# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000741375
**File Stem:** 0001133228-23-000317
**Filing Date:** 2023-1
**Character Count:** 53908
**Document Hash:** 066a9d5f0e7a991773c8c849b64db2a2
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001133228-23-000317.hdr.sgml**: 20230130

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001133228-23-000317

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 497K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 4

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230130

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230127

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20230130

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** MORGAN STANLEY INSTITUTIONAL FUND TRUST
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000741375
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** PA
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0930

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 497K
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 002-89729
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23564500

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 522 FIFTH AVENUE
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10036
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 800-548-7786

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 522 FIFTH AVENUE
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10036

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** MAS FUNDS /MA/
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19960724

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** MAS FUNDS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19931227

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** MAS FUNDS
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19930927

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Global Strategist Portfolio (Series ID: S000004124)

| Class ID   | Class Name     | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011555 | Class A Shares | MBAAX           |
| C000011556 | Class I Shares | MPBAX           |
| C000113792 | Class L        | MSDLX           |
| C000155933 | Class C        | MSSOX           |
| C000156275 | Class R6       | MGPOX           |

![](sp15648img002.jpg)

Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

**Summary Prospectus** **\|** January 27, 2023

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Share Class and Ticker Symbols** | **Share Class and Ticker Symbols** | **Share Class and Ticker Symbols** | **Share Class and Ticker Symbols** | **Share Class and Ticker Symbols** |
| **Class I** | **Class A** | **Class L** | **Class C** | **Class R6** |
| **MPBAX** | **MBAAX** | **MSDLX** | **MSSOX** | **MGPOX** |

---

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund's statutory prospectus ("Prospectus"), which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund's Prospectus and other information about the Fund, including the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") and the most recent Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Shareholder Reports"), online at www.morganstanley.com/im/MSIFTGlobalStrategist. You can also get this information at no cost by calling toll-free 1-866-414-6349 or by sending an e-mail request to orders@mysummaryprospectus.com. The Fund's Prospectus and SAI, both dated January 27, 2023 (as may be supplemented from time to time), are incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus.

**Investment Objective**

The Global Strategist Portfolio (the "Fund") seeks above-average total return over a market cycle of three to five years.

**Fees and Expenses**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **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.**

For purchases of Class A shares, you may qualify for a sales charge discount if the cumulative net asset value per share ("NAV") of Class A shares of the Fund being purchased in a single transaction, together with the NAV of any Class A, Class L and Class C shares of the Fund already held in Related Accounts (as defined in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Sales Charges Applicable to Purchases of Class A Shares") as of the date of the transaction as well as Class A, Class L and Class C shares of any other Morgan Stanley Multi-Class Fund excluding Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Short Duration Income, Ultra-Short Income and Ultra-Short Municipal Income Portfolios (as defined in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Exchange Privilege") and including shares of Morgan Stanley Money Market Funds (as defined in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Exchange Privilege") that you acquired in an exchange of Class A, Class L or Class C shares of the Fund or Class A, Class L or Class C shares of another Morgan Stanley Multi-Class Fund excluding Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Short Duration Income, Ultra-Short Income and Ultra-Short Municipal Income Portfolios already held in Related Accounts as of the date of the transaction, amounts to $50,000 or more. More information about this combined purchase discount and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, on page 28 of the Prospectus in the section entitled "Shareholder Information—Sales Charges Applicable to Purchases of Class A Shares" and in Appendix A attached to the Prospectus.

Class I shares may be available on brokerage platforms of firms that have agreements with the Fund's principal underwriter permitting such firms to (i) offer Class I shares solely when acting as an agent for the investor and (ii) impose on an investor transacting in Class I shares through such platforms a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Shares of the Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.

![](sp15648img003.jpg)

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Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Prospectus \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

**Shareholder Fees** (fees paid directly from your investment)

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Class I** | **Class A** | **Class L** | **Class C** | **Class R6** |
| Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |  | 5.25% |  |  |  |
| Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage based on the lesser of the offering price or NAV at redemption) |  | None<sup>1</sup> |  | 1.00%<sup>2</sup> |  |

---

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

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Class I** | **Class A** | **Class L** | **Class C** | **Class R6** |
| Advisory Fee<sup>3</sup> | 0.45% | 0.45% | 0.45% | 0.45% | 0.45% |
| Distribution and/or Shareholder Service (12b-1) Fee |  | 0.25% | 0.75% | 1.00% |  |
| Other Expenses<sup>4</sup> | 0.38% | 0.35% | 0.36% | 0.47% | 0.26% |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses <sup>5</sup> | 0.84% | 1.06% | 1.57% | 1.93% | 0.72% |
| Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement<sup>5</sup> | 0.09% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.08% | 0.00% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement<sup>5</sup> | 0.75% | 1.06% | 1.57% | 1.85% | 0.72% |

---

**Example**

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, 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). After eight years, Class C shares of the Fund generally will convert automatically to Class A shares of the Fund. The example for Class C shares reflects the conversion to Class A shares after eight years. Please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Conversion Features" for more information. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **If You SOLD Your Shares** | **If You SOLD Your Shares** | **If You SOLD Your Shares** | **If You SOLD Your Shares** | **If You SOLD Your Shares** |
|  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| Class I | $77 | $259 | $457 | $1029 |
| Class A | $627 | $845 | $1079 | $1751 |
| Class L | $160 | $496 | $855 | $1867 |
| Class C | $288 | $598 | $1034 | $2021 |
| Class R6 | $74 | $230 | $401 | $894 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **If You HELD Your Shares** | **If You HELD Your Shares** | **If You HELD Your Shares** | **If You HELD Your Shares** | **If You HELD Your Shares** |
|  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| Class I | $77 | $259 | $457 | $1029 |
| Class A | $627 | $845 | $1079 | $1751 |
| Class L | $160 | $496 | $855 | $1867 |
| Class C | $188 | $598 | $1034 | $2021 |
| Class R6 | $74 | $230 | $401 | $894 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | Investments in Class A shares that are not subject to any sales charges at the time of purchase are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1.00% that will be imposed if you sell your shares within 12 months after purchase, except for certain specific circumstances. See "Shareholder Information—How To Redeem Fund Shares" for further information about the CDSC waiver categories. |

---

2 The Class C CDSC is only applicable if you sell your shares within one year after the last day of the month of purchase. See "Shareholder Information—How To Redeem Fund Shares" for a complete discussion of the CDSC.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 3 | "Advisory Fee" includes the management fee of the Subsidiary (as defined below). The Fund's "Adviser," 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. |

---

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 5 | The Fund's Adviser has agreed to reduce 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 0.74% for Class I, 1.09% for Class A, 1.59% for Class L, 1.84% for Class C and 0.71% for Class R6. 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 Board of Trustees of Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust (the "Trust") acts to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when it deems such action is appropriate. |

---

**2**

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Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Prospectus \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in 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 93% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

The Adviser and/or "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.

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. 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. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, 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 conditions and public health conditions. 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. 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 may be subject to heightened risks.

**3**

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Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Prospectus \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• **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). 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. A portion of the Fund's fixed-income securities may be rated below investment grade. Investing in emerging markets intensifies this risk, because lower quality fixed-income securities are more volatile in price.

• **High Yield Securities ("Junk Bonds").** The Fund's investments in high yield securities expose it to a substantial degree of credit risk. Investing in emerging markets intensifies risk, because high yield securities may be more volatile in price in certain environments. High yield securities may be issued by companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy or are more highly indebted than other companies, and therefore they may have more difficulty making scheduled payments of principal and interest. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities and may be considered speculative. High yield securities may experience reduced liquidity, and sudden and substantial decreases in price. An economic downturn affecting an issuer of high yield securities may result in an increased incidence of default. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery.

• **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 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 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. 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.

• **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. 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.

• **Foreign and Emerging Market Securities.** Investments in foreign markets entail special risks such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs, 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 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. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, 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. 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

**4**

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Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Prospectus \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market 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. To the extent hedged 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 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. Economic sanctions and 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, or impair the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective or invest in accordance with its investment strategies.

• **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.

• **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.

• **Derivatives.** Derivatives and other similar instruments often have risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument, including market risk, and may have 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.

• **LIBOR Discontinuance or Unavailability Risk.** The London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") is intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. The Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA"), which is the regulatory authority that oversees financial services firms, financial markets in the U.K. and the administrator of LIBOR, announced that, after the end of 2021, one-week and two-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR and all non-U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings have either ended or are no longer representative of the underlying market they seek to measure. The FCA also announced that the most commonly used U.S. dollar LIBOR settings  may continue to be provided on a representative basis until mid-2023. However, in connection with supervisory guidance from regulators, some regulated entities may no longer enter into most new LIBOR-based contracts. As a result of the foregoing, LIBOR may no longer be available or no longer deemed an appropriate reference rate upon which to determine the interest rate on or impacting certain loans, notes, derivatives and other instruments or investments held by the Fund.

**5**

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Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Prospectus \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• **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 and ETFs, 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, in effect, will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in other investment companies.

• **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 recently 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 recently 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 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. 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. securities markets. For example, the Chinese government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership and 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 taken 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. Additionally, 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. 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 such restricted securities and incur a loss as a result.

*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.

• **Market and Geopolitical Risk.** The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which may change due to economic and other events that affect markets generally, as well as those that affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies or governments. These events may be sudden and unexpected, and could adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund's investments, which may in turn impact valuation, 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, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions) adversely interrupt the global economy and financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of

**6**

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Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Prospectus \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance 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.

• **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.

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 average annual returns for the past one, five and 10 year periods and since inception compare with those of broad measures of market performance, as well as an index that represents a group of similar mutual funds, over time. The performance of the other classes, which is shown in the table below, will differ because the classes have different ongoing fees. The Fund's returns in the table include the maximum applicable sales charge for Class A and Class C and assume you sold your shares at the end of each period (unless otherwise noted). The Fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.morganstanley.com/im or by calling toll-free 1-800-869-6397.

**Annual Total Returns—Calendar Years**

![](sp15648img001.jpg)

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **High Quarter** | 06/30/20 | 13.92% |
| **Low Quarter** | 03/31/20 | -17.50% |

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**Average Annual Total Returns**<br> (for the calendar periods ended December 31, 2022)

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past**<br>**One Year** | **Past**<br>**Five Years** | **Past**<br>**Ten Years** | **Since Inception** |
| **Class I** (commenced operations on 12/31/92) | **Class I** (commenced operations on 12/31/92) | **Class I** (commenced operations on 12/31/92) | **Class I** (commenced operations on 12/31/92) | **Class I** (commenced operations on 12/31/92) |
| Return Before Taxes | -16.71% | 2.23% | 4.42% | 6.57% |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions<sup>1</sup> | -16.83% | 0.77% | 3.01% | 4.85% |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -9.80% | 1.39% | 3.13% | 4.74% |
| **Class A** (commenced operations on 11/1/96) | **Class A** (commenced operations on 11/1/96) | **Class A** (commenced operations on 11/1/96) | **Class A** (commenced operations on 11/1/96) | **Class A** (commenced operations on 11/1/96) |
| Return Before Taxes | -21.36% | 0.83% | 3.53% | 5.30% |
| **Class L** (commenced operations on 4/27/12) | **Class L** (commenced operations on 4/27/12) | **Class L** (commenced operations on 4/27/12) | **Class L** (commenced operations on 4/27/12) | **Class L** (commenced operations on 4/27/12) |
| Return Before Taxes | -17.40% | 1.40% | 3.56% | 3.95% |
| **Class C** (commenced operations on 4/30/15) | **Class C** (commenced operations on 4/30/15) | **Class C** (commenced operations on 4/30/15) | **Class C** (commenced operations on 4/30/15) | **Class C** (commenced operations on 4/30/15) |
| Return Before Taxes | -18.45% | 1.11% | N/A | 1.98% |
| **Class R6** (commenced operations on 5/29/15) | **Class R6** (commenced operations on 5/29/15) | **Class R6** (commenced operations on 5/29/15) | **Class R6** (commenced operations on 5/29/15) | **Class R6** (commenced operations on 5/29/15) |
| Return Before Taxes | -16.70% | 2.26% | N/A | 3.34% |
| MSCI All Country World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>2</sup> | -18.36% | 5.23% | 7.98% | 7.45%<sup>3</sup> |

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Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Prospectus \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Past**<br>**One Year** | **Past**<br>**Five Years** | **Past**<br>**Ten Years** | **Since Inception** |
| Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>4</sup> | -17.33% | 2.71% | 4.45% | N/A |
| Lipper Flexible Portfolio Funds Index (reflects no deduction for taxes)<sup>5</sup> | -15.19% | 4.55% | 6.15% | 6.58%<sup>3</sup> |

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1 These returns do not reflect any tax consequences from a sale of your shares at the end of each period.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) 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. Returns, including periods prior to January 1, 2001, are calculated using the return data of the MSCI All Country World Index (gross dividends) through December 31, 2000 and the return data of the MSCI All Country World Index (net dividends) after December 31, 2000. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

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3 Since Inception reflects the inception date of Class I.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 4 | 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). The Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index was added as the Fund benchmark on October 2, 2013 and is provided for comparative purposes only. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. |

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5 The Lipper Flexible Portfolio Funds Index is an equally weighted performance index of the largest qualifying funds (based on net assets) in the Lipper Flexible Portfolio Funds classification. There are currently 30 funds represented in this index.

The after-tax returns shown in the table above are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates during the period shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns for the Fund's other classes will vary from Class I shares' returns. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns may be higher than before-tax returns due to foreign tax credits and/or an assumed benefit from capital losses that would have been realized had Fund shares been sold at the end of the relevant periods, as applicable.

**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 Global Multi-Asset team. Information about the members jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is shown below:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser** | **Date Began**<br>**Managing Fund** |
| Cyril Moullé-Berteaux | Managing Director | August 2011 |
| Mark A. Bavoso | Managing Director | January 2011 |
| Sergei Parmenov | Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management (Australia) Pty Limited ("MSIM Australia") | January 2020 |

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In rendering investment advisory services to the Fund, the Adviser uses the portfolio management, research and other resources of MSIM Australia, a foreign (non-U.S.) affiliate of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. that is not registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and may provide services to the Fund through this "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.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

*The Trust has suspended offering Class L shares of the Fund for sale to all investors. The Class L shareholders of the Fund do not have the option of purchasing additional Class L shares. However, the existing Class L shareholders may invest in additional Class L shares through reinvestment of dividends and distributions.*

**8**

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Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Prospectus \| **Fund Summary**

Global Strategist Portfolio (Con't)

The minimum initial investment generally is $1 million for Class I shares and $1,000 for each of Class A and Class C shares of the Fund. To purchase Class R6 shares, an investor must meet a minimum initial investment of $5 million or be a defined contribution, defined benefit or other employer sponsored employee benefit plan, in each case provided that the plan trades through an intermediary that combines its clients' assets in a single omnibus account, whether or not such plan is qualified under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and in each case subject to the discretion of the Adviser. The minimum initial investment may be waived for certain investments. For more information, please refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Minimum Investment Amounts."

Shares of the Fund may be purchased or sold on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for business directly from the Fund by mail (c/o SS&C Global Investor and Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS"), P.O. Box 219804, Kansas City, MO 64121-9804), by telephone (1-800-869-6397) or by contacting an authorized third-party, such as a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary that has entered into a selling agreement with the Fund's "Distributor," Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. (each, a "Financial Intermediary"). In addition, you can sell Fund shares at any time by enrolling in a systematic withdrawal plan. If you sell Class A or Class C shares, your net sale proceeds are reduced by the amount of any applicable CDSC. For more information, please refer to the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—How To Purchase Fund Shares" and "—How To Redeem Fund Shares."

**Tax Information**

The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser and/or the Distributor may pay the Financial Intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments, which may be significant in amount, may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Financial Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your Financial Intermediary's web site for more information.

**9**

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