offices of the Adviser are located at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. As of March 31, 2026, the Adviser, together with its affiliated asset management companies, had approximately $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision.

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is entitled to receive from each class of shares of each Fund an annual management fee, payable quarterly, equal to the percentage of average daily net assets set forth in the table below. In managing the Funds, the Adviser may use the services of associated investment personnel employed by its affiliated institutional asset management companies. The Adviser has agreed to waive all or a portion of the fees payable to it and/or to reimburse the Funds, if necessary, if such fees would cause the total annual operating expenses of each Fund to exceed the percentage of average daily net assets set forth in the table below. In determining the actual amount of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for a Fund, if any, the Adviser excludes from total annual operating expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses (as applicable), certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation) (but includes any 12b-1 fee paid to the Distributor, as applicable). The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for a Fund will continue for at least one year from the date of the applicable Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. The Adviser may make additional voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. The Adviser may discontinue these voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements at any time in the future.

The Global Strategist Portfolio may gain exposure to bitcoin and the commodities markets by investing up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Global Strategist Portfolio organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Each of the Discovery Portfolio and Growth Portfolio may gain exposure to bitcoin and other assets by investing up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Each Subsidiary has entered into a separate contract with the Adviser whereby the Adviser provides investment advisory and other services to that Subsidiary. In consideration of these services, each Subsidiary will pay to the Manager at the end of each of the Subsidiary's fiscal quarters, an advisory fee calculated by applying a quarterly rate, based on the annual percentage rate of 0.05%, to the average daily net assets of the Subsidiary for the quarter. The Adviser will waive or credit such amounts against the fees payable to the Adviser by the Funds.

The Discovery Portfolio and the Growth Portfolio and each Bitcoin Subsidiary have entered into contracts for the provision of custody with service providers. The Global Strategist Portfolio and the Global Strategist Subsidiary have also entered into contracts for the provision of custody with service providers.

Each Bitcoin Subsidiary is managed pursuant to compliance policies and procedures that are the same, in all material respects, as the policies and procedures adopted by the Discovery Portfolio and the Growth Portfolio. As a result, the Adviser, in managing a Bitcoin Subsidiary's portfolio, is subject to the same investment policies and restrictions that apply to the management of the Discovery Portfolio and the Growth Portfolio (as discussed above, the Bitcoin Subsidiary may invest in cash settled bitcoin futures or Bitcoin ETFs) and, in particular, to the requirements relating to portfolio leverage, liquidity, brokerage and the timing and method of valuation of the Bitcoin Subsidiary's portfolio investments and shares of the Bitcoin Subsidiary. Certain of these policies and restrictions are described in detail in this SAI. The Global Strategist Subsidiary is managed pursuant to compliance policies and procedures that are the same, in all material respects, as the policies and procedures adopted by the Global Strategist Portfolio. As a result, the Adviser, in managing the Global Strategist Subsidiary's portfolio, is subject to the same investment policies and restrictions that apply to the management of the Global Strategist Portfolio (as discussed above, the Global Strategist Subsidiary may invest in cash settled bitcoin futures or commodity-related instruments) and, in particular, to the requirements relating to portfolio leverage, liquidity, brokerage and the timing and method of valuation of the Global Strategist Subsidiary's portfolio investments and shares of the Global Strategist Subsidiary. Certain of these policies and restrictions are described in detail in this SAI.

**74**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

The Discovery Portfolio and Growth Portfolio consolidate their respective Bitcoin Subsidiaries into their financial statements, which are included in the registrant's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR. The Global Strategist Portfolio consolidates its subsidiary into its financial statements, which are included in the registrant's most recent report filed on Form N-CSR.

The following table reflects for each Fund (i) the advisory fee paid; and (ii) the advisory fee waived and/or affiliated rebates for each of the past three fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Advisory Fees Paid (After Fee** **Waivers and/or Affiliated** **Rebates)** | **Advisory Fees Paid (After Fee** **Waivers and/or Affiliated** **Rebates)** | **Advisory Fees Paid (After Fee** **Waivers and/or Affiliated** **Rebates)** | **Advisory Fees Waived** | **Advisory Fees Waived** | **Advisory Fees Waived** | **Affiliated Rebates** | **Affiliated Rebates** | **Affiliated Rebates** |
| <br>**Fund** | **2023**<br>**(000)** | **2024**<br>**(000)** | **2025**<br>**(000)** | **2023**<br>**(000)** | **2024**<br>**(000)** | **2025**<br>**(000)** | **2023**<br>**(000)** | **2024**<br>**(000)** | **2025**<br>**(000)** |
| Discovery | $756 | $897 | $1179 | $304 | $348 | $375 | $12 | $11 | $12 |
| Emerging Markets Debt | 549 | 533 | 504 | 224 | 245 | 288 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Emerging Markets Equity | 1202 | 1192 | 1170 | 47 | 23 | 49 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Global Strategist | 0 | 0 | 0 | 607 | 625 | 612 | 16 | 18 | 14 |
| Growth | 1266 | 1498 | 2128 | 955 | 1112 | 1432 | 25 | 39 | 53 |

---

The following table reflects the contractual advisory fee and the maximum expense ratios for each Fund.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Contractual Rate of Advisory Fees** | **Expense Cap**<br>**Class I** | **Expense Cap**<br>**Class II** |
| Discovery | 0.75% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; 0.70% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; and 0.65% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion. | 0.95% | 1.05% |
| Emerging Markets Debt | 0.75% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; 0.70% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; and 0.65% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion. | 1.10% | 1.15% |
| Emerging Markets Equity | 0.75% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1 billion; and 0.70% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; and 0.65% of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion.  | 1.25% | 1.30% |
| Global Strategist | 0.75% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; 0.70% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; and 0.65% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion. | 0.90% | 1.00% |
| Growth | 0.50% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1 billion; 0.45% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.40% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.35% of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion. | 0.57% | 0.82% |

---

**Sub-Advisers**

The Adviser has entered into Sub-Advisory Agreements with Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, located at 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4QA, England, and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company, located at 2 Central Boulevard, #22-01 West Tower, IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Singapore 018916. The Sub-Advisers are wholly owned subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley and provide the Funds listed below with investment advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Company's officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Advisers on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the relevant Funds. The chart below identifies the Fund(s) for which each Sub-Adviser provides investment advisory services.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Sub-Adviser** | **Fund(s)** |
| MSIM Limited | Emerging Markets Debt and Global Strategist |
| MSIM Company | Emerging Markets Equity |

---

**Participating Affiliate**

In rendering investment advisory services to the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio and the Global Strategist Portfolio, the Adviser uses the portfolio management, research and other resources of Morgan Stanley Asia Limited ("MSAL"), a foreign

**75**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

(non-U.S.) affiliate of Morgan Stanley Investment Management ("MSIM") that is not registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"). One or more MSAL employees may provide services to the Funds through a "participating affiliate" arrangement, as that term is used in relief granted by the staff of the SEC allowing U.S. registered investment advisers to use portfolio management or research resources of advisory affiliates subject to the regulatory supervision of the registered investment adviser. Under the participating affiliate arrangement, MSAL is considered a Participating Affiliate of MSIM, and MSAL and its employees or other persons associated with MSAL that provide services to U.S. clients of MSIM are considered "associated persons" of MSIM (as that term is defined in the Advisers Act) and investment professionals from MSAL may render portfolio management, research and other services to the Funds, subject to the supervision of MSIM.

**Proxy Voting Policy and Proxy Voting Record**

The Board of Directors believes that the voting of proxies on securities held by the Company is an important element of the overall investment process. As such, the Board has delegated the responsibility to vote such proxies to MSIM and its advisory affiliates.

A copy of MSIM's Proxy Voting Policy ("Proxy Policy") is attached hereto as Appendix A. In addition, a copy of the Proxy Policy, as well as the Company's most recent proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30, as filed with the SEC, are available without charge on our web site at www.morganstanley.com/im. The Company's proxy voting record is also available without charge on the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.

**Fund Administration**

The Adviser also provides administration services to the Company pursuant to an Amended and Restated Administration Agreement (the "Administration Agreement"). The services provided under the Administration Agreement are subject to the supervision of the officers and the Board of Directors of the Company and include day-today administration of matters related to the corporate existence of the Company, maintenance of records, preparation of reports, supervision of the Company's arrangements with its custodian and assistance in the preparation of the Company's registration statement under federal laws. Under the Administration Agreement, the Adviser receives an annual fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, of 0.08% of the Company's average daily net assets, and is responsible for all fees payable under any sub-administration agreements.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the Company paid the following administrative fees (no administrative fees were waived):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Administrative Fees Paid** | **Administrative Fees Paid** | **Administrative Fees Paid** | **Administrative Fees Paid** |
| **Fund** | **2023**<br>**(000)** | **2024**<br>**(000)** | **2025**<br>**(000)** |
| Discovery | $114 | $134 | $167 |
| Emerging Markets Debt | 83 | 84 | 85 |
| Emerging Markets Equity | 128 | 130 | 131 |
| Global Strategist | 65 | 67 | 65 |
| Growth | 359 | 424 | 578 |

---

*Sub-Administrator.* Under an agreement between the Administrator and State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the Administrator pays State Street a portion of the administrative fee the Administrator receives from the Company. The Administrator supervises and monitors the administrative and accounting services provided by State Street. Their services are also subject to the supervision of the officers and Board of Directors of the Company.

**Custodian**

State Street, located at One Congress Street, Boston, MA 02114, acts as the Company's custodian. State Street is not an affiliate of the Adviser or the Distributor. Any of the Fund's cash balances with the Custodian in excess of $250,000 are unprotected by federal deposit insurance. These balances may, at times, be substantial. In maintaining custody of foreign assets held outside the United States, State Street has contracted with various banks and depositaries in accordance with regulations of the SEC for the purpose of providing custodial services for such assets.

In the selection of foreign sub-custodians, the Directors or their delegates consider a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the reliability and financial stability of the institution, the ability of the institution to provide efficiently the custodial services required for the Funds, and the reputation of the institution in the particular country or region.

**Principal Underwriter**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., with principal offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and serves as principal underwriter to the Company. For information relating to the services provided by Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., see "Distribution of Shares (Applicable to Class II Shares Only)."

**76**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor and Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS"), 333 W 11th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105, provides dividend disbursing and transfer agency services for the Company.

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management is the co-transfer agent with respect to the Funds. Eaton Vance Management is a registered transfer agent and operates the Funds' call center. In connection therewith, Eaton Vance Management performs certain transfer agency services related to processing and relaying purchase and redemption orders to SS&C GIDS, the Funds' transfer agent. The Funds will bear the costs associated with Eaton Vance Management's provision of these transfer agency services.

**Servicing Fee**

The Company has agreed to pay a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the total average daily NAV of shares of a Fund held in an insurance company's account to the extent an insurance company has entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of such Fund.

**Securities Lending**

Pursuant to an agreement between the Company and State Street, the Funds may lend their securities through State Street as securities lending agent to certain qualified borrowers. As securities lending agent of the Company, State Street administers the Funds' securities lending program. These services include arranging the loans of securities with approved borrowers and their return to the Fund upon loan termination, negotiating the terms of such loans, selecting the securities to be loaned and monitoring dividend activity relating to loaned securities. State Street also marks-to-market daily the value of loaned securities and collateral and may require additional collateral as necessary from borrowers. State Street may also, in its capacity as securities lending agent, invest cash received as collateral in pre-approved investments in accordance with the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement. State Street maintains records of loans made and income derived therefrom and makes available such records that the Company deems necessary to monitor the securities lending program.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the following Funds earned income and incurred the following costs and expenses as a result of their securities lending activities:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Gross** **Income<sup>1</sup>**  | **Revenue** **Split<sup>2</sup>**  | **Cash** **Collateral** **Management** **Fees<sup>3</sup>**  | **Administrative** **Fees<sup>4</sup>**  | **Indemnification** **Fees<sup>5</sup>**  | **Rebate to** **Borrowers** | **Other** **Fees** | **Total Cost** **of the** **Securities** **Lending** **Activities** | **Net** **Income** **from the** **Securities** **Lending** **Activities** |
| Discovery | $169498 | $23462 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $13081 | $0 | $36543 | $132955 |
| Emerging Markets Equity | 118822 | 9766 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 53717 | 0 | 63483 | 55339 |

---

1 Gross income includes income from the reinvestment of cash collateral.

2 Revenue split represents the share of revenue generated by the securities lending program and paid to State Street.

3 Cash collateral management fees include fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle that are not included in the revenue split.

4 These administrative fees are not included in the revenue split.

5 These indemnification fees are not included in the revenue split.

**DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES (APPLICABLE TO CLASS II SHARES ONLY)**

The Company has adopted a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which regulates circumstances under which an investment company may directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the distribution of its shares. Under the Plan, each Fund pays the Distributor a monthly 12b-1 fee at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Funds attributable to the Class II Shares. Such amount is paid to compensate the Distributor for remittance to insurance companies which offer the Company as an investment option. These payments are intended to compensate insurance companies for distribution and/or administrative related expenses incurred or paid in connection with the distribution of Class II shares of the Funds. Morgan Stanley Distribution may retain any portion of the fees it does not expend in meeting its obligations to the Company. The Distributor has agreed to waive the following amounts of the 0.25% 12b-1 fees that it is entitled to receive from the following Funds:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Class II Fund** | **Waiver** |
| Discovery | 0.15% |
| Emerging Markets Debt | 0.20% |
| Emerging Markets Equity | 0.20% |
| Global Strategist | 0.15% |

---

**77**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

These waivers will continue for at least one year from the date of the applicable Prospectus or until such time as the Company's Board of Directors acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers when it deems such action is appropriate.

Since the 12b-1 fees associated with the Plan are paid out of the Company's assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

The following table describes the 12b-1 fees paid pursuant to the Plan (net of any waivers) by each active Class II Fund to various insurance companies for whose separate accounts the Funds are underlying investments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Total Distribution**<br>**(12b-1) Fees Paid by Fund**<br>**(Net of Waivers)** | **Amount Waived** |
| Discovery | $163781 | $245671 |
| Emerging Markets Debt | 5020 | 20079 |
| Emerging Markets Equity | 24207 | 96828 |
| Global Strategist | 13940 | 20910 |
| Growth | 752526 | N/A |

---

Continuance of the Plan must be approved annually by a majority of the Directors of the Company, including a majority of the Independent Directors. All material amendments of the Plan will require approval by a majority of the Directors of the Company, including a majority of the Independent Directors. The Plan was approved by the Company's Board of Directors, including the Independent Directors, none of whom has a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of a Plan or in any agreements related thereto.

**Revenue Sharing**

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an additional charge to the Funds, to certain insurance companies or their affiliates in connection with Company-related administrative services that the insurance companies provide in connection with the issuance of their variable annuity contracts. Such payments are in addition to any distribution or shareholder servicing fees that may be payable by the Distributor. The additional payments may be based on various factors, including amount of assets invested through the insurance company's separate accounts, a Fund's advisory fees, some other agreed upon amount, or other measures as determined from time to time by the Adviser or Distributor. The amount of these payments may be different for different insurance companies.

The additional payments made to certain insurance companies, which are made in accordance with the applicable compensation structure for each intermediary, may include an ongoing annual fee in an amount up to 0.35% of the total average daily NAV of shares of the Funds held in such insurance companies' applicable accounts.

The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by insurance companies may provide insurance companies with an incentive to encourage variable annuity contract owners to favor one variable annuity contract investment option over other contract options with respect to which an intermediary does not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation) or be a factor in an insurance company's decision to include the Fund as an underlying investment option in its variable insurance products. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosure provided by an insurance company as to its compensation.

**Other Payments to Intermediaries and Other Persons**

The Adviser and/or the Distributor may also make payments, out of their own assets and not as an expense to a Fund, to Intermediaries and other persons (such as third party vendors and users of technology platforms, software and/or reporting systems offered by the Adviser, the Distributor and/or their affiliates or third parties with respect to the Funds or other funds advised by the Adviser) to offset or reimburse certain expenses and costs of Intermediaries and such other persons related to the use of these technology platforms, software and/or reporting systems. The Adviser and/or the Distributor may also make payments, out of their own assets and not as an expense to a Fund, to Intermediaries related to setup, connectivity or other technological maintenance of the Intermediary's investment platform and/or the provision of services with respect to a Fund or share class on an Intermediary's investment platform. These arrangements may be modified or discontinued at any time. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering an investment in Fund shares.

**Portfolio Managers**

**Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers**

Because the portfolio managers may manage assets for other investment companies, pooled investment vehicles, and/or other accounts (including institutional clients, pension plans and certain high net worth individuals), there may be an incentive to favor one client over another resulting in conflicts of interest. For instance, the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Company, or it may receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. In those instances, the portfolio managers may have an incentive to favor the higher and/or performance-

**78**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

based fee accounts over the Company. In addition, a conflict of interest could exist to the extent the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers have proprietary investments in certain accounts, where portfolio managers have personal investments in certain accounts or when certain accounts are investment options in the Adviser's and/or Sub-Advisers' employee benefits and/or deferred compensation plans. The portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor these accounts over others. If the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers manage accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the Company invests, the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers could be seen as harming the performance of the Company for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall. The Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers have adopted trade allocation and other policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to address these and other conflicts of interest.

**Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure**

Morgan Stanley's compensation structure is based on a total reward system of base salary and incentive compensation, which is paid either in the form of cash bonus, or for employees meeting the specified deferred compensation eligibility threshold, partially as a cash bonus and partially as mandatory deferred compensation. Deferred compensation granted to employees of the Adviser are generally granted as a mix of deferred cash awards under the Investment Management Alignment Plan (IMAP) and equity-based awards in the form of stock units. The portion of incentive compensation granted in the form of a deferred compensation award and the terms of such awards are determined annually by the Compensation, Management Development and Succession Committee of the Morgan Stanley Board of Directors.

**Base salary compensation.** Generally, portfolio managers receive base salary compensation based on the level of their position with the Adviser.

**Incentive compensation.** In addition to base compensation, portfolio managers may receive discretionary year-end compensation.

Incentive compensation may include:

■ Cash Bonus.

■ Deferred Compensation:

■ A mandatory program that defers a portion of incentive compensation into restricted stock units or other awards based on Morgan Stanley common stock or other plans that are subject to vesting and other conditions.

■ IMAP is a cash-based deferred compensation plan designed to increase the alignment of participants' interests with the interests of the Adviser's clients. For eligible employees, a portion of their deferred compensation is mandatorily deferred into IMAP on an annual basis. Awards granted under IMAP are notionally invested in referenced funds available pursuant to the plan, which are funds advised by MSIM and its affiliates that are investment advisers. Portfolio managers are required to notionally invest a minimum of 40% of their account balance in the designated funds that they manage and are included in the IMAP notional investment fund menu.

■ Deferred compensation awards are typically subject to vesting over a multi-year period and are subject to cancellation through the payment date for competition, cause (i.e., any act or omission that constitutes a breach of obligation to the Adviser , including failure to comply with internal compliance, ethics or risk management standards, and failure or refusal to perform duties satisfactorily, including supervisory and management duties), disclosure of proprietary information, and solicitation of employees or clients. Awards are also subject to clawback through the payment date if an employee's act or omission (including with respect to direct supervisory responsibilities) causes a restatement of the Firm's consolidated financial results, constitutes a violation of the Firm's global risk management principles, policies and standards, or causes a loss of revenue associated with a position on which the employee was paid and the employee operated outside of internal control policies.

MSIM compensates employees based on principles of pay-for-performance, market competitiveness and risk management. Eligibility for, and the amount of any, discretionary compensation is subject to a multi-dimensional process. Specifically, consideration is given to one or more of the following factors, which can vary by portfolio management team and circumstances:

■ Revenue and profitability of the business and/or each fund/account managed by the portfolio manager

■ Revenue and profitability of the Firm

■ Return on equity and risk factors of both the business units and Morgan Stanley

■ Assets managed by the portfolio manager

■ External market conditions

■ New business development and business sustainability

■ Contribution to client objectives

■ Team, product and/or MSIM and its affiliates that are investment advisers performance

■ The pre-tax investment performance of the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager (which may, in certain cases, be measured against the applicable benchmark(s) and/or peer group(s) over one, three and five-year periods)

■ Individual contribution and performance

**79**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

Further, the Firm's Global Incentive Compensation Discretion Policy requires compensation managers to consider only legitimate, business related factors when exercising discretion in determining variable incentive compensation, including adherence to Morgan Stanley's core values, conduct, disciplinary actions in the current performance year, risk management and risk outcomes.

**Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers at December 31,** **2025** **(unless otherwise indicated):**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Other Registered Investment** **Companies** | **Other Registered Investment** **Companies** | **Other Pooled Investment**<br>**Vehicles** | **Other Pooled Investment**<br>**Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| **Fund and Portfolio Managers** | **Number**<br>**of**<br>**Accounts** | **Total Assets**<br>**in the**<br>**Accounts** | **Number**<br>**of**<br>**Accounts** | **Total Assets**<br>**in the**<br>**Accounts** | **Number**<br>**of**<br>**Accounts** | **Total Assets**<br>**in the**<br>**Accounts** |
| **Discovery** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Dennis P. Lynch | 24 | $19.4 billion | 24 | $6.1 billion | 16 | $3.5 billion |
| Sam G. Chainani | 24 | $19.4 billion | 23 | $5.9 billion | 14 | $3.4 billion |
| Jason C. Yeung | 24 | $19.4 billion | 23 | $5.9 billion | 14 | $3.4 billion |
| Armistead B. Nash | 24 | $19.4 billion | 23 | $5.9 billion | 14 | $3.4 billion |
| Alexander T. Norton | 24 | $19.4 billion | 23 | $5.9 billion | 14 | $3.4 billion |
| **Emerging Markets Debt** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Sahil Tandon | 10 | $1.6 billion | 7 | $6.0 billion | 6 | $1.6 billion |
| Akbar Causer | 7 | $9.2 billion | 2 | $1.1 billion | 3 | $1.6 billion |
| Kyle Lee | 14 | $28.3 billion | 3 | $1.3 billion | 5 | $1.6 billion |
| Patrick Campbell | 16 | $30.4 billion | 3 | $1.3 billion | 4 | $1.5 billion |
| Brian Shaw | 17 | $47.6 billion | 4 | $1.5 billion | 4 | $1.5 billion |
| Hussein Khattab | 9 | $23.5 billion | 7 | $6.0 billion | 4 | $1.5 billion |
| Federico Sequeda | 17 | $33.9 billion | 5 | $1.9 billion | 6 | $1.6 billion |
| **Emerging Markets Equity** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Eric Carlson | 5 | $2.0 billion | 4 | $1.1 billion | 4 | $4.1 billion |
| Amay Hattangadi | 7 | $1.2 billion | 7 | $1.4 billion | 11<sup>1</sup>  | $8.3 billion<sup>1</sup>  |
| Paul C. Psaila | 5 | $2.0 billion | 6 | $1.3 billion | 6 | $4.2 billion |
| **Global Strategist** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Rui De Figueiredo, Ph.D. | 11 | $5.5 billion | 36 | $17.0 billion | 59 | $18.2 billion |
| Ryan Meredith | 11 | $5.5 billion | 36 | $17.0 billion | 59 | $18.2 billion |
| Jim Caron | 10 | $3.3 billion | 40 | $20.2 billion | 56 | $17.6 billion |
| Steven Turner | 11 | $5.5 billion | 36 | $17.0 billion | 56 | $17.6 billion |
| Damon Wu | 11 | $5.5 billion | 36 | $17.0 billion | 56 | $17.6 billion |
| Mark Bavoso | 0 | $0 | 1 | $190.7 million | 0<sup>2</sup>  | $0<sup>2</sup>  |
| **Growth** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Dennis P. Lynch | 24 | $19.4 billion | 24 | $6.1 billion | 16 | $3.5 billion |
| Sam G. Chainani | 24 | $19.4 billion | 23 | $5.9 billion | 14 | $3.4 billion |
| Jason C. Yeung | 24 | $19.4 billion | 23 | $5.9 billion | 14 | $3.4 billion |
| Armistead B. Nash | 24 | $19.4 billion | 23 | $5.9 billion | 14 | $3.4 billion |
| Alexander T. Norton | 24 | $19.4 billion | 23 | $5.9 billion | 14 | $3.4 billion |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | Of these other accounts, one account with a total of approximately $21.0 million in assets had performance-based fees. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | Of these other accounts, one account with a total of approximately $9.5 million in assets had performance-based fees. |

---

As of December 31, 2025 (unless otherwise noted), the dollar range of securities beneficially owned (or held notionally through IMAP) by each portfolio manager in the Fund he/she manages is shown below:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund and Portfolio Managers** | **Portfolio Holdings** |
| **Discovery** |  |
| Dennis P. Lynch | None |
| Sam G. Chainani | None |
| Jason C. Yeung | None |
| Armistead B. Nash | None |
| Alexander T. Norton | None |
| **Emerging Markets Debt** |  |

---

**80**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| |
|:---|
| Sahil Tandon |
| Akbar Causer |
| Kyle Lee |
| Patrick Campbell |
| Brian Shaw |
| Hussein Khattab |
| Federico Sequeda |
| **Emerging Markets Equity** |
| Eric Carlson |
| Amay Hattangadi |
| Paul C. Psaila |
| **Global Strategist** |
| Rui De Figueiredo, Ph.D. |
| Ryan Meredith |
| Jim Caron |
| Steven Turner |
| Damon Wu |
| Mark Bavoso |
| **Growth** |
| Dennis P. Lynch |
| Sam G. Chainani |
| Jason C. Yeung |
| Armistead B. Nash |
| Alexander T. Norton |

---

**CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES**

**Control Persons**

As currently required under law, the insurance companies vote their shares of the Funds in accordance with instructions received from their variable annuity contract and variable life insurance policy owners. Morgan Stanley will vote the shares of each Fund that it owns in the same proportions as shares of the Fund are voted by the insurance companies. Accordingly, neither Morgan Stanley nor the insurance companies are deemed to control the Funds.

**Principal Holders of Securities**

As of April 1, 2026, the following persons were beneficial owners of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the following Funds (Class I and Class II shares):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% of Class** |
| Discovery (Class I) | IDS Life Insurance Company<sup>\*</sup><br>222 AMPF Financial Center<br>Minneapolis MN 55474-0001 | 30.90% |
|  | Prudential as Administrator for Allstate Life Insurance Co<br>C/O Product Valuation<br>One Security Benefit PL<br>Topeka KS 66636-1000 | 29.18% |
|  | Nationwide Life Insurance Company<br>NWPP<br>C/O IPO Portfolio Accounting<br>PO Box 182029<br>Columbus OH 43218-2029 | 11.85% |
|  | Annuity Investors Life Insurance Co<br>ATTN Variable Annuity Dept<br>PO Box 5420<br>Cincinnati OH 45201-5420 | 7.65% |

---

**81**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% of Class** |
|  | Delaware Life Insurance Company<br>Variable Account H<br>10555 Group 1001 Way<br>Zionsville IN 46077-9845 | 5.91% |
| Emerging Markets Debt (Class I) | Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company<sup>\*</sup><br>ATTN Denis Vieira<br>100 Salem St O2N<br>Smithfield RI 02917-1234 | 73.34% |
|  | Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company<br>ATTN Denis Vieira<br>100 Salem St O2N<br>Smithfield RI 02917-1234 | 7.90% |
| Emerging Markets Equity (Class I) | Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company<br>ATTN Denis Vieira<br>100 Salem St O2N<br>Smithfield RI 02917-1234 | 38.79% |
|  | Ameritas Life Insurance Corp<br>Variable Separate Account VA2<br>ATTN Variable Processing<br>5900 O Street<br>Lincoln NE 68510-2234 | 11.15% |
|  | Ameritas Life Insurance Corp<br>Variable Separate Account V<br>ATTN Variable Processing<br>5900 O Street<br>Lincoln NE 68510-2234 | 9.13% |
|  | Ameritas Life Insurance Corp<br>Separate Account LLVA<br>ATTN Variable Trades<br>5900 'O' Street<br>Lincoln NE 68510-2234 | 8.13% |
|  | Prudential as Administrator for Allstate Life Insurance Co<br>C/O Product Valuation<br>One Security Benefit PL<br>Topeka KS 66636-1000 | 5.99% |
| Global Strategist (Class I) | Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company<sup>\*</sup><br>ATTN Denis Vieira<br>100 Salem St O2N<br>Smithfield RI 02917-1234 | 39.90% |
|  | Prudential as Administrator for Allstate Life Insurance Co<sup>\*</sup><br>C/O Product Valuation<br>One Security Benefit PL<br>Topeka KS 66636-1000 | 38.70% |
|  | Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company<br>ATTN Denis Vieira<br>100 Salem St O2N<br>Smithfield RI 02917-1234 | 5.66% |
| Growth (Class I) | Prudential as Administrator for Allstate Life Insurance Co<sup>\*</sup><br>C/O Product Valuation<br>One Security Benefit PL<br>Topeka KS 66636-1000 | 66.61% |
|  | Talcott Resolution Life and Annuity Insurance Company<br>PO Box 5051<br>Hartford CT 06102-5051 | 13.97% |
| Discovery (Class II) | IDS Life Insurance Company<sup>\*</sup><br>222 AMPF Financial Center<br>Minneapolis MN 55474-0001 | 67.82% |
|  | Talcott Resolution Life and Annuity Insurance Company<br>PO Box 5051<br>Hartford CT 06102-5051 | 9.11% |

---

**82**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% of Class** |
|  | Talcott Resolution Life & Annuity Separate Account<br>ATTN: UIT Operations<br>PO Box 5051<br>Hartford CT 06102-5051 | 6.12% |
| Emerging Markets Debt (Class II) | Nationwide Life Insurance Company<br>NWVA4<br>C/O IPO Portfolio Accounting<br>PO Box 182029<br>Columbus OH 43218-2029 | 49.35% |
|  | Prudential as Administrator for Allstate Life Insurance Co<br>C/O Product Valuation<br>One Security Benefit PL<br>Topeka KS 66636-1000 | 31.34% |
|  | Integrity Life Insurance Company<br>ATTN VA Accounting<br>400 Broadway Ms 24<br>Cincinnati OH 45202-3312 | 6.69% |
|  | National Integrity Life Insurance Company<br>ATTN VA Accounting<br>400 Broadway Ms 24<br>Cincinnati OH 45202-3312 | 6.06% |
| Emerging Markets Equity (Class II) | Minnesota Life Insurance Company<br>ATTN A6-4105<br>400 Robert Street North<br>Saint Paul MN 55101-2037 | 58.05% |
|  | Talcott Resolution Life and Annuity Insurance Company<br>PO Box 5051<br>Hartford CT 06102-5051 | 13.19% |
|  | Security Benefit Life Ins Co<br>FBO Unbundled<br>ATTN C/O Variable Annuity Dept<br>One Security Benefit Place<br>Topeka KS 66636-1000 | 7.63% |
|  | Talcott Resolution Life Insurance Company<br>PO Box 5051<br>Hartford CT 06102-5051 | 5.19% |
| Global Strategist (Class II) | Prudential as Administrator for Allstate Life Insurance Co<sup>\*</sup><br>C/O Product Valuation<br>One Security Benefit Place<br>Topeka KS 66636-1000 | 62.88% |
|  | Delaware Life Insurance Company<br>10555 Group 1001 Way<br>Zionsville IN 46077-9845 | 20.24% |
|  | Nationwide Life Insurance Company<br>NWVA4<br>C/O IPO Portfolio Accounting<br>PO Box 182029<br>Columbus OH 43218-2029 | 7.88% |
|  | Protective Life Insurance Co<br>Variable Annuity Separate Account<br>ATTN Tom Barrett<br>2801 Highway 280 South<br>Birmingham AL 35223-2488 | 5.17% |
| Growth (Class II) | Augustar Life Insurance Co<br>FBO ITS Separate Accounts<br>1 Financial Way<br>Cincinnati OH 45242-5800 | 37.28% |
|  | Prudential as Administrator for Allstate Life Insurance Co<sup>\*</sup><br>C/O Product Valuation<br>One Security Benefit PL<br>Topeka KS 66636-1000 | 26.26% |

---

**83**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% of Class** |
|  | Talcott Resolution Life and Annuity Insurance Company<br>PO Box 5051<br>Hartford CT 06102-5051 | 11.93% |
|  | Delaware Life Insurance Company<br>10555 Group 1001 Way<br>Zionsville IN 46077-9845 | 7.75% |
|  | Delaware Life Insurance Company<br>10555 Group 1001 Way<br>Zionsville IN 46077-9845 | 6.24% |

---

\* The persons listed above as owning 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund may be presumed to "control" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) such Fund. As a result, those persons' votes could have a significant effect on matters requiring the approval of shareholders of such Fund.

As of April 1, 2026, no person was known by the Company to own beneficially or of record 5% or more of any outstanding class of shares of a Fund not listed above.

**NET ASSET VALUE**

The NAV of each class is determined by dividing the total of the value of the Fund's investments and other assets attributable to such class, less any liabilities attributable to such class, by the total number of outstanding shares of such class. NAV for Class I and Class II shares will differ due to class specific expenses paid by each class, if any, and the 12b-1 fee charged to Class II shares. The NAV of each Fund is determined as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business.

Price information on listed securities is taken from the exchange where the security is primarily traded. Fund securities generally are valued at their market value. In the calculation of a Fund's NAV: (1) an equity portfolio security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its latest reported sales price (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price), and if there were no sales on a given day and if there is no official exchange closing price for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant exchanges; and (2) all other equity portfolio securities for which OTC market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest reported sale price (or at the market official closing price if such market reports an official closing price), and if there was no trading in the security on a given day and if there is no official closing price from the relevant markets for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant markets. Listed equity securities not traded on the valuation date with no reported bid and asked prices available on the exchange are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers or dealers. An unlisted equity security that does not trade on the valuation date and for which bid and asked prices from the relevant markets are unavailable is valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers or dealers.

In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market. When no market quotations are readily available for a security or other asset, including as a result of the occurrence of a significant event or circumstances under which the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers determines that a market quotation is not accurate, fair value for the security or other asset will be determined in good faith using methods approved by the Fund's Board of Directors. For valuation purposes, quotations of foreign portfolio securities, other assets and liabilities and forward contracts stated in foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollar equivalents at the prevailing market rates prior to the close of the NYSE.

Bonds and other fixed-income securities are valued according to the broadest and most representative market, which will ordinarily be the OTC market. NAV includes interest on fixed-income securities, which is accrued daily unless collection is in doubt. In addition, bonds and other fixed-income securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities. The prices provided by a pricing service are determined without regard to bid or last sale prices, but take into account institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities and any developments related to the specific securities. Securities not priced in this manner are valued based on the mean of bid and ask prices (or a yield equivalent thereof), obtained from market makers or brokers or, when securities exchange valuations are used, at the latest quoted sale price on the day of valuation. If there is no such reported sale, the latest quoted bid price will be used. Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less at the time of purchase may be valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser determines such valuation does not reflect the securities' market value, in which case these securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined by the Adviser.

Certain of a Fund's securities may be valued using as an input evaluated prices provided by an approved outside pricing service. Prices obtained from these approved sources are monitored and reviewed by the Adviser's Valuation Committee and if not deemed to represent fair value, may be overridden and valued using procedures approved by the Board. The pricing service may utilize a matrix system or other model incorporating attributes such as security quality, maturity and coupon as the evaluation model parameters, and/or research evaluations by its staff, including review of broker-dealer market price

**84**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

quotations in determining what it believes is the fair valuation of the portfolio securities valued by such pricing service. Pricing services generally value securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round lot size, but a Fund may hold or transact in such securities in smaller, odd lot sizes. Odd lots may trade at lower prices than institutional round lots and the Adviser's valuation policies and procedures include provisions regarding odd lot trade valuation impact monitoring. In certain cases where a valuation is not available from any of the approved pricing services, then a quote from a broker or dealer may be used.

Listed options are valued at the last reported sales price on the exchange on which they are listed (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price). If an official closing price or last reported sale price is unavailable, the listed option should be fair valued at the mean between its latest bid and asked prices. If an exchange closing price or bid and asked prices are not available from the exchange, then the quotes from one or more brokers or dealers may be used. Unlisted options and swaps are valued by an approved outside pricing service or quotes from a broker or dealer. Unlisted options and swaps cleared on a clearinghouse or exchange may be valued using the closing price provided by the clearinghouse or exchange. Futures are valued at the settlement price on the exchange on which they trade or, if a settlement price is unavailable, then at the last sale price on the exchange.

If the Adviser or Sub-Advisers determine that the valuation received from the outside pricing service or broker or dealer is not reflective of the security's market value, such security is valued at its fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Fund's Board of Directors.

Generally, trading in foreign securities, as well as corporate bonds, U.S. Government securities and money market instruments, is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the NAV of the Fund's shares are determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior to the close of the NYSE. Occasionally, events which may affect the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are determined and the close of the NYSE. If events that may affect the value of such securities occur during such period, then these securities may be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Fund's Board of Directors.

Certain Funds may invest up to 25% of its total assets in shares of a Bitcoin Subsidiary. The Bitcoin Subsidiary offers to redeem all or a portion of its shares at its current NAV every regular business day. The value of shares of the Bitcoin Subsidiary fluctuates with the value of the Subsidiary's portfolio investments. The Bitcoin Subsidiary prices its portfolio investments pursuant to the same pricing and valuation methodologies and procedures used by the Fund, which require, among other things, that each of the Bitcoin Subsidiary's portfolio investments be marked-to-market (that is, the value on the Bitcoin Subsidiary's books changes) each business day to reflect changes in the market value of each investment.

In general, fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When there is no public market or possibly no market at all for an asset, fair value represents, in general, a good faith approximation of the current value of an asset. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures or by other investors. The fair value of an asset may not be the price at which that asset is ultimately sold.

The proceeds received by each Fund from the issue or sale of its Shares, and all net investment income, realized and unrealized gain and proceeds thereof, subject only to the rights of creditors, will be specifically allocated to the Fund and constitute the underlying assets of each Fund. The underlying assets of a Fund will be segregated on the books of account, and will be charged with the liabilities in respect of a Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust. Expenses of the Trust with respect to the Fund and the other series of the Trust are generally allocated in proportion to the NAVs of the respective Fund except where allocations of expenses can otherwise be fairly made.

Each Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV. The ability of the Fund to calculate the NAV per share of the Fund is subject to operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology failures, cyber attacks and errors caused by third party service providers, data sources, or trading counterparties. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund's NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In addition, if the third-party service providers and/or data sources upon which the Fund directly or indirectly relies to calculate its NAV or price individual securities are unavailable or otherwise unable to calculate the NAV correctly, it may be necessary for alternative procedures to be utilized to price the securities at the time of determining the Fund's NAV.

**BROKERAGE PRACTICES**

**Portfolio Transactions**

The Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers are responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for each Fund, for broker-dealer selection and for negotiation of commission rates. The Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers are prohibited from directing brokerage transactions on the basis of the referral of clients or the sale of shares of advised investment companies. Purchases and sales of securities on a stock exchange are effected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. In the OTC market, securities may be traded as agency transactions through broker-dealers or traded on a "net" basis with dealers acting as

**85**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although the price of the security usually includes profit to the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed price which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount. When securities are purchased or sold directly from or to an issuer, no commissions or discounts are paid.

On occasion, a Fund may purchase certain money market instruments directly from an issuer without payment of a commission or concession. Money market instruments are generally traded on a "net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit to the dealer.

The Company anticipates that certain of its transactions involving foreign securities will be effected on foreign securities exchanges. There is also generally less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges and brokers than in the United States.

The Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers select broker-dealers for the execution of transactions for the Funds in accordance with their duty to seek "best execution" (i.e., the most favorable terms of execution). In seeking best execution, the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers are not obligated to choose the broker-dealer offering the lowest available commission rate if, in the Adviser's and/or Sub-Advisers' reasonable judgment, (i) the total costs or proceeds from the transaction might be less favorable than may be obtained elsewhere; (ii) a higher commission is justified by the brokerage and research services provided by the broker-dealer that fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act or otherwise is permitted under applicable law; or (iii) other considerations, such as the order size, the time required for execution, the depth and breadth of the market for the security or minimum credit quality requirements to transact business with a particular broker-dealer. The research services received include services which aid the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers in fulfilling their investment decision-making responsibilities, including (a) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; and (b) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of accounts.

When effecting transactions on behalf of the Funds, the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers may trade with any broker-dealer on their list of approved broker-dealers. Approved broker-dealers have met criteria as established by the Adviser's Cross-Asset Risk team ("GRA-X"). GRA-X reviews and approves broker-dealers periodically to determine whether broker-dealers on the approved list continue to meet such criteria. The approval lists are reported quarterly to the Adviser's Counterparty Risk Subcommittee, as well as other Committees and forums, where relevant. When selecting an approved broker-dealer (including an affiliate) to execute securities transactions, the following factors may be considered: (i) best available price; (ii) reliability, integrity and reputation in the industry (which may include a review of financial information and creditworthiness); (iii) execution capabilities, including block positioning, speed of execution and quality and responsiveness of its trading desk; (iv) knowledge of and access to the markets for the securities being traded; (v) potential ability to obtain price improvement; (vi) ability to maintain confidentiality; (vii) ability to handle non-traditional trades; (viii) commission and commission-equivalent rates; (ix) technology infrastructure; (x) clearance and settlement capabilities; (xi) the size of the trade relative to other trades in the same instrument; (xii) ability of a counterparty to commit its capital to a Fund's trade and its access to liquidity; (xiii) counterparty restrictions associated with a portfolio, including regulatory trading, documentation requirement or any specific clearing broker-dealer requirements; (xiv) client-directed execution; (xv) client-specific restrictions; and (xvi) such other factors as may be appropriate.

Subject to the duty to seek best execution, the Adviser uses a portion of the commissions generated when executing client transactions to acquire brokerage and research services that aid in fulfilling investment decision-making responsibilities in accordance with Section 28(e) and applicable law. Commissions paid to broker-dealers providing brokerage and research services may be higher than those charged by other broker-dealers. Subject to applicable law, the Adviser receives a benefit when using client commissions to obtain brokerage and research services because the Adviser does not have to produce or pay for the brokerage research services itself. Therefore, the Adviser has an incentive to select or recommend a broker-dealer based on its interest in receiving brokerage and research services, rather than solely on its clients' interest in obtaining the best price.

The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to help track and evaluate the benefits received from brokerage and research services, as well as to track how much clients pay above the amount that broker-dealers from which the Adviser receives brokerage and research services may have charged solely for execution of such trades. The Adviser utilizes a voting system to assist in making a good faith determination of the value of brokerage and research services it receives in accordance with Section 28(e) and applicable law. In many cases, these involve subjective judgments or approximations. The Adviser has established a process for budgeting research costs and allocating such costs across client accounts.

The Adviser and certain other affiliated advisers have entered into commission sharing arrangements ("CSAs") with executing brokers ("CSA Partners") and a third-party vendor ("CSA Aggregator"). Pursuant to these arrangements, and under the Adviser's supervision, the CSA Partners and CSA Aggregator track execution and research commissions separately and pool and distribute research credits in accordance with the policies and procedures discussed above to approved research providers (which may include executing brokerage firms or independent research providers ("Approved Research Providers")) that provide brokerage and research services. The CSA Aggregator also reconciles research credits from trades with CSA Partners, and pays Approved Research Providers and provides other related administrative functions. In addition, a CSA Partner may provide the Adviser with proprietary research it has developed and, upon instruction, may retain research commission

**86**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

credits as compensation for the provision of such proprietary research services. The Adviser believes that these arrangements allow it to monitor the amount of trading costs that are attributable to execution services on the one hand and other brokerage and research services on the other.

Transactions that generate research credits include equity transactions executed on an agency basis or via a riskless principal transaction where the executing broker-dealer receives a commission. The Adviser does not use CSAs or otherwise have arrangements to pay for brokerage and research services with client commissions in connection with trading fixed-income securities. Consistent with long-standing industry practice in the fixed-income markets, however, the Adviser, subject to applicable law, may receive brokerage and research services and other information, including access to fixed-income trading platforms that dealers provide for no charge to their customers in the ordinary course of business. Fixed-income instruments typically trade at a bid/ask spread and without an explicit brokerage charge. While there is not a formal trading expense or commission, clients will bear the implicit trading costs reflected in these spreads.

The Adviser may receive "mixed use" products and services from an Approved Research Provider, where a portion of the product or service assists in its investment decision-making process in accordance with Section 28(e) and a portion may be used for other purposes. Where a product or service has a mixed use, the Adviser will make a reasonable allocation of its cost according to its use and will use client commissions to pay only for the portion of the product or service that assists in its investment decision-making process. The Adviser may have an incentive to allocate the costs to uses that assist in its investment decision-making process because the Adviser may pay for such costs with client commissions rather than its own resources. To the extent the Adviser receives "mixed use" products and services, the Adviser will allocate the anticipated costs of a mixed use product or service in good faith and maintain records concerning allocations in order to mitigate such conflicts.

Client accounts that pay a greater amount of commissions relative to other accounts may bear a greater share of the cost of brokerage and research services than such other accounts. The Adviser may use brokerage and research services obtained with brokerage commissions from some clients for the benefit of other clients whose brokerage commissions do not pay for such brokerage and research services. The Adviser may also share brokerage and research services with its affiliated advisers, and the clients of its affiliated advisers may receive the benefits of such brokerage and research services. These arrangements remain subject to the Adviser's overall obligation to seek best execution for client trading.

The EU's Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II ("MiFID II"), which became effective January 3, 2018, requires investment advisers regulated under MiFID II to pay for research services separately from trade execution services, either through their own resources or a research payment account funded by a specific charge to a client. Although the Adviser is not directly subject to the provisions of MiFID II, certain of its affiliated advisers are, such as Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited; accordingly, as applicable, the Adviser makes a reasonable valuation and allocation of the cost of research services as between MiFID II client accounts and other accounts that participate in CSAs and will pay for research services received with respect to MiFID II client accounts from its own resources. The Adviser and affiliated advisers subject to MiFID II may separately pay for fixed-income research from their own resources. Following its withdrawal from the EU on January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom has entered a transition period, during which EU law (including MiFID II) will continue to apply in the United Kingdom. Following the transition period, investment managers in the United Kingdom may still be required to comply with certain MiFID II equivalent requirements in accordance with the handbook of rules and guidance issued by the Financial Conduct Authority.

When permitted under applicable law, portfolio managers generally will aggregate orders of their clients for the same securities in a single order so that such orders are executed simultaneously in order to facilitate best execution and to reduce brokerage costs. The Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers effect aggregated orders in a manner designed to ensure that no participating client is favored over any other client.

In general, accounts that participate in an aggregated order will participate on a pro rata or other objective basis. Pro rata allocation of securities and other instruments will generally consist of allocation based on the order size of a participating client account in proportion to the size of the orders placed for other accounts participating in the aggregated order. However, the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers may allocate such securities and other instruments using a method other than pro rata if their supply is limited, based on differing portfolio characteristics among accounts or to avoid odd lots or small allocations, among other reasons. These allocations are made in the good faith judgment of the Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers with a goal of seeking to ensure that fair and equitable allocation occurs over time. There may be times that the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers are not able to aggregate orders because of applicable law or other considerations when doing so might otherwise be advantageous.

**Affiliated Brokers**

Subject to the overriding objective of obtaining the best execution of orders, a Company may use broker-dealer affiliates of the Adviser to effect Fund brokerage transactions, including transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts, under procedures adopted by the Company's Board of Directors. In order to use such affiliates, the commission rates and other remuneration paid to the affiliates must be fair and reasonable in comparison to those of other broker-dealers for comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold during a comparable time period. This standard would allow the affiliated broker or dealer to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker.

**87**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the Company is permitted to engage in principal transactions in money market instruments, subject to certain conditions, with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, a broker-dealer affiliated with the Company's Adviser.

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 the Company did not effect any principal transactions with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.

**Brokerage Commissions Paid**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, each Fund paid brokerage commissions, including brokerage commissions paid to affiliated broker-dealers, as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Brokerage Commissions Paid During Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Brokerage Commissions Paid During Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Brokerage Commissions Paid During Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Brokerage Commissions Paid During Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025** |
|  |  | **Commissions Paid to Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and/or its affiliated broker-** **dealers** | **Commissions Paid to Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and/or its affiliated broker-** **dealers** | **Commissions Paid to Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and/or its affiliated broker-** **dealers** |
| **Fund Name** | **Total Commissions Paid** | **Total Commissions** | **Percent of Total** **Commissions** | **Percent of Total** **Brokered Transactions** |
| Discovery | $130763 | $5735 | 4.39% | 1.59% |
| Emerging Markets Debt | 12636 | 0 | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Ermerging Markets Equity | 96879 | 0 | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Global Strategist | 13377 | 0 | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Growth | 299485 | 4916 | 1.64% | 0.80% |

---

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, the Fund paid brokerage commissions, including brokerage commissions paid to affiliated broker-dealers, as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Brokerage Commissions Paid During Fiscal Years Ended**<br>**December 31, 2023 and 2024** | **Brokerage Commissions Paid During Fiscal Years Ended**<br>**December 31, 2023 and 2024** | **Brokerage Commissions Paid During Fiscal Years Ended**<br>**December 31, 2023 and 2024** | **Brokerage Commissions Paid During Fiscal Years Ended**<br>**December 31, 2023 and 2024** |
|  | **Fiscal Year Ended**<br>**December 31, 2023** | **Fiscal Year Ended**<br>**December 31, 2023** | **Fiscal Year Ended**<br>**December 31, 2024** | **Fiscal Year Ended**<br>**December 31, 2024** |
| **Fund** | **Total** | **Morgan Stanley &** **Co. LLC and/or its** **affiliated broker-** **dealers** | **Total** | **Morgan Stanley &** **Co. LLC and/or its** **affiliated broker-** **dealers** |
| Discovery | $85092 | $0 | $124710 | $1890 |
| Emerging Markets Debt | 10325 | 0 | 13216 | 0 |
| Emerging Markets Equity | 117205 | 0 | 146507 | 0 |
| Global Strategist | 2165 | 0 | 12994 | 0 |
| Growth | 149904 | 0 | 150080 | 1972 |

---

**Regular Broker-Dealers**

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the following Fund purchased securities issued by the following issuers, which issuers were among the ten brokers or ten dealers that executed transactions for or with the Company or the Fund in the largest dollar amounts during the period:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Issuer** |
| Global Strategist | Bank of America Securities LLC<br>Bank of Montreal<br>Barclays Bank PLC<br>BNP Paribas SA<br>Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.<br>Goldman Sachs & Co.<br>HSBC Holdings PLC<br>JP Morgan Chase & Co.<br>UBS AG<br>Wells Fargo & Co. |

---

At December 31, 2025, the following Funds held securities issued by such brokers or dealers with the following market values:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Issuer** | **Approximate Market**<br>**Value at December 31,**<br>**2025** |
| Global Strategist | JP Morgan Chase & Co. | $622000 |
|  | Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. | 357000 |

---

**88**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Issuer** | **Approximate Market**<br>**Value at December 31,**<br>**2025** |
|  | HSBC Holdings PLC | 333000 |
|  | Goldman Sachs & Co. | 326000 |
|  | BNP Paribas SA | 316000 |
|  | Bank of America Securities LLC | 188000 |
|  | Wells Fargo & Co. | 144000 |
|  | UBS AG | 80000 |
|  | Bank of Montreal | 52000 |
|  | Barclays Bank PLC | 50000 |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Funds generally do not invest for short-term trading purposes; however, when circumstances warrant, each Fund may sell investment securities without regard to the length of time they have been held. Market conditions in a given year could result in a higher or lower portfolio turnover rate than expected and the Funds will not consider portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions consistent with their investment objectives and policies. A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) increases a Fund's transaction costs (including brokerage commissions or dealer costs), which would adversely impact a Fund's performance. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the realization of more short-term capital gains than if a Fund had lower portfolio turnover.

**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

The Company's Board of Directors, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers have adopted policies and procedures regarding disclosure of portfolio holdings (the "Policy"). Pursuant to the Policy, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers may disclose information concerning Company portfolio holdings only if such disclosure is consistent with the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws and the Company's, the Adviser's and the Sub-Advisers' fiduciary duties to Company shareholders. In no instance may the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers or the Company receive compensation or any other consideration in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund securities of the Company. Consideration includes any agreement to maintain assets in the Company or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or by any affiliated person of the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers. Non-public information concerning portfolio holdings may be divulged to third-parties only when the Company has a legitimate business purpose for doing so and the recipients of the information are subject to a duty of confidentiality. Under no circumstances shall current or prospective Company shareholders receive non-public portfolio holdings information, except as described below.

The Company makes available on its public website the following portfolio holdings information:

■ complete portfolio holdings information monthly, at least 15 calendar days after the end of each month (except with respect to the Discovery and Growth Portfolios);

■ complete portfolio holdings information quarterly, at least 45 calendar days after the end of each quarter (with respect to the Discovery and Growth Portfolios); and

■ top 10 holdings monthly, at least 15 calendar days after the end of each month.

The Company provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth fiscal quarters in its report filed on Form N-CSR, and for the first and third fiscal quarters in its filings with the SEC as an exhibit to Form N-PORT.

The Company may provide publicly, portfolio holdings information more frequently if it has a legitimate business purpose for doing so.

All other portfolio holdings information that has not been disseminated in a manner making it available generally as described above is non-public information for purposes of the Policy.

The Company may make selective disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information pursuant to certain exemptions set forth in the Policy. Third-parties eligible for exemptions under the Policy and therefore eligible to receive such disclosures currently include clients/shareholders (such as redeeming shareholders in-kind), fund rating agencies, information exchange subscribers, proxy voting or advisory services, pricing services, consultants and analysts, portfolio analytics providers, transition managers and service providers, provided that the third-party expressly agrees to maintain the disclosed information in confidence and not to trade portfolio securities or related derivative securities based on the non-public information. Non-public portfolio holdings information may not be disclosed to a third-party pursuant to an exemption unless and until the third-party recipient has entered into a non-disclosure agreement with the Company and the arrangement has been reviewed and approved, as set forth in the Policy and discussed below. In addition, persons who owe a duty of trust or confidence to the Company or the Adviser may receive non-public portfolio holdings information without entering into a non-disclosure agreement. Currently, these persons include (i) the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm (as of the Company's

**89**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

fiscal year-end and on an as needed basis), (ii) counsel to the Company (on an as needed basis), (iii) counsel to the Independent Directors (on an as needed basis) and (iv) members of the Board of Directors (on an as needed basis). Subject to the terms and conditions of any agreement between the Adviser or the Company and the third-party recipient, if these conditions for disclosure are satisfied, there shall be no restriction on the frequency with which Company non-public portfolio holdings information is released, and no lag period shall apply (unless otherwise indicated below).

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers may provide interest lists to broker-dealers who execute securities transactions for the Company without entering into a non-disclosure agreement with the broker-dealers, provided that the interest list satisfies all of the following criteria: (1) the interest list must contain only the CUSIP numbers and/or ticker symbols of securities held in all Morgan Stanley Funds on an aggregate, rather than a fund-by-fund basis; (2) the interest list will not disclose portfolio holdings on a fund-by-fund basis; (3) the interest list must not contain information about the number or value of shares owned by a specified Morgan Stanley Fund; (4) the interest list may identify the investment strategy, but not the particular Morgan Stanley Funds, to which the list relates; and (5) the interest list may not identify the portfolio manager or team members responsible for managing the Morgan Stanley Funds.

Company shareholders may elect in some circumstances to redeem their shares of the Company in exchange for their pro rata share of the securities held by the Company. Under such circumstances, Company shareholders may receive a complete listing of the holdings of the Company up to seven calendar days prior to making the redemption request provided that they represent in writing that they agree not to disclose or trade on the basis of the portfolio holdings information.

The Company may discuss or otherwise disclose performance attribution analyses (i.e., mention the effects of having a particular security in the portfolio(s)) where such discussion is not contemporaneously made public, provided that the particular holding has been disclosed publicly or the information that includes such holding(s) has been made available to shareholders requesting such information.

Additionally, any discussion of the analyses may not be more current than the date the holding was disclosed publicly or the information that includes such holding(s) has been made available to shareholders requesting such information.

The Company may disclose portfolio holdings to transition managers, provided that the Company has entered into a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement with the party requesting that the information be provided to the transition manager and the party to the non-disclosure agreement has, in turn, entered into a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement with the transition manager.

Portfolio holdings information may be provided to broker-dealers, prime brokers, futures commission merchants, or similar providers in connection with the Company's portfolio trading or operational processing activities; such entities generally need access to such information in the performance of their duties and responsibilities to fund service providers and are subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on material nonpublic information, imposed by law or contract. Portfolio holdings information may also be provided to affiliates of MSIM pursuant to regulatory requirements for legitimate business purposes, which may include risk management, or may be reported by the Company's counterparties to certain global trade repositories pursuant to regulatory requirements.

The Adviser, the Sub-Advisers, the Company and/or certain Funds currently have entered into ongoing arrangements regarding the selective disclosure of complete portfolio holdings information with the following parties:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Frequency<sup>1</sup>**  | **Lag Time** |
| **Service Providers** |  |  |
| State Street Bank and Trust Company | Daily basis | Daily |
| BlackRock Financial Management Inc.<sup>2</sup>  | Daily basis | <sup>3</sup>  |
| KellyCo Marketing | As needed | Varying lag times after the date of the information |
| Financial Recovery Technologies | Daily basis | Daily |
| Toppan Merill<sup>4</sup>  | Semi-Annual basis | Approximately 15 business days after month end |
| Commcise Software Limited<sup>5</sup>  | Monthly basis | Approximately three business days |
| Virtu Financial<sup>5</sup>  | Monthly basis | Approximately three business days |
| **Fund Rating Agencies** |  |  |
| Refinitiv Lipper | Monthly basis | Approximately six business days after month end |
| **Portfolio Analytics Providers** |  |  |
| Bloomberg Finance, L.P. | Daily basis | Daily |
| FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | Daily basis | Daily |
| BestX Ltd. | Daily basis | Daily |
| Abel Noser Solutions, LLC | Daily basis | Daily |

---

**90**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Frequency<sup>1</sup>**  | **Lag Time** |
| MSCI Inc.<sup>5</sup>  | Daily basis | Daily |

---

1 Dissemination of portfolio holdings information to entities listed above may occur less frequently than indicated (or not at all).

2 With respect to Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and Global Strategist Portfolio only.

3 Information will typically be provided on a real time basis or as soon thereafter as possible.

4 With respect to the Discovery and Growth Portfolios, only.

5 With respect to Discovery Portfolio, Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, Global Strategist Portfolio, Growth Portfolio, only.

All disclosures of non-public portfolio holdings information made to third-parties pursuant to the exemptions set forth in the Policy must be reviewed and approved by the Adviser, which will also determine from time to time whether such third-parties should continue to receive portfolio holdings information.

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers shall report quarterly to the Board of Directors (or a designated committee thereof) at the next regularly scheduled meeting (i) any material information concerning all parties receiving non-public portfolio holdings information pursuant to an exemption; and (ii) any new non-disclosure agreements entered into during the reporting period. Procedures to monitor the use of such non-public portfolio holdings information include requiring annual certifications that the recipients have utilized such information only pursuant to the terms of the agreement between the recipient and the Adviser and, for those recipients receiving information electronically, acceptance of the information will constitute reaffirmation that the third party expressly agrees to maintain the disclosed information in confidence and not to trade portfolio securities based on the nonpublic information.

**GENERAL INFORMATION**

**Company History**

The Company was incorporated pursuant to the laws of the State of Maryland on March 26, 1996 under the name Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. The Company filed a registration statement with the SEC registering itself as an open-end management investment company offering diversified and non-diversified series under the 1940 Act and its shares under the 1933 Act and commenced operations on September 16, 1996. On December 1, 1998, the Company changed its name to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds, Inc. Effective May 1, 2000, the Company changed its name to The Universal Institutional Funds, Inc. Effective May 1, 2017, the Company changed its name to Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.

**Description of Shares and Voting Rights**

The Company's Articles of Incorporation, as amended, permit the Directors to issue 9.5 billion shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, from an unlimited number of classes of shares. Currently the Company consists of shares of 8 Funds. Each Fund offers Class I shares. In addition, all Funds offer Class II shares.

The shares of each Fund of the Company, upon issuance, are fully paid and nonassessable, and have no preference as to conversion, exchange, dividends, retirement or other features. The shares of each Fund of the Company have no pre-emptive rights. The shares of the Company have non-cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Directors can elect 100% of the Directors if they choose to do so. A shareholder is entitled to one vote for each full share held (and a fractional vote for each fractional share held), then standing in his name on the books of the Company.

Shares of each Fund will be voted by the insurance company or qualified plans investing in such Fund based on instructions received from the contract holders having a voting interest in the underlying account. Shares for which timely instructions are not received generally will be voted by the insurance company or qualified plans in the same proportion as shares for which instructions have been timely received. Therefore, as a result of this proportional voting, the vote of a small number of contract holders could determine the outcome of a proposal subject to a shareholder vote.

**Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions**

The Company's policy is to distribute at least annually substantially all of each Fund's net investment income, if any. The Company may also distribute any net realized capital gains in the amount and at the times that are intended to eliminate income (including taxable gains) taxes imposed on the distributing Fund (see discussion under "Taxes" in this SAI). However, the Company may also choose to retain net realized capital gains and pay taxes on such gains. The amounts of any income dividends or capital gains distributions cannot be predicted. Any dividend or distribution paid shortly after the purchase of shares of a Fund by an investor may have the effect of reducing the per share NAV of that Fund by the per share amount of the dividend or distribution.

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP, located at 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116, serves as the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm and provides audit and audit-related services and assistance in connection with various SEC filings.

**91**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**Legal Matters**

Dechert LLP, located at 1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, acts as the Company's legal counsel.

**POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST**

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the Adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley's interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of a Fund. Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by the Adviser or one of its investment adviser affiliates, the "Affiliated Investment Accounts") with a wide variety of investment objectives, investment policies and/or investment strategies (generally referred to herein collectively as "investment objectives") that in some instances may overlap or conflict with a Fund's investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley, the Adviser and/or the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with a Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be. The conflicts herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Adviser or its affiliates may have now or in the future. Conflicts of interest not described below may also exist. References to the Adviser in this section include a Fund's affiliated sub-adviser (if any) unless otherwise noted.

The discussions below with respect to actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest may be applicable to or arise from the Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates whether or not specifically identified.

**Material Non-Public and Other Information.** It is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the Adviser. If such information becomes available, the Adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or disposition opportunity or taking another action with respect to such investment, including for an extended period of time. The Adviser may also from time to time be subject to contractual "stand-still" obligations and/or confidentiality obligations that may restrict its ability to transact in certain investments on a Fund's behalf. In addition, the Adviser may be precluded from disclosing such information to an investment team, even in circumstances in which the information would be beneficial if disclosed. Therefore, the investment team may not be provided access to material non-public information in the possession of Morgan Stanley that might be relevant to an investment decision to be made on behalf of a Fund, and the investment team may initiate a transaction or sell an investment that, if such information had been known to it, may not have been undertaken. In addition, certain members of the investment team may be recused from certain investment-related discussions so that such members do not receive information that would limit their ability to perform functions of their employment with the Adviser or its affiliates unrelated to that of a Fund. Furthermore, access to information held by certain parts of Morgan Stanley may be subject to third party confidentiality obligations and to information barriers established by Morgan Stanley designed to manage potential conflicts of interest and regulatory restrictions, including, without limitation, joint transaction restrictions pursuant to the 1940 Act. Accordingly, the Adviser's ability to source investments from, or invest alongside, other business units within Morgan Stanley may be limited and there can be no assurance that the Adviser will be able to source any investments from any one or more parts of the Morgan Stanley network.

The Adviser may restrict its investment decisions and activities on behalf of the Funds in various circumstances, including because of applicable regulatory requirements or information held by the Adviser, the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates or Morgan Stanley. The Adviser might not engage in transactions or other activities for, or enforce certain rights in favor of, a Fund due to Morgan Stanley's activities outside the Funds. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley could have an interest that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of the Fund, which may result in Morgan Stanley taking actions different from or in conflict with those taken on behalf of the Fund or otherwise impede the Fund from participating in certain opportunities. In instances where trading of an investment is restricted, the Adviser may not be able to purchase or sell such investment on behalf of the Fund, including for an extended period of time, resulting in the Fund's inability to participate in certain desirable transactions. The inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment's value during the period its trading is restricted.

Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the Adviser, in certain instances, will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and, in such instances, will not manage the Funds with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. Morgan Stanley, due to its access to and knowledge of funds, markets and securities based on its various businesses, may make decisions based on information or take (or refrain from taking) actions with respect to interests in investments of the kind held (directly or

**92**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

indirectly) by the Funds in a manner that may be adverse to the Fund, and will not have any obligation or other duty to share information with the Adviser.

In other instances, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the Adviser, will have access to information and personnel of its affiliates. For example, the Adviser may, in certain instances, share information with its affiliates regarding due diligence of companies and other investment-related due diligence. The Adviser may face conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in the sharing of information with its affiliates. Information sharing may limit or restrict the ability of the Adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Funds (including purchasing or selling securities that the Adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for a Fund in the absence of the sharing of information). Also, it may adversely affect the Fund's investments, ability to invest in, or divest from, a company or engage in transactions or otherwise disadvantage a Fund. In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the Adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The Adviser may also implement internal information barriers or ethical walls or other internal information sharing protocols, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the Adviser will also apply internally within the Adviser. As a result, a Fund may not be permitted to transact in (e.g., dispose of a security in whole or in part) during periods when it otherwise would have been desirable and able to do so, which could adversely affect a Fund. Other investors in the security that are not subject to such restrictions may be able to transact in the security during such periods. There may also be circumstances in which, as a result of information held by certain portfolio management teams in the Adviser, the Adviser limits an activity or transaction for a Fund, including if the Fund is managed by a portfolio management team other than the team holding such information.

Morgan Stanley and its personnel will not be under any obligation or other duty to share certain information with the Adviser or personnel involved in decision-making for Affiliated Investment Accounts (including the Funds), as applicable, and the Adviser may make investment decisions for a Fund that differ from those the Adviser would have made if Morgan Stanley, or other parts, of the Adviser, had provided such information, and the Fund be disadvantaged as a result thereof. Additionally, different portfolio management teams within the Adviser may make decisions based on information or take (or refrain from taking) actions with respect to Affiliated Investment Accounts they advise in a manner different than or adverse to the Funds.

**Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts.** In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the Adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of a Fund or its shareholders. An investment team may have obligations to Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by both the Adviser and one or more of the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates. A Fund's investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among a Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the Adviser or its investment adviser affiliates. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. In addition, from time to time, the Adviser and/or its investment adviser affiliates may advise or manage Affiliated Investment Accounts with substantially similar investment objectives, investment policies and/or investment strategies as those of a Fund. The investment results of a Fund may be higher or lower than, and there is no guarantee that the investment results of the Fund will be comparable to, those of any other of these Affiliated Investment Accounts. Further, a Fund and an Affiliated Investment Account with substantially similar investment objectives, investment policies and/or investment strategies may have different fees and expenses (which may be higher or lower than those of the Fund), governance, structures, and/or services provided by the Adviser and/or its investment adviser affiliates.

Morgan Stanley currently invests and plans to continue to invest on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliated Investment Accounts in a wide variety of investment opportunities globally. Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts, to the extent consistent with applicable law and policies and procedures, will be permitted to invest in investment opportunities without making such opportunities available to a Fund. Subject to the foregoing, Morgan Stanley may offer investments that fall into the investment objectives of an Affiliated Investment Account to such account or make such investment on its own behalf, even though such investment also falls within a Fund's investment objectives. A Fund may invest in opportunities that Morgan Stanley and/or one or more Affiliated Investment Accounts has declined, and vice versa. All of the foregoing may reduce the number of investment opportunities available to a Fund and may create conflicts of interest in allocating investment opportunities. Investors should note that the conflicts inherent in making such allocation decisions may not always be resolved to a Fund's advantage. There can be no assurance that a Fund will have an opportunity to participate in certain opportunities that fall within their investment objectives.

The interests of Morgan Stanley in an investment or a company may present certain conflicts of interest with respect to an investment by a Fund in the same investment or a Fund's participation in a transaction with such company. The decision on behalf of a Fund as to when to initiate a purchase or sale transaction may differ, and be done for different reasons, than the decisions the Adviser or its affiliates take on Affiliated Investment Accounts on the same securities. This could create conflicts of interest, and it is possible that one or more accounts managed by the Adviser will achieve investment results that are substantially more or less favorable than those results achieved by a Fund.

**93**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the Adviser, including the Fund, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the Adviser. Each client of the Adviser that is subject to the allocation policies and procedures, including each Fund, is assigned an investment team and portfolio manager(s) by the Adviser. The investment team and portfolio managers review investment opportunities and will decide with respect to the allocation of each opportunity considering various factors and in accordance with the allocation policies and procedures. The allocation policies and procedures are subject to change. Investors should note that the conflicts inherent in making such allocation decisions may not always be resolved to the advantage of a Fund.

It is possible that Morgan Stanley or an Affiliated Investment Account, including another Morgan Stanley Fund, will invest in or advise (in the case of Morgan Stanley) a company that is or becomes a competitor of a company of which a Fund holds an investment. Such investment could create a conflict between the Fund, on the one hand, and Morgan Stanley or the Affiliated Investment Account, on the other hand. In such a situation, Morgan Stanley may also have a conflict in the allocation of its own resources to the portfolio investment. Furthermore, certain Affiliated Investment Accounts will be focused primarily on investing in other funds which may have strategies that overlap and/or directly conflict and compete with a Fund.

In addition, certain investment professionals who are involved in a Fund's activities remain responsible for the investment activities of other Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by the Adviser and its affiliates, and they will devote time to the management of such investments and other newly created Affiliated Investment Accounts (whether in the form of funds, separate accounts or other vehicles), as well as their own investments. In addition, in connection with the management of investments for other Affiliated Investment Accounts, members of Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may serve on the boards of directors of or advise companies which may compete with a Fund's portfolio investments. Moreover, these Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may pursue investment opportunities that may also be suitable for a Fund.

It should be noted that Morgan Stanley may, directly or indirectly, make large investments in certain of its Affiliated Investment Accounts. Nothing herein restricts or in any way limits the activities of Morgan Stanley, including its ability to buy or sell interests in, or provide financing to, equity and/or debt instruments, funds or portfolio companies, for its own accounts or for the accounts of Affiliated Investment Accounts or other investment funds or clients in accordance with applicable law.

Different clients of the Adviser and its affiliates, including a Fund, may invest in (1) different classes of securities of the same issuer (including, without limitation, different parts of an issuer's capital structure), depending on the respective clients' investment objectives and policies and/or (2) the same class of securities of the same issuer while seeking different investment objectives or executing different investment strategies (such as long-term v. short-term investment horizons), and the Adviser may face conflicts with respect to the interests involved. As a result, the Adviser and its affiliates, at times, will seek to satisfy their respective fiduciary obligations to certain clients owning one / the same class of securities of a particular issuer by pursuing or enforcing rights on behalf of those clients with respect to such (class of) securities, and those activities may have an adverse effect on another client which owns a different class of securities of such issuer. For example, if one client holds debt securities of an issuer and another client holds equity securities of the same issuer, if the issuer experiences financial or operational challenges, the Adviser and its affiliates may seek a liquidation of the issuer on behalf of the client that holds the debt securities, whereas the client holding the equity securities may benefit from a reorganization of the issuer. Thus, in such situations, the actions taken by the Adviser or its affiliates on behalf of one client can negatively impact securities held by another client. Alternatively, for example, if a client owns a security while seeking short-term capital appreciation that Adviser may vote proxies or engage with the issuer (as applicable) in pursuit of that goal – which could negatively impact clients who hold the same security but are seeking long-term capital appreciation. These conflicts also exist as between the Adviser's clients, including a Fund, and the Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates.

In addition, in certain circumstances, the Adviser restricts, limits or reduces the amount of the Fund's investment, or restricts the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

The Adviser and its affiliates may give advice and recommend securities to other clients which may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought for, a Fund even though such other clients' investment objectives may be similar to those of the Fund and the Adviser may make decisions for a Fund that may be more beneficial to one type of shareholder than another.

The Adviser and its affiliates manage long and short portfolios. The simultaneous management of long and short portfolios creates conflicts of interest in portfolio management and trading in that opposite directional positions may be taken in client accounts, including client accounts managed by the same investment team, and creates risks such as: (i) the risk that short sale activity could adversely affect the market value of long positions in one or more portfolios (and vice versa) and (ii) the risks associated with the trading desk receiving opposing orders in the same security simultaneously. The Adviser and its affiliates have adopted policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to mitigate these conflicts. In certain circumstances, the Adviser invests on behalf of itself in securities and other instruments that would be appropriate for, held by, or may fall within the investment guidelines of its clients, including a Fund. At times, the Adviser may give advice or take action for its own accounts that differs from, conflicts with, or is adverse to advice given to, action taken for or the interests of any client.

**94**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

From time to time, conflicts also arise due to the fact that certain securities or instruments may be held in some client accounts, including a Fund, but not in others, or that client accounts may have different amounts of holdings in certain securities or instruments. In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions among client accounts, the Adviser may take action with respect to one account that differs from the action taken with respect to another account. In some cases, a client account may compensate the Adviser based on the performance of the securities held by that account or pay a higher overall fee rate. The existence of such a performance based fee or higher fee rates may create additional conflicts of interest for the Adviser in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities. The Adviser has adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts including a code of ethics and policies that govern the Adviser's trading practices, including, among other things, the aggregation and allocation of trades among clients, brokerage allocations, cross trades and best execution.

In addition, at times an investment team will give advice or take action with respect to the investments of one or more clients that is not given or taken with respect to other clients with similar investment programs, objectives, and strategies. Accordingly, clients with similar strategies will not always hold the same securities or instruments or achieve the same performance. The Adviser's investment teams also advise clients with conflicting programs, objectives or strategies. These conflicts also exist as between the Adviser's clients, including the Fund, and the Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by the Adviser's investment adviser affiliates.

From time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates may provide opportunities to Affiliated Investment Accounts (including potentially a Fund) or other clients to make investments in companies (such as in equity, debt or other securities issued by companies) or to engage in transactions involving companies (such as refinancing, restructuring or other transactions) in which certain Affiliated Investment Accounts (including potentially a Fund) or other clients have already invested. These investments can create conflicts of interest, including those associated with the assets of a Fund potentially providing value to, or otherwise supporting the investments of, other Affiliated Investment Accounts or other clients and potentially diluting or otherwise adversely affecting a Fund previously invested in the company.

Morgan Stanley and its affiliates maintain separate trading desks that operate independently of each other and do not share information with the Adviser. The Morgan Stanley and affiliate trading desks may compete against the Adviser trading desks when implementing buy and sell transactions, possibly causing certain Affiliated Investment Accounts (including potentially a Fund) to pay more or receive less for a security than other Affiliated Investment Accounts.

**Investments by Separate Investment Departments.** For the Adviser and certain of its investment adviser affiliates, the entities and individuals that provide investment-related services can differ by client, investment function, or business line (each, an "Investment Department" and collectively, the "Investment Departments"). Nonetheless, Investment Departments (with certain exceptions) can engage in discussions and share information and resources with another Investment Department (or a team within the other Investment Department) regarding investment-related matters. The sharing of information and resources between the Investment Departments is designed to further increase the knowledge and effectiveness of each Investment Department. However, an investment team's decisions as to the use of shared research and participation in discussions with another Investment Department could adversely impact a client. Certain investment teams within one Investment Department could make investment decisions and execute trades together with investment teams within other Investment Departments. Other investment teams make investment decisions and execute trades independently. This could cause the quality and price of execution, and the performance of investments and accounts, to vary. Internal policies and procedures set forth the guidelines under which securities and securities trades can be crossed, aggregated, and coordinated between accounts serviced by different Investment Departments. Internal policies and procedures take into consideration a variety of factors, including the primary market in which such security trades. If a security or securities trade is ineligible for crossing, aggregation, or other coordinated trading, then each Investment Department will execute such trades independently of the other.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries.** The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to certain Financial Intermediaries (which may include affiliates of the Adviser and the Distributor), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. For example, the Adviser or the Distributor may pay additional compensation to a Financial Intermediary for, among other things, promoting the sale and distribution of Fund shares, providing access to various programs, mutual fund platforms or preferred or recommended mutual fund lists that may be offered by a Financial Intermediary, granting the Distributor access to a Financial Intermediary's financial advisors and consultants, providing assistance in the ongoing education and training of a Financial Intermediary's financial personnel, furnishing marketing support, maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, recordkeeping, administrative, shareholder or transaction processing services. Such payments are in addition to any distribution fees, shareholder servicing fees and/or transfer agency fees that may be payable by the Fund. The additional payments may be based on various factors, including level of sales (based on gross or net sales or some specified minimum sales or some other similar criteria related to sales of the Fund and/or some or all other Morgan Stanley Funds), amount of assets invested by the Financial Intermediary's customers (which could include current or aged assets of the Fund and/or some or all other Morgan Stanley Funds), a Fund's advisory fee, some other agreed upon amount or other measures as determined from time to time by the Adviser and/or the Distributor. The amount of these payments may be different for different Financial Intermediaries.

**95**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

In certain cases, payments to broker-dealers and other Financial Intermediaries may be shared by and among the Adviser, the Distributor and their affiliates. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by Financial Intermediaries as to their compensation.

The additional compensation received by a given Financial Intermediary from the Adviser and/or the Distributor may vary from the additional compensation received by the Financial Intermediary in respect of an Affiliated Investment Account managed by an affiliate of the Adviser or principally underwritten by an affiliate of the Distributor. In such circumstances, differences in the prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by Financial Intermediaries may provide such Financial Intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of one Affiliated Investment Account over other investment options with respect to which these Financial Intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation).

**Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities.** Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for a Fund's holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund's investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from and potentially adverse to that of a Fund. Furthermore, from time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates may invest "seed" capital in a Fund, typically to enable the Fund to commence investment operations and/or achieve sufficient scale, as further described below. The Adviser and its affiliates may hedge such seed capital exposure by investing in derivatives or other instruments expected to produce offsetting exposure. Such hedging transactions, if any, would occur outside of a Fund and could adversely affect a Fund's investments.

Morgan Stanley's sales and trading, financing and principal investing businesses (whether or not specifically identified as such, and including Morgan Stanley's trading and principal investing businesses) will not be required to offer any investment opportunities to a Fund. These businesses may encompass, among other things, principal trading activities as well as principal investing.

Morgan Stanley's sales and trading, financing and principal investing businesses have acquired or invested in, and in the future may acquire or invest in, minority and/or majority control positions in equity or debt instruments of diverse public and/or private companies. Such activities may put Morgan Stanley in a position to exercise contractual, voting or creditor rights, or management or other control with respect to securities or loans of portfolio investments or other issuers, and in these instances Morgan Stanley may, in its discretion and subject to applicable law, act to protect its own interests or interests of clients, and not a Fund's interests.

Subject to the limitations of applicable law, a Fund may purchase from or sell assets to, or make investments in, companies in which Morgan Stanley has or may acquire an interest, including as an owner, creditor or counterparty.

**Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities.** Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with a Fund and with respect to investments that a Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by a Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with a Fund and/or any of a Fund's investments that are contrary to the Fund's best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments.

Morgan Stanley could be engaged in financial advising, whether on the buy-side or sell-side, or in financing or lending assignments that could result in Morgan Stanley determining in its discretion or being required to act exclusively on behalf of one or more third parties, which could limit a Fund's ability to transact with respect to one or more existing or potential investments. Morgan Stanley may have relationships with third-party funds, companies or investors who may have invested in or may look to invest in portfolio companies, and there could be conflicts between a Fund's best interests, on the one hand, and the interests of a Morgan Stanley client or counterparty, on the other hand.

To the extent that Morgan Stanley advises companies in financial restructurings outside of, prior to or after filing for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or similar laws in other jurisdictions, the Adviser's flexibility in making investments in such restructurings on a Fund's behalf, or participating on steering committees and other committees in connection with existing investments, may be limited.

Morgan Stanley could provide investment banking services to competitors of portfolio companies, as well as to private equity and/or private credit funds; such activities may present Morgan Stanley with a conflict of interest vis-a-vis a Fund's investment and may also result in a conflict in respect of the allocation of investment banking resources to portfolio companies.

**96**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Morgan Stanley may provide a broad range of financial services to companies in which a Fund invests, including strategic and financial advisory services, interim acquisition financing and other lending and underwriting or placement of securities, and Morgan Stanley generally will be paid fees (that may include warrants or other securities) for such services. Morgan Stanley will not share any of the foregoing interest, fees and other compensation received by it (including, for the avoidance of doubt, amounts received by the Adviser) with a Fund, and any advisory fees payable will not be reduced thereby.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley's compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, a Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to merger or acquisition.

The involvement or presence of Morgan Stanley in the investment banking and other commercial activities described above (or the financial markets more broadly) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Fund. For example, issuers may hire and compensate Morgan Stanley to provide underwriting, financial advisory, placement agency, brokerage services or other services and, because of limitations imposed by applicable law and regulation, a Fund may be prohibited from buying or selling securities issued by those issuers or participating in related transactions or otherwise limited in its ability to engage in such investments.

In addition, in situations where the Adviser is required to aggregate its positions with those of other Morgan Stanley business units for position limit calculations, the Adviser may have to refrain from making investments due to the positions held by other Morgan Stanley business units or their clients. There may be other situations where the Adviser refrains from making an investment or refrains from taking certain actions related to the management of such investment due to, among other reasons, additional disclosure obligations, regulatory requirements, policies, and reputational risk, or the Adviser may limit purchases or sales of securities in respect of which Morgan Stanley is engaged in an underwriting or other distribution capacity.

**Morgan Stanley's Marketing Activities.** Morgan Stanley is engaged in the business of underwriting, syndicating, brokering, administering, servicing, arranging and advising on the distribution of a wide variety of securities and other investments in which a Fund may invest. Subject to the restrictions of the 1940 Act, including Sections 10(f) and 17(e) thereof, a Fund may invest in transactions in which Morgan Stanley acts as underwriter, placement agent, syndicator, broker, administrative agent, servicer, advisor, arranger or structuring agent and receives fees or other compensation from the sponsors of such products or securities. Any fees earned by Morgan Stanley in such capacity will not be shared with the Adviser or the Fund. Certain conflicts of interest, in addition to the receipt of fees or other compensation, would be inherent in these transactions. Moreover, the interests of one of Morgan Stanley's clients with respect to an issuer of securities in which a Fund has an investment may be adverse to the Adviser's or a Fund's best interests. In conducting the foregoing activities, Morgan Stanley will be acting for its other clients and will have no obligation to act in the Adviser's or the Fund's best interests. Due to the restrictions of the 1940 Act, a Fund may be restricted from participating in certain transactions in which Morgan Stanley acts as underwriter, placement agent, syndicator, broker, administrative agent, servicer, advisor, arranger or structuring agent, including transactions that would otherwise be beneficial to the Fund.

**Client Relationships.** Morgan Stanley has existing and potential relationships with a significant number of corporations, institutions and individuals. In providing services to its clients, Morgan Stanley may face conflicts of interest with respect to activities recommended to or performed for such clients, on the one hand, and a Fund, its shareholders or the entities in which the Fund invests, on the other hand. In addition, these client relationships may present conflicts of interest in determining whether to offer certain investment opportunities to a Fund. In acting as principal or in providing advisory and other services to its other clients, Morgan Stanley may engage in or recommend activities with respect to a particular matter that conflict with or are different from activities engaged in or recommended by the Adviser on a Fund's behalf.

**Principal Investments.** There may be situations in which a Fund's interests may conflict with the interests of one or more general accounts of Morgan Stanley and its affiliates or accounts managed by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. This may occur because these accounts hold public and private debt and equity securities of many issuers which may be or become portfolio companies, or from whom portfolio companies may be acquired.

**Transactions with Portfolio Companies of Affiliated Investment Accounts.** The companies in which a Fund may invest may be counterparties to or participants in agreements, transactions or other arrangements with portfolio companies or other entities of portfolio investments of Affiliated Investment Accounts (for example, a company in which a Fund invests may retain a company in which an Affiliated Investment Account invests to provide services or may acquire an asset from such company or vice versa). Certain of these agreements, transactions and arrangements involve fees, servicing payments, rebates and/or other benefits to Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. For example, portfolio entities may, including at the encouragement of Morgan Stanley, enter into agreements regarding group procurement and/or vendor discounts. Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may also participate in these agreements and may realize better pricing or discounts as a result of the participation of portfolio entities. To the extent permitted by applicable law, certain of these agreements may provide for commissions or similar payments and/or discounts or rebates to be paid to a portfolio entity of an Affiliated Investment Account, and such payments or discounts or rebates may also be made directly to Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. Under these arrangements, a particular

**97**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

portfolio company or other entity may benefit to a greater degree than the other participants, and the Morgan Stanley Funds, investment vehicles and accounts (which may or may not include a Fund) that own an interest in such entity will receive a greater relative benefit from the arrangements than the Morgan Stanley Funds, investment vehicles or accounts that do not own an interest therein. Fees and compensation received by portfolio companies of Affiliated Investment Accounts in relation to the foregoing will not be shared with the Fund or offset advisory fees payable.

**Investments in Portfolio Investments of Other Funds.** To the extent permitted by applicable law, when the Fund invests in certain companies or other entities, other funds affiliated with or advised by the Adviser may have made or may be making an investment in such companies or other entities. Other funds that have been or may be managed by the Adviser may invest in the companies or other entities in which a Fund has made an investment. Under such circumstances, a Fund and such other funds may have conflicts of interest (e.g., over the terms, exit strategies and related matters, including the exercise of remedies of their respective investments). If the interests held by a Fund or other fund are different from (or take priority over or are subordinate to) those held by the Fund or such other funds, the Adviser may be required to make a selection at the time of conflicts between the interests held by such other funds and the interests held by a Fund.

**Investments in Morgan Stanley Funds and Other Funds.** To the extent permitted by applicable law, a Fund may invest in a fund affiliated with the Adviser or its affiliates or a fund advised by the Adviser or its affiliates. In connection with any such investments, an investing Fund, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, will pay all advisory, administrative and/or Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to the investment. Investments by the Fund in a fund affiliated with the Adviser or its affiliates or a fund advised by the Adviser or its affiliates present potential conflicts of interest, including potential incentives to invest in smaller or newer funds to increase asset levels or to otherwise provide greater viability for funds. The Adviser voluntarily waives advisory fees (or unitary management fees, as applicable) of the Fund associated with investments by the Fund in a fund advised by the Adviser or its affiliates, which will reduce, but will not eliminate, these types of conflicts.

The Affiliated Investment Accounts (including the Funds) may, individually or in the aggregate, own a substantial percentage of a Fund. Further, the Adviser, its affiliates, or another entity (i.e., a seed investor) may invest in the Funds at or near the establishment of such Funds, which may facilitate the Funds achieving a specified size or scale. The Adviser and/or its affiliates may make payments to an investor that contributes seed capital to a Fund. Such payments may continue for a specified period of time and/or until a specified dollar amount is reached, and will be made from the assets of the Adviser and/or such affiliates (and not the applicable Fund). Seed investors may contribute all or a majority of the assets in the Fund. There is a risk that such seed investors may redeem their investments in the Fund, particularly after payments from the Adviser and/or its affiliates have ceased. Such redemptions could negatively impact the Fund's liquidity, expenses and market price of its shares, as applicable.

**Allocation of Expenses.** Expenses may be incurred that are attributable to a Fund and one or more other Affiliated Investment Accounts (including in connection with issuers in which a Fund and such other Affiliated Investment Accounts have overlapping investments). The allocation of such expenses among such entities raises potential conflicts of interest. The Adviser and its affiliates intend to allocate such common expenses among a Fund and any such other Affiliated Investment Accounts on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as the Adviser deems to be fair and equitable or in such other manner as may be required by applicable law.

**Temporary Investments.** To more efficiently invest short-term cash balances held by a Fund, the Adviser may invest such balances on an overnight "sweep" basis in shares of one or more money market funds or other short-term vehicles. The investment adviser to these money market funds or other short-term vehicles may be the Adviser (or an investment adviser affiliate) to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act. In such a case, the Adviser or investment adviser affiliate may receive asset-based fees in respect of a Fund's investment (which will reduce the net return realized by a Fund). For additional information regarding investments in other funds, see the section "Investments in Morgan Stanley Funds and Other Funds," above.

**Transactions with Affiliates.** The Adviser and any investment sub-adviser might purchase securities from underwriters or placement agents in which a Morgan Stanley affiliate is a member of a syndicate or selling group, as a result of which an affiliate might benefit from the purchase through receipt of a fee or otherwise. Neither the Adviser nor any investment sub-adviser will purchase securities on behalf of a Fund from an affiliate that is acting as a manager of a syndicate or selling group. Purchases by the Adviser on behalf of a Fund from an affiliate acting as a placement agent must meet the requirements of applicable law. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley may face conflicts of interest when a Fund uses service providers affiliated with Morgan Stanley because Morgan Stanley receives greater overall fees when they are used.

**Affiliated Indexes.** An investment adviser affiliate(s) of the Adviser develops, owns and operates indexes ("Indexes"), and may continue to do so in the future, based on investment and trading strategies and concepts developed by the Adviser and/or its investment adviser affiliates ("Adviser Strategies"). Some of the Funds seek to track the performance of the Indexes. The Adviser manages Accounts which track the same Indexes used by the Funds or which are based on the same, or substantially similar, Adviser Strategies that are used in the operation of the Indexes and the Funds. The operation of the Indexes, the Funds and the Accounts in this manner gives rise to potential conflicts of interest. For example, Accounts that track the same Indexes used by the Funds may engage in purchases and sales of securities prior to when the Index and the Funds engage in similar transactions because such Accounts may be managed and rebalanced on an ongoing basis, whereas the Funds' portfolios may only be rebalanced on a periodic or other basis subsequent to the rebalancing of the Index.

**98**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to address potential conflicts that arise in connection with the operation of the Indexes, the Funds and the Accounts. The Adviser has established certain information barriers and other policies designed to address the sharing of information between different businesses within the Investment Adviser, including with respect to personnel responsible for constructing and maintaining the Indexes and those involved in decision-making for the Funds.

**Valuation of the Funds' Investments.** The Adviser performs certain valuation services related to securities and other assets held by the Funds and performs such services in accordance with its valuation policies. The Adviser will face a conflict with respect to valuation of the Funds' investments generally because of the effect of such valuations on the Adviser's fees and other compensation and performance of the Funds.

**Proxy Voting by the Adviser.** The Adviser has implemented processes designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing proxy voting decisions that it makes on behalf of advisory clients, including the Funds, and to help ensure that such decisions are made in accordance with its fiduciary obligations to its clients. Notwithstanding such proxy voting processes, proxy voting decisions made by the Adviser in respect of securities held by the Funds may benefit the interests of Morgan Stanley and/or accounts other than the Funds. Further, the Adviser may make different proxy voting decisions in respect of the same security held by clients with different investment objectives or strategies. For a more detailed discussion of these policies and procedures, see the section of the Statement of Additional Information entitled "Morgan Stanley Investment Management Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures."

**Potential Conflict of Interest Related to Use of Sub-Adviser(s).** To the extent the Adviser to a Fund engages affiliated and/or unaffiliated sub-advisers, the Adviser generally expects to compensate the sub-adviser out of the advisory fee it receives from the Fund, which creates an incentive for the Adviser to select sub-adviser(s) with lower fee rates or to select affiliated sub-adviser(s). In addition, a sub-adviser may have interests and relationships that create actual or potential conflicts of interest related to their management of Fund assets allocated to or managed by the sub-adviser. These conflicts may be similar to or different from the conflicts described herein related to Morgan Stanley and its investment advisory affiliates. For additional information about potential conflicts of interest for each sub-adviser(s) can be found in the relevant sub-adviser's Form ADV. A copy of Part 1 and Part 2 of a sub-adviser's Form ADV is available on the SEC's website ([www.adviserinfo.sec.gov](DUMMY_17015_2_3)).

**Electronic Communication Networks and Alternative Trading Systems.** The Adviser's affiliate(s) have ownership interests in and/ or board seats on electronic communication networks ("ECNs") or other alternative trading systems ("ATSs"). In certain instances the Adviser's affiliate(s) could be deemed to control one or more of such ECNs or ATSs based on the level of such ownership interests and whether such affiliates are represented on the board of such ECNs or ATSs. Consistent with its fiduciary obligation to seek best execution, the Adviser may, from time to time, directly or indirectly, effect client trades through ECNs or other ATSs in which the Firm's affiliates have or could acquire an interest or board seat. These affiliates might receive an indirect economic benefit based upon their ownership in the ECNs or other ATSs. The Adviser will, directly or indirectly, execute through an ECN or other ATSs in which an affiliate has an interest only in situations where the Adviser or the broker dealer through whom it is accessing the ECN or ATS reasonably believes such transaction will be in the best interest of its clients and the requirements of applicable law have been satisfied.

**General Process for Potential Conflicts.** All of the transactions described above involve the potential for conflicts of interest between the Adviser, related persons of the Adviser and/or their clients. The Advisers Act, the 1940 Act and ERISA impose certain requirements designed to decrease the possibility of conflicts of interest between an investment adviser and its clients. In some cases, transactions may be permitted subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. Certain other transactions may be prohibited. In addition, the Adviser has instituted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from arising and, when they do arise, to ensure that it effects transactions for clients in a manner that is consistent with its fiduciary duty to its clients and in accordance with applicable law. The Adviser seeks to ensure that potential or actual conflicts of interest are appropriately resolved taking into consideration the overriding best interests of the client.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

[The Funds' audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, including notes thereto, and the reports of Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Funds' reports filed on Form N-CSR and are incorporated by reference into this SAI. A copy of the annual financial statements and additional information included in the Funds' most recent reports filed on Form N-CSR must accompany the delivery of this SAI.](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001011378/000110465926023990/tm261922d1_ncsr.htm)

**99**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**APPENDIX A — MORGAN STANLEY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT EQUITY PROXY VOTING** **POLICY AND PROCEDURES**

**Introduction**

This Equity Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures ("Policy") sets out Morgan Stanley Investment Management's ("MSIM")<sup>1</sup> approach to Proxy Voting, the procedures it follows with respect to Proxy Voting and the guidelines used to inform voting on key issues. The Policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to address new and evolving proxy voting issues and standards.

**A. MSIM APPROACH TO PROXY VOTING**

MSIM will vote proxies in a prudent and diligent manner and in the best interests of clients in accordance with its fiduciary duties, consistent with the objectives of the relevant investment strategy ("Client Proxy Standard"). MSIM will generally seek to vote proxies in accordance with the Proxy Voting Guidelines set out below.

MSIM has a decentralized approach towards investment management, consisting of independent investment teams. Investment teams seek to integrate this Policy with their investment goals and client expectations, using their vote to support sound corporate governance with the aim of enhancing long-term shareholder value, providing a high standard of transparency, and enhancing companies' economic value. To that end, investment teams retain the overall vote decision.

Under this Policy, proxy voting is led by our investment teams with support from the Global Stewardship Team ("GST"). The GST supports investment teams to vote in accordance with the Client Proxy Standard and comprises individuals who are separate from our investment teams. The GST is also responsible for the consistent application of this Policy and the Proxy Voting Guidelines and for providing voting recommendations to investment teams. The GST also oversees the proxy voting operational processes, vote execution and research.

As a result of MSIM's independent investment team structure, a situation may emerge in which different investment teams have different views on how to vote the same proxy in the best interest of their respective clients. Under these circumstances, each investment team will vote according to their views, subject to market rules.

**B. APPLICABILITY OF POLICY**

This Policy<sup>2</sup> applies to proxy voting activities across MSIM. MSIM votes proxies on behalf of its sponsored funds and advisory clients that have granted it the authority to do so and will vote the proxies in accordance with this Policy unless otherwise agreed with the client.

Certain MSIM exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") will follow Calvert Research and Management's ("Calvert") Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and the Global Proxy Voting Guidelines set forth in Appendix A of the Calvert Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. MSIM's oversight of Calvert's proxy voting and engagement is ongoing pursuant to the 40 Act Fund Service Provider and Vendor Oversight Policy.

**Proxy Voting Procedures**

MSIM follows the following procedures when voting proxies:

**A. PROPRIETARY PROXY VOTING PLATFORM**

MSIM uses a proprietary management system, Provosys<sup>3</sup>, when voting proxies. Provosys streamlines our proxy voting process by providing a centralized platform for research, vote instruction and management of conflicts of interests. We believe that the internal management of this process provides us with enhanced quality control, as well as oversight and independence of the proxy administration process. Our proprietary system also handles workflow around proxy voting, documenting the views of various investment teams and the GST where relevant.

**B. PROXY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THIRD PARTIES**

MSIM also retains the services of Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") and Glass Lewis (collectively, the "Proxy Service Providers<sup>3</sup>") for proxy vote execution, reporting, record-keeping, and where appropriate, to provide company- level reports that summarize key data elements within an issuer's proxy statement or on specific thematic/market topics.

MSIM performs periodic due diligence on the Proxy Service Providers as part of ongoing oversight. Topics of the reviews include, but are not limited to, the Proxy Service Providers' management of conflicts of interest, methodologies for developing their policies, research, and resources.

While MSIM utilizes certain services from the Proxy Service Providers, all voting decisions are made by MSIM's investment teams.

**A-1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**C. PROXY VOTING OPERATIONS**

The GST<sup>3</sup> is responsible for ensuring that voting instructions from investment teams and clients (where applicable) are communicated to our Proxy Service Provider responsible for proxy vote execution (currently, ISS serves in this capacity) and that adequate controls are in place to ensure instructions communicated electronically are accurately recorded in ISS systems for execution (including scenarios where votes have been split because of client preference or differing investment team convictions).

Additionally, the GST conducts monthly reviews of a vote audit report provided by ISS, confirming the execution status for meetings and conducts ex-post reviews to confirm that ISS has accurately implemented voting instructions.

**D. PROXY VOTING OVERSIGHT**

The Proxy Review Committee ("PRC") has overall responsibility for this Policy. The PRC consists of investment professionals who represent the different investment disciplines and/or geographic locations of MSIM and members of the GST. Additionally, the GST administers and implements the Policy through consultation with PRC members and MSIM investment teams, as well as monitors services provided by the Proxy Service Providers and any other research providers used in the proxy voting process.

**E. SECURITIES LENDING**

Accounts or funds sponsored, managed, or advised by MSIM may participate in a securities lending program through a third-party provider. The voting rights for shares that are out on loan are transferred to the borrower and therefore, the lender is not entitled to vote the lent shares at the company meeting.

However, in certain circumstances a portfolio manager may seek to recall shares for the purposes of voting. In this event, the handling of such recall requests would be on a reasonable efforts basis.

**F. MARKET AND OPERATIONAL LIMITATIONS**

Voting proxies of companies located in some jurisdictions may involve several issues that can restrict or prevent the ability to vote such proxies or entail significant costs. These issues include, but are not limited to: (i) proxy statements and ballots being written in a language other than English; (ii) untimely and/or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings; (iii) restrictions on the ability of holders outside the issuer's jurisdiction of the listing organization to exercise votes; (iv) requirements to vote proxies in person; (v) the imposition of restrictions on the sale of the securities for a period of time in proximity to the shareholder meeting; and (vi) requirements to provide local agents with power of attorney to facilitate our voting instructions.

As a result, MSIM will use reasonable efforts to vote clients' non-U.S. proxies, after weighing the costs and benefits of voting such proxies, consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.

**G. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST**

MSIM is part of Morgan Stanley, a global financial services group, and, as such, MSIM faces potential conflicts due to the role of other Morgan Stanley divisions which may have commercial relationships with companies in which MSIM may invest. Such potential conflicts of interest involving divisions of Morgan Stanley outside MSIM are managed through the operation of various policies and procedures, including (among others) those creating and enforcing information barriers between MSIM and other Morgan Stanley divisions.

MSIM has also enacted policies and procedures to address potential conflicts resulting from its own commercial or other relationships and to manage conflicts of interests so that proxies are voted in accordance with the Client Proxy Standard. The GST administers Policy implementation and is responsible for providing investment teams with voting recommendations in accordance with this Policy and the Proxy Voting Guidelines. The Head of GST may convene a special committee to oversee how a proxy should be voted in accordance with the Client Proxy Standard, in certain situations including circumstances where a potential material conflict of interest is not addressed by such policies and procedures. Any determinations of the special committee regarding a material conflict of interest will be reported to any applicable Fund Board, where appropriate.

MSIM also faces potential conflicts of interest when voting proxies of its parent company Morgan Stanley. In such situations, MSIM will seek to vote its shares in the same proportion as other holders of Morgan Stanley's shares ("echo vote").

**H. PROXY VOTING REPORTING & RECORDKEEPING**

We will promptly provide a copy of this Policy to any client requesting it. We will also, upon client request, promptly provide a report indicating how each proxy was voted with respect to securities held in that client's account. MSIM files an annual Form N-PX on behalf of each MSIM affiliate for which such filing is required, indicating how proxies were voted with respect to each MSIM affiliate fund's or advisor's holdings.

The GST will maintain requisite proxy voting books and records, including but not limited to: (1) proxy voting policies and procedures, (2) proxy statements received on behalf of client accounts, (3) proxies voted, (4) copies of any relevant research

**A-2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

documents and (5) PRC and Special Committee decisions and actions. This documentation will be maintained for such period as required by relevant law and regulation.

MSIM also maintains rationales for its voting decisions at shareholder meetings (including votes against management) in a searchable database on an external website, which is updated on a rolling 12-month basis.

Records are retained in accordance with Morgan Stanley's Global Information Management Policy, which establishes general Firm-wide standards and procedures regarding the retention, handling, and destruction of official books and records and other information of legal or operational significance. The Global Information Management Policy incorporates Morgan Stanley's Master Retention Schedule, which lists various record classes and associated retention periods on a global basis.

**I. REVIEW OF POLICY**

The PRC through consultation with PRC members, and in conjunction with the Legal and Compliance Division, reviews this Policy annually to ensure that it remains consistent with clients' best interests, regulatory requirements, investment team considerations, governance trends and industry best practices.

**MSIM Proxy Voting Guidelines**

MSIM<sup>4</sup> (also defined as "We" within this section) will vote proxies in a prudent and diligent manner and in the best interests of clients in accordance with its fiduciary duties, consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.

Our proxy voting principles are rooted in the tenets of accountability, transparency and protection of shareholder rights. Stock ownership represents an opportunity to participate in the economic rewards of a long-lived asset and shareholder rights represent an important path to maximizing these rewards. When reviewing proposals, MSIM considers the financial materiality, including the company's exposure to the risk or opportunity, the management of such issues and company's current disclosures.

MSIM therefore expects the companies in which it invests to adhere to effective governance practices and to protect their shareholders' interests. In addition to these proxy voting guidelines, MSIM may review publicly disclosed information from the issuer, research, and other sources. Investment teams will independently make voting decisions as appropriate for their strategies.

**A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS**

The board of directors plays a key role in overseeing management and ensuring effective execution of strategies to achieve long-term shareholder value creation. The board has several important responsibilities including, but not limited to, selecting the executive leadership, monitoring and incentivizing performance, succession planning, and overseeing company strategy. In order to effectively carry out its fiduciary duties, we believe it is crucial for the board to have the right mix of skills, be sufficiently independent, and have the proper accountability mechanisms in place.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <sup>1.</sup> | **BOARD COMPOSITION:** The role of the board of directors is to provide governance oversight and guidance to position the company for strategic success and drive long term value creation for shareholders. We believe that diverse perspectives on the board help directors assess and manage risks and opportunities comprehensively. Diversity on a board can include diversity of thought, background, skills, and experiences. Directors with a mix of tenures can also be beneficial to balance new perspectives with industry experience and knowledge. We generally expect the board to be composed of directors with adequate skill sets and diversity to provide oversight of the business, and in line with any local market regulations. Additionally, we expect the audit committee to have directors with appropriate financial expertise to serve on the committee. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <sup>2.</sup> | **BOARD INDEPENDENCE:** We generally expect boards to adhere at a minimum to their prevalent market or regulatory standards on board independence. In most markets, a majority independent board is considered best practice. When assessing independence of directors, we may consider relevant circumstances and relationships with the company and related parties such as senior management or large shareholders.<br>In our experience, the right leadership structure is critical to a strong board. When voting on matters related to board leadership, we may consider company performance and any evidence of entrenchment or perceived risk indicating power may be overly concentrated in a single individual. We also generally expect key board committees to be comprised of independent board members. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <sup>3.</sup> | **BOARD ACCOUNTABILITY:** Director elections are the primary mechanism for shareholders to hold board members accountable. Therefore, we generally expect directors to be elected annually to serve on the board by majority vote. We generally expect directors who fail to receive majority shareholder support should resign from their position unless there is sufficient disclosure concerning the reasons why they failed to get support from a majority of the shareholders.<br>Boards should take into consideration the views of their long-term shareholders to ensure alignment, and to make appropriate efforts to communicate their plans and views broadly. To that end, we generally expect the board to engage meaningfully with long-term shareholders, especially to address concerns on matters that may affect the long-term value creation of the company. |

---

**A-3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

<br>We may consider withholding support for directors where we have significant concerns due to inadequate risk oversight of potentially financially material issues<sup>5</sup>. We may consider withholding support for Audit Committee members for failure to address accounting irregularities or financial misstatements over consecutive years.<br>Directors should dedicate adequate time to their role and consider any other existing commitments alongside their board and/or committee memberships. We may look at meeting attendance to determine whether directors have adequate time for their responsibilities.

**B. AUDITORS**

Investors rely on auditors to attest to the integrity of a company's financial statements, without which the business could not be properly evaluated. It is essential that auditors be independent, accurate, fair in the fees charged, and not subject to conflicts of interest. We therefore expect auditors to be independent in order to provide an objective opinion and assurance. We may consider non-audit related business, length of service and any other relevant context when assessing auditor independence. We generally expect non-audit related fees to be less than 50% of the total fee.

**C. EXECUTIVE & DIRECTOR COMPENSATION**

Properly structured compensation is essential to attracting and retaining effective corporate management. Poorly structured compensation plans can create perverse incentives. We expect compensations plans to be reasonable, and appropriately incentivize executives to make risk-reward decisions that align with the business strategy and goals, and long-term shareholder value creation. Compensation plans should also build in retention mechanisms for high performing executives. We generally expect compensation plan payouts to align with performance and long-term value creation.

We expect director compensation to follow market best practice and be aligned with long-term shareholder interests. For executives and directors who gain shares through equity compensation plans, we generally expect reasonable guidelines and holding requirements. Typically, stock options issued to executives should be priced at fair market value on the date of the grant and any re-pricing should not incur a significant cost to shareholders.

We generally expect employee ownership, retirement and severance plans to be designed in a manner that does not disadvantage shareholders. These plans should not be excessively dilutive or incur a high cost. We generally expect discounted employee stock purchase plans to be broad-based and include non-executive employees. Discount rates should be in line with market best practice and not excessive.

For compensation plans with performance metrics, in instances where performance milestones are not met, we may expect reasonable claw back provisions for executive or director compensation related to these missed milestones depending on the circumstances.

We generally evaluate each compensation plan and any related proposals, including shareholder proposals, within the context of the market and the company. In order to make a suitable evaluation about compensation and related matters, we expect appropriate disclosures on relevant aspects.

**D. SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND DEFENSES**

Companies should take actions and make decisions with the intent of maximizing long-term shareholder value creation. We generally support proposals that enhance shareholder rights and vote against those that seek to undermine them. We believe that in most cases, each common share should have one vote, and that a simple majority of voting shares should be what is required to effect change.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <sup>1.</sup> | **SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLANS:** Shareholder rights plans, commonly known as poison pills, and similar take-over defenses should aim to promote long-term shareholder value creation. When designing plans and defenses, companies should ensure that they do not suppress potential value by unduly discouraging acquirers. We generally expect companies to seek shareholder approval or ratification of shareholder rights plans. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <sup>2.</sup> | **UNEQUAL VOTING RIGHTS:** We generally expect companies to adhere to the one share one vote principle. When companies have dual-class structures, they should ensure that such structures are not misused to support instances where a few insiders may benefit at the cost of other shareholders. Ultimately, structures should strive to create alignment between the shareholders' economic interests and their voting power. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <sup>3.</sup> | **VOTING REQUIREMENTS:** We typically prefer a majority vote standard for binding votes. We also expect management to be responsive to non-binding votes that have received majority support. We generally expect companies to protect minority shareholder rights as their primary goal when considering supermajority vote requirements. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <sup>4.</sup> | **RIGHT TO CALL SPECIAL MEETINGS:** We generally expect companies to allow large shareholders to call special meetings. A large shareholder may be defined by a reasonable threshold or in line with prevalent market practices. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <sup>5.</sup> | **PROXY ACCESS:** We generally consider ownership thresholds, holding periods, the number of directors that shareholders may nominate and any restrictions on forming a group in our evaluation of proposals related to proxy access. |

---

**E. CAPITAL STRUCTURE**

**A-4**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

We expect any changes to the capital structure to be driven by legitimate business needs and not as a means of anti-takeover defense. We generally expect companies to ensure that such changes do not disadvantage shareholders.

Companies should provide a clear business rationale when requesting the authorization, or increase in authorization, of new shares or new share classes. They ought to request a reasonable number of shares in relation to the purpose outlined. Companies should follow prevalent market practices, such as offering pre-emptive rights, to ensure shareholders are not excessively diluted, unless required by specific circumstances which are clearly stated.

We generally consider specific company and market context when we evaluate proposals on dividend payout ratios and related matters.

**F. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS & PROXY FIGHTS**

We expect companies to provide a clear economic and strategic rationale for proposed transactions. We also expect disclosure of any financial benefits to the board or executives from any proposed transaction and will generally look for assurances that shareholder interests were prioritized. We generally assess company-specific circumstances when evaluating voting matters related to mergers, acquisitions, other special corporate transactions, and contested elections.

**G. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS**

In assessing shareholder proposals, we will carefully consider the potential financial materiality (as appropriate to the investment strategy of MSIM's investment teams and relevant advisory affiliates) of the issues raised in the proposal, as well as the company's exposure to relevant risks and opportunities, current disclosures on the topic, and the sector and geography in which the company operates. We generally seek to balance concerns of reputational, operational, litigation and other risks that lie behind the proposal against costs of implementation.

We generally support proposals that seek to enhance useful disclosure on potentially financially material issues (as appropriate to the investment strategy of MSIM's investment teams and relevant advisory affiliates), including but not limited to climate, biodiversity, human rights, supply chain, workplace safety, human capital management and pay equity. We focus on understanding the company's business and commercial context and recognize that there is no one size fits all that can be applied across the board.

We generally do not support shareholder proposals on matters best left to the board's discretion, or addressed via legislation or regulation, or that would be considered unduly burdensome. We also generally do not support shareholder proposals related to matters that we do not consider to be financially material (as appropriate to the investment strategy of MSIM's investment teams and relevant advisory affiliates) for the company.

**Appendix A**

POLICY STATEMENT

The Policy, with respect to securities held in the accounts of clients applies to those MSIM entities that provide discretionary investment management services and for which an MSIM entity has authority to vote proxies. For purposes of this Policy, clients shall include: Morgan Stanley U.S. registered investment companies, other Morgan Stanley pooled investment vehicles, and MSIM separately managed accounts (including accounts for Employee Retirement Income Security ("ERISA") clients and ERISA-equivalent clients). This Policy is reviewed and updated as necessary to address new and evolving proxy voting issues and standards.

This Policy applies to the MSIM Affiliates set out in Section 1 of this Policy.

Each MSIM Affiliate will use its best efforts to vote proxies as part of its authority to manage, acquire and dispose of account assets.

■ With respect to the U.S. registered investment companies sponsored, managed or advised by any MSIM Affiliate (the "Morgan Stanley Funds"), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under its applicable investment advisory agreement or, in the absence of such authority, as authorized by the Board of Directors/ Trustees of the Morgan Stanley Funds.

■ For other pooled investment vehicles (e.g., UCITS), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under its applicable investment advisory agreement or, in the absence of such authority, as authorized by the relevant governing board.

■ For separately managed accounts (including ERISA and ERISA-equivalent clients), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under the applicable investment advisory agreement or investment management agreement. Where an MSIM Affiliate has the authority to vote proxies on behalf of ERISA and ERISA- equivalent clients, the MSIM Affiliate must do so in accordance with its fiduciary duties under ERISA (and the Internal Revenue Code).

■ In certain situations, a client or its fiduciary may reserve the authority to vote proxies for itself or an outside party or may provide an MSIM Affiliate with a statement of proxy voting policy. The MSIM Affiliate will comply with the client's policy.

■ Certain ETFs will follow Calvert's Global Proxy Voting Guidelines set forth in Appendix A of Calvert's Proxy Voting Policies

**A-5**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

and Procedures and the proxy voting guidelines discussed below do not apply to such ETFs. See Appendix A of Calvert's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for a general discussion of the proxy voting guidelines to which these ETFs will be subject.

■ For the Investment Management Private Side clients, each adviser will, as a fiduciary to its clients, vote proxies in the best interest of its clients in a manner consistent with the objective of maximizing long-term investment returns. The "Proxy Vote Designee" will be the professional responsible for overseeing the investment for which a proxy vote is required. The Proxy Vote Designee will typically be the asset manager (for Real Estate Investing or Infrastructure) or the investment professional (for Private Credit and Equity). The Proxy Vote Designee will vote proxies in accordance with any applicable stockholder or similar agreement, the business plan associated with an investment (if applicable), and if necessary, with the advice of senior management of the applicable client, all in a manner consistent with these procedures. Additionally, each adviser reserves the right to depart from these procedures in order to avoid voting decisions that it believes may be contrary to its clients' best interests.

In circumstances in which (i) an adviser has determined to consider a matter on a case-by-case basis; (ii) the subject matter is not covered by these procedures; (iii) a material conflict of interest is present; or (iv) an adviser might find it necessary to vote contrary to the general guidelines outlined in these procedures to maximize shareholder value and vote in the best interests of the client, the Proxy Vote Designee may consult with their coverage attorney regarding appropriate internal process, decisions and completion of the proxy material.<br>

For IM Private Side clients, potential conflicts of interest may occur where an adviser or any of its affiliates or their respective employees has a direct or indirect economic stake in the outcome of a proxy vote that is different from a client's stake. When such a potential conflict arises between an adviser and any of its affiliates or their respective employees on the one hand and one or more of the clients on the other, a designee, in consultation with their coverage attorney, will evaluate the matter to determine whether an actual conflict exists. Where an actual conflict exists, the adviser will take necessary and appropriate steps to address the conflict. If more than one client invests in the same portfolio company, or Morgan Stanley (or one or more of its affiliates or their respective employees or other clients) invests in the same portfolio company, Morgan Stanley (or one or more of its affiliates or their respective employees or other clients) and the two or more clients may have different investment objectives, client-specific voting policies or ultimate economic interests. In these situations, opposing votes may be cast by the relevant investors. Potential conflicts or the appearance of conflicts of interests will be disclosed in the applicable client's private placement memorandum, Form ADV Part 2A, as well as in the client's partnership agreement or, in the case of separate account clients, the investment management agreement consistent with the adviser's obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended<br>

An MSIM Affiliate will not vote proxies unless the investment management agreement, investment advisory agreement or other authority explicitly authorizes the MSIM Affiliate to vote proxies.

In addition to voting proxies of portfolio companies, MSIM routinely engages with, or, in some cases, may engage a third party to engage with, the management or board of companies in which we invest on a range of environmental, social and governance issues. Governance is a window into or proxy for management and board quality. MSIM engages with companies where we have larger positions, voting issues are material or where we believe we can make a positive impact on the governance structure. MSIM's engagement process, through private communication with companies, allows us to understand the governance structures at investee companies and better inform our voting decisions. In certain situations, a client or its fiduciary may provide an MSIM Affiliate with a proxy voting policy. In these situations, the MSIM Affiliate will comply with the client's policy.

**Appendix B**

Appendix A applies to the following accounts managed by Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP (i) closed-end funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; (ii) discretionary separate accounts; (iii) unregistered funds; and (iv) non-discretionary accounts offered in connection with AIP's Custom Advisory Portfolio Solutions service. Generally, AIP will follow the guidelines set forth in Section II of MSIM's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures. To the extent that such guidelines do not provide specific direction, or AIP determines that consistent with the Client Proxy Standard, the guidelines should not be followed, the Proxy Review Committee has delegated the voting authority to vote securities held by accounts managed by AIP to the Fund of Hedge Funds investment team, the Private Markets investment team or the Portfolio Solutions team of AIP. A summary of decisions made by the applicable investment teams will be made available to the Proxy Review Committee for its information at the next scheduled meeting of the Proxy Review Committee.

In certain cases, AIP may determine to abstain from determining (or recommending) how a proxy should be voted (and therefore abstain from voting such proxy or recommending how such proxy should be voted), such as where the expected cost of giving due consideration to the proxy does not justify the potential benefits to the affected account(s) that might result from adopting or rejecting (as the case may be) the measure in question.

*Waiver of Voting Rights*

For regulatory reasons, AIP may either 1) invest in a class of securities of an underlying fund (the "Fund") that does not provide for voting rights; or 2) waive 100% of its voting rights with respect to the following:

<sup>1.</sup> Any rights with respect to the removal or replacement of a director, general partner, managing member or other person

**A-6**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

acting in a similar capacity for or on behalf of the Fund (each individually a "Designated Person," and collectively, the "Designated Persons"), which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the election or removal of a Designated Person in the event of such Designated Person's death, disability, insolvency, bankruptcy, incapacity, or other event requiring a vote of interest holders of the Fund to remove or replace a Designated Person; and

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <sup>2.</sup> | Any rights in connection with a determination to renew, dissolve, liquidate, or otherwise terminate or continue the Fund, which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the renewal, dissolution, liquidation, termination or continuance of the Fund upon the occurrence of an event described in the Fund's organizational documents; provided, however, that, if the Fund's organizational documents require the consent of the Fund's general partner or manager, as the case may be, for any such termination or continuation of the Fund to be effective, then AIP may exercise its voting rights with respect to such matter. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | The MSIM entities covered by this Equity Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the "Policy") include the following: Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company, Morgan Stanley Saudi Arabia, MSIM Fund Management (Ireland) Limited, Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (Japan) Co. Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited, Mesa West Capital, LLC, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Inc, Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia Inc, Morgan Stanley Real Estate Advisor, Inc, MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc, MSREF Real Estate Advisor, Inc, MSRESS III Manager, L.L.C, Morgan Stanley Eaton Vance CLO Manager LLC, Eaton Vance Management, Boston Management and Research, Eaton Vance Trust Company, Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited, Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd, Morgan Stanley Eaton Vance CLO CM LLC, Parametric SAS, Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, and Atlanta Capital Management Company LLC (each an "MSIM Affiliate" and collectively referred to as the "MSIM Affiliates" or as "we" below.) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | This Policy does not apply to MSIM's authority to exercise certain decision-making rights associated with investments in loans and other fixed-income instruments (collectively, "Fixed Income Instruments"). Instead, MSIM's Policy for Exercising Consents Related to Fixed Income Instruments applies to MSIM's exercise of discretionary authority or other investment management services, to the extent MSIM has been granted authority to exercise consents for an account with respect to any Fixed Income Instruments held therein. |

---

3 Not applicable for Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP, Mesa West Capital, LLC, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Inc, Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia Inc, Morgan Stanley Real Estate Advisor, Inc, MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc, MSREF Real Estate Advisor, Inc, MSRESS III Manager, L.L.C.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 4 | The MSIM entities covered by this Equity Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the "Policy") currently include the following: Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company, Morgan Stanley Saudi Arabia, MSIM Fund Management (Ireland) Limited, Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (Japan) Co. Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited, Mesa West Capital, LLC, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Inc, Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia Inc, Morgan Stanley Real Estate Advisor, Inc, MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc, MSREF Real Estate Advisor, Inc, MSRESS III Manager, L.L.C, Morgan Stanley Eaton Vance CLO Manager LLC, Eaton Vance Management, Boston Research Management, Eaton Vance Trust Company, Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited, Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd, Morgan Stanley Eaton Vance CLO CM LLC, Parametric SAS, Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, and Atlanta Capital Management Company LLC (each an "MSIM Affiliate" and collectively referred to as the "MSIM Affiliates" or as "we" below). |

---

5 For example, we may withhold support for a director we believe is responsible for a company's involvement/remediation of breach of global conventions such as UN Global Compact Principles on Human Rights, Labor Standards, Environment and Business Malpractice.

**A-7**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**APPENDIX B — DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS**

**Standard & Poor's Ratings Services**

**An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an** **obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific** **financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It** **takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement** **on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion** **reflects S&P Global Ratings' view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments** **as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which** **could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.**

**Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term** **issue credit** **ratings are generally** **assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market** **, typically with an original** **maturity of no more than 365 days** **. Short-term** **issue credit** **ratings are also used to indicate the** **creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations.** **S&P Global Ratings** **would typically assign a** **long-term** **issue credit rating to an obligation with an original maturity of greater** **than 365 days. However, the ratings it assigns to certain instruments may diverge from these guidelines** **based on market practices** **.**

*I. S&P's Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings*

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

**AA:** *An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.*

**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 commitments 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 weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 exposure 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 that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.*

**CCC:** *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 commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.*

**CC:** *An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'CC' rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.*

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

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

**NR:** *Indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.*

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

**B-1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

*II. S&P's Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings*

**A-1:** *A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments 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 weaken an obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.*

**B:** *A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.*

**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 commitments on the obligation.*

**D:** *A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring .*

**NR:** *Indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.*

*III. Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings*

**SP-1:** Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

**SP-2:** Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

**SP-3:** Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

**D:** 'D' is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed debt restructuring, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example, due to automatic stay provisions*.*

**Moody's Investors, Inc.**

**Credit ratings are** **assigned on Moody's global long-term and short-term rating scales** **and** **are forward-** **looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates,** **financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities.** **Moody's defines credit risk as the risk that an entity may not meet its contractual financial obligations as** **they come due and any estimated financial loss in the event of default or impairment. The contractual** **financial obligations addressed by Moody's ratings are those that call for, without regard to enforceability,** **the payment of an ascertainable amount, which may vary based upon standard sources of variation (e.g.,** **floating interest rates), by an ascertainable date. Moody's rating addresses the issuer's ability to obtain cash** **sufficient to service the obligation, and its willingness to pay. Moody's ratings do not address non-standard** **sources of variation in the amount of the principal obligation (e.g., equity indexed), absent an express** **statement to the contrary in a press release accompanying an initial rating.** **Long-term ratings are assigned to** **issuers or obligations with an original maturity of** **eleven months** **or more and reflect both on the likelihood of** **a default** **or impairment on contractual financial obligations** **and the expected financial loss suffered in the** **event of default** **or impairment** **. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of** **thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default** **or impairment on contractual financial** **obligations** **and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default** **or impairment. Moody's issues** **ratings at the issuer level and instrument level on both the long-term scale and the short-term scale.** **Typically, ratings are made publicly available although private and unpublished ratings may also be** **assigned.**

*I. Moody's Global Long-Term Rating Scale*

**Aaa:** *Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.*

**Aa:** *Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.*

**A:** *Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.*

**B-2**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**Baa:** *Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.*

**Ba:** *Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.*

**B:** *Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.*

**Caa:** *Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.*

**Ca:** *Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.*

**C:** *Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.*

*Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to 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. Additionally, a "(hyb)" indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.*

*II. Moody's Global Short-Term Rating Scale*

**P-1:**  *Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.*

**P-2:**  *Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.*

**P-3:**  *Ratings of Prime-3 reflect an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.*

**NP:** *Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.*

**Fitch Ratings Inc.**

**Fitch Ratings' credit ratings relating to issuers are an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet** **financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or** **counterparty obligations. Credit ratings relating to securities and obligations of an issuer can include a** **recovery expectation. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the** **money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. The agency's credit ratings cover** **the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including** **supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as** **structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.**

*I. Fitch's Long-Term Obligations Ratings*

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

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

**A:** *High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.*

**BBB:** *Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.*

**BB:** *Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met .*

**B:** *Highly speculative. 'B' ratings indicate that material credit risk is present .*

**CCC:** *Substantial credit risk. 'CCC' ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present .*

**CC:** *Very high levels of credit risk. 'CC' ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk .*

**C:** *Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. 'C' indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.*

*Note: The modifiers "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to 'AAA' ratings and ratings below the 'CCC' category.*

*II. Fitch's Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Issuers and Obligations*

**B-3**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_17015)

**F1:** *Highest Short-Term Credit Quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.*

**F2:** *Good Short-Term Credit Quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.*

**F3:** *Fair Short-Term Credit Quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.*

**B:** *Speculative Short-Term Credit Quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.*

**C:** *High Short-Term Default Risk. Default is a real possibility.*

**RD:** *Restricted Default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.*

**D:** *Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.*

**B-4**

------

**MORGAN STANLEY VARIABLE INSURANCE FUND, INC.**

**PART C**

**OTHER INFORMATION**

Item 28. Exhibits

(a)(1) [Articles of Restatement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312507080527/dex99a.htm), dated February 20, 2007, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 13, 2007.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Articles Supplementary](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312508079929/dex99a2.htm) (terminating the Money Market Portfolio and the Technology Portfolio), dated April 10, 2008, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 11, 2008.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Articles of Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312508079929/dex99a3.htm) (renaming the Fixed Income Portfolio), dated April 10, 2008, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 11, 2008.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Articles of Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312508079929/dex99a4.htm) (renaming the Equity Growth Portfolio), dated April 10, 2008, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 11, 2008.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) [Articles Supplementary](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312510023394/dex99a5.htm) (terminating the International Fixed Income Portfolio, Balanced Portfolio, Multi-Asset Class Portfolio, Core Equity Portfolio, Asian Equity Portfolio, Targeted Duration Portfolio and Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio), dated May 27, 2009, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 5, 2010.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) [Certificate of Correction](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312510240793/dex99a6.htm) (correcting typographical errors, errors of transcription or other errors with respect to the Equity Growth Portfolio and Capital Growth Portfolio), dated July 28, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on October 29, 2010.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) [Articles Supplementary](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312510240793/dex99a7.htm) (terminating the Equity and Income Portfolio, Global Value Equity Portfolio, High Yield Portfolio, International Growth Equity Portfolio, U.S. Mid Cap Value Portfolio and Value Portfolio), dated July 28, 2010, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(7) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on October 29, 2010.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) [Articles of Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312510240793/dex99a8.htm) (renaming the International Magnum Portfolio), dated October 13, 2010, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(8) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on October 29, 2010.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) [Articles of Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465911019875/a11-6856_18ex99da4.htm) (renaming the Capital Growth Portfolio), dated April 5, 2011, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(9) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 13, 2011.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) [Articles Supplementary](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465913074136/a13-19373_1ex99da10.htm) (adding the Global Infrastructure Portfolio), dated October 3, 2013, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on October 4, 2013.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) [Form of Articles of Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465915027090/a15-5773_1ex99da11.htm) (renaming the Global Tactical Asset Allocation Portfolio), are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(11) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 13, 2015.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) [Articles of Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000113322817002379/e461858_ex99-a12.htm) (renaming The Universal Institutional Funds, Inc.), dated April 3, 2017, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(12) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 11, 2017.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(13) [Articles of Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000113322819002256/msvif-html999_ex99a13.htm) (renaming the Mid Cap Growth Portfolio), dated April 1, 2019, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(13) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 15, 2019.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(14) [Articles Supplementary (terminating the U.S. Real Estate Portfolio, Global Infrastructure Portfolio and Global Real Estate Portfolio), dated December 11, 2024, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(14) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 17, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000113322825003968/msvifi-efp15173_ex99a14.htm).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) [Amended and Restated By-Laws](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465916111420/a16-5147_1ex99db.htm), dated December 2, 2021, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 18, 2022.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Not applicable.

(d)(1) Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., dated May 1, 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 22, 2024.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465913090720/a13-19373_1ex99dd2.htm) between Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited (relating to the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, Global Franchise Portfolio, Global Infrastructure Portfolio and Global Real Estate Portfolio), dated as of May 30, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 17, 2013.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465913090720/a13-19373_1ex99dd3.htm) between Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company (relating to the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, Global Franchise Portfolio, Global Infrastructure Portfolio and Global Real Estate Portfolio), dated as of June 30, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 17, 2013.

(e)(1) [Distribution Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312505243990/dex99e.htm) between Registrant and Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc., dated as of April 29, 2005, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 16, 2005.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Form of Participation Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312509074688/dex99e2.htm) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 7, 2009.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Not applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) [Custodian Contract](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/836487/000113322819002222/msif-html987_ex99g.htm), dated March 7, 2008, between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 215 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc., filed on April 12, 2019.

(h)(1) Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, dated March 31, 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 22, 2024.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Transfer Agency and Service Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/836487/000113322819002222/msif-html987_ex99h2.htm) with Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., dated April 1, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 215 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc., filed on April 12, 2019.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Amendment to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/876162/000110465914068543/a14-20455_1ex99dh2.htm) with Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., dated as of June 2, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Morgan Stanley Limited Duration U.S. Government Trust, filed on September 26, 2014.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Form of Servicing Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465915027090/a15-5773_1ex99dh4.htm) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 13, 2015.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) [Fee Waiver Agreement between the Registrant](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465916141684/a16-13039_1ex99dh5.htm) (relating to Global Strategist Portfolio) and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on August 26, 2016.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) [Form of Appointment of Agent for Service of Process](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465916141684/a16-13039_1ex99dh6.htm) relating to UIF Global Strategist Cayman Portfolio, Ltd. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on August 26, 2016.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) [Amendment to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096962/000113322817006271/h10047582_ex99h4.htm) with Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., dated May 23, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Active Assets Prime Trust, filed on October 27, 2017.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) [Addendum to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096962/000113322817006271/h10047582_ex99h5.htm) with Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., dated October 5, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Active Assets Prime Trust, filed on October 27, 2017.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) [Form of Fund of Funds Investment Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000113322822002027/msvif-html4764_ex99h9.htm), dated January 19, 2022, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(9) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 18, 2022.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) [Call Center and Transfer Agency Services Amendment, dated November 28, 2022, to the Administration Agreement with Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., dated as of January 1, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(11) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust, filed on January 27, 2023.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/741375/000113322823000277/msift-html5938_ex99h11.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) [Amendment to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement with DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., dated November 28, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit h(12) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust, field on January 27, 2023.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/741375/000113322823000277/msift-html5938_ex99h12.htm)

(i)(1) [Opinion of Maryland counsel](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312506042753/dex99i1.htm), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 1, 2006.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Opinion and Consent of Clifford Chance US LLP](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000119312506042753/dex99i2.htm), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 1, 2006.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Opinion of Maryland counsel](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465911013930/a11-6843_1ex99di3.htm), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 11, 2011.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465911013930/a11-6843_1ex99di4.htm), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 11, 2011.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) [Opinion of Maryland counsel](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465913090720/a13-19373_1ex99di5.htm) (with respect to the Global Infrastructure Portfolio), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 17, 2013.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) [Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1011378/000110465913090720/a13-19373_1ex99di6.htm) (with respect to the Global Infrastructure Portfolio), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 17, 2013.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) [Consent of Dechert LLP, filed herein.](msvif-efp23955_ex99i7.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed herein.](msvif-efp23955_ex99j.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Not applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Not applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) Amended and Restated 12b-1 Distribution Plan with respect to "Class II" shares of each Portfolio, dated May 1, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (m) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 22, 2024.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) [Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/741375/000113322819007059/msift-html1858_ex99n.htm), is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (n) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 202 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust, as filed on December 23, 2019.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) Not applicable.

(p)(1) [Code of Ethics for Morgan Stanley Investment Management, dated March 23, 2026, filed herein.](msvif-efp23955_ex99p1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Code of Ethics for Morgan Stanley Funds, dated March 12, 2026, filed herein.](msvif-efp23955_ex99p2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) [Powers of Attorney of Directors, dated March 13, 2025, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (q)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Morgan Stanley ETF Trust, filed on March 14, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2048903/000113322825003331/mset-efp15208_ex99p3.htm)

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

None.

Item 30. Indemnification

Reference is made to Article Seven of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation which is incorporated by reference herein:

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Pursuant to paragraph 7 of the Registrant's Investment Advisory Agreement, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in performance of its obligations and duties hereunder, reckless disregard by the Adviser of its obligations and duties hereunder or a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services (in which case any award of damages shall be limited to the period and the amount set forth in Section 36(b)(3) of the Investment Company Act), the Adviser shall not be subject to any liability whatsoever to the Registrant, or to any shareholder of the Registrant, for any error or judgment, mistake of law or any other act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder including, without limitation, for any losses that may be sustained in connection with the purchase, holding, redemption or sale of any security on behalf of any Portfolio of the Registrant.

Pursuant to Article 7 of the Registrant's Administration Agreement, the Fund shall indemnify and hold the Administrator, and third parties providing services for the benefit of the Registrant through arrangements with the Administrator, harmless from all loss, cost, damage and expense, including reasonable expenses for counsel, incurred

by such person resulting from any claim, demand, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon the Registrant's material breach of the Administration Agreement or material omission by the Fund in the performance of its duties hereunder or under such arrangements with the Administrator as to which the Registrant has received written notice, or as a result of acting upon any instructions reasonably believed by any such person to have been executed by a duly authorized officer of the Registrant or of the Adviser, provided that this indemnification shall not apply to any such loss, cost, damage or expense arising out of or based upon actions or omissions of the Administrator, its officers, employees or agents in cases of its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Item 31. <u>Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser</u>

See "Fund Management" in the Prospectus regarding the business of the investment adviser. The following information is given regarding directors and officers of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley.

Set forth below is the name and principal business address of each company for which directors or officers of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. serve as directors, officers or employees. In addition to their position with Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., certain directors and officers of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. also hold various positions with, and engage in business for, Morgan Stanley or its other subsidiaries.

**Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.**

**Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.**

**Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc.**

1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Listed below as of December 31, 2025 are the officers and Directors of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NAME AND POSITION WITH**<br>**MORGAN STANLEY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC.** | **OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,**<br>**PROFESSION OR VOCATION** |
| Benjamin Huneke<br> Managing Director and President | Managing Director of Morgan Stanley. |
| Mary E. Mullin<br> Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel | Managing Director and Secretary of other entities affiliated with the Adviser. |
| Deidre Downes<br> Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer |  |
| Benjamin Hammes<br> Head of Derivatives Advisory and Chief Compliance Officer – Derivatives |  |
| Rohit Goenka<br> Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer |  |
| Eric Kayne<br> Managing Director, Director and Chief Operating Officer |  |
| Ruairi O'Healai<br> Managing Director and Director |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Lisa Buhain Winslow<br> Managing Director and Director |  |
| Anita Rios<br> Executive Director and Treasurer |  |
| Scott Steel<br> Managing Director and Director |  |
| Tatiana Segal<br> Managing Director and Director |  |
| Aaron Guth<br> Secretary |  |
| Francesca Mead<br> Executive Director and Assistant Secretary |  |
| Alec Nisbet<br> Executive Director and Assistant Secretary |  |
| Luis Castello<br> Executive Director and Assistant Treasurer |  |
| Jared P. Wong<br> Executive Director and Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer | Executive Director and Anti-Money Laundering Officer of Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. and Morgan Stanley Services Company, Inc. |
| Nina Kimble<br> Executive Director and Deputy Anti-Money Laundering Officer |  |

---

For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of additional officers of the Adviser, reference is made to the Adviser's current Form ADV (File No. 801-15757) filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, incorporated herein by reference.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Ltd. ("MSIM Ltd.") acts as a sub-adviser for certain series of the Registrant. The list of officers and directors of MSIM Ltd., together with information as to their other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature during the past two years, is incorporated by reference to MSIM Ltd.'s current Form ADV (File No. 801-26847) filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company ("MSIM Company") acts as a sub-adviser (together with MSIM Ltd., the "Sub-Advisers") for certain series of the Registrant. The list of officers and directors of MSIM Company, together with information as to their other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature during the past two years, is incorporated by reference to MSIM Company's current Form ADV (File No. 801-62173) filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

In addition, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers act as investment adviser or sub-adviser to several other registered investment companies.

Item 32. Principal Underwriters

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) State the name of each investment company (other than the Registrant) for which each principal underwriter currently distributing securities of the Registrant also acts as a principal underwriter, depositor or investment adviser. Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. acts as distributor for the following investment companies:

(1) Morgan Stanley Europe Opportunity Fund Inc.

(2) Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc.

(3) Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust

(4) Morgan Stanley Insight Fund

(5) Morgan Stanley U.S. Government Money Market Trust

(6) Morgan Stanley Long Duration Government Opportunities Fund

(7) Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds

(8) E\*TRADE Trust

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The following information is given as of December 31, 2025 regarding directors and officers of Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. The principal address of Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. is 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NAME AND PRINCIPAL BUSINESS**<br>**ADDRESS** | **POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH**<br>**UNDERWRITER** | **POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH**<br>**REGISTRANT** |
| Matthew J. Witkos | President | None |
| Lynn Kaseta | Chief Compliance Officer | None |
| Jared P. Wong | Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer | None |
| Mary E. Mullin | General Counsel | None |
| Jeffrey Corso | Managing Director | None |
| Frank J Famiglietti | Managing Director | None |
| Frederick McMullen | Managing Director | None |
| Brian Taranto | Managing Director | None |
| Anita Rios | Treasurer | None |
| Luis Castello | Assistant Treasurer | None |
| John Crowe | Financial and Operations Principal | None |
| Anthony N. Kush | Principal Financial Officer and Financial and Operations Principal | None |
| Gary Lynn | Financial and Operations Principal | None |
| Aaron Guth | Secretary | None |
| Lawrence L. Fahey | Principal Operations Officer | None |
| Erick Lopez | Deputy Anti-Money Laundering Officer | None |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Not applicable.

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

Books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) [15 U.S.C. 80a-30(a)] of the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the rules promulgated thereunder, are maintained as follows:

State Street Bank and Trust Company

One Congress Street

Boston, MA 02114

(records relating to its function as custodian and sub-administrator)

SS&C Global Investor and Distribution Solutions, Inc.

333 W 11<sup>th</sup> Street

Kansas City, MO 64105

(records relating to its function as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent)

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

1633 Broadway

New York, NY 10019

(records relating to its function as investment adviser and administrator)

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

1585 Broadway

New York, NY 10036

(records relating to its function as investment adviser and administrator)

Item 34. Management Services

Registrant is not a party to any such management-related service contract.

Item 35. Undertakings

Not Applicable.

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective 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 16th day of April, 2026.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| MORGAN STANLEY VARIABLE INSURANCE FUND, INC. | MORGAN STANLEY VARIABLE INSURANCE FUND, INC. |
| By: | /s/ John H. Gernon |
|  | John H. Gernon |
|  | President and Principal Executive Officer |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signatures** | **Signatures** | **Title** | **Date** |
| (1) | Principal Executive Officer | President and Principal Executive Officer |  |
| By: | /s/ John H. Gernon |  | April 16, 2026 |
|  | John H. Gernon |  |  |
| (2) | Principal Financial Officer | Principal Financial Officer |  |
| By: | /s/ Francis J. Smith |  | April 16, 2026 |
|  | Francis J. Smith |  |  |
| (3) | Directors |  |  |
|  | Jakki L. Haussler\*<br> Dr. Manuel H. Johnson\*<br> Michael F. Klein\*<br> Patricia A. Maleski\*<br> W. Allen Reed (Chairman)\* |  |  |
| By: | /s/ Mark F. Parise |  | April 16, 2026 |
|  | Mark F. Parise |  |  |
|  | Signed by Attorney-in-Fact for each of the Directors Named Above |  |  |
|  | <br> *\* By Power of Attorney* |  |  |

---

**EXHIBIT INDEX**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| (i)(7)<br>| [Consent of Dechert LLP](msvif-efp23955_ex99i7.htm)<br>|
| (j) | [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](msvif-efp23955_ex99j.htm) |
| (p)(1) | [Code of Ethics for Morgan Stanley Investment Management](msvif-efp23955_ex99p1.htm) |
| (p)(2) | [Code of Ethics for Morgan Stanley Funds](msvif-efp23955_ex99p2.htm) |
| EX-101.INS | XBRL Instance Document |
| EX-101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| EX-101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
| EX-101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
| EX-101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase |
| EX-101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |

---

## Ex-99.(I)(7)

**Exhibit (i)(7)**

**CONSENT OF DECHERT LLP**

We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Fund Counsel" in the Statement of Additional Information comprising a part of Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Form N-1A Registration Statement of Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc., File No. 333-03013. We do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Dechert LLP |
| New York, New York |
| April 16, 2026 |

---

## Ex-99.(J)

**Exhibit (j)**

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectuses of Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio and "Consolidated Financial Highlights" in the Prospectuses of Discovery Portfolio, Global Strategist Portfolio and Growth Portfolio and "General Information - Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and "Financial Statements" in the Statement of Additional Information, each dated April 30, 2026, and each included in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registration Statement (Form N-1A, File No. 333-03013) of Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Registration Statement").

We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our reports dated February 25, 2026, with respect to the financial statements and financial highlights of Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio and the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial highlights of Discovery Portfolio, Global Strategist Portfolio and Growth Portfolio (five of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) included in the Annual Report (Form N-CSR) for the year ended December 31, 2025, into this Registration Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

April 16, 2026

## Ex-99.(P)(1)

**Exhibit (p)(1)**

**MORGAN STANLEY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT**

**PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SIDE CODE OF ETHICS AND PERSONAL TRADING GUIDELINES**

**March 23, 2026**

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **I.** | **INTRODUCTION** | **INTRODUCTION** | **3** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**General** | **3** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Standards of Business Conduct** | **3** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mandatory Training Requirements** | **4** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**D.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Overview of Code Requirements** | **5** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**E.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Personal Conflicts** | **6** |
| **II.** | **TYPES OF ACCOUNTS/ACCOUNT OPENING REQUIREMENTS** | **TYPES OF ACCOUNTS/ACCOUNT OPENING REQUIREMENTS** | **7** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Personal Securities Accounts** | **7** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Fully Managed Account\*** | **7** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Other Morgan Stanley Sponsored Accounts** | **8** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**D.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Non-Morgan Stanley Accounts** | **8** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**E.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Individual Savings Accounts ("ISAs") for Employees of MSIM Ltd. and EVAIL** | **8** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**F.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mutual Fund Accounts** | **8** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**G.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Automatic Investment Plans** | **8** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**H.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Investment Clubs** | **9** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**I.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Cryptocurrencies** | **9** |
| **III.** | **PRE-CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS** | **PRE-CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS** | **10** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**General** | **10** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Initiating a Trade** | **10** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Requirements for Tier 1 Employee** | **10** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**D.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Restrictions and Requirements for Tier 2 Employees and IM Public Side Investment Personnel** | **11** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**E.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Restrictions and Requirements that apply to Research Recommendations or Conclusions** | **11** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**F.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Restrictions and Requirements for Omni and Those Who Have Access to Flex One** | **12** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**G.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**IM Private Side Employees and Those Designated to be "Above-the-Wall"** | **12** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**H.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Transacting in Morgan Stanley Securities** | **12** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**I.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Trading Derivatives** | **13** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**J.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Other Restrictions** | **14** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**K.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Other Activities Requiring Pre-Clearance** | **14** |
| **IV.** | **HOLDING REQUIREMENTS** | **HOLDING REQUIREMENTS** | **15** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Proprietary or Sub-advised Mutual Funds and Single-Stock Exchange-Traded Funds** | **15** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Covered Securities** | **15** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Holding Requirements Specific to MSIMJ Employees** | **15** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**D.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Holding Requirements Specific to HK Type 9 License Holder Employees** | **15** |
| **V.** | **REPORTING REQUIREMENTS** | **REPORTING REQUIREMENTS** | **16** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Initial Reporting and Holdings Certification** | **16** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Quarterly Reporting and Certification** | **16** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Annual Reporting and Holdings Certification** | **17** |
| **VI.** | **OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES AND PRIVATE INVESTMENTS** | **OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES AND PRIVATE INVESTMENTS** | **19** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Approval to Engage in an Outside Business Activity** | **19** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Approval to Invest in a Private Investment** | **20** |
| **VII.** | **REVIEW, INTERPRETATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS** | **REVIEW, INTERPRETATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS** | **20** |
| **VIII.** | **ENFORCEMENT AND SANCTIONS** | **ENFORCEMENT AND SANCTIONS** | **20** |
| **IX.** | **RELATED POLICIES** | **RELATED POLICIES** | **21** |
| **X.** | **RECORDKEEPING** | **RECORDKEEPING** | **21** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Firm Requirements** | **21** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**MSIM Maintenance of Records Relevant to this Code** | **22** |
| **SCHEDULE A** | **SCHEDULE A** | **SCHEDULE A** | **23** |
| **XI.** | **DEFINITIONS** | **DEFINITIONS** | **25** |
| **SCHEDULE B** | **SCHEDULE B** | **SCHEDULE B** | **32** |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I. INTRODUCTION

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. General

The Morgan Stanley Investment Management ("MSIM") Public and Private Side Code of Ethics (the "Code") is intended to fulfill MSIM's requirements under Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"), Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Company Act") and similar requirements applicable to our business globally. The Code is reasonably designed to prevent legal, business and ethical conflicts, to guard against the misuse of confidential information, and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety that may arise in connection with your personal trading and Outside Business Activities as an MSIM Employee. It is very important for you to read the "Definitions" section to understand the scope of this Code, including the individuals, accounts, securities and transactions it covers. You are required to acknowledge receipt and your understanding of this Code at the start of your employment at MSIM or when you become a Covered Person, as defined below, and annually thereafter.

In addition to this Code, there are separate Funds Code of Ethics applicable to each of the Morgan Stanley, Eaton Vance, Calvert Mutual Funds and MSIM China Co. Ltd.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Standards
of Business Conduct

MSIM seeks to comply with the Federal securities laws and regulations applicable to its business. The Code is designed to assist you in fulfilling your regulatory and fiduciary duties as an MSIM Employee as they relate to your personal securities transactions. Please keep in mind that the Code is only a guide and it cannot and does not attempt to cover all possible situations that may arise in the ordinary course of MSIM's business. In addition, the Code does not supersede, amend or interpret the <u>Morgan Stanley Code of Conduct</u>, the <u>Firm's Code of Ethics and Business Conduct</u>, <u>Firmwide Global Employee Trading Policy</u>, or any other Morgan Stanley personal employee trading policy or compensation plan to which Covered Persons are subject.

<u>Fiduciary Duties</u>

You have a duty to act in utmost good faith with respect to each Client, particularly where the interests of MSIM may be in conflict with those of a Client. MSIM has a duty to deal fairly and act in the best interests of its Clients at all times. The following fiduciary principles govern your activities and the interpretation / administration of these rules:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The interests of Clients must always be placed first.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All personal securities transactions must be conducted in compliance with the
rules contained in this Code and in such manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of your position
of trust and responsibility.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You should never use your position with MSIM, or information acquired through your
employment, in your personal trading in a manner that may create a conflict—or the appearance of a conflict—between your personal
interests and the interests of MSIM and / or its Clients. If such a conflict or potential conflict arises, you must report it immediately
to your local Compliance group.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Ensure investment advice is suitable given the Client's investment objectives
and strategies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Provide Clients and the IM Private Side Investment Committee(s) with full and fair
disclosure of all material facts, as appropriate; communicate in a way that is clear and not misleading.

In connection with providing investment advisory services to Clients, this includes avoiding any activity which directly or indirectly:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Defrauds a Client in any manner.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Misleads a Client, including any statement that omits material facts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit of a Client.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Functions as a manipulative practice with respect to a Client or securities.

<u>Personal Securities Transactions and Relationship to MSIM Clients</u>

MSIM prohibits you from engaging in personal trading in a manner that would distract you from your daily responsibilities. MSIM strongly encourages you to invest for the long term and discourages short-term, speculative trading. You are cautioned that short-term strategies may attract a higher level of scrutiny. Excessive or inappropriate trading that interferes with job performance or that compromises the duty that MSIM owes to its Clients will not be tolerated.

These standards do not identify all possible conflicts of interest, and literal compliance with each of the specific provisions of this Code will not shield you from liability for personal trading or other conduct that is designed to circumvent its restrictions or violates a fiduciary duty to Clients.

Ignorance of the law or rules is not a defense from, or an excuse for, penalties or sanctions. Any Covered Person who is uncertain about their requirements under this Code of Ethics, or whether certain practices are in compliance with the law, should consult Compliance.

If you become aware that you or someone else may have violated any aspect of this Code, you must report the suspected violation to Compliance, or your Designated Manager immediately in accordance with the <u>Global Speaking Up and Reporting Concerns Policy</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Mandatory Training Requirements

The training of all Covered Persons is one of the various ways that Morgan Stanley exhibits its commitment to maintaining integrity and operating with the highest ethical standards on regulatory and Firm issues at a global, divisional and regional level. Completion of required training is an ongoing focus of the regulators and important to mitigate risk across all areas. In addition, all Covered Persons are responsible for understanding and abiding by all policies, procedures, industry standards, best practices and regulatory requirements discussed and outlined within their assigned Training Requirements.

**Mandatory Training Requirements**

Please note that the trainings listed immediately below may have a shorter due date than others. Any late training may result in a **violation.**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Training Name** | **Description** |
| Morgan Stanley Investment Management Initial Disclosure Form | Used to report internal accounts with Morgan Stanley and E\*TRADE, DRIPS, Stock Purchase Plans, Physical Stock and Bond Certificates, Company Stock in External 401k, ESPP and ESOP |
| Outside Business Interests - New Hires | Part of the Global NFR Code of Conduct New Hire Curriculum which provides an overview on how to report: outside securities accounts, outside business activities, and private investments |

---

To ensure compliance, MSIM educates its Covered Persons on laws related to its activities, which may include periodically issuing training, bulletins, manuals and memoranda. Covered Persons are expected to read all such materials and be familiar with their contents.

Covered Persons who fail to complete all or part of their Training Requirements or are repeatedly tardy in their completion may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Disciplinary actions can be issued orally or in writing and may include, but are not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Notifying an employee's Manager of the delinquency in writing or via the Performance Management
Dashboard;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Issuance of a Letter of Warning / Education to the employee and employee's Manager;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Record delinquency in the Compliance Incident Tracking of Employees database; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Suspension or termination of employment

Non-completion of the Code of Conduct or the Code of Ethics training and applicable certifications and supplements can result in additional disciplinary actions prior to suspension or termination of employment, such as, restriction of trading privileges and reduction of discretionary bonus. In addition, non-completion of mandatory training by contingent workers may result in termination of their engagement with Morgan Stanley.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Overview of Code Requirements

Compliance with the Code is a matter of understanding its basic requirements and making sure the steps you take regarding activities covered by the Code are in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Code. Generally, you have the following obligations:

You must examine the specific provisions of the Code for more details on each of these activities. Please contact Compliance if you have any questions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Personal Conflicts

As per the Firm's <u>Code of Conduct</u>, *personal conflicts* can arise from your outside activities or investments, or those of your family. You must avoid any investment, activity or relationship that could, or could appear to, impair your judgment or interfere with your responsibilities to Morgan Stanley (the "Firm") and our Clients.

If you become aware of an actual or potential conflict, you must act in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and our policies. You also must notify your supervisor, the Conflicts Management Officer (CMO) for your business unit in your region, a member of LCD or the Firm's Global Conflicts Office (GCO)—including if an actual or potential conflict arises from an investment or activity that was previously approved through the <u>Outside Business Interests (OBI) System</u>. Consult the <u>Conflicts of Interest InfoPage</u> for additional information.

To reinforce our commitment to avoid conflicts of interest and act in the best interest of our Clients, the following rules have been adopted:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Covered Persons may not act on behalf of MSIM or a Client in connection with any
transaction in which they have a personal interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Broker-dealers, service providers and suppliers should be selected based on quality, reliability, price,
service and technical advantages in accordance with applicable firm policies.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Examples of Potential Personal Conflicts include, but are not limited to:** |
| • | Having a personal or family interest in a transaction involving Morgan Stanley. |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Competing with Morgan Stanley for the purchase or sale of services.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Taking advantage of outside business opportunities that arise because of your position
at Morgan Stanley.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Accepting special benefits offered based on your relationship with Morgan Stanley
(such as discount prices, more favorable loan terms or investment opportunities), unless the terms are offered to a broad group of individuals
(for example, discounted banking services offered to all Firm employees at the same location).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Engaging in personal financial arrangements or certain other personal relationships
with other Morgan Stanley employees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Working for a competitor, customer or supplier of MSIM while a Covered Person.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Directing business to a broker-dealer, service provider or supplier owned or managed
by, or that employs, a relative or friend.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;II. TYPES OF ACCOUNTS/ACCOUNT OPENING REQUIREMENTS

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Personal Securities Accounts

Generally, you and your Immediate Family must maintain all Personal Securities Accounts that may invest in Covered Securities at a Morgan Stanley Broker or <u>Preferred Brokers</u>, as applicable to the respective jurisdiction.

*Requirements may vary in non-U.S. offices.* New Employees or newly designated Covered Persons must disclose their Personal Securities Account(s) and accounts of their Immediate Family within 10 calendar days of hire/becoming a Covered Person and transfer their Personal Securities Account(s) to a Morgan Stanley Broker or Preferred Brokers, as applicable in non-US jurisdictions, at their own expense, within 60 calendar days of Compliance's review. Failure to do so may be considered a significant violation of this Code. New accounts due to marriage, inheritance, etc. are required to be disclosed within 10 calendar days of the event.

*<u>Opening a Morgan Stanley or E\*TRADE Brokerage Account</u>.* When opening a Personal Securities Account, you must notify the Broker that you are an Employee and that the relevant account must be coded as an Employee or Employee-related account. U.S. Employees can open a new account at <u>etrade.com/msemployee</u> or going to <u>myfinances/</u> to open a Morgan Stanley account. Employees do not need prior approval via the OBI system to open accounts with Morgan Stanley or E\*TRADE.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Fully Managed
Account\*

With prior approval, Fully Managed Accounts are generally permitted to be maintained outside of the Firm. For Fully Managed Accounts maintained outside of the Firm, Employees must provide Employee Investing and Activities Compliance ("EIAC") with a copy of the executed management agreement or equivalent documents, with the respective account numbers, which EIAC will review for the relevant provisions. For certain brokers, the management agreement is not required (e.g., robo-advisors). If the account is managed by a firm other than Morgan Stanley, you must submit a request in the OBI System and may be required to periodically upload duplicate copies of statements into the system upon Compliance's request or where applicable, EIAC will arrange for copies of the statements to be sent to the Firm.

With prior approval, you may open a Fully Managed Account for yourself or an Immediate Family member if the account meets the standards set forth below. In certain circumstances and with approval from Compliance, you may appoint non-Morgan Stanley managers (e.g., trust companies, banks or registered investment advisers) to manage your account.

To establish a Fully Managed Account, you must grant the manager complete investment discretion over your account. Pre-clearance is not required for trades in this account; however, you may not participate, directly or indirectly, in individual investment decisions or be made aware of such decisions before transactions are executed. This restriction does not preclude you from establishing investment guidelines for the manager, such as indicating industries in which you desire to invest, the types of securities you want to purchase or your overall investment objectives. However, those guidelines may not be changed so frequently as to give the appearance that you are directing account investments.

\*Pursuant to local regulation, Employees of MSIM Private Limited and IM Public Side Employees of the Global In-house Centers as listed in <u>Schedule B</u> are prohibited from opening Fully Managed Accounts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Other Morgan Stanley
Sponsored Accounts

You do not have to pre-clear participation in Morgan Stanley Sponsored Accounts (e.g., Morgan Stanley 401 (k), Employee Incentive Compensation Plan, etc.) with Compliance. However, you must disclose participation in these and similar plans during the annual certification process. Changes made to existing investments in the Morgan Stanley 401(k) Plan that result in funds being moved in or out of the Morgan Stanley Stock Fund are subject to applicable window periods, and if you are an Access Person, to pre-clearance in accordance with Section III.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Non-Morgan
Stanley Accounts

Exceptions to the requirement to maintain Personal Securities Accounts at a Morgan Stanley Broker are rare and require Compliance approval. If your request is approved, you will be required to ensure that missing statements are uploaded directly into the OBI System periodically upon Compliance's request. Requirements may vary in non-U.S. offices.

If you open an account other than with a Morgan Stanley Broker (inclusive of E\*TRADE) without obtaining the required Compliance pre-approval, you must immediately disclose it to Compliance through the OBI System. You may be required to close such account.

Maintaining a non-Morgan Stanley 401(k) plan or similar account that permits you to trade Covered Securities must be disclosed in the OBI System for review by Compliance. Similar plans that do not have brokerage capabilities, but hold Covered Securities, must be disclosed during the Initial Disclosure Process and as part of the annual certification process.

Any approval to open or maintain a Held-Away Spousal Account, is subject to you, as the employee, providing or arranging to provide relevant account information and duplicate account statements. In addition, at such time as your spouse or domestic partner is no longer employed by another financial institution, you must promptly transfer the account to Morgan Stanley or E\*TRADE and update the relevant OBI disclosure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Individual Savings
Accounts ("ISAs") for Employees of MSIM Ltd. and EVAIL

Fully Managed Accounts for ISAs (i.e., an independent manager makes the investment decisions) and non-discretionary ISAs (including single company ISAs) where you make investment decisions, may only be established and maintained as long as the account is pre-approved by Compliance through the OBI System. In addition, for non-discretionary ISAs you must obtain pre-clearance approval for each transaction you wish to undertake via the Trade Pre-Clearance ("<u>TPC</u>") system. Duplicate statements must be supplied to Compliance and applicable quarterly and yearly reporting requirements must be met. For the avoidance of doubt, Fully Managed Accounts for ISAs do not require pre-clearance approval for each transaction undertaken by the independent investment manager. However, yearly reporting requirements apply.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F. Mutual Fund
Accounts

You and your Immediate Family may open an account for the purpose of transacting in affiliated open-end Mutual Funds, including Sub-Advised and Proprietary Mutual Funds (i.e., an account directly with a fund transfer agent) without prior approval from Compliance. You must report participation in these accounts via the Initial Disclosure Process or during the next quarterly certification cycle and as part of the annual certification process. Accounts invested only in non-affiliated open-end Mutual Funds do not require disclosure in the OBI System if the account does not have the ability to trade in Covered Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;G. Automatic
Investment Plans

With prior approval, you may open an account directly with an issuer to purchase its shares, such as a dividend reinvestment plan, ("DRIP") or Direct Purchase Plan ("DPP") by submitting a pre-clearance request via the TPC system for the initial purchase.

**Automatic Investment Plans**

Employees are not required to pre-clear automatic investments made as part of an established DRIP or DPP; however, any future, off-scheduled, self-directed transactions (buys, sells and gifts) require pre-clearance.

You must report DRIP or DPP holdings to Compliance initially via the Initial Disclosure Process or during the next quarterly certification cycle and as part of the annual certification process. Please note that these accounts do not require OBI disclosure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H. Investment Clubs

You may not participate in or solicit transactions on behalf of investment clubs in which members pool their funds to make investments in securities or other financial products.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I. Cryptocurrencies

You are generally not required to disclose accounts for Cryptocurrency (wallets/accounts) if they do not have brokerage capability (i.e., cannot hold Covered Securities) and are not linked to an account with brokerage capability (whether such capability is utilized).

While trading Cryptocurrencies does not require disclosure or pre-clearance, other types of participation in Cryptocurrency activities (e.g., private investments, outside business activities (including mining), and participating in Initial Coin Offerings ("ICOs")) require disclosure and pre-approval through the OBI System(please see the <u>Global Employee Trading, Investing and Outside Business Activities Policy</u>).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;III. PRE-CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

**How to Preclear a Trade and Other Helpful Hints**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Open the TPC system (type "TPC/" into your browser.

• Select the correct account, transaction type (buy/sell) and quantity.

• Pre-clear all Covered Securities unless an exemption applies.

• All Single-Stock ETFs are subject to pre-clearance requirements
and the 30-calendar day holding period requirements.

• Execute only after receiving an APPROVAL e-mail from the system.

• You can only execute within your approval window.

• Contact Compliance with questions prior to trading.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. General

You and your Immediate Family are required to pre-clear and receive prior approval for all personal securities transactions in Covered Securities (including the gifting of Covered Securities) unless your personal securities transaction is subject to an exemption under this Code. Should an Employee be made aware of a proposed transaction in a Fully Managed Account or have personally directed or asked another person to direct a trade in a Fully Managed Account, the Employee is required to pre-clear that trade prior to execution. See the Securities Transaction Matrix in <u>Schedule A</u> for additional information regarding the requirements for pre-clearance. In keeping with the general principles and objectives of the Code, Compliance, in its sole discretion, may refuse to grant approval of a personal securities transaction, without specifying a reason for the refusal.

Personal trade requests for IM Public Side employees will be denied if there is an order for a Client in the same or related security at the time the personal trade request is submitted. Exceptions may be granted if the Covered Security is being purchased or sold for a passively-managed index fund or index portfolio.

Any transaction that is prohibited by the Code may be required to be reversed and any profits (or any differential between the sale price of the personal security transaction and the subsequent purchase or sale price by a Client during the relevant period) are subject to disgorgement. See "Enforcement and Sanctions".

Please consult with your local Compliance if you have any questions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Initiating a Trade

Transactions requiring pre-clearance may not be executed prior to receiving an "Approval" e-mail from the TPC system. Approval is obtained by entering your trade request into the <u>TPC</u> system. Upon completion of the necessary compliance checks, you will receive a system generated e-mail notification advising whether your request has been approved or rejected and the time frame in which you are permitted to execute your trade. You must wait for notification from the TPC system advising that your trade request has been approved before executing the trade.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Requirements for Tier 1 Employee

Covered Persons deemed Tier 1 Employees have until the close of next business day from the date of approval to execute the trade.

**Note: Omni Personnel and those who have access to Flex One; see Section III.F "Restrictions and Requirements for Omni Personnel and those who have access to Flex One" below.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Restrictions and Requirements for
Tier 2 Employees and IM Public Side Investment Personnel

Tier 2 Employees are required to pre-clear Covered Securities through the TPC system during the open market session they intend to execute the trade. Approved requests are valid only during the market session for which it is granted and expires at market session close that same day. Any transaction not completed (whether in whole or in part) during that market session will require a new approval. This means that you are not permitted to enter "good-till-canceled" orders. Only market orders and limit orders for the day are permitted. Open orders, such as limit orders and stop-loss orders, must be pre-cleared each day until the transaction is effected. In the case of trades in international markets where the market has already closed when approval is granted, transactions must be executed by the next close of trading in that market.

In addition, no purchase or sale transaction may be made in any Covered Security or a related investment (i.e., derivatives) by IM Public Side Investment Personnel or other Employees who have knowledge of client trading (excluding Omni Personnel and those who have access to Flex One) for a period of five (5) calendar days before and five (5) calendar days after the IM Public Side Investment Personnel purchases or sells the security on behalf of a Client. Exceptions from the Blackout Period may be granted if the Covered Security was traded for an index fund or index portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Restrictions and Requirements that
apply to Research Recommendations or Conclusions

Where research recommendations or conclusions are involved, IM Public Side Investment Personnel must adhere to the following.

If within the five (5) calendar days prior to and including the day you seek pre-clearance and approval to enter into a personal securities transaction for a security:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• that security or a related financial instrument has been added to or removed from
the Analyst Select Portfolio (a paper portfolio (non-cash) that enables analysts to express their opinions on their coverage sector or
a specific stock within the coverage sector), or an existing position in the Analyst Select Portfolio has been increased or decreased;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the weighted price potential ("WPP") of that security (as determined
by a Research Analyst) or a related financial instrument has been changed (the amount of the change in order to trigger the restrictions
set forth herein as determined from time to time) on the relevant system; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• for purposes of CRM, that security (or its issuer) has been designated as "eligible"
or "ineligible" or its designation as a "eligible" or ineligible has changed, then you CANNOT trade the security
and your pre-clearance request will be denied.

<u>Blackout Period related to the Rebalance and Reconstitution of a Calvert Index</u>

If you are an Employee with knowledge of the decisions of the CRM Research, Review and Recommendation Committee or the actions taken by the CRM Index Committee (or any new or successor committees that CRM may form to perform similar functions) as determined by the CRM Chief Compliance Officer or their designee, for the 5 calendar days prior to and including the day that the relevant Calvert Index is rebalanced or reconstituted, you may NOT enter into a Personal Securities Transaction in your personal account. A Compliance Officer will notify you if you are subject to this blackout period.

<u>Additional Requirements Pertaining to Research Analysts in the Eaton Vance Affiliated Entities</u>

Research Analysts and their Immediate Family are subject to the requirements and restrictions listed below.

 

*Personal Securities Transactions for Securities in Your Coverage Area.* You and your Immediate Family may not enter into a personal securities transaction in any security for which you have coverage responsibility:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you are in the process of making a new recommendation, have changed a recommendation
or conclusion for the security or a related financial instrument, but have not yet communicated it to the IM Public Side Investment Personnel
in your department; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Until the 5<sup>th</sup> calendar day after you have communicated your new or changed
recommendation or research conclusion throughout the relevant investment group.

You may then proceed according to the requirements set forth above under sub-sections A, B and C above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F. Restrictions and Requirements for Omni and Those Who Have Access to Flex One

IM Public Side Investment Personnel who trade for Omni or those who have access to the Flex One system, are required to receive approval from their Designated Manager, via e-mail, for any personal securities trades one (1) calendar day prior to the intended transaction. Upon receipt of their Designated Managers approval, the employee is then required to request approval, the following trade date, via the TPC system and must wait until they receive notification from the TPC system, prior to executing. Final approval is valid for that day only.

Please consult your local Compliance if you have questions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;G. IM Private Side Employees and Those Designated to be "Above-the-Wall"

IM Private Side Employees and MSIM Employees designated as Above-the-Wall ("ATW") are required to pre-clear their transactions with their Designated Manager and the Control Group.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H. Transacting in Morgan Stanley Securities

Transacting in, including the gifting of, Morgan Stanley securities and options is subject to the <u>Global Employee Trading, Investing and Outside Business Activities Policy (see section 7)</u> and must take place during the designated window periods. Consult MS Today or MSIM Code of Ethics Employee Jive site for the window period announcement prior to trading.

You may, from time to time, receive or have access to MNPI related to Morgan Stanley BDCs. This could include, for example, information about BDCs' financial performance or possible strategic transactions. As with any other situation involving MNPI, you are prohibited from transacting in Morgan Stanley BDC securities, including through your Morgan Stanley 401(k) Plan or other deferred compensation or retirement plans (including those held outside the Firm) while in possession of any MNPI. For further information regarding what types of information may constitute MNPI, see the Global Confidential and Material Non- Public Information Policy.

Subject to approval, you, your spouse or domestic partner or dependent may only transact in (e.g. purchase, sell, transfer, or gift) Morgan Stanley BDC securities during specified open window periods (including transactions in the Morgan Stanley Stock Fund option of the 401(k) Plan).

The window period for transactions in Morgan Stanley BDC securities generally begins on the next business day after the Company publicly releases quarterly or annual financial results and extends until the undisclosed financials for the current (or just-completed) quarter become close enough to being finalized to constitute inside information. To the extent, these dates are set in advance, the same will be provided to Control Group for inclusion on the relevant Restricted Lists.

All Morgan Stanley employees (including on behalf of their spouse or domestic partner or dependent) must preclear trading in Morgan Stanley BDC securities as per standard pre-clearance procedure.

There may be a need to close the trading window in case of material non-cyclical (i.e., non-earnings) information, such as potential M&A activity. Each applicable Business Unit is responsible for timely Control Group notification for these non-cyclical situations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I. Trading
Derivatives

**MSIM Employees who work in the PPA business and India employees are prohibited from trading ALL Derivatives.**

The following is a list of permitted options trading (for non-PPA Employees) that must be pre-cleared by your local Compliance and submitted through the TPC system:

<u>Call Options</u>

*Listed Call Options.* You may purchase a listed call option on common stock if the call option has a "period to expiration" of at least 30 calendar days from the date of purchase and you hold the call option for at least 30 calendar days prior to sale. If you choose to exercise the option, you must also hold the underlying security delivered pursuant to the exercise for 30 calendar days after the date of option exercise.

*Covered Calls*. **You may also sell (or "write") a call option only if you have held the underlying security (in the corresponding amount) for at least 30 calendar days.**

<u>Put Options</u>

*Listed Put Options.* You may purchase a listed put option on common stock if the put option has a "period to expiration" of at least 30 calendar days from the date of purchase and you hold the put option for at least 30 calendar days prior to sale. If you purchase a put option on a security you already own, you may exercise the put once you have held the underlying security for 30 calendar days. If you purchase a put on a security that you do not own, you may not exercise the put; and must sell the option prior to its expiration date.

You may not trade futures, forward contracts, including currency forwards, physical commodities and related derivatives, over-the-counter options, warrants or swaps. **You are prohibited from selling ("writing") a put.** The prohibition on commodities trading applies to trades directly on commodities markets rather than holding the physical commodity (e.g., gold bullion).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;J. Other Restrictions

<u>Primary and Secondary Public Offerings</u>

You and your Immediate Family are generally prohibited from purchasing any equity security in an initial or secondary/follow on public offering. In addition, unless otherwise notified by Compliance, you may not purchase an equity security that is part of a primary or secondary public offering that the Firm is underwriting or selling until the distribution has been completed. This restriction does not apply to rights issuances to which Personal Securities Accounts would be entitled with regard to their existing holdings. Note that this restriction also applies to your Immediate Family, regardless of whether the securities are purchased into a Personal Securities Account.

Purchases of new issue debt are permitted, provided such purchases are pre-cleared by Compliance and meet other relevant requirements of the Code.

<u>Short Sales</u>

You and your Immediate Family may not engage in short selling of Covered Securities.

<u>Restricted List</u>

You and your Immediate Family may not transact in Covered Securities that appear on the Firmwide Restricted List or the MSIM Restricted List. You must check the <u>Restricted Lists</u> prior to submitting a TPC request and executing the trade.

<u>Cross Trades</u>

MSIM Employees and their Immediate Family are not allowed to engage in cross trades or pre-arranged trades between their Personal Securities Accounts, MSIM funds and MSIM Client accounts.

<u>Changes to Normal Settlement Cycles</u>

Hong Kong Type 9 License Holders are not permitted to make changes to normal settlement cycle or delay settlement for any trades in Personal Securities Accounts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;K. Other Activities Requiring Pre-Clearance

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Activity** | **Resources/Additional Information** |
| **Outside Business Activities** | Please see Section VI "Outside Business Activities and Private Investments" of this Code. |
| **Outside Brokerage Accounts** | Please see Section II "Types of Accounts and Account Opening Requirements" of this Code. |
| **Transactions in Private Investments** | Please see Section VI "Outside Business Activities and Private Investments" of this Code. |
| **Political Contributions** | Please consult the Firm <u>Policy on U.S. Political Contributions and</u> <u>Activities</u>. |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IV. HOLDING REQUIREMENTS

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Proprietary or Sub-advised Mutual Funds
and Single-Stock Exchange-Traded Funds

You may not redeem or exchange Proprietary or <u>Sub-advised Mutual Funds</u> or Single-Stock Exchange- Traded Funds until at least 30 calendar days from the purchase trade date.

Employees are subject to the terms and restrictions of an open-end fund's prospectus, including restrictions such fund may impose on excessive trading. You may not engage in trading of shares of an open-end fund that is inconsistent with the prospectus of that fund. Where a proprietary or sub-advised fund's prospectus has a holding period that is less than 30 calendar days, Employees are required to hold shares for at least 30 calendar days before selling.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Covered Securities

You may not sell a Covered Security until you have held it for at least 30 calendar days. For calculation purposes, the trade date counts as day one and the position may be closed on the 31<sup>st</sup> calendar day or thereafter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Holding Requirements Specific to
MSIMJ Employees

When selling equity (i.e., domestic and foreign equity shares and rights as well as corporate bonds, etc. that can be converted into shares such as corporate bonds with share warrants or share options), Covered Persons at MSIMJ must hold such instruments for at least six months. This includes transactions in Morgan Stanley Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Holding Requirements Specific to HK
Type 9 License Holder Employees

All personal account investments (including Exempt Securities) made by Hong Kong SFC Type 9 License Holders are required to be held for a minimum of 30 calendar days.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;V. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Initial Reporting and Holdings Certification

When you commence employment with MSIM or otherwise become a Covered Person, you must complete the Initial Disclosure Process (the "Initial Report") no later than 10 calendar days after you become a Covered Person. The information you provide must not be more than 45 calendar days old from the day you became a Covered Person and must include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The title and type, and, as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number,
number of shares and the (current) principal amount of any Covered Security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The name of any broker-dealer, bank or financial institution where you maintain
an account in which any securities are held; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The date you submitted the Initial Report.

All new Covered Persons will receive training on the principles and procedures of the Code. As a Covered Person, you must also certify that you have reviewed, understand and agree to abide by the terms of this Code, including but not limited to, the disclosure of outside accounts and Private Investments that are required to be logged in the OBI System within 10 calendar days and the transfer or closure of the account within 60 calendar days of Compliance's review. Your Outside Business Activities must be disclosed within 30 calendar days.

**New Hire Checklist**

**<u>As a new hire, you have 10 calendar days to</u>:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Complete
 your Initial Disclosure Process.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Disclose
 your Outside Accounts and Private Investments.

**<u>Within 30 calendar days of hire you mus</u>**<u>t</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Complete
 your new hire trainings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Disclose
 your Outside Business Activities.

**<u>Within 60 calendar days of Compliance's review you must</u>:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Transfer
 and close any non-approved personal securities account.

If you have any questions, contact your local Compliance group.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Quarterly Reporting and Certification

You must submit a Quarterly Transactions Report to Compliance no later than 30 calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter, or in accordance with regulatory requirements applicable to your region. You do not have to submit a Quarterly Transactions Report if it would duplicate information provided in broker account statements that Compliance already receives or may access.

**Quarterly Requirements**

Each quarter you will receive a Quarterly Transactions Report. You are only required to submit the report if one of the conditions is met.

The report is required to be submitted no later than 30 calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter.

The Quarterly Transactions Report must contain the information set forth below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For transactions in a Personal Securities Account during the previous quarter
you must provide:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o The date of the transaction, the title, and, as applicable, the exchange ticker
symbol or CUSIP number, interest rate and maturity date, number of shares and principal amount of any Covered Security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or other type of acquisition
or disposition);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o The price of the security at which the transaction was effected;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o The name of the broker-dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was
effected; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o The date you submitted the Quarterly Transaction Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For any new account, including accounts for your Immediate Family, established
by you during the previous quarter in which any securities are held for your direct or indirect benefit, you must provide:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o The name of the broker-dealer, bank or financial institution with which you established
the account;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o The date the account was established; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o The date you submitted the Quarterly Transaction Report.

A reminder to complete the Quarterly Transaction Report will be provided to you by Compliance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Annual Reporting and Holdings Certification

**Annual Requirements**

Each year, Covered Persons will receive an Annual Certification for Employees ("ACE") where you are required to confirm that the information the Firm has in its records is both accurate and complete.

As part of ACE, you will be required to read and understand both the Code of Conduct and the MSIM Code of Ethics.

ACE includes sections regarding Morgan Stanley Accounts, Morgan Stanley Sponsored Plans, Outside Business Interests and Additional Reportable Investments.

**You are required to complete this certification on or before it's due date.**

You must update, as applicable, and certify to the following information on an annual basis (the "Annual Report"):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A list of your current brokerage account(s), including those for your Immediate
Family;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A list of all securities and current principal amount Beneficially Owned by you in these account(s);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A list of all your approved Outside Business Activities, and Private Investments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A list of all other additional reportable investments you hold outside of Morgan
Stanley (such as DRIPs, other 401(k) accounts and any Covered Securities held in certificate form);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A list of financial institutions (broker dealers, banks, transfer agents, etc.)
with which you maintain an account in which any securities are held; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• That you have not made, directly or indirectly, any individual investment decision
related to any Fully Managed Account(s), nor have you directed another person to make such investments without first pre-clearing those
transactions in accordance with Section III.

The information in the Annual Report must be current as of 45 calendar days before the report is submitted. You must also certify that you have reviewed and agree to abide by the requirements of the Code and that you are in compliance with the Code.

The link to the Annual Report will be provided to you by Compliance.

Hong Kong Type 9 License Holders are required to submit their holdings annually (via Annual report) and semi-annually each year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VI. OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES AND PRIVATE INVESTMENTS

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Approval to Engage in an Outside Business
Activity

**Special Considerations Related to your Outside Business Activity Disclosures**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Disclose
 existing activities within 30 calendar days of hire.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All
 times thereafter, you must receive pre-approval through OBI System before participating.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• As
 part of the Annual Certification process, you are required to review/edit each disclosure
 for completeness and accuracy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• U.S.
 Registered Employees only, real estate investments that generate rental income require disclosure
 in OBI, unless the property is also used by you as a primary, secondary or vacation residence.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Non-U.S.
 Registered Employees are not required to disclose real estate investment that generate rental
 income.

You may not engage in any Outside Business Activity, <u>regardless of whether you receive compensation</u> or are asked to engage in such activity by the Firm, without prior approval first from your Designated Manager and then from Compliance. If you receive approval, it is your responsibility to notify Compliance immediately if any conflict or potential conflict of interest arises during the Outside Business Activity or if the nature of the activity changes, materially.

Examples of an Outside Business Activity, as per the <u>Global Employee Trading, Investing and Outside Business Activities Policy</u>, include providing consulting services, organizing a company, giving a formal lecture or publishing a book or article, accepting compensation from any person or organization other than the Firm, serving as an officer, employee, director, partner, member, or advisory board member of a company or organization not affiliated with the Firm, whether or not related to the financial services industry (including charitable organizations or activities for which you do not receive compensation), setting up a holding company for investments, investing in rental properties or acting as power of attorney and receiving compensation for such role. Generally, Compliance will not approve any Outside Business Activity related to the securities or financial services industry other than activities that reflect the interests of the industry as a whole and that are not in competition with those of the Firm.

In the case of employees of Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP ("AIP"), where serving on an advisory board for a company in which AIP invests is part of the AIP employee's roles and responsibilities as an employee of AIP, such service shall not be considered an Outside Business Activity and approval via the OBI System is not required. The relevant senior business managers are responsible for approving Employees to serve on advisory boards, documenting such approvals, maintaining a list of such Employees, and reviewing the list in consultation with the relevant Compliance officers at least annually.

Employees in Morgan Stanley's Private Infrastructure, Private Real Estate Investing and Private Credit and Equity business units ("Private Side Investing") are permitted upon Morgan Stanley's request to join boards of public or private companies in which Private Side Investing funds have an investment. Private Side Investing maintains a database of directorships held by Private Side Investing employees on behalf of Private Side Investing funds. Therefore, these employees are not required to disclose these directorships in OBI but through BluePrint and IM Legal Entity Management (LEM) should be informed. However, where a Private Side Investing employee wants to join the board of a company where no Private Side Investing fund has an investment, this must be disclosed through the OBI System.

A request to serve on the board of any company, particularly the board of a public company, will be granted in very limited instances only. If you receive approval, your directorship may be subject to the implementation of information barrier procedures to isolate you from making investment decisions for Clients concerning the company in question, as applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Approval to Invest in a Private
Investment

You must request and receive approval through the OBI System for all Private Investments that are not offered on the Morgan Stanley platform *and* not held in a Morgan Stanley account. Private Investments include investments in privately held corporations, limited partnerships, tax shelter programs, hedge funds and holding companies (e.g., LLC, LP, S-Corp, C-Corp, etc.).

Singapore-licensed Employees are prohibited from conducting (by way of Outside Business Activity or Private Investment) the following non-financial advisory activities:

<u>Being engaged in any of the following:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Carrying on or being involved in the business of money lending

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Organizing, promoting or conducting any casino marketing arrangement in or with respect
to any casino

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Acting as an associate of an international market agent

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Being engaged in the business of an international market agent

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Being an applicant for an international market agent license

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Carrying on the business of an estate agent, or acting/representing as an estate
agent

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Acting or holding himself out as a salesperson for any licensed estate agent

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Marketing any investment that is not an investment product

<u>Being invested in, or holding any interest in the following:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any money lending business

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any business of an international market agent

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any business of an estate agent

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VII. REVIEW, INTERPRETATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

Compliance is responsible for administering the Code and reviewing your Initial, Quarterly and Annual Reports. Compliance has the authority to make final decisions regarding Code policies and may grant an exception to a policy if it determines that no abuse or potential abuse is involved. Exceptions are granted only in rare and unusual circumstances, such as financial hardship. You must contact Compliance with any questions regarding the applicability, meaning or administration of the Code, including requests for an exception, <u>in advance</u> of any contemplated transaction. If Compliance determines that an exception would not be against the interests of any Client and is consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act, Compliance may approve an exception and will document the exception, including the circumstances and rationale.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VIII. ENFORCEMENT AND SANCTIONS

Violations of the Code must be reported promptly to Compliance and, as appropriate, senior management. On a quarterly basis, violations of the Code are reported to the applicable funds' board of directors. Compliance may issue letters of warning/education or impose sanctions as appropriate, including notifying your Designated Manager, issuing a reprimand (orally or in writing), restricting your trading privileges, reducing your discretionary bonus, if any, requiring reversal of a trade made in violation of the Code or other applicable policies, or taking other disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension or termination of your employment. **Violations are considered on a cumulative basis**.

The foregoing sanctions are intended to be guidelines only. Compliance, in its discretion, may recommend alternative actions if deemed warranted by the facts and circumstances of each situation. MSIM management, including the Head of MSIM Compliance, is authorized to determine the choice of actions to be taken in specific cases.

Sanctions may vary based on applicable law and regulatory requirements in your jurisdiction.

In addition, pursuant to the terms of Section 9 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, no director, officer or Employee of MSIM may become, or continue to remain, an officer, director or Employee of MSIM without an exemptive order issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, if such director, officer or Employee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Within the past ten years has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor (i)
involving the purchase or sale of any security; or (ii) arising out of his or her conduct as an underwriter, broker, dealer, investment
adviser, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, government securities dealer, transfer agent, or entity or person
required to be registered under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, or as an affiliated person, salesman or employee of any investment company,
bank, insurance company or entity or person required to be registered under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Is or becomes permanently or temporarily enjoined by any court from: (i) acting
as an underwriter, broker, dealer, investment adviser, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, government securities
dealer, transfer agent, or entity or person required to be registered under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, or as an affiliated person,
salesman or employee of any investment company, bank, insurance company or entity or person required to be registered under the U.S. Commodity
Exchange Act; or (ii) engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with any such activity or in connection with the
purchase or sale of any security.

You are obligated to immediately report any conviction or injunction described here to Compliance.

In addition to the above, you may also be subject to similar fit and proper/conduct related requirements to the extent you are employed or licensed in non-US jurisdictions. Please reach out to your local Compliance coverage if you are unclear about the requirements that apply to you.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IX. RELATED POLICIES

In addition to this Code, you are also subject to the policies and procedures documented in the Compliance Manual applicable to your region; the <u>Global Employee Trading Investing and Outside Business Activities Policy;</u> the <u>Morgan Stanley Code of Conduct; the Global Confidential and Material Non-Public Information Policy;</u> the <u>Policy on U.S. Political Contributions and Activities;</u> and the <u>MSIM Global Gifts, Entertainment and Charitable Giving Policy</u> (requirements may vary in non-U.S. offices).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;X. RECORDKEEPING

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Firm Requirements

Records are retained in accordance with the Firm's <u>Global Information Management Policy</u>, which establishes general Firm-wide standards and procedures regarding the retention, handling, and destruction of official books and records and other information of legal or operational significance.

The <u>Global Information Management Policy</u> incorporates the Firm's <u>Master Retention Schedule</u>, which lists various record classes and associated retention periods on a global basis.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. MSIM Maintenance of Records Relevant
to this Code

Compliance shall maintain records relevant to this Code as may be necessary under the provisions of this Code including all educational materials distributed or training sessions held relating to the Code.

Previous versions include: August 16, 2002, February 24, 2004, June 15, 2004, December 31, 2004, December 15, 2006, May 12, 2008, August 19, 2010, September 17, 2010, February 15, 2011, March 1, 2011, September 28, 2011, June 29, 2012, September 16, 2013, October 10, 2014, March 26, 2016, December 7, 2017, December 12, 2018, December 12, 2019, December 11, 2020, January 1, 2022, December 15, 2022, December 12, 2023 December 12, 2024 and July 25, 2025.

**SCHEDULE A**

**SECURITIES TRANSACTION MATRIX**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **TYPE OF SECURITY** | **Pre-Clearance Required** | **Reporting Required** | **30 Calendar Days** <br> **Holding Period**<br> **Required** |
| **Covered Securities** | **Covered Securities** | **Covered Securities** | **Covered Securities** |
| **<u>Pooled Investment Vehicles:</u>** | **<u>Pooled Investment Vehicles:</u>** | **<u>Pooled Investment Vehicles:</u>** | **<u>Pooled Investment Vehicles:</u>** |
| Closed-End Funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary or Sub-advised Mutual Fund | No | Yes | Yes |
| Unit Investment Trusts | No | Yes | Yes |
| Single-Stock ETFs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) including Commodity ETFs and Cryptocurrency ETFs | No | Yes | No |
| Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs) | No | Yes | No |
| Hedge Funds | Yes | Yes | No |
| **<u>Equities:</u>** | **<u>Equities:</u>** | **<u>Equities:</u>** | **<u>Equities:</u>** |
| Morgan Stanley Securities<sup>1</sup> | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Listed Morgan Stanley BDC Securities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Common Stocks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Listed Depository Receipts e.g. ADRs,<br> Ads, GDRs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DRIPs<sup>2</sup> | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate Non-Voluntary Actions (e.g., Stock Splits, Mergers, Spin-off, etc.) | No | Yes | No |
| Rights | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Dividend | No | Yes | No |
| Warrants (Listed and Exercised) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Preferred Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Listed Real Estate Investment Trusts<br> (REITs) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Initial Public Offerings (equity IPOs)<br> and Secondary/Follow on offerings | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED |

---

<sup>1</sup> Employees may transact in Morgan Stanley securities only during designated window periods. Pre-clearance of transactions in Morgan Stanley securities is required for all Access Persons. Non-Access Person are exempt from pre-clearance.

<sup>2</sup> Automatic purchases for dividend reinvestment plan are not subject to pre-approval requirements. Only the initial set up/purchase requires preclearance.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **TYPE OF SECURITY** | **Pre-Clearance Required** | **Reporting Required** | **30 Calendar Days** <br> **Holding Period**<br> **Required** |
| Private Investments in Public Equity Securities (PIPES) | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| **<u>Derivatives</u> (Employees who work in the PPA businesses and India Employees are prohibited from trading ALL derivatives)<u>:</u>** | **<u>Derivatives</u> (Employees who work in the PPA businesses and India Employees are prohibited from trading ALL derivatives)<u>:</u>** | **<u>Derivatives</u> (Employees who work in the PPA businesses and India Employees are prohibited from trading ALL derivatives)<u>:</u>** | **<u>Derivatives</u> (Employees who work in the PPA businesses and India Employees are prohibited from trading ALL derivatives)<u>:</u>** |
| Morgan Stanley (stock options) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Listed Common Stock Options | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Listed call and put options on broad-based or single sector indices that have at least 30 days to expiration | No | Yes | No |
| Listed call and put options on ETFs | No | Yes | No |
| Forward Contracts (including currency forwards) | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED |
| Commodities Contracts | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED |
| OTC options, warrants or swaps | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED |
| Futures | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED |
| **<u>Fixed Income Instruments:</u>** | **<u>Fixed Income Instruments:</u>** | **<u>Fixed Income Instruments:</u>** | **<u>Fixed Income Instruments:</u>** |
| Asset Backed Securities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fannie Mae | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Freddie Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate Bond | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Convertible Bonds (converted) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Municipal Bonds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New Issues (fixed income) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Government Sponsored Entities (GSE) / Agency Bonds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Structured Notes (Equity-Linked and Credit-Linked) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| High Yield Sovereign Debt (as rated by S&P) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| High Yield Securities<sup>3</sup> | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED |
| **<u>Private Investment and Outside Activities:</u>** | **<u>Private Investment and Outside Activities:</u>** | **<u>Private Investment and Outside Activities:</u>** | **<u>Private Investment and Outside Activities:</u>** |
| Private Investments (e.g. limited partnerships) | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Outside Activities | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Investment Clubs | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED | PROHIBITED |
| **<u>Exempt Securities</u> (The following are exempt from pre-clearance, reporting and holding requirements, except that for Hong Kong SFC Type 9 licensed employees a 30-calendar day holding period is required for all personal account investments in securities including exempt securities):** | **<u>Exempt Securities</u> (The following are exempt from pre-clearance, reporting and holding requirements, except that for Hong Kong SFC Type 9 licensed employees a 30-calendar day holding period is required for all personal account investments in securities including exempt securities):** | **<u>Exempt Securities</u> (The following are exempt from pre-clearance, reporting and holding requirements, except that for Hong Kong SFC Type 9 licensed employees a 30-calendar day holding period is required for all personal account investments in securities including exempt securities):** | **<u>Exempt Securities</u> (The following are exempt from pre-clearance, reporting and holding requirements, except that for Hong Kong SFC Type 9 licensed employees a 30-calendar day holding period is required for all personal account investments in securities including exempt securities):** |
| Mutual Funds (open-end) not advised or sub-advised by MSIM | Brokerage CDs | GNMA | Bankers' Acceptances |
| Direct Obligations of the US and Foreign Governments (US Treasury/Investment Grade Sovereign Debt<sup>4)</sup> | Money Market Funds (Inclusive of Morgan Stanley Money Market Funds) | Commercial Paper | Investment Grade Short-Term Debt Instruments<sup>5</sup> |
| Variable Annuity Contracts | Regulated Collective Investment Schemes | Physical Commodities | Currencies |

---

<sup>3</sup> Securities rated below investment grade by S&P.

<sup>4</sup> Sovereign debt security rated below investment grade will be subject to pre-clearance and 30-calendar day holding period requirement. Ratings from other rating agencies besides S&P should not be used to determine whether pre-clearance is required.

<sup>5</sup> For these purposes, repurchase agreements and any instrument that has a maturity at issuance of fewer than 366 days that is rated as investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;XI. DEFINITIONS

These definitions are here to help you understand the application of the Code to various activities undertaken by you and other persons related to you who may be covered by the Code. The definitions are an integral part of the Code and a proper understanding of them is essential. Refer back to these definitions as you read the Code.

**"Above-the-Wall"** is the status of specific identified senior management personnel and the related support groups entitling them to receive and have access on an ongoing basis to MNPI from the Private Side in order to perform their duties without following formal Wall Crossing procedures.

**"Access Persons**" (for purposes of transacting in Morgan Stanley securities) is defined in the <u>Global Employee Trading, Investing and Outside Business Activities Policy</u> and means those individuals or divisions that, as part of their job function may receive or have access to Morgan Stanley-related material non-public information that is recurring or cyclical in nature.

**"Applicable Laws"** means all applicable rules and regulations in the jurisdictions in which MSIM conducts business (which jurisdictions shall include, without limitation, those in North America, Europe and Asia).

**"Beneficially Owned"** generally means an interest where you or a member of your Immediate Family, directly or indirectly: (i) have investment discretion or the ability (including joint ability or discretion) to purchase or sell securities or direct the disposition of securities; (ii) have voting power over securities, or the right to direct the voting of securities; or (iii) have a direct or indirect financial interest in securities (or other benefit substantially equivalent to ownership of securities). For purposes of this Code, "beneficial ownership" shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

**"Blackout Period"** for purposes of this Code, means a temporary period of time as determined by Compliance during which you may be restricted from all personal securities trading or a temporary or indefinite restriction on transactions in certain specific Covered Securities based upon your job responsibilities.

**"Chief Compliance Officer" or "CCO"** refers to the Chief Compliance Officers that are selected and appointed from time to time by MSIM's SEC-registered investment advisers.

**"Client"** means shareholders or limited partners of registered and unregistered investment companies and other investment vehicles, institutional, high net worth and retail separate account clients, employee benefit trusts and all other types of clients advised by MSIM.

**"Closed-End Fund"** means any fund with a fixed number of shares and which does not issue and redeem shares on a continuous basis. While Closed-End Funds are often listed and trade on stock exchanges, they are not "Exchange traded funds" as defined below in the Covered Securities definition.

**"Compliance"** means your applicable local Compliance group (e.g., Atlanta, Boston, Dublin, London, Minneapolis, Mumbai, New York, Paris, Seattle, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C.).

**"Control Group"** is a team within Legal and Compliance that is responsible for maintaining the Firm's Information Barriers (often referred to as "the Wall"). The Control Group serves as a buffer between the Firm's various business units, controlling and coordinating communications between these areas, as well as conducting global surveillance to ensure that applicable laws and rules are followed.

**"Covered Persons"** means:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All MSIM Employees;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All directors and officers of MSIM;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any person (such as certain consultants, leased workers or temporary workers and
any member of an Investment Committee to an IM Private Side-sponsored fund that is advised by an adviser, including SEC registered investment
advisers under the Advisers Act and those advisers authorized under applicable EU law) who provides investment advice to clients on behalf
of MSIM, is subject to the supervision and control of MSIM or who has access to nonpublic information regarding any Client's purchase
or sale of securities, or portfolio holdings, or who is involved in making securities recommendations to Clients, or who has access to
such recommendations that are nonpublic. Contingents that are hired for positions lasting more than one year or are otherwise classified
as a Covered Person by their assignment contacts/managers or Compliance may be required to transfer brokerage accounts to a Morgan Stanley
Broker or Firm approved third party broker as applicable to the respective jurisdiction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any person with responsibilities related to MSIM or who supports MSIM as a business
and has frequent interaction with Covered Persons or Investment Personnel, as determined by Compliance (e.g., Participating Affiliate
Employees and certain designated personnel in IT, Tax, Legal, Compliance, and Human Resources).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any other persons falling within the definition of "Access Person"
under Rule 17j-1 of the Company Act or Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act (such as those supervised persons who have access to nonpublic
information regarding the portfolio holdings of a client fund) and such other persons that may be so deemed by Compliance from time to
time.

IM Private Side employees who meet the criteria of Category B Consultant Advisors, as set forth in the <u>Global Advisory Directors and Senior Advisors Policy</u>, shall not be classified Covered Persons as defined above. IM Private Side Compliance, in conjunction with the applicable business unit, shall be responsible for maintaining a schedule of all IM Private Category A and Category B Consultant Advisers.

The definition of "Covered Person" may vary by location. Contact Compliance if you have any question as to your status as a Covered Person.

**"Covered Securities"** includes generally:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All equity or debt securities (excluding high yield securities, which are prohibited),
including but not limited to, derivatives of securities (such as options on securities, on indexes and on currencies, warrants and American
depositary receipts);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Asset-backed securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Closed-End Funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Commodities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Corporate and municipal bonds, and similar instruments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Exchange-Traded Funds including single-stock Exchange-Traded Funds, Exchange-Traded Notes and Cryptocurrency Exchange-Traded Funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Futures;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Initial Coin Offerings and Secondary Coin Offerings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Investments in all kinds of limited partnerships;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Investments in private investment funds, hedge funds, private equity funds, and venture
capital funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Open-end mutual funds and Exchange-Traded Funds for which MSIM or Eaton Vance Management
or an Eaton Vance Affiliated Entity acts as adviser or sub-adviser (including those funds that consist of Exempt Securities as listed
in Schedule A and excluding money market funds);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Preferred securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Securities indices;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Structured Notes, such as equity-linked or credit- linked notes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Unit investment trusts.

Covered Securities does not include "Exempt Securities," as defined below. Refer to <u>Schedule A</u> for application of the Code to various security types.

**"Cryptocurrency"** means any virtual or digital representation of value, token or other asset in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of such assets and to verify the transfer of assets, which is not a security or otherwise characterized as a security under the relevant law. This includes initial coin offerings ("ICOs") and secondary coin offerings ("SCOs").

**"Derivative"** means (1) any Futures and (2) a forward contract, a "swap", a "cap", a "collar", a "floor" and an over-the-counter option. Questions regarding whether a particular instrument or transaction is a Derivatives for purposes of this Code should be directed to your local Compliance group. For avoidance of doubt, a Derivative on a Cryptocurrency is considered to be a "Derivative" for purposes of this.

**"Designated Manager"** means manager designated by your business unit or department to supervise your personal trading and investing activities.

**"Eaton Vance Affiliated Entity"** means each of the following: Atlanta Capital Management LLC ("ACM"); Boston Management and Research; Calvert Research and Management ("CRM"); Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd.; Eaton Vance Management; Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited; Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC. ("PPA").

**"Employee"** means all MSIM employees globally on the Public and Private Sides of the Morgan Stanley Investment Management Division business and, as appropriate, their Immediate Family.

**"Exempt Securities"** are securities that are not subject to the pre-clearance, holding or reporting requirements. Examples of Exempt Securities include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit and commercial paper;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Investment grade, short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements (which
for these purposes are repurchase agreements and any instrument that has a maturity at issuance of fewer than 366 days that is rated in
one of the two highest categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Direct obligations of the U.S. Government (including securities that are backed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government for the timely payment of principal and interest) and equivalent securities issued by
non-U.S. governments, such as:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Ginnie Maes,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o U.S. savings bonds, and U.S. Treasuries; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Securities issued by non-U.S. governments e.g., premium bonds, indexed- linked savings
certificates, fixed income savings certificates, guaranteed equity bonds, capital bonds, children's bonus bonds, fixed rate savings
bonds, income bonds and pensioner's guaranteed income bonds issued and sold directly to the public through the National Savings
and Investments agency of the United Kingdom's Chancellor of the Exchequer. *Note: Non-U.S. government debt securities must be rated Investment Grade or higher by S&P. Otherwise, they will be subject to pre-clearance and 30-day holding period requirement);* 

 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Shares held in money market funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Variable insurance products that invest in funds for which MSIM does not act as
adviser or sub-adviser;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Open-end mutual funds or equivalent in other jurisdictions (e.g., UCITS, SICAVs,
UK Authorized Unit Trusts, open-end investment companies ("OEICS")) for which MSIM does not act as adviser or sub-adviser;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Currencies (including Spot FX);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Holding physical commodities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 529 Plans provided that the plan is not invested in MSIM Sub-Advised or Proprietary
Funds

Refer to <u>Schedule A</u> for application of the Code to various security types and additional requirements for Morgan Stanley Asia Limited Employees who hold a Hong Kong Type 9 license.

**"Firm"** means Morgan Stanley, MSIM's parent company.

**"Fully Managed Account"** means an account (including fully managed Individual Savings Accounts ("ISAs") and an account managed on a discretionary basis by a professional financial adviser or investment adviser (e.g., a robo-advisor) for which an MSIM Employee or Immediate Family has authorized a professional financial advisor or investment manager, in its sole discretion, to acquire and dispose of assets held in the account. Neither the MSIM Employee nor the Immediate Family may make, directly or indirectly, any investment decision, be made aware of any such decisions before transactions are executed by the advisor or manager, or otherwise direct the advisor or manager to effect any transactions in the account. A Fully Managed Account is not considered a Personal Securities Account.

**"Hong Kong Type 9 License Holder"** means MSIM Investment Personnel housed in Hong Kong entity Morgan Stanley Asia Limited who holds a Hong Kong Type 9 license.

**"Immediate Family"** pursuant to this Code includes a Covered Persons spouse or domestic partner, dependents and all other persons for whom the Covered Person, their spouse, or domestic partner contributes substantial financial support. This does not include an unrelated person who shares the same residence with the employee provided that the unrelated person and employee are financially independent of one another.

**"Initial Public Offering" ("IPO")** means an offering of securities registered under the Securities

Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. As used in this Code, the term "Initial Public Offering" shall also mean a one- time offering of stock to the public by the issuer of such stock which is not an initial public offering.

**"Investment Committee"** refers to any committee established to be primarily responsible for making investment decisions on behalf of, or investment recommendations to, a Client of IM Private Side.

**"Investment Personnel"** means MSIM Employees and any other Covered Persons who (i) obtain or have access to information concerning investment recommendations made to any Client; (ii) any persons designated as Investment Personnel by Compliance; (iii) who, with respect to a Client: (a) provides information or advice with respect to the purchase or sale of a financial instrument for the Client (e.g., portfolio manager, or, in some cases a Research Analyst) or (b) helps execute the investment decisions of a portfolio manager, or, where applicable, Research Analyst on behalf of a Client.

**"IM Private Side"** refers, individually and collectively, to the regulated investment advisers that provide investment advisory and management services to Clients of the Private Real Estate Investing, Private Infrastructure, and Private Credit and Equity, and AIP Private Markets Fund of Funds business units of MSIM's division, including SEC registered investment advisers and those advisers authorized under applicable EU law.

**"Morgan Stanley Broker"** means a broker-dealer affiliated with Morgan Stanley, including E\*TRADE.

**"Morgan Stanley Investment Management" or "MSIM" or "IM"** means the companies and businesses comprising the Public and Private Sides of Morgan Stanley's Investment Management Division.

**"Morgan Stanley Securities"** means equity, preferred and debt securities issued by Morgan Stanley, including the Morgan Stanley Stock Fund, but excludes structured products, such as equity-linked or credit- linked notes.

**"Mutual Funds"** means (i) all open-end mutual funds; and (ii) similar pooled investment vehicles established in non-U.S. jurisdictions, such as registered investment trusts in Japan. For purposes of the Code, Mutual Fund does not include shares of open-end money market mutual funds (unless otherwise advised by Compliance).

**"Omni Personnel and Those Who Have Access to Flex One"** means designated Omni Investment Personnel who are involved in the portfolio management, trading, and research & strategy, as well as others who may have access to Flex One transactions and may have additional pre-clearance requirements as determined by Compliance.

**"Outside Business Activity"** means any organized or business activity conducted by a MSIM Employee outside of MSIM. This includes, but is not limited to, participation on a board of directors or advisory board, including that of a charitable organization, working part-time outside of MSIM, establishing a holding company for investments, establishing an LLC that invests in rental properties, or forming a limited partnership.

**"Participating Affiliate Employee"** means any professional located outside of the U.S. who is employed by or seconded to a foreign affiliate of IM Private Side and who provides investment advisory-related services to IM Private Side, including, without limitation: assisting in sourcing

and providing information regarding investment and disposal opportunities, providing information and recommendations to Investment Committees, and/or providing ongoing asset or property management services.

**"Personal Securities Accounts"** are any accounts in your own name <u>and</u> other accounts you could be expected to influence or control, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, whether for securities or other financial instruments, and that can hold Covered Securities, whether or not such capability is utilized. Personal Securities Accounts include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Accounts owned by you;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Accounts owned by your Immediate Family (as defined above);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Accounts where you obtain benefits substantially equivalent to ownership of securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Accounts that you or the persons described above could be expected to influence or
control, such as:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Joint accounts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Family accounts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Retirement accounts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Corporate accounts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Trust accounts for which you act as trustee where you have the power to effect investment
decisions or that you otherwise guide or influence;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Arrangements similar to trust accounts that benefit you directly;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Accounts for which you act as custodian; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Partnership accounts.

**"Portfolio Managers"** means MSIM Employees who are primarily responsible for the day- to-day management of a Client portfolio.

**"Preferred Broker"** means a Firm-approved third-party broker for Personal Securities Accounts.

**"Private Investment"** means a securities offering that is exempt from registration under certain provisions of the U.S. securities laws and/or similar laws of non-U.S. jurisdictions. It includes investments in hedge funds, private equity funds, limited partnerships, real estate, peer to peer lending clubs and private businesses.

**"Proprietary or Sub-advised Mutual Fund"** means any open-end Mutual Fund for which MSIM acts as investment adviser or sub-adviser.

"**Proprietary or Sub-advised Exchange-Traded Funds**" means any Exchange-Traded Fund for which MSIM acts as the investment adviser or sub-adviser.

**"IM Public Side"** means the MSIM businesses and entities and their Employees who work in the public securities markets (e.g., equities, fixed income and money markets).

**"Research Analysts"** are MSIM Employees who (1) perform financial, qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of financial instruments or their issuers that result in a recommendation or conclusion to Investment Personnel regarding investments for a Client; or (2) is involved in the construction or rebalancing of an index (as applicable); or (3) are assigned to make investment recommendations to, or for the benefit of, any Client portfolio; or (4) anyone deemed by Compliance to have access to investment recommendations.

**"Restricted Lists"** means any list of issuers or securities maintained by Morgan Stanley where trading in Personal Securities Accounts is restricted due to Firm policies or regulation.

**"Single-Stock Exchange-Traded Funds"** ("ETFs")" are exchanged-traded funds that track the performance of a single underlying stock.

**"Tier 1 Employee"** includes all Covered Persons except those that are deemed Tier 2 Employees (e.g., non-Investment Personnel and IM Private Side).

**"Tier 2 Employee"** includes all IM "Public Side Investment Personnel". "Public Side Investment Personnel" refers to ("Investment Personnel" as defined above, such as Portfolio Manager, Traders and Research Analysts who are part of the MSIM "Public Side" businesses as defined above).

**SCHEDULE B**

**INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT**

**<u>Registered Investment Advisers</u>**

Mesa West Capital, LLC

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Inc.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.\*

Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP\*

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited (MSIM Ltd.)

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company

Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia Inc.

Morgan Stanley Real Estate Advisor, Inc.

MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc.

MSREF Real Estate Advisor, Inc.

MSRESS III Manager, L.L.C.

Eaton Vance Management (EVM)\*

Boston Management and Research (BMR)

Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (EVAIL)

Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (PPA)\*

Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC (ACM)

Calvert Research and Management (CRM)

**<u>Registered Commodity Pool Operator/Commodity Trading Advisor</u>**

Ceres Managed Futures LLC

**<u>Investment Advisers that are not registered</u>**

MSIM Fund Management (Ireland) Limited

Morgan Stanley Investment Management (ACD) Limited

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited (MSIM Private Limited) (with respect to Public Side Investment Management Employees only)

Morgan Stanley Investment Management (Australia) Pty Limited

Morgan Stanley Asia Limited (MSAL) (with respect to Public Side Investment Management Employees only)

Morgan Stanley Investment Management (Japan) Co., Ltd. (MSIMJ)

Private Investment Partners, Inc.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management (China) Co. Ltd.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited

Morgan Stanley Asia (Singapore) PTE

Morgan Stanley Capital K.K.

Morgan Stanley Australia Limited

Morgan Stanley India Financial Services Private Limited

Morgan Stanley Asia Limited

Morgan Stanley Business Consulting (Shanghai) Limited

Morgan Stanley Private Equity Management Korea, Ltd.

Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited

Morgan Stanley (Thailand) Limited

**<u>Broker-Dealer</u>**

Morgan Stanley Distribution Inc.

Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD)

_______________

\*The entity is also a registered Commodity Trading Advisor and/or a registered Commodity Pool Operator.

**<u>Transfer Agent</u>**

Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc.

**<u>Global In-house Centers (India)</u>**

Morgan Stanley Advantage Services Pvt. Ltd. (with respect to Public Side Investment Management Employees only)

**<u>Others:</u>**

Eaton Vance Management International Limited (EVMI)

Eaton Vance Asia Pacific Ltd. (EVAPac)

Eaton Vance Trust Company (EVTC)

MSIP Seoul Branch ("MSK") (with respect to Public Side Investment Management Employees only)

## Ex-99.(P)(2)

**Exhibit (p)(2)**

![](img006.jpg)

**Funds Code of Ethics**

1 Executive Summary

This Code of Ethics (the "Code") is intended to ensure that all acts, practices and courses of business engaged in by "Access Persons<sup>1</sup>" of any registered investment companies, including exchange traded funds advised or managed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. ("MSIM"), Calvert Research Management ("Calvert"), Eaton Vance Management ("Eaton Vance"), Boston Management and Research ("BMR") and Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP ("Morgan Stanley AIP"), (each, a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds") reflect high standards and comply with the requirements of Section 17(j) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as amended, and Rule 17j-1 thereunder (the "Rule"). To the extent that any such individuals, including those who are employed by a Fund investment adviser or affiliated sub-adviser or a fund principal underwriter, are subject to compliance with the MSIM Public and Private Side Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Guidelines (the "Adviser Code"), which has been adopted pursuant to the Rule, compliance by such individuals with the provisions of the Adviser Code shall constitute compliance with this Code. The Code will be effective for a Fund upon its adoption by that Fund's Board of Directors or Trustees, including a majority of directors or trustees who are not interested persons ("Independent Directors/Trustees") as set forth in Section 5.</sup>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 General
Duty to Maintain Confidentiality

The Independent Directors/Trustees of each Fund is obligated to maintain the confidentiality of all information and data which a Fund may disclose to him or her while he or she is acting in his or her capacity as a trustee of the Fund including, but not limited to: information regarding a Fund's governance, Board of Trustees, officers and service providers (including a Fund's Adviser); minutes and other records of meetings; investment program, strategies and performance; portfolio holdings; dividends and distributions; secondary offerings; investment leverage; compliance, legal and regulatory matters (including Fund policies and procedures); valuation of assets; administration, custody, finances or operations (including information relating to financial statements); corporate actions; strategic plans; litigation and regulatory inquiries; communications; regulatory examinations and enforcement activities; shareholders and shareholder-related communications; marketing, and secondary market support activities; intellectual property and trade secrets; and any other information which is proprietary to a Fund or its service providers (including its Adviser) or which a Fund has obtained from third parties and with respect to which a Fund is obligated to maintain confidentiality (collectively, "Confidential Information"). Each of the Independent Directors/Trustees of each Fund must use Confidential Information only in connection with his or her duties as a Fund director or trustee and may not use Confidential Information in any way that is, or could be deemed, to be detrimental to a Fund, its officers, trustees and/or the Adviser or other service providers.

<sup>1</sup> As defined under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act.

  <u>FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY</u> <u> 1</u>

![](img006.jpg)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | Glossary |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1 Definitions

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Access Person** | Defined by Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act as (i) any director, officer, general partner or employee of a fund or of a fund's investment adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the fund or investment adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities (as defined in Rule 17j-1) by a fund, or whose functions relate to the making or any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; or (ii) any director, officer, or general partner of a principal underwriter who, in the ordinary course of business, makes, participates in or obtains information regarding, the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the fund for which the principal underwriter acts, or whose functions or duties in the ordinary course of business relate to the making of any recommendation to the fund regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities. |
| **Beneficial Ownership** | "Beneficially Owned" generally means an interest where you or a member of your Immediate Family, directly or indirectly: (i) have investment discretion or the ability (including joint ability or discretion) to purchase or sell securities or direct the disposition of securities; (ii) have voting power over securities, or the right to direct the voting of securities; or (iii) have a direct or indirect financial interest in securities (or other benefit substantially equivalent to ownership of securities). For purposes of this Code, "beneficial ownership" shall be interpreted in the of 1934same manner as it would be under Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder. |
| **Covered Securities** | Generally includes:<br> •All equity or debt securities (excluding high yield securities, which are prohibited), including but not limited to, derivatives of securities (such as options on securities, on indexes and on currencies, warrants and American depositary receipts);<br> •Asset-backed securities;<br> •Closed-End Funds;<br> •Commodities;<br> •Corporate and municipal bonds, and similar instruments;<br> •Exchange-Traded Funds including single-stock Exchange-Traded Funds, Exchange-Traded Notes and Crypto Currency Exchange-Traded Funds;<br> •Futures;<br> •Initial Coin Offerings and Secondary Coin Offerings;<br> •Investments in all kinds of limited partnerships;<br> •Investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs);<br> •Investments in private investment funds, hedge funds, private equity funds, and venture capital funds;<br> •Open-end mutual funds and Exchange-Traded Funds for which MSIM or Eaton Vance Management or an Eaton Vance Affiliated Entity acts as adviser or sub-adviser and excluding money market funds;<br> •Preferred securities;<br> •Securities indices; |
| **Employee** | Any individual employed by a Fund, its Adviser, or affiliated sub-adviser. |
| **Immediate Family** | Pursuant to this Code includes a director or trustee's spouse or domestic partner, dependents and all other persons for whom the director or trustee, their spouse, or domestic partner contributes substantial financial support. This does not include an unrelated person who shares the same residence with the director or trustee provided that the unrelated person and the director or trustee are financially independent of one another. |
| **Independent Director/Trustee** | A director or trustee of a Fund who is not an "interested person" of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
| **Open-end Registered Investment Companies** | Open-end mutual funds or equivalent in other jurisdictions (e.g., UCITS, SICAVs, UK Authorized Unit Trusts, open-end investment companies ("OEICS")) for which MSIM does not act as adviser or sub-adviser; |

---

  <u>FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY</u> <u> 2</u>

![](img006.jpg)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Personal Transaction** | The purchase or sale, or other acquisition or disposition, of a security for the account of the individual making the transaction or for an account in which he or she has, or as a result of the transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in a security. |
| **Proprietary or Sub-advised Mutual Fund** | Proprietary or Sub-advised Mutual Fund means any Open-end Registered Investment Companies for which MSIM acts as investment adviser or sub-adviser. |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2 Exemptions

No holding or reporting requirement (as specified) is required for a Personal Transaction in any of the following securities:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• U . S . government securities and equivalent securities issued by non-U.S. governments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Bank certificates of deposit;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Bankers' acceptances;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Commercial paper;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• U . S . government agency securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• High quality short-term instruments (including repurchase agreements);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Open-end Registered Investment Companies (mutual funds) not advised or
sub-advised by MSIM (as defined in the Adviser Code);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Money market funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Currencies (including spot FX)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Physical commodities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 529 plans provided that the plan is not invested in a Proprietary or Sub-advised Mutual Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Variable insurance products that invest in funds for which MSIM does not act as adviser or sub-adviser;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") including Crypto Currency ETFs (No holding period requirement
but reporting is required). Single-stock ETFs are not exempt; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Exchange-traded notes (No holding but reporting is required).

In addition, no report is required with respect to any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control.

3 Reporting Requirements

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1 Reports of Transactions - Independent Directors/Trustees and Directors/Trustees who are not Access Persons
(collectively, "Directors/Trustees")

A Director/Trustee shall report promptly to MSIM's-Legal and Compliance Division ("LCD") any Personal Transaction in a security if he or she knows or in the course of his/her duties as a Director/Trustee should have known that during the 15 calendar day period immediately before or after the Director/Trustee's transaction in the same security: (i) the Fund purchased or sold the same security; or (ii) the Fund, its investment adviser or affiliated sub-adviser considered purchasing or selling the same security. For the sake of clarity, Fund portfolio holdings information that is published or otherwise made publicly available shall not be construed to impart actual or constructive knowledge of the Fund's portfolio transactions on a Director/Trustee. The purchase or sale of securities while in possession of material non-public information is strictly prohibited.

  <u>FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY</u> <u> 3</u>

![](img006.jpg)

**Holding Period: Morgan Stanley and Eaton Vance Closed-End Funds**. Pursuant to federal securities laws, Directors/Trustees of closed-end Funds may not benefit from purchasing and selling shares of a closed-end Fund within 6 months of each other. Directors/trustees must file, on SEC Form 4, information regarding their transactions in shares of the closed-end Funds. A member of MSIM's Legal and Compliance Division will notify the Directors/Trustees and assist with the filing of these Forms. Closed-end Fund shares purchased should be held for at least 6 months.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2 Reports of Transactions, Brokerage Accounts and Holdings - Access Persons not covered by Section 3.1

No later than 10 calendar days after becoming an Access Person, new Access Persons who are not covered by Section 3.1 will be required to provide to the MSIM Code of Ethics Group:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A list of all non-exempt securities holdings, with the information set forth below
under annual reporting, as of the date of becoming an Access Person; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A list of all outside brokerage accounts, including open-end investment company
accounts. The information must be current as of a date not more than -45 calendar days before the information is submitted.

On a quarterly basis, an Access Person of a Fund who is not covered by Section 3.1 must report:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All non-exempt securities transactions; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A list of brokerage accounts and Open-end Registered Investment Company accounts
opened during the quarter, to the MSIM Code of Ethics Group.

On an annual basis, an Access Person of a Fund who is not covered by Section 3.1 must provide the MSIM Code of Ethics Group with:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A list of holdings of all non-exempt securities beneficially owned by such Access
Person as of March 31; the title of security, the number of shares held, and the principal amount of the security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The name of any broker dealer, financial institution or Open-end Registered Investment
Company where an account was maintained by such Access Person, as of March 31; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The date the information is submitted by the Access Person.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The information in the Annual Report must be current as of 45 calendar days before
the report is submitted.

An Access Person must obtain approval from the MSIM Code of Ethics Group before directly or indirectly acquiring Beneficial Ownership in any securities in an initial public offering or in a limited offering.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.3 Reports of Transactions Brokerage Accounts and Holdings - General

Any quarterly report required herein must be made within 30 calendar days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the Personal Transaction occurred. The reports may be made on the forms provided by MSIM Code of Ethics Group (accessed by email at: comply@morganstanley.com) or may consist of a broker

  <u>FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY</u> <u> 4</u>

![](img006.jpg)

statement that provides at least the same information. In the event that the MSIM Code of Ethics Group already maintains a record of the required information, an Access Person may satisfy this requirement by: (i) confirming in writing (which may include e-mail) the accuracy and completeness of the record and disclosing the Beneficial Ownership of securities (if any) not listed on the account statement; and (ii) recording the date of the confirmation. Furthermore, each year, an Access Persons will receive an Annual Certification for Employees from the MSIM Code of Ethics Group, where he or she is required to confirm that the information the Firm has in its records is accurate and complete. The Certification must be completed by the deadline specified by the MSIM Code of Ethics Group.

The MSIM Code of Ethics Group, or MSIM's LCD, as applicable, will identify and advise all Access Persons of the Fund, including the Directors and Trustees, subject to the reporting requirements above. Each report required under this Section 3.3 will be submitted for review by the MSIM Code of Ethics Group.

4 Consequences of Violating the Code and Reporting of Violations

Any officer of a Fund who discovers a violation or apparent violation of the Code by an Access Person shall bring the matter to the attention of the applicable Fund's Chief Compliance Officer (the "Fund CCO"), who shall then determine, in consultation with LCD as appropriate, whether a violation has occurred and, if so, impose such sanctions, if any, as deemed appropriate. The Fund CCO shall then report such violations to the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund, including rationale for the determination of the violation and any applicable sanctions no later than the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.

5 Administration and Review of the Code

No less frequently than annually, the Board of Directors or Trustees of each of the Funds shall be provided with (i) a written report that describes any new issues arising under the Code since the last report to the Board, including information on material violations of the Code and sanctions imposed in response to material violations; and (ii) a certification from the Fund CCO that each Fund has adopted procedures reasonable necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code.

The Board of Directors or Trustees of each of the Funds, including a majority of the Independent Directors/Trustees, must approve this Code and any amendments.

6 Recordkeeping

Records are retained in accordance with the Firm's Global Information Management Policy, which establishes general Firm-wide standards and procedures regarding the retention, handling, and destruction of official books and records and other information of legal or operational significance. The Global Information Management Policy incorporates the Firm's Master Retention Schedule, which lists various record classes and associated retention periods on a global basis.

7 Policy Governance

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Effective Date** | March 12, 2026 |
| **Relevant Law and Other Sources** | Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act; Section 16 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |

---

  <u>FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY</u> <u> 5</u>

![](img006.jpg)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Owner:** | Deidre Downes, Chief Compliance Officer of Morgan Stanley Funds<br> Laura Donovan, Chief Compliance Officer of Eaton Vance Funds and the North Haven Private Asset Fund<br> Hope Brown, Chief Compliance Officer of Calvert Funds |
| **Approver:** | Deidre Downes, Chief Compliance Officer of Morgan Stanley Funds<br> Laura Donovan, Chief Compliance Officer of Eaton Vance Funds and the North Haven Private Asset Fund<br> Hope Brown, Chief Compliance Officer of Calvert Funds<br>|
| **Contact Information** | <u>im_compliance_policies@morganstanley.com</u> |
| **Intranet Location** | <u>http://</u>policies |

---

Approved by the Boards of the Morgan Stanley Funds on June 9-10, 2015; December 2, 2021; June 14-15, 2023; June 12-13, 2024; and March 11-12, 2026.

  <u>FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY</u> <u> 6</u>