SEC Info℠

Home

Search

My Interests

Help

Sign In

Please Sign In

TCW Funds Inc, et al. – ‘485BPOS’ on 11/21/14

On:  Friday, 11/21/14, at 5:11pm ET   ·   Effective:  11/24/14   ·   Private-to-Public:  Document/Exhibit ¶  –  Release Delayed   ·   Accession #:  1193125-14-422017   ·   File #s:  33-52272, 811-07170

Previous ‘485BPOS’:  ‘485BPOS’ on 3/17/14   ·   Next:  ‘485BPOS’ on 12/5/14   ·   Latest:  ‘485BPOS’ on 2/28/24   ·   6 References:   By:  TCW Funds Inc. – ‘N-14’ on 3/27/24 By:  TCW Funds Inc. – ‘POS AMI’ on 3/27/24 By:  TCW Funds Inc. – Latest ‘485BPOS’ on 2/28/24 By:  TCW Funds Inc. – ‘485BPOS’ on 2/28/23 By:  TCW Funds Inc. – ‘485BPOS’ on 2/28/22 By:  TCW Funds Inc. – ‘485BPOS’ on 2/26/21 

in

this entire Filing. an “Entity” Search.

Show

Documents searched

and

each “hit”. the 1st “hit”.

↓↑Hints

 Text Wildcards:  ? (any letter/digit),  * (many).  Search Logic:  for Documents:  & (and),  | (or);  for Text:  | (anywhere),  "(&)" (near).  Details... 

  As Of                Filer                Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size              Issuer               Agent

11/21/14  TCW Funds Inc                     485BPOS¶   11/24/14    7:2.5M                                   Donnelley … Solutions/FA
          → TCW Conservative Allocation Fund ⇒ Class I Shares (TGPCX) — Class N Shares (TGPNX)
          → TCW Core Fixed Income Fund ⇒ I Class (TGCFX) — N Class (TGFNX)
          → TCW Emerging Markets Income Fund ⇒ I Class (TGEIX) — N Class (TGINX)
          → TCW Emerging Markets Local Currency Income Fund ⇒ Class I (TGWIX) — Class N (TGWNX)
          → TCW Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Opportunities Fund ⇒ Class I (TGMAX) — Class N (TGMEX)
          → TCW Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund ⇒ Class I (TGGWX) — Class N (TGABX)
          → TCW Focused Equities Fund ⇒ I Class (TGFFX) — N Class (TGFVX)
          → TCW Global Bond Fund ⇒ Class I (TGGBX) — Class N (TGGFX)
          → TCW Global Real Estate Fund ⇒ Class I (TGREX) — Class N (TGRYX)
          → TCW Growth Equities Fund ⇒ I Class (TGGEX) — N Class (TGDNX)
          → TCW Growth Fund ⇒ I Shares (TGGIX) — N Shares (TGGYX)
          → TCW High Dividend Equities Fund ⇒ Class I (TGHDX) — Class N (TGDEX)
          → TCW High Yield Bond Fund ⇒ I Class (TGHYX) — N Class (TGHNX)
          → TCW International Growth Fund ⇒ Class I (TGIBX) — Class N (TGIDX)
          → TCW International Small Cap Fund ⇒ Class I (TGICX) — Class N (TGNIX)
          → TCW Relative Value Dividend Appreciation Fund ⇒ I Class (TGDFX) — N Class (TGIGX)
          → TCW Relative Value Large Cap Fund ⇒ I Class (TGDIX) — N Class (TGDVX)
          → TCW Relative Value Mid Cap Fund ⇒ I Class (TGVOX) — N Class (TGVNX)
          → TCW Select Equities Fund ⇒ I Class (TGCEX) — N Class (TGCNX)
          → TCW Short Term Bond Fund ⇒ I Class (TGSMX)
          → TCW Small Cap Growth Fund ⇒ I Class (TGSCX) — N Class (TGSNX)
          → TCW SMID Cap Growth Fund ⇒ Class I (TGSDX) — Class N (TGMDX)
          → TCW Total Return Bond Fund ⇒ I Class (TGLMX) — N Class (TGMNX)

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 485BPOS     Post-Effective Amendment No. 87                     HTML   1.46M 
 7: CORRESP   ¶ Comment-Response or Other Letter to the SEC         HTML      5K 
 2: EX-99.(A)(41)  Miscellaneous Exhibit                            HTML     28K 
 3: EX-99.(D)(4)  Miscellaneous Exhibit                             HTML     13K 
 4: EX-99.(H)(6)  Miscellaneous Exhibit                             HTML     10K 
 5: EX-99.(I)   Miscellaneous Exhibit                               HTML     10K 
 6: EX-99.(J)   Miscellaneous Exhibit                               HTML      7K 

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2014

Securities Act File No. 033-52272

Investment Company Act File No. 811-07170

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

TCW FUNDS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800

Los Angeles, CA 90017

(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: 1 (213) 244-0000

Patrick W. Dennis, Esq.

Assistant Secretary

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90017

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

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

If appropriate, check the following box:

Table of Contents

This prospectus tells you about the Class I and Class N shares of TCW Global Real Estate Fund and TCW High Dividend Equities Fund (each a ?Fund? and collectively, the ?Funds?) offered by TCW Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”), each of which has different investment objectives and policies that are designed to meet different investment goals. Please read this document carefully before investing, and keep it for future reference. As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. 2014 NOVEMBER 24 Prospectus TCW Equity Funds TCW High Dividend Equities Fund (I Share: TGHDX; N Share: TGDEX) TCW International Funds TCW Global Real Estate Fund (I Share: TGREX; N Share: TGRYX)

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

2

Table of Contents

TCW Global Real Estate Fund

3

Table of Contents

4

Table of Contents

5

Table of Contents

TCW High Dividend Equities Fund

6

Table of Contents

7

Table of Contents

8

Table of Contents

Summary of Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

9

Table of Contents

Principal Risks and Risk Definitions

10

Table of Contents

11

Table of Contents

12

Table of Contents

13

Table of Contents

14

Table of Contents

15

Table of Contents

16

Table of Contents

Management of the Funds

17

Table of Contents

18

Table of Contents

Your Investment — Account Policies and Services

Buying shares

19

Table of Contents

20

Table of Contents

21

Table of Contents

22

Table of Contents

23

Table of Contents

24

Table of Contents

25

Table of Contents

26

Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

Because the Funds have not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus, financial highlights are not available.

27

Table of Contents

Glossary

28

Table of Contents

29

Table of Contents

30

Table of Contents

31

Table of Contents

More information on each Fund is available free upon request by calling 800 FUND TCW (386 3829), or on the Internet at www.TCW.com, including the following: Annual/Semi-Annual Report Additional information about each Fund’s investments is in the Funds’ annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. In the Funds’ annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. Statement of Additional Information (SAI) Provides more details about each Fund and its policies. A current SAI is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by reference and is legally considered part of this prospectus. The SAI can be reviewed and photocopied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Shareholder Account Information For additional information, such as transaction and account inquiries: Call 800 248 4486, or send your request to: TCW Funds, Inc. c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC P.O Box 701 Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701 You can obtain copies of reports and other information about the Funds on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., by sending your written request to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, or by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov. A fee will be charged for making copies. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 202 551 8090. SEC File Number 811-7170 FUNDp_HDF_REF_1114 TCW Funds, Inc. 865 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, California 90017 800 FUND TCW (800 386 3829) www.TCW.com

Table of Contents

Statement of Additional Information FEBRUARY 28 2014 AS AMENDED NOVEMBER 24, 2014 TCW Equity Funds TCW Concentrated Value Fund (I Share: TGFFX; N Share: TGFVX) TCW Growth Fund* (I Share: TGGIX; N Share: TGGYX) TCW Growth Equities Fund (I Share: TGGEX; N Share: TGDNX) TCW High Dividend Equities Fund (I Share: TGHDX; N Share: TGDEX) TCW Relative Value Dividend Appreciation Fund (formerly the TCW Dividend Focused Fund) (I Share: TGDFX; N Share: TGIGX) TCW Relative Value Large Cap Fund (I Share: TGDIX; N Share: TGDVX) TCW Relative Value Mid Cap Fund (formerly the TCW Value Opportunities Fund) (I Share: TGVOX; N Share: TGVNX) TCW Select Equities Fund (I Share: TGCEX; N Share: TGCNX) TCW Small Cap Growth Fund (I Share: TGSCX; N Share: TGSNX) TCW SMID Cap Growth Fund (I Share: TGSDX; N Share: TGMDX) TCW Fixed Income Funds TCW Core Fixed Income Fund (I Share: TGCFX; N Share: TGFNX) TCW Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund (I Share: TGGWX; N Share: TGABX) TCW High Yield Bond Fund (I Share: TGHYX; N Share: TGHNX) TCW Short Term Bond Fund (I Share: TGSMX) TCW Total Return Bond Fund (I Share: TGLMX; N Share: TGMNX) TCW International Funds TCW Emerging Markets Income Fund (I Share: TGEIX; N Share: TGINX) TCW Emerging Markets Local Currency Income Fund (I Share: TGWIX; N Share: TGWNX) TCW Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Opportunities Fund (I Share: TGMAX; N Share: TGMEX) TCW Global Bond Fund (I Share: TGGBX; N Share: TGGFX) TCW Global Real Estate Fund (I Share: TGREX; N Share: TGRYX) TCW International Growth Fund (I Share: TGIBX; N Share: TGIDX) TCW International Small Cap Fund (I Share: TGICX; N Share: TGNIX) TCW Asset Allocation Fund TCW Conservative Allocation Fund (I Share: TGPCX; N Share: TGPNX) This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus but contains information in addition to, and more detailed than that set forth in the Prospectus dated the same date, which describes each of the separate investment series (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) of TCW Funds, Inc. This Statement of Additional Information should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. A Prospectus may be obtained without charge by writing TCW Funds Inc., Attention: Investor Relations Department, 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017 or by calling the Investor Relations Department at 800 FUND TCW (800 386 3829). This Statement of Additional Information, although not in itself a prospectus, is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus in its entirety. Each Fund’s audited financial statements in the Annual Report to Shareholders and the report of Deloitte and Touche LLP, the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, are incorporated by reference herein with the exception of the TCW Global Real Estate Fund and TCW High Dividend Equities Fund, which have not commenced operations as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information. * TCW Growth Fund was liquidated on or about October 30, 2014. Effective the close of business on October 3, 2014, TCW Growth Fund stopped selling to new investors or existing shareholders, including through exchanges into the Fund from other funds of the TCW Funds, Inc. TCW Funds, Inc. | 865 South Figueroa Street | Los Angeles, California 90017 | 800 FUND TCW (800 386 3829 | www.TCW.com

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Table of Contents

GENERAL INFORMATION

TCW Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”) was incorporated as a Maryland corporation on September 15, 1992 and is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an open-end, management investment company. The Corporation has acknowledged that the name “TCW” is owned by The TCW Group, Inc. (“TCW”), the parent of TCW Investment Management Company (the “Advisor”). The Corporation has agreed to change its name and the name of the Funds at the request of TCW if any advisory agreement into which TCW or any of its affiliates and the Corporation may enter is terminated.

The Funds offer two classes of shares: Class I shares and Class N shares, except for the TCW Short Term Bond Fund, which only offers Class I shares. The TCW Conservative Allocation Fund is a lifestyle allocation fund of funds, which seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in the Class I shares of the other Funds of the Corporation (the “TCW Funds”) and certain of the Metropolitan West Funds (together, the “Underlying Funds”).

The TCW Concentrated Value, TCW Global Real Estate, TCW Growth Equities, TCW High Dividend Equities, TCW Relative Value Dividend Appreciation, TCW Relative Value Large Cap, TCW Relative Value Mid Cap, TCW Select Equities, TCW Small Cap Growth, TCW SMID Cap Growth, TCW Core Fixed Income, TCW Emerging Markets Income, TCW International Small Cap, TCW High Yield Bond, TCW Short Term Bond and TCW Total Return Bond Funds are each classified as a diversified fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The other TCW Funds are classified as non-diversified funds under the 1940 Act.

For information concerning the Fidelity Prime Money Market Portfolio, which is an unaffiliated separately managed money market mutual fund, please refer to the prospectus for the Fidelity Prime Money Market Portfolio. A copy of the prospectus for the Fidelity Prime Money Market Portfolio is available by calling (800) 386-3829.

INVESTMENT PRACTICES

In attempting to achieve its investment objective, a Fund may utilize, among others, one or more of the strategies or securities set forth below. The Funds may also invest in other instruments (including derivative investments) or use other investment strategies that are developed or become available in the future and that are consistent with their objectives and restrictions. The investment strategies described below may be pursued directly by the Underlying Funds. As a general matter, the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund does not invest directly in securities. However, the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund is subject to the strategies and risks described below indirectly through its investments in the Underlying Funds.

In addition, the TCW Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the TCW Cayman Enhanced Commodity Fund, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Subsidiary”). The Subsidiary is advised by the Advisor, and has the same investment objective and will generally be subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as the Fund; however, the Subsidiary may invest in commodity-linked swap agreements and other commodity-linked derivative instruments to an extent greater than the Fund may make such investments. The Fund and the Subsidiary may test for compliance with certain investment restrictions on a consolidated basis, except that with respect to its investments in certain securities that may involve leverage, the Subsidiary will comply with asset segregation or “earmarking” requirements to the same extent as the Fund. 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 generally similar to those held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund.

Strategies and Investments Available to All Funds

Money Market Instruments. All Funds may invest in money market instruments and will generally do so for temporary and defensive purposes only. These instruments include, but are not limited to:

U.S. Government Securities. Obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States or its agencies (such as the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Federal Housing Administration and Government National Mortgage Association) or its instrumentalities (such as the Federal Home Loan Bank), including Treasury bills, notes and bonds.

Bank Obligations. Obligations including certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper (see below) and other debt obligations of banks subject to regulation by the U.S. Government and having total assets of $1 billion or more, and instruments secured by such obligations, not including obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks except as permitted below.

Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit. Eurodollar certificates of deposit issued by foreign branches of domestic banks having total assets of $1 billion or more (investments in Eurodollar certificates may be affected by changes in currency rates or exchange control regulations, or changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy in the United States and abroad).

3

Table of Contents

Obligations of Savings Institutions. Certificates of deposit of savings banks and savings and loan associations, having total assets of $1 billion or more (investments in savings institutions above $250,000 in principal amount are not protected by federal deposit insurance).

Fully Insured Certificates of Deposit. Certificates of deposit of banks and savings institutions, having total assets of less than $1 billion, if the principal amount of the obligation is insured by the Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund (each of which is administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), limited to $250,000 principal amount per certificate and to 15% or less of a Fund’s net assets in all such obligations and in all illiquid assets, in the aggregate.

Commercial Paper. Commercial paper rated within the two highest ratings categories by Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or, if not rated, that is determined by a Funds’ Advisor to be of comparable quality.

Money Market Mutual Funds. Shares of United States money market investment companies.

Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements, which may be viewed as a type of secured lending by a Fund, typically involve the acquisition by a Fund of debt securities from a selling financial institution such as a bank, savings and loan association or broker-dealer. The repurchase agreements will provide that the Fund will sell back to the institution, and that the institution will repurchase, the underlying security (“collateral”) at a specified price and at a fixed time in the future, usually not more than seven days from the date of purchase. The collateral will be maintained in a segregated account and, with respect to United States repurchase agreements, will be marked to market daily to ensure that the full value of the collateral, as specified in the repurchase agreement, does not decrease below the repurchase price plus accrued interest. If such a decrease occurs, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, added to the account to maintain full collateralization. A Fund will accrue interest from the institution until the date the repurchase occurs. Although this date is deemed by each Fund to be the maturity date of a repurchase agreement, the maturities of the collateral securities are not subject to any limits and may exceed one year. Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days will be considered illiquid for purposes of the restriction on each Fund’s investment in illiquid and restricted securities.

Investments in Other Investment Company Securities. Under the 1940 Act, a Fund (other than the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund) may not own more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of an investment company, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, or invest more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of investment companies. Such investments may include open-end investment companies, closed-end investment companies and unit investment trusts (“UITs”). In some instances, a Fund may invest in an investment company in excess of these limits. This may occur, for instance, in “cash sweep” arrangements in which a Fund invests all or a portion of its available cash in a money market fund. Any expenses incurred by investing in other investment companies, including advisory fees and operating costs charged by those vehicles, are in addition to the expenses a Fund pays in connection with its own operations. In addition, a Fund would pay brokerage costs associated with its purchases of shares of these vehicles. These limitations do not apply to investments in investment companies that are not registered with the SEC, such as private funds and offshore funds.

The 1940 Act permits the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund to invest beyond the limitations discussed above so long as the investments are in funds that are part of the “same group of investment companies” as the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund (other TCW Funds and Metropolitan West Funds). The TCW Conservative Allocation Fund may, generally, also purchase shares of funds that are not part of the same group of investment companies as the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund (subject to the limits discussed above for unaffiliated funds) as well as stocks, bonds and other securities not issued by a Fund. The TCW Conservative Allocation Fund may also invest in money market funds. Alternatively, the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund may limit its investments to not more than 3% of any unaffiliated fund and will not be subject to the 5% and 10% limit if it and all of its affiliated persons choose to adhere to such 3% limit.

In addition, certain “exchange traded funds”(“ETFs”) have obtained exemptive orders from the SEC that allows the Funds to invest in those ETFs beyond the limits described above. As the shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees.

Despite the possibility of greater fees and expenses, investments in other investment companies may be attractive nonetheless for several reasons, especially in connection with foreign investments. Because of restrictions on direct investment by U.S. entities in certain countries, investing indirectly in such countries (by purchasing shares of another fund that is permitted to invest in such countries) may be the most practical and efficient way for a Fund to invest in such countries. In other cases, when a portfolio manager desires to make only a relatively small investment in a particular country, investing through another fund that holds a diversified portfolio in that country may be more effective than investing directly in issuers in that country.

Among the types of investment companies in which a Fund may invest are Portfolio Depository Receipts (“PDRs”) and Index Fund Shares (PDRs and Index Fund Shares are collectively referred to as ETFs. ETFs are investment companies that invest in a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index and whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange.

4

Table of Contents

ETFs, like mutual funds, have expenses associated with their operation, including advisory fees. When a Fund invests in an ETF, in addition to directly bearing expenses associated with its own operations, it will bear a pro rata portion of the ETF’s expenses. As with any exchange listed security, ETF shares purchased in the secondary market are subject to customary brokerage charges. In addition, certain ETFs have obtained exemptive orders from the SEC that allows the Funds to invest in those ETFs beyond the limits described above.

PDRs represent interests in a UIT holding a fund of securities that may be obtained from the UIT or purchased in the secondary market. Each PDR is intended to track the underlying securities, trade like a share of common stock, and pay to PDR holders periodic dividends proportionate to those paid with respect to the underlying securities, less certain expenses. Index Fund Shares are shares issued by an open-end management investment company that seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specified foreign or domestic equity index (“Index Fund”). ETFs include, among others, Standard & Poor’s Depository Receipts (“SPDRs”), Optimized Funds as Listed Securities (“OPALS”), Dow Jones Industrial Average Instruments (Diamonds), NASDAQ 100 tracking shares (QQQ) and I-Shares.

SPDRs. SPDRs track the performance of a basket of stocks intended to track the price performance and dividend yields of the S&P 500 until a specified maturity date. SPDRs are listed on the NYSE MKT. Holders of SPDRs are entitled to receive quarterly distributions corresponding to dividends received on shares contained in the underlying basket of stocks net of expenses. On the maturity date of the SPDRs’ UIT, the holders will receive the value of the underlying basket of stocks.

OPALS. OPALS track the performance of adjustable baskets of stocks until a specified maturity date. Holders of OPALS are entitled to receive semi-annual distributions corresponding to dividends received on shares contained in the underlying basket of stocks, net of expenses. On the maturity date of the OPALS’ UIT, the holders will receive the physical securities comprising the underlying baskets.

I-Shares™. I-Shares track the performance of specified equity market indexes, including the S&P 500. I-Shares are listed on the NYSE MKT and the Chicago Board Option Exchange. Holders of I-Shares are entitled to receive distributions not less frequently than annually corresponding to dividends and other distributions received on shares contained in the underlying basket of stocks net of expenses. I-Shares are Index Fund Shares. Individual investments in PDRs generally are not redeemable, except upon termination of the UIT. Similarly, individual investments in Index Fund Shares generally are not redeemable. However, large quantities of PDRs known as “Creation Units” are redeemable from the sponsor of the UIT.

Similarly, block sizes of Index Fund Shares, also known as “Creation Units,” are redeemable from the issuing Index Fund. The liquidity of small holdings of ETFs, therefore, will depend upon the existence of a secondary market.

The price of ETFs is derived from and based upon the securities held by the UIT or Index Fund, and a Fund investing in ETFs will indirectly bear the risk of those investments.

Accordingly, the level of risk involved in the purchase or sale of an ETF is similar to the risk involved in the purchase or sale of traditional common stock, with the exception that the pricing mechanism for an ETF is based on a basket of stocks. Disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETFs purchased or sold by a Fund could result in losses on investments in ETFs. ETFs represent an unsecured obligation and therefore carry with them the risk that the counterparty will default and the Fund may not be able to recover the current value of its investment.

Strategies and Investments Available to all Funds (except the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund)

Lending of Portfolio Securities. Each of the Funds may, consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions, provided such loans are callable at any time by the Funds (subject to the notice provisions described below), and are at all times secured by cash, bank letters of credit, other money market instruments rated A-1, P-1 or the equivalent, or securities of the United States Government (or its agencies or instrumentalities), which are maintained in a segregated account and that are equal to at least the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. The advantage of such loans is that the Funds continue to receive the income on the loaned securities while at the same time earning interest on the cash amounts deposited as collateral, which will be invested in short-term obligations. A Fund will not lend more than 25% of the value of its total assets. A loan may be terminated by the borrower on one business day’s notice, or by a Fund on two business days’ notice. If the borrower fails to deliver the loaned securities within two days after receipt of notice, the Fund could use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost over collateral. As with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. However, loans of portfolio securities will only be made to firms deemed by the Advisor to be creditworthy. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Funds. Any gain or loss in the marketplace during the loan period would inure to the Fund. A Fund will pay reasonable finder’s, administrative and custodian fees in connection with a loan of securities. Also voting rights with respect to the loaned securities may pass with the lending of the securities.

Borrowing. Except as described below, a Fund may borrow money to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. This means that, in general, a Fund may borrow money from banks for any purpose in an amount up to 1/3 of the Fund’s net assets. A Fund also may borrow money for temporary administrative purposes in an amount not to exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets.

5

Table of Contents

Specifically, provisions of the 1940 Act require a Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowing not in excess of 5% of the Fund’s total assets made for temporary administrative purposes. Any borrowings for temporary administrative purposes in excess of 5% of the Fund’s total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time.

Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund’s portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased. A Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments. From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, a Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis and may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis. (These types of transactions are negotiated directly with a counterparty, rather than through an exchange.) When such 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 the commitment. 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. While a Fund will only purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities, the Fund may sell the securities before the settlement date, if it is deemed advisable. At the time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase or sell securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis, the Fund 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 net asset value. At such time, the Fund will also establish a segregated account in which it will continuously maintain cash or U.S. Government securities or other liquid securities equal in value to recognized commitments for such securities. At the time of delivery of the securities, the value may be more or less than the purchase or sale price. An increase in the percentage of a Fund’s assets committed to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may increase the volatility of the Fund’s net asset value.

When, As and If Issued Securities. A 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, leveraged buyout or debt restructuring. The commitment for the purchase of any such security will not be recognized in the portfolio of the Fund until the Advisor determines that issuance of the security is probable. At such time, the Fund will record the transaction and, in determining its net asset value, will reflect the value of the security daily. At such time, the Fund will also establish a segregated account with its custodian bank in which it will continuously maintain cash or U.S. Government securities or other liquid securities equal in value to recognized commitments for such securities. Settlement of the trade will ordinarily occur within three Business Days of the occurrence of the subsequent event. Once a segregated account has been established, if the anticipated event does not occur and the securities are not issued, the Fund will have lost an investment opportunity. Each Fund may purchase securities on such basis without limit. 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 net asset value. Each 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 the sale.

Options. Each of the Funds may purchase and write (sell) call and put options, including options listed on U.S. or foreign securities exchanges or written in over-the-counter transactions (“OTC Options”). A Fund may purchase and sell American or European style options. If an option is American style, it may be exercised on any day up to its expiration date. A European style option may be exercised only on its expiration date.

Exchange-listed options are issued by the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”) (in the U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange which assures that all transactions in such options are properly executed. OTC Options are purchased from or sold (written) to dealers or financial institutions which have entered into direct agreements with a Fund. With OTC Options, such variables as expiration date, exercise price and premium will be agreed upon between a Fund and the transacting dealer, without the intermediation of a third party such as the OCC. If the transacting dealer fails to make or take delivery of the securities or amount of foreign currency underlying an option it has written, in accordance with the terms of that option, a Fund would lose the premium paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. Each Fund will engage in OTC Option transactions only with brokers or financial institutions deemed creditworthy by the Advisor.

As investment companies registered with the SEC, the Funds must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets equal in value to market value of the underlying securities (less margin on deposit) or strike price to “cover” any written call or put options it enters into. Alternatively, a Fund may cover a written call option by holding the underlying security or purchasing an offsetting call option (see “Covered Call Writing” below). Similarly, a Fund may cover a written put option by selling the underlying security short at the strike price or purchasing an offsetting put option (see “Covered Put Writing” below).

6

Table of Contents

Covered Call Writing. Each of the Funds is permitted to write covered call options on securities, the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Generally, a call option is “covered” if a Fund owns, or has the right to acquire, without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held for the Fund by its custodian in a segregated account) the underlying security (currency) subject to the option, or otherwise segregates sufficient cash or other liquid assets to cover the outstanding position. A call option is also covered if a Fund holds a call on the same security as the underlying security (currency) of the written option, where the exercise price of the call used for coverage is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or greater than the exercise price of the call written if the marked to market difference is maintained by a Fund in cash or other liquid assets which a Fund has segregated for this purpose.

The writer of an option receives from the purchaser, in return for a call it has written, a “premium”; i.e., the price of the option. Receipt of these premiums may better enable a Fund to earn a higher level of current income than it would earn from holding the underlying securities (currencies) alone. Moreover, the premium received will offset a portion of the potential loss incurred by the Fund if the securities (currencies) underlying the option are ultimately sold (exchanged) by the Fund at a loss. Furthermore, a premium received on a call written on a foreign currency will ameliorate any potential loss of value on the portfolio security due to a decline in the value of the currency.

However, during the option period, the covered call writer has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity for capital appreciation above the exercise price should the market price of the underlying security (or the exchange rate of the currency in which it is denominated) increase, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security (or the exchange rate of the currency in which it is denominated) decline. The premium received will fluctuate with varying economic market conditions. If the market value of the portfolio securities (or the currencies in which they are denominated) upon which call options have been written increases, a Fund may receive a lower total return from the portion of its portfolio upon which calls have been written than it would have had such calls not been written.

As regards listed options and certain OTC Options, during the option period, a Fund may be required, at any time, to deliver the underlying security (currency) against payment of the exercise price on any calls it has written (exercise of certain listed and OTC Options may be limited to specific expiration dates). This obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option period or at such earlier time when the writer effects a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. However, once the Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will be unable to effect a closing purchase transaction.

Closing purchase transactions are ordinarily effected to realize a profit on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security (currency) from being called, to permit the sale of an underlying security (or the exchange of the underlying currency) or to enable a Fund to write another call option on the underlying security (currency) with either a different exercise price or expiration date or both. A Fund may realize a net gain or loss from a closing purchase transaction depending upon whether the amount of the premium received on the call option is more or less than the cost of effecting the closing purchase transaction. Any loss incurred in a closing purchase transaction may be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation in the market value of the underlying security (currency). Conversely, a gain resulting from a closing purchase transaction could be offset in whole or in part or exceeded by a decline in the market value of the underlying security (currency).

If a call option expires unexercised, a Fund realizes a gain in the amount of the premium on the option less the commission paid. Such a gain, however, may be offset by depreciation in the market value of the underlying security (currency) during the option period. If a call option is exercised, a Fund realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security (currency) equal to the difference between the purchase price of the underlying security (currency) and the proceeds of the sale of the security (currency) plus the premium received on the option less the commission paid.

Covered Put Writing. Each of the Funds is permitted to write covered put options. As a writer of a covered put option, a Fund incurs an obligation to buy the security underlying the option from the purchaser of the put, at the option’s exercise price at any time during the option period, at the purchaser’s election (certain listed and OTC put options written by a Fund will be exercisable by the purchaser only on a specific date). A put is “covered” if, at all times, the Fund maintains, in a segregated account, cash or other liquid assets in an amount equal to at least the exercise price of the option, at all times during the option period. Similarly, a short put position could be covered by the Fund by its purchase of a put option on the same security (currency) as the underlying security of the written option, where the exercise price of the purchased option is equal to or more than the exercise price of the put written or less than the exercise price of the put written if the marked to market difference is maintained by the Fund in cash or other liquid assets which the Fund holds in a segregated account. In writing puts, a Fund assumes the risk of loss should the market value of the underlying security (currency) decline below the exercise price of the option (any loss being decreased by the receipt of the premium on the option written). In the case of listed options, during the option period, the Fund may be required, at any time, to make payment of the exercise price against delivery of the underlying security (currency). The operation of and limitations on covered put options in other respects are substantially identical to those of call options.

7

Table of Contents

Purchasing Call and Put Options. Each of the Funds may purchase a call option in order to close out a covered call position (see “Covered Call Writing” above), to protect against an increase in price of a security it anticipates purchasing or, in the case of a call option on foreign currency, to hedge against an adverse exchange rate move of the currency in which the security it anticipates purchasing is denominated vis-a-vis the currency in which the exercise price is denominated. The purchase of the call option to effect a closing transaction on a call written over-the-counter may be a listed or an OTC Option. In either case, the call purchased is likely to be on the same securities (currencies) and have the same terms as the written option. If purchased over-the-counter, the option would generally be acquired from the dealer or financial institution which purchased the call written by the Fund.

The Funds may purchase put options on securities or currencies which it holds in its portfolio to protect itself against a decline in the value of the security and to close out written put option positions. If the value of the underlying security or currency were to fall below the exercise price of the put purchased in an amount greater than the premium paid for the option, the Fund would incur no additional loss. In addition, a Fund may sell a put option which it has previously purchased prior to the sale of the securities (currencies) underlying such option. Such a sale would result in a net gain or loss depending whether the amount received on the sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the put option which is sold. Such gain or loss could be offset in whole or in part by a change in the market value of the underlying security (currency). If a put option purchased by a Fund expired without being sold or exercised, the premium would be lost.

Limitations on the Use of Futures, Options and Swaps. The Advisor currently claims an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as CPO under the CEA in respect of TCW Core Fixed Income Fund, TCW Emerging Markets Income Fund, TCW Emerging Markets Local Currency Income Fund, TCW Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Opportunities Fund, TCW Global Bond Fund, TCW Global Real Estate Fund , TCW High Dividend Equities Fund, TCW High Yield Bond Fund, TCW International Growth Fund, TCW International Small Cap Fund, TCW Short Term Bond Fund and TCW Total Return Bond Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the Advisor does not expect to register as a CPO of the Funds listed above. However, there is no certainty that the Funds or the Advisor will be able to rely on an exclusion in the future as the Funds’ investments change over time. These Funds may enter into futures, options, forwards, and swaps that do not constitute bona fide hedging if, immediately thereafter, (i) the amount of initial margin and premiums for all such contracts does not exceed 5% of the Fund’s liquidation value, or (ii) that the aggregate net notional value or obligation of all such contracts does not exceed the Fund’s liquidation value, in each case after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such futures contracts, provided, however, that in the case of an option that is in-the-money (the exercise price of the call (put) option is less (more) than the market price of the underlying security) at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded.

The Advisor is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a CPO with respect to TCW Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund and the Subsidiary, and is a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”) in such capacity. However, the Advisor currently operates pursuant to regulations under the CEA that exempt the Advisor from many of the requirements otherwise applicable to CPOs.

Futures Contracts. Each of the Funds may purchase and sell interest rate, currency, and index futures contracts (“futures contracts”), on securities eligible for purchase by the Fund. Subject to certain limitations, a Fund may enter into futures contracts or options on such contracts to attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased by the Fund resulting from interest rate or market fluctuations, to protect the Fund’s unrealized gains in the value of its portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment purposes, to manage its effective maturity or duration, or to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities.

In connection with the purchase or sale of futures contracts, a Fund will be required to either (i) segregate sufficient cash or other liquid assets to cover the outstanding position or (ii) cover the futures contract by either owning the instruments underlying the futures contracts or by holding a portfolio of securities with characteristics substantially similar to the underlying index or stock index comprising the futures contracts or by holding a separate offsetting option permitting it to purchase or sell the same futures contract. With respect to forwards and futures contracts that are not contractually required to “cash-settle,” a Fund must cover its open positions by segregating or “earmarking” liquid assets equal to the contracts’ full, notional value. With respect to forwards and futures that are contractually required to “cash-settle,” a Fund is permitted to segregate or “earmark” liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market (net) obligation (i.e., the Fund’s daily net liability, if any) rather than the notional value. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligation under cash-settled forwards or futures, a Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate or “earmark” assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts.

8

Table of Contents

A Fund may purchase or sell interest rate futures for the purpose of hedging some or all of the value of its portfolio securities against changes in prevailing interest rates or to manage its duration or effective maturity. If the Advisor anticipates that interest rates may rise and, concomitantly, the price of certain of its portfolio securities may fall, the Fund may sell futures contracts. If declining interest rates are anticipated, the Fund may purchase futures contracts to protect against a potential increase in the price of securities the Fund intends to purchase. Subsequently, appropriate securities may be purchased by the Fund in an orderly fashion; as securities are purchased, corresponding futures positions would be terminated by offsetting sales of contracts. A Fund may purchase or sell futures on various currencies in which its portfolio securities are denominated for the purpose of hedging against anticipated changes in currency exchange rates. A Fund will enter into currency futures contracts to “lock in” the value of a security purchased or sold in a given currency vis-a-vis a different currency or to hedge against an adverse currency exchange rate movement of a portfolio security’s denominated currency vis-a-vis a different currency. Foreign currency futures contracts would be entered into for the same reason and under the same circumstances as foreign currency forward contracts. The Advisor will assess such factors as cost spreads, liquidity and transaction costs in determining whether to utilize futures contracts or forward contracts in its foreign currency transactions and hedging strategy.

Initial margin in futures transactions is different from margin in securities transactions in that initial margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by a broker’s client but is, rather, a good faith deposit on the futures contract which will be returned to a Fund upon the proper termination of the futures contract. Initial margin requirements are established by the exchanges on which futures contracts trade and may, from time to time, change. In addition, brokers may establish margin deposit requirements in excess of those required by the exchanges.

All futures contracts are marked to market and settled daily. A Fund may be required to deposit cash or U.S. Government securities, called “variation margin,” with the Fund’s futures commission merchant (“FCM”) to satisfy its losses due to price fluctuations in the futures contract. Conversely, a Fund may request that its FCM deliver any gains due to price fluctuations in the futures account to the Fund’s custodian.

At any time prior to expiration of a futures contract, a Fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position which will operate to terminate the Fund’s position in the futures contract. A final determination of any variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.

Although many futures contracts call for actual commitment or acceptance of securities, the contracts usually are closed out before the settlement date without making or taking delivery. A short futures position is usually closed out by purchasing futures contracts for the same aggregate amount of the underlying instruments and with the same delivery date. If the sale price exceeds the offsetting purchase price, the seller would be paid the difference and realize a gain. If the offsetting purchase price exceeds the sales price, the seller would pay the difference and would realize a loss. Similarly, a long futures position in usually closed out by effecting a futures contract sale for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of security (currency) and the same delivery date. If the offsetting sales price exceeds the purchase price, the purchaser would realize a gain, whereas if the purchase price exceeds the offsetting sale price, the purchaser would realize a loss. There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to enter into a closing transactions.

A Fund’s investments in foreign futures will depend on the laws and regulations of the appropriate foreign jurisdiction. Neither the CFTC, NFA, SEC, nor any domestic exchange regulates the trading activities in any foreign exchange or boards of trade or has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of those organizations or any applicable foreign law. As such, foreign futures transactions may not provide a Fund with the same amount of protection as available under U.S. securities and commodities laws.

Options on Futures Contracts. Each of the Funds may also purchase and write call and put options on futures contracts which are traded on an exchange and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate an existing position. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right (in return for the premium paid) to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option.

The Funds will purchase and write options on futures contracts for identical purposes to those set forth above for the purchase of a futures contract (purchase of a call option or sale of a put option) and the sale of a futures contract (purchase of a put option or sale of a call option), or to close out a long or short position in futures contracts. Any premiums received in the writing of options on futures contracts may, of course, provide a further hedge against losses resulting from price declines in portions of a Fund’s portfolio.

Options on Foreign Currencies. Each of the Funds may purchase and write options on foreign currencies for purposes similar to those involved with investing in foreign currency forward contracts. For example, in order to protect against declines in the dollar value of portfolio securities which are denominated in a foreign currency, a Fund may purchase put options on an amount of such foreign currency equivalent to the current value of the portfolio securities involved. As a result, the Fund would be enabled to sell the foreign currency for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, thereby “locking in” the dollar value of the portfolio securities (less the amount of the premiums paid for the options). Conversely, a Fund may purchase call options on foreign currencies in which securities it anticipates purchasing are denominated to secure a set U.S. dollar price for such securities and protect against a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar against such foreign currency. Each of these Funds may also purchase call and put options to close out written option positions.

9

Table of Contents

Each of these Funds may also write call options on foreign currency to protect against potential declines in its portfolio securities which are denominated in foreign currencies. If the U.S. dollar value of the portfolio securities falls as a result of a decline in the exchange rate between the foreign currency in which it is denominated and the U.S. dollar, then a loss to a Fund occasioned by such value decline would be ameliorated by receipt of the premium on the option sold. At the same time, however, the Fund gives up the benefit of any rise in value of the relevant portfolio securities above the exercise price of the option and, in fact, only receives a benefit from the writing of the option to the extent that the value of the portfolio securities falls below the price of the premium received. A Fund may also write options to close out long call option positions. A put option on a foreign currency would be written by the Fund for the same reason it would purchase a call option, namely, to hedge against an increase in the U.S. dollar value of a foreign security which a Fund anticipates purchasing. Here, the receipt of the premium would offset, to the extent of the size of the premium, any increased cost to a Fund resulting from an increase in the U.S. dollar value of the foreign security. However, a Fund could not benefit from any decline in the cost of the foreign security which is greater than the price of the premium received. A Fund may also write options to close out long put and call option positions.

The markets for certain foreign currency options are relatively new and a Fund’s ability to establish and close out positions on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market. Although the Funds will not purchase or write such options unless and until, in the opinion of the Advisor, the market for them has developed sufficiently to ensure that the risks in connection with such options are not greater than the risks in connection with the underlying currency, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular option at any specific time. In addition, options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors which influence foreign exchange rates and investments generally.

The value of a foreign currency option depends upon the value of the underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the price of the option position may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and have no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security, including foreign securities held in a “hedged” investment portfolio. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, investors may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.

Forward Currency Transactions. Each of the Funds may enter into forward currency transactions. A foreign currency forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at an agreed future date, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders. A Fund may enter into foreign currency forward contracts in order to protect against the risk that the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s dividends, interest and net realized capital gains in local currency will decline to the extent of any devaluation of the currency during the intervals between (a) (i) the time the Fund becomes entitled to receive or receives dividends, interest and realized gains or (ii) the time an investor gives notice of a requested redemption of a certain amount and (b) the time such amount(s) are converted into U.S. dollars for remittance out of the particular country or countries.

At the maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may either accept or make delivery of the currency specified in the contract or, prior to maturity, enter into a closing purchase transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.

The cost to a Fund of engaging in forward currency transactions may vary with factors such as the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency transactions are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved, although the price charged in the transaction includes a dealer’s markup. The use of forward currency contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. In addition, although forward currency contracts limit the risk of loss due to a devaluation of the foreign currency in relation to the U.S. dollar, they also limit any potential gain if that foreign currency appreciates with respect to the U.S. dollar.

A Fund will “cover” its forward positions in a manner substantially similar to that described above with respect to asset coverage for futures contracts.

Convertible Securities. Each of the Funds may acquire convertible securities. Convertible securities include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. Convertible securities provide a conversion right for a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Therefore, they generally entail less risk than the issuer’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the proximity of its price to its value as a nonconvertible fixed income security.

10

Table of Contents

The value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege), and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors may also have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. In addition, a convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value determined by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.

Restricted Securities. Each of the Funds may invest in securities which are subject to restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under the Securities Act or they are otherwise restricted as to sale. Restricted securities may include privately placed securities and securities offered pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

Restricted securities are subject to legal and/or contractual restrictions on resale. In some cases, certain restricted securities can be sold without SEC registration to qualified institutional buyers and, under the Funds’ procedures; such restricted securities could be treated as liquid. However, other restricted securities, such as those that are the subject of a private placement, may be illiquid for an extended period of time and will be reported as such.

Sovereign Debt Obligations and Emerging Market Countries. Each of the Funds may invest in sovereign debt and emerging market countries. Political conditions, in terms of a country or agency’s willingness to meet the terms of its debt obligations, are considerable significance. Investors should be aware that the sovereign debt instruments in which these Funds may invest involve great risk and are deemed to be the equivalent in terms of quality to securities rated below investment grade by Moody’s and S&P.

Sovereign debt generally offers high yields, reflecting not only perceived credit risk, but also the need to compete with other local investments in domestic financial markets. A foreign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and 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 foreign debtor’s policy towards the International Monetary Fund and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may default on their sovereign debt. Sovereign debtors 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 sovereign debtor’s implementation of economic reforms and/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 sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor’s ability or willingness to service its debts.

In recent years, some of the emerging market countries in which the Funds expect to invest have encountered difficulties in servicing their sovereign debt. Some of these countries have withheld payments of interest and/or principal of sovereign debt. These difficulties have also led to agreements to restructure external debt obligations; in particular, commercial bank loans, typically by rescheduling principal payments, reducing interest rates and extending new credits to finance interest payments on existing debt. In the future, holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in similar rescheduling of such debt.

The ability or willingness of the governments of emerging market countries to make timely payments on their sovereign debt is likely to be influenced strongly by a country’s balance of trade and its access to trade and other international credits. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable to a decline in the international prices of one or more of such commodities. Increased protectionism on the part of a country’s trading partners could also adversely affect its exports. Such events could extinguish a country’s trade account surplus, if any. To the extent that a country receives payment for its exports in currencies other than hard currencies, its ability to make hard currency payments could be affected.

The occurrence of political, social and diplomatic changes in one or more of the countries issuing sovereign debt could adversely affect the Funds’ investments. The countries issuing such instruments are faced with social and political issues and some of them have experienced high rates of inflation in recent years and have extensive internal debt. Among other effects, high inflation and internal debt service requirements may adversely affect the cost and availability of future domestic sovereign borrowing to finance governmental programs, and may have other adverse social, political and economic consequences. Political changes or a deterioration of a country’s domestic economy or balance of trade may affect the willingness of countries to services their sovereign debt. There can be no assurance that adverse political changes will not cause the Funds to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.

11

Table of Contents

As a result of all of the foregoing, a government obligor may default on its obligations. If such an event occurs, a Fund may have limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. Remedies must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of foreign government debt securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country. Bankruptcy, moratorium and other similar laws applicable to issuers of sovereign debt obligations may be substantially different from those applicable to issuers of private debt obligations. 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.

Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of sovereign debt and in turn, the Funds’ net asset value, to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in domestic securities. The value of sovereign debt will likely vary inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates, which are subject to considerable variance in the international market.

Warrants. A warrant confers upon its holder the right to purchase an amount of securities at a particular time and price. Because a warrant does not carry with it the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities which it entitles a holder to purchase, and because it does not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer, warrants may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. Also, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

Short Sales Against the Box. Each of the Funds may from time to time make short sales of securities it owns or has the right to acquire through conversion or exchange of other securities it owns. A short sale is “against the box” to the extent that a Fund contemporaneously owns or has the right to obtain at no added cost securities identical to those sold short. In a short sale, a Fund does not immediately deliver the securities sold and does not receive the proceeds from the sale. The Fund is said to have a short position in the securities sold until it delivers the securities sold, at which time it receives the proceeds of the sale. When a short sale transaction is closed out by delivery of the securities, any gain or loss on the transaction is generally taxable as a short term capital gain or loss. A short sale of an American Depository Receipt (“ADR”) is “against the box” if the Fund owns the underlying security represented by the ADR and reasonably believes it will be able to convert the security into the ADR prior to delivery.

To secure its obligation to deliver the securities sold short, a Fund will deposit in a separate escrow account with its custodian an equal amount of the securities sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such securities. The Fund may close out a short position by purchasing and delivering an equal amount of the securities sold short, rather than by delivering securities already held by the Fund, because the Fund may want to continue to receive interest and dividend payments on securities in its portfolio that are convertible into the securities sold short.

A Fund may make a short sale in order to hedge against market risks when the Advisor believes that the price of a security may decline, causing a decline in the value of a security owned by the Fund or a security convertible into or exchangeable for such security. However, to the extent that in a generally rising market the Fund maintains short positions in securities rising with the market, the net asset value of the Fund would be expected to increase to a lesser extent than the net asset value of an investment company that does not engage in short sales. This is because a Fund loses the opportunity to profit on such rising prices when it engages in short sales. A Fund may also make a short sale when it does not want to sell the security it owns, because, among other reasons, it wishes to defer recognition of gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes. In such case, any future losses in the Fund’s long position should be reduced by a gain in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses are reduced will depend upon the amount of the security sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns, either directly or indirectly, and, in the case where the Fund owns convertible securities, changes in the investment value or conversion premiums. Certain short sales may result in a “constructive sale” for federal income tax purposes and, thus, would prevent a Fund from deferring recognition of gain for such purposes. A constructive sale may not occur if a Fund closes out the transaction with securities other than the appreciated securities held at the time of the short sale as long as other conditions are met. Additionally, a Fund may use short sales when it is determined that a convertible security can be bought at a small conversion premium and has a yield advantage relative to the underlying common stock sold short. The potential risk in this strategy is the possible loss of any premium over conversion value in the convertible security at the time of purchase. The purpose of this strategy is to produce income from the yield advantage and to provide the potential for a gain should the conversion premium increase.

Illiquid Securities. The Funds may each invest up to 15% of their net assets in illiquid securities. The Funds may invest in (i) securities that are sold in private placement transactions between their issuers and their purchasers and that are neither listed on an exchange nor traded over-the-counter, and (ii) securities that are sold in transactions between qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Securities deemed liquid may be deemed illiquid for a time if private placement purchasers or qualified institutional buyers become uninterested or unwilling to purchase these securities.

While maintaining oversight, the Board of Directors has delegated to the Advisor the day-to-day functions of determining whether or not individual securities are liquid for purposes of the limitations on investments in illiquid assets. Rule 144A securities and Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper will be considered illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds’ limit on the purchase of illiquid securities

12

Table of Contents

unless the Board of Directors or the Advisor determines that the Rule 144A securities or Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper are liquid. In determining the liquidity of a security, the Advisor will consider, among other things, the following factors: (i) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (ii) the number of dealers and other potential purchasers wishing to purchase or sell the security; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, the mechanics of transfer and whether a security is listed on an electronic for trading the security).

Preferred Stock. The Funds may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock represents an equity interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. Some preferred stocks also entitle their holders to receive additional liquidation proceeds on the same basis as holders of a company’s common stock, and thus also represent an ownership interest in that company.

Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred stock is subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. In addition, a company’s preferred stock generally pays dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. For this reason, the value of preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred stock of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred stock of larger companies.

Strategies and Investments Available to TCW High Dividend Equities Fund, the International Funds and U.S. Fixed Income Funds (as shown on the cover of this SAI)

Swap Agreements. The International Funds, the U.S. Fixed Income Funds and TCW high Dividend Equities Fund may engage in swap transactions, including, but not limited to, swap agreements on interest rates, security or commodity indexes, specific securities and commodities, and credit and event-linked swaps. To the extent a Fund may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities, it also may invest in currency exchange rate swap agreements. A Fund also may enter into options on swap agreements (“swap options”).

A Fund may enter into swap transactions for any legal purpose consistent with its investment objectives and policies, such as for the purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a duration management technique, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain exposure to certain markets in the most economical way possible.

Swap agreements are derivative instruments entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, the parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities or commodities representing a particular index. A “quanto” or “differential” swap combines both an interest rate and a currency transaction. Other forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap”; interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified rate, or “floor”; and interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

Consistent with the Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund’s investment objectives and general investment policies, that Fund may invest in commodity swap agreements. For example, an investment in a commodity swap agreement may involve the exchange of floating-rate interest payments for the total return on a commodity index. In a total return commodity swap, the Fund will receive the price appreciation of a commodity index, a portion of the index, or a single commodity in exchange for paying an agreed-upon fee. If the commodity swap is for one period, the Fund may pay a fixed fee, established at the outset of the swap. However, if the term of the commodity swap is more than one period, with interim swap payments, the Fund may pay an adjustable or floating fee. With a “floating” rate, the fee may be pegged to a base rate, such as the LIBOR, and is adjusted each period. Therefore, if interest rates increase over the term of the swap contract, the Fund may be required to pay a higher fee at each swap reset date.

A Fund also may enter into swap options. A swap option is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) in return for payment of a premium, to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swap options.

Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swap option than it will incur when it purchases a swap option. When a Fund purchases a swap option, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a Fund writes a swap option, upon exercise of the option the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement.

13

Table of Contents

Most other types of swap agreements entered into by a Fund will calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, a Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement 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 to the agreement (the “net amount”). A Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the segregation or “earmarking” of assets determined to be liquid by the Advisor in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors, to avoid any potential leveraging of a Fund’s portfolio. However, with respect to swaps that are not required to cash settle, the Fund must segregate or “earmark” liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the swaps while the positions are open. Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be “senior securities” for purposes of the Fund’s investment restriction concerning senior securities.

A Fund also may enter into credit default swap agreements. The credit default swap agreement may have as reference obligations one or more securities that are not currently held by the Fund. The protection “buyer” in a credit default contract is generally obligated to pay the protection “seller” an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. A Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer generally may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, the Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

The spread of a credit default swap is the annual amount the protection buyer must pay the protection seller over the length of the contract, expressed as a percentage of the notional amount. When spreads rise, market perceived credit risk rises and when spreads fall, market perceived credit risk falls. Wider credit spreads and decreasing market values, when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. For credit default swap agreements on asset-backed securities and credit indices, the quoted market prices and resulting values, as well as the annual payment rate, serve as an indication of the current status of the payment/performance risk.

Credit default swap agreements involve greater risks than had the Fund invested in the reference obligation directly since, in addition to general market risks, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. A Fund will enter into credit default swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. A buyer generally also will lose its investment and recover nothing should no credit event occur and the swap is held to its termination date. If a credit event were to occur, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the seller. A Fund’s obligations under a credit default swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund). In connection with credit default swaps in which the Fund is the buyer, the Fund will segregate or “earmark” cash or assets determined to be liquid by the Advisor in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors, or enter into certain offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the Fund’s exposure (any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed by the Fund to any counterparty), on a marked-to-market basis. In connection with credit default swaps in which a Fund is the seller, the Fund will segregate or “earmark” cash or assets determined to be liquid by the Advisor in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors, or enter into offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the full notional amount of the swap (minus any amounts owed to the Fund). Such segregation or “earmarking” will ensure that the Fund has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction and will limit any potential leveraging of the Fund’s portfolio. Such segregation or “earmarking” will not limit a Fund’s exposure to loss.

Currently, certain standardized swap transactions are subject to mandatory exchange trading and/or central clearing. Although central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to bilaterally negotiated swaps, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity 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, regulators are expected to adopt rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps in the near future, which could change this comparison. Regulators are in the process of developing rules that would require trading and execution of most liquid swaps on trading facilities. Moving trading to an exchange-type system may increase market transparency and liquidity but may require the Fund to incur increased expenses to access the same types of swaps.

14

Table of Contents

Rules adopted in 2012 also require centralized reporting of detailed information about many types of cleared and uncleared swaps. This information is available to regulators and, to a more limited extent and on an anonymous basis, to the public. Reporting of swap data may result in greater market transparency, which may be beneficial to funds that use swaps to implement trading strategies. However, these rules place potential additional administrative obligations on these funds, and the safeguards established to protect anonymity may not function as expected.

Strategies and Investments Available to the U.S. Fixed Income Funds (as shown on the cover of this SAI) and Emerging Markets Funds

Distressed and Defaulted Securities. The U.S. Fixed Income Funds and Emerging Markets Funds may each invest in distressed and defaulted securities. Distressed and defaulted securities are debt securities on which the issuer is not currently making interest payments. In order to enforce its rights in distressed and defaulted securities, a Fund may be required to participate in legal proceedings or take possession and manage assets securing the issuer’s obligations on the securities. This could increase a Fund’s operating expenses and adversely affect its net asset value. Risks of distressed and defaulted securities may be considerably higher than risks of securities on which issuers are currently making interest payments as they are generally unsecured and subordinated to other creditors of the issuer. Investments by a Fund in distressed and defaulted securities may be considered illiquid subject to the 15% limitation on illiquid securities unless the Advisor determines such securities are liquid under guidelines adopted by the Board of Directors.

Structured Notes. The U.S. Fixed Income Funds and Emerging Markets Funds may invest in structured notes. Structured notes are derivative debt instruments, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator (for example, a currency, security, commodity or index thereof). The terms of the instrument may be “structured” by the purchaser and the borrower issuing the note. The terms of structured notes may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity, which may result in a loss of invested capital. Structured notes may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the unrelated indicator may produce an increase or a decrease in the interest rate or the value of the structured note at maturity may be calculated as a specified multiple of the change in the value of the unrelated indicator. Therefore, the value of such notes may be very volatile. Structured notes may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the unrelated indicator. Structured notes also may be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities. To the extent the Fund invests in these notes, however, the Advisor analyzes these notes in its overall assessment of the effective duration of the Fund’s holdings in an effort to monitor the Fund’s interest rate risk.

Loan Participation and Assignments. Investment in secured or unsecured fixed or floating rate loans (“Loans”) arranged through private negotiations between a borrowing corporation, government or other entity and one or more financial institutions (“Lenders”) may be in the form of participations in Loans (“Participation”) or assignments of all or a portion of Loans from third parties (“Assignments”). Participations typically result in the Fund’s having a contractual relationship only with the Lender, not with the borrower. A Fund has the right to receive 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 connection with purchasing Participations, a Fund generally has no direct right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the Loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and a Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the Loan in which it has purchased the Participation. As a result, a Fund assumes the credit risk of both the borrower and the Lender that is selling the Participation. In the event of the insolvency of the selling Lender, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of that Lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the Lender and the borrower. A Fund will acquire Participations only if the Advisor determines that the selling Lender is creditworthy.

When a Fund purchases Assignments from Lenders, it acquires direct rights against the borrower on the Loan. In an Assignment, the Fund is entitled to receive payments directly from the borrower and, therefore, does not depend on the selling bank to pass these payments onto the Fund. However, because Assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and 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.

Assignments and Participations are generally not registered under the Securities Act, and thus may be subject to a Fund’s limitation on investment in illiquid securities. Because there may be no liquid market for such securities, such securities may be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market could have an adverse impact on the value of such securities and on a 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.

Government Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. The U.S. Fixed Income Funds may invest in mortgage pass-through securities representing participation interests in pools of residential mortgage loans purchased from individual lenders by an agency, instrumentality or sponsored corporation of the United States government (“Federal Agency”) or originated by private lenders and guaranteed, to the extent provided in such securities, by a Federal Agency. Such securities, which are ownership interests in the

15

Table of Contents

underlying mortgage loans, differ from conventional debt securities, which provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts (usually semiannually) and principal payments at payments (not necessarily in fixed amounts) that are a “pass-through” of the monthly interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the guarantor of such securities and the servicer of the underlying mortgage loans.

The government mortgage pass-through securities in which the Funds may invest include those issued or guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”). GNMA certificates are direct obligations of the U.S. Government and, as such, are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the United States. FNMA is a federally chartered, privately owned corporation and FHLMC is a corporate instrumentality of the United States. FNMA and FHLMC certificates are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States but the issuing agency or instrumentality has the right to borrow, to meet its obligations, from an existing line of credit with the U.S. Treasury. The U.S. Treasury has no legal obligation to provide such line of credit and may choose not to do so.

Certificates for these types of mortgage-backed securities evidence an interest in a specific pool of mortgages. These certificates are, in most cases, “modified pass-through” instruments, wherein the issuing agency guarantees the payment of principal and interest on mortgages underlying the certificates, whether or not such amounts are collected by the issuer on the underlying mortgages.

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”) and Multiclass Pass-Through Securities. CMOs are debt obligations collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities. Typically, CMOs are collateralized by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC certificates, but also may be collateralized by whole loans or private mortgage pass-through securities (such collateral is collectively hereinafter referred to as “Mortgage Assets”). Multiclass pass-through securities are equity interests in a trust composed of Mortgage Assets. Payments of principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets, and any reinvestment income thereon, provide the funds to pay debt service on the CMOs or make scheduled distributions on the multiclass pass-through securities. CMOs may be issued by Federal Agencies, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. The issuer of a series of CMOs may elect to be treated as a Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (“REMIC”). REMICs include governmental and/or private entities that issue a fixed pool of mortgages secured by an interest in real property. REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they issue multiple classes of securities, but unlike CMOs, which are required to be structured as debt securities, REMICs may be structured as indirect ownership interests in the underlying assets of the REMICs themselves. However, there are no effects on a Fund from investing in CMOs issued by entities that have elected to be treated as REMICs, and all future references to CMOs shall also be deemed to include REMIC.

In a CMO, a series of bonds or certificates is issued in multiple classes. Each class of CMOs, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specific fixed or floating coupon rate and has a stated maturity or final distribution date. Principal prepayments on the Mortgage Assets may cause the CMOs to be retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or final distribution dates. Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of the CMOs on a monthly, quarterly or semiannual basis. Certain CMOs may have variable or floating interest rates and others may be Stripped Mortgage Securities.

The principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated among the several classes of a CMO series in a number of different ways. Generally, the purpose of the allocation of the cash flow of a CMO to the various classes is to obtain a more predictable cash flow to certain of the individual tranches than exists with the underlying collateral of the CMO. As a general rule, the more predictable the cash flow is on a CMO tranche, the lower the anticipated yield will be on that tranche at the time of issuance relative to prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities. As part of the process of creating more predictable cash flows on most of the tranches in a series of CMOs, one or more tranches generally must be created that absorb most of the volatility in the cash flows on the underlying mortgage loans. The yields on these tranches are generally higher than prevailing market yields on mortgage-backed securities with similar maturities. As a result of the uncertainty of the cash flows of these tranches, the market prices of and yield on these tranches generally are more volatile. The Funds will not invest in CMO and REMIC residuals.

Private Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Private mortgage pass-through securities are structured similarly to the GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC mortgage pass-through securities and are issued by United States and foreign private issuers such as originators of and investors in mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. These securities usually are backed by a pool of conventional fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage loans. Since private mortgage pass-through securities typically are not guaranteed by an entity having the credit status of GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC, such securities generally are structured with one or more types of credit enhancement.

Mortgage-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. To lessen the effect of failures by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, those securities may contain elements of credit support, which fall into two categories: (i) liquidity protection and (ii) protection against losses resulting from ultimate default by an obligor on the underlying assets. Liquidity protection refers to the provision of advances, generally by the entity administering the pool of assets, to ensure that the receipt of payments on the underlying pool occurs in a timely fashion. Protection against losses resulting from default ensures ultimate payment of the obligations on at least a portion of the assets in the pool. This protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties, through

16

Table of Contents

various means of structuring the transaction or through a combination of such approaches. The degree of credit support provided for each issue is generally based on historical information respecting the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets. Delinquencies or losses in excess of those anticipated could adversely affect the return on an investment in a security. The Funds will not pay any fees for credit support, although the existence of credit support may increase the price of a security.

Stripped Mortgage Securities. Stripped Mortgage Securities may be issued by Federal Agencies, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. Stripped Mortgage Securities not issued by Federal Agencies will be treated by the Funds as illiquid securities so long as the staff of the SEC maintains its position that such securities are illiquid.

Stripped Mortgage Securities usually are structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distribution of a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of Stripped Mortgage Security will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive 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). PO classes generate income through the accretion of the deep discount at which such securities are purchased, and, while PO classes do not receive periodic payments of interest, they receive monthly payments associated with scheduled amortization and principal prepayment from the mortgage assets underlying the 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 or principal, the Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities.

A Fund may purchase Stripped Mortgage Securities for income, or for hedging purposes to protect the Fund’s portfolio against interest rate fluctuations. For example, since an IO class will tend to increase in value as interest rates rise, it may be utilized to hedge against a decrease in value of other fixed-income securities in a rising interest rate environment.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds. Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.

Inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. Treasury have maturities of five, ten or thirty years, although it is possible that securities with other maturities will be issued in the future. The U.S. Treasury securities pay interest on a semiannual basis, equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted principal amount. For example, if the Fund purchased an inflation-indexed bond with a par value of $1,000 and a 3% real rate of return coupon (payable 1.5% semi-annually), and inflation over the first six months was 1%, the mid-year par value of the bond would be $1,010 and the first semi-annual interest payment would be $15.15 ($1,010 times 1.5%). If inflation during the second half of the year resulted in the whole years’ inflation equaling 3%, the end-of-year par value of the bond would be $1,030 and the second semi-annual interest payment would be $15.45 ($1,030 times 1.5%).

If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the bonds is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate. The Fund also may invest in other inflation related bonds which may or may not provide a similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal.

The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation-indexed bonds. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increased at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-indexed bonds.

While these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond’s inflation measure.

The periodic adjustment of U.S. inflation-indexed bonds is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”), which is calculated monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. Inflation-indexed bonds issued by a foreign government are generally adjusted to reflect a comparable inflation index, calculated by that government. There can be no assurance that the CPI-U or any foreign inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the rate of inflation in a foreign country will be correlated to the rate of inflation in the United States.

17

Table of Contents

Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls. The U.S. Fixed Income Funds may enter into mortgage dollar rolls with a bank or a broker-dealer. A mortgage dollar roll is a transaction in which a Fund sells mortgage-related securities for immediate settlement and simultaneously purchases the same type of securities for forward settlement at a discount. While a Fund begins accruing interest on the newly purchased securities from the purchase or trade date, it is able to invest the proceeds from the sale of its previously owned securities, which will be used to pay for the new securities, in money market investments until future settlement date. The use of mortgage dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and is considered to be a form of borrowing by the Fund.

Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities have structural characteristics similar to mortgage-backed securities but have underlying assets that are not mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans. Various types of assets, primarily automobile and credit cards receivables, are securitized in pass-through structures similar to mortgage pass-through structures. In general, the collateral supporting asset-backed securities is of a shorter maturity than mortgage loans and is likely to experience substantial prepayments. As with mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties and use similar credit enhancement techniques. The cash flow generated by the underlying assets is applied to make required payments on the securities and to pay related administrative expenses. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a particular issue of asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities depends on, among other things, the characteristics of the underlying assets, the coupon rates on the securities, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the actual prepayment experience on the underlying assets. The U.S. Fixed Income Funds may each invest in any such instruments or variations as may be developed, to the extent consistent with its investment objectives and policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Inverse Floaters. Inverse floaters constitute a class of CMOs with a coupon rate that moves inversely to a designated index, such as LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or 11th District Cost of Funds index (“COFI”). Inverse floaters have coupon rates that typically change at a multiple of the changes of the relevant index rate. Any rise in the index rate (as a consequence of an increase in interest rates) causes a drop in the coupon rate on an inverse floater while any drop in the index rate causes an increase in the coupon rate of an inverse floater. In some circumstances, the coupon on an inverse floater could decrease to zero. In addition, like most other fixed-income securities, the value of inverse floaters will decrease as interest rates increase and their average lives will extend. Inverse floaters exhibit greater price volatility than the majority of mortgage-backed securities. In addition, some inverse floaters display extreme sensitivity to changes in prepayments. As a result, the yield to maturity of an inverse floater is sensitive not only to changes in interest rates but also to changes in prepayment rates on the related underlying mortgage assets. As described above, inverse floaters may be used alone or in tandem with interest-only stripped mortgage instruments.

The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the designated index to which the interest rate on the inverse floater is tied. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in inverse floaters is associated with greater volatility in their market values. Accordingly, the duration of an inverse floater may exceed its stated final maturity. Certain inverse floaters may be considered to be illiquid securities for purposes of the Fund’s 15% limitation on investment in illiquid securities.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements involve sales by a Fund of portfolio securities concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the same securities at a later date at a fixed price. Generally, the effect of such a transaction is that the Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, while it will be able to keep the interest income associated with those portfolio securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if the interest cost to the Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the cost of otherwise obtaining the cash.

Debt Securities. The U.S. Fixed Income Funds may invest in U.S. dollar or foreign currency-denominated corporate debt securities (corporate bonds, debentures, notes and other similar corporate debt instruments, including convertible securities) of domestic or foreign issuers. The rate of interest on a corporate debt security may be fixed, floating or variable, and may vary inversely with respect to a reference rate. The rate of return or return of principal on some debt obligations may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies. Debt securities may be acquired with warrants attached.

Credit Linked Notes (“CLNs”). The U.S. Fixed Income Funds may each invest in CLNs. A CLN is a security structured and issued by an issuer, which may be a bank, broker or special purpose vehicle. If a CLN is issued by a special purpose vehicle, the special purpose vehicle will typically be collateralized by AAA-rated securities. The performance and payment of principal and interest is tied to that of a reference obligation, which may be a particular security, basket of securities, a credit default swap, basket of credit default swaps or an index. The referenced obligation may be denominated in foreign currency. Risks of CLNs include those risks associated with the underlying reference obligation including, but not limited to, market risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, default risk and foreign

18

Table of Contents

currency risk. In the case of a CLN created with credit default swaps, the structure will be “funded” such that the par amount of the security will represent the maximum loss that could be incurred on the investment and no leverage will be introduced. An investor in a CLN bears counterparty risk or the risk that the CLN issuer will default or become bankrupt and not make timely payment of principal and interest of the structured security.

Strategies and Investments Available to the Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund

Investments in the Subsidiary. The TCW Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund will invest up to 25% of its total assets in the shares of the Subsidiary. Investments in the Subsidiary are expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and IRS rulings. The Subsidiary is advised by the Advisor, and has the same investment objective as the Fund. The Subsidiary may invest in commodity-linked swap agreements and other commodity-linked derivative instruments, including futures contracts on individual commodities or a subset of commodities and options on them, to an extent greater than the Fund may make such investments. However, the Subsidiary is otherwise subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as the Fund, including the timing and method of the valuation of the Subsidiary’s portfolio investments and shares of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary’s portfolio is managed pursuant to compliance policies and procedures that are the same, in all material respects, as the policies and procedures adopted by the Fund. The Subsidiary is a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and is overseen by its own board of directors. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors.

The Subsidiary invests primarily in commodity-linked derivative instruments, including swap agreements, commodity options, futures and options on futures. Although the Fund may enter into these commodity-linked derivative instruments directly, the Fund will likely gain exposure to these derivative instruments indirectly by investing in the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary will also invest in fixed income instruments, some of which are intended to serve as margin or collateral for the Subsidiary’s derivatives position.

The Subsidiary has an investment management agreement with the Advisor pursuant to which the Advisor manages the assets of the Subsidiary and the Subsidiary is obligated to pay the Advisor a management fee at the same rate that the Fund pays the Advisor for services provided to the Fund. The Subsidiary has also entered into separate contracts for the provision of custody, administration and transfer agency, and accounting agent services.

The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, and the Fund and the Subsidiary are both managed by the Advisor, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund’s Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. As noted above, the Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund. In addition, 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 in the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, 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.

RISK CONSIDERATIONS

The following risk considerations relate to investment practices undertaken by some or all of the Funds. Generally, since shares of a Fund represent an investment in securities with fluctuating market prices, shareholders should understand that the value of their Fund shares will vary as the value of each Fund’s portfolio securities increases or decreases. Therefore, the value of an investment in a Fund could go down as well as up. You can lose money by investing in a Fund. There is no guarantee of successful performance, that a Fund’s objective can be achieved or that an investment in a Fund will achieve a positive return. Each Fund should be considered as a means of diversifying an investment portfolio and is not in itself a balanced investment program.

Prospective investors should consider the following risks.

General

Various market risks can affect the price or liquidity of an issuer’s securities. Adverse events occurring with respect to an issuer’s performance or financial position can depress the value of the issuer’s securities. The liquidity in a market for a particular security will affect its value and may be affected by factors relating to the issuer, as well as the depth of the market for that security. Other market risks that can affect value include a market’s current attitudes about type of security, market reactions to political or economic events, and tax and regulatory effects (including lack of adequate regulations for a market or particular type of instrument). Market restrictions on trading volume can also affect price and liquidity.

19

Table of Contents

Certain risks exist because of the composition and investment horizon of a particular portfolio of securities. Prices of many securities tend to be more volatile in the short-term and lack of diversification in a portfolio can also increase volatility.

Counterparty Credit Risk

Commodity- and financial-linked derivative instruments are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument might not pay interest when due or repay principal at maturity of the obligation. If a counterparty defaults on its interest or principal payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of your investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, certain Funds may invest in commodity- and financial-linked structured notes issued by a limited number of issuers, which will act as counterparties. To the extent a Fund focuses its investments in a limited number of issuers, it will be more susceptible to the risks associated with those issuers. Certain derivative transactions may or are required to centrally clear, which may reduce counterparty and liquidity risk but will not completely eliminate such risks.

Debt Securities Risk

Debt securities are subject to various risks. The two primary (but not exclusive) risks affecting fixed income instruments are “credit risk” and “interest rate risk.” These risks can affect a security’s price volatility to varying degrees, depending upon the nature of the instrument. In addition, the depth and liquidity of the market for an individual or class of fixed income security can also affect its price and, hence, the market value of a Fund.

“Credit risk” refers to the likelihood that an issuer will default in the payment of principal and/or interest on an instrument. Financial strength and solvency of an issuer are the primary factors influencing credit risk. In addition, lack of or inadequacy of collateral or credit enhancements for a fixed income security may affect its credit risk. Credit risk of a security may change over its life and securities which are rated by rating agencies are often reviewed and may be subject to downgrade.

“Interest rate risk” refers to the risks associated with market changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes may affect the value of a fixed income security directly (especially in the case of fixed rate securities) and directly (especially in the case of adjustable rate securities). In general, rises in interest rates will negatively impact the price of fixed rate securities and falling interest rates will have a positive effect on price. The degree to which a security’s price will change as a result of changes in interest rates is measured by its “duration.” For example, the price of a bond with a 5 year duration would be expected under normal market conditions to decrease 5% for every 1% increase in interest rates. Generally, securities with longer maturities have a greater duration and thus are subject to greater price volatility from changes in interest rates. Adjustable rate instruments also react to interest rate changes in a similar manner although generally to a lesser degree (depending, however, on the characteristics of the re-set terms, including the index chosen, frequency of reset and reset caps or floors, among other things).

Exchange Traded Funds Risk

ETFs are investment companies that invest in a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index and whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange. The risk of ETFs generally reflects the risk of owning shares of the underlying securities the ETF is designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. In addition, an ETF’s performance may not match the performance of a particular market segment or index for a number of reasons including costs incurred by the ETF in buying and selling securities. Assets invested in ETFs will indirectly bear the fees and expenses of the ETF, including operating costs and advisory fees that you, as a shareholder in the fund, indirectly bear. Additionally, a shareholder may indirectly bear brokerage costs incurred by a Fund that purchases ETFs.

Foreign Currency Risks

Because foreign securities generally are denominated and pay dividends or interest in foreign currencies, the value of the net assets of those Funds as measured in United States dollars will be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in exchange rates. Generally, currency exchange transactions will be conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market. The cost of currency exchange transactions will generally be the difference between the bid and offer spot rate of the currency being purchased or sold. In order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates, the Funds are authorized to enter into certain foreign currency future and forward contracts. However, it is not obligated to do so and, depending on the availability and cost of these devices, the Funds may be unable to use them to protect against currency risk. While foreign currency future and forward contracts may be available, the cost of these instruments may be prohibitively expensive so that the Funds may not to be able to effectively use them.

Foreign Securities Risk

Investment in foreign securities involves special risks in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. These include: political or economic instability; the unpredictability of international trade patterns; the possibility of foreign governmental actions such as expropriation, nationalization or confiscatory taxation; the imposition or modification of foreign currency or foreign

20

Table of Contents

investment controls; the imposition of withholding taxes on dividends, interest and gains; price volatility; and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. As compared to companies located in the United States, foreign issuers generally disclose less financial and other information publicly and are subject to less stringent and less uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. Foreign countries typically impose less thorough regulations on brokers, dealers, stock exchanges, insiders and listed companies than does the United States, and foreign securities markets may be less liquid and more volatile than domestic markets. Investment in foreign securities involves higher costs than investment in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, security trading practices abroad may offer less protection to investors such as the Funds. Settlement of transactions in some foreign markets may be delayed or may be less frequent than in the U.S., which could affect the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio. Also, it may be more difficult to obtain and enforce legal judgments against foreign corporate issuers than against domestic issuers and it may be impossible to obtain and enforce judgments against foreign governmental issues. The recent global economic crisis brought several small economies in Europe to the brink of bankruptcy and many other economies into recession and weakened the banking and financial sectors of many European countries. These events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the euro. If a deep economic downturn in a particular country or throughout the Europe results, this could significantly affect a Fund’s investments tied economically to Europe or the euro.

Investing in Other Investment Companies Risk

A Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies, including U.S. or foreign investment companies, ETFs, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”), to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. An investment in the shares of another fund is subject to the risks associated with that fund’s portfolio securities. The market value of the shares of other investment companies may differ from the NAV of the particular fund. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity’s expenses, including any investment advisory and administration fees. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own investment advisory 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.

Options Transactions Risks

The effective use of options depends on a Fund’s ability to terminate option positions at times when the Advisor deems it desirable to do so. Prior to exercise or expiration, an option position can only be terminated by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. If a covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction or to purchase an offsetting OTC Option, it cannot sell the underlying security until the option expires or the option is exercised. Accordingly, a covered call option writer may not be able to sell an underlying security at a time when it might otherwise be advantageous to do so. A secured put option writer who is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction or to purchase an offsetting OTC Option would continue to bear the risk of decline in the market price of the underlying security until the option expires or is exercised.

In addition, a secured put writer would be unable to utilize the amount held in cash or U.S. government securities or other high grade short-term obligations as security for the put option for other investment purposes until the exercise or expiration of the option.

A Fund’s ability to close out its position as a writer of an option is dependent upon the existence of a liquid secondary market. There is no assurance that such a market will exist, particularly in the case of OTC Options, as such options will generally only be closed out by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the purchasing dealer. However, the Fund may be able to purchase an offsetting option which does not close out its position as a writer but constitutes an asset of equal value to the obligation under the option written. If the Fund is not able to either enter into a closing purchase transaction or purchase an offsetting position, it will be required to maintain the securities subject to the call, or the collateral underlying the put, even though it might not be advantageous to do so, until a closing transaction can be entered into (or the option is exercised or expires).

Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange are: (a) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (b) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (c) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities; (d) interruption of the normal operations on an exchange; (e) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or the OCC or other relevant clearing corporation to handle current trading volume; or (f) a decision by one or more exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the relevant clearing corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would generally continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which a Fund engages in transactions in options, the Fund could experience delays and/or losses in liquidating open positions purchased or sold through the broker and/or incur a loss of all or part of its margin deposits with the broker. Similarly, in the event of the bankruptcy of the writer of an OTC Option purchased by a Fund, the Fund could experience a loss of all or part of the value of the option. Transactions are entered into by a Fund only with brokers or financial institutions deemed creditworthy by the Fund’s management.

21

Table of Contents

Each of the exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum number of options on the same underlying security or futures contract (whether or not covered) which may be written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in concert with others (regardless of whether such options are written on the same or different exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions. These position limits may restrict the number of listed options which a Fund may write.

The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.

Ratings Categories Risk

A description of the rating categories as published by Moody’s and S&P is set forth in the Appendix to this Statement of Additional Information. Ratings assigned by Moody’s and/or S&P to securities acquired by a Fund reflect only the views of those agencies as to the quality of the securities they have undertaken to rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. There is no assurance that a rating assigned initially will not change. A Fund may retain a security whose rating has changed or has become unrated.

Risks of Large Shareholder Redemptions

Certain account holders may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of a Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these account holders of their shares in a Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and net asset value. These redemptions may also force a Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage and tax costs.

Real Estate Securities Risk

The value of the shares of a Fund will be affected by factors affecting the value of real estate and the earnings of companies engaged in the real estate industry. These factors include, among others: (i) changes in general economic and market conditions; (ii) changes in the value of real estate properties; (iii) risks related to local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition; (iv) increases in property taxes and operating expenses; (v) changes in zoning laws; (vi) casualty and condemnation losses; (vii) variations in rental income, neighborhood values or the appeal of property to tenants; and (viii) changes in interest rates. Many real estate companies utilize leverage, which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a company’s operations and market value in periods of rising interest rates. The value of securities of companies in the real estate industry may go through cycles of relative under performance and out performance in comparison to equity securities markets in general.

REITs Risk

REITs’ share prices may decline because of adverse developments affecting the real estate industry including changes in interest rates. The returns from REITs may trail returns from the overall market. REITs are subject to a highly technical and complex set of provisions in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). It is possible that a Fund may invest in a real estate company which purports to be a REIT but which fails to qualify as a REIT. In the event of any such unexpected failure to qualify as a REIT, the purported REIT would be subject to corporate level taxation, significantly reducing the return to a Fund on their investment in such company.

Investments in REIT equity securities may require a Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, a Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. A Fund’s investments in REIT equity securities may at other times result in the Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings; if the Fund distributes such amounts, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Dividends received by a Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.

REITs often do not provide complete tax information to shareholders until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for a Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV.

Repurchase Agreements Risk

In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution under a repurchase agreement, a Fund will seek to sell the underlying security serving as collateral. However, this could involve certain costs or delays, and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss. Each Fund follows procedures designed to minimize the risks associated with repurchase agreements, including effecting repurchase transactions only with large, well-capitalized and well-established financial institutions and specifying the required value of the collateral underlying the agreement.

22

Table of Contents

Restricted Securities Risk

Certain Funds may acquire securities through private placements. These securities are typically sold directly to a small number of investors, usually institutions or mutual funds. Unlike public offerings, such securities are not registered under the federal securities laws. Although certain of these securities may be readily sold, others may be illiquid, and their sale may involve substantial delays and additional costs.

In addition, certain Funds may also invest in securities sold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Rule 144A permits the Funds to sell restricted securities to qualified institutional buyers without limitation. However, investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing the level of a Fund’s illiquidity to the extent the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing such securities.

Restricted securities, including private placements, are subject to legal and contractual restrictions on resale. This may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent a Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. A Fund may have to bear the expense of registering such securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting such registration.

The Advisor, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors, will make a determination as to the liquidity of each private placement or restricted security purchased by a Fund. If such security is determined to be “liquid,” it will not be included within the category “illiquid securities,” which under each Fund’s current policies may not exceed 15% of the Fund’s net assets. To the extent the Fund owns private placements or restricted securities, these securities may involve liquidity and valuation difficulties. At times of less liquidity, it may be more difficult to value these securities because this valuation may require more research and elements of judgment may play a greater role in the valuation since there is less reliable, objective data available. Securities that are not readily marketable will be valued by a Fund pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Mortgage Dollar Rolls Risk

Reverse repurchase agreements and mortgage dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities a Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement or mortgage dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Fund’s use of proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements and mortgage dollar rolls are speculative techniques involving leverage, and are considered borrowings by the Fund. Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund is required to maintain an asset coverage (including the proceeds of the borrowings) of a least 300% of all borrowings. None of the Funds authorized to utilize these instruments expects to engage in reverse repurchase agreements or mortgage dollar rolls (together with other borrowings of the Fund) with respect to greater than 30% of the Fund’s total assets.

Small and Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk

Investing in the equity securities of small and mid-capitalization companies involves additional risks compared to investing in large capitalization companies. Compared to large companies, these companies may have more limited product lines and capital resources; have less established markets for their products; have earnings that are more sensitive to changes in the economy, competition and technology and be more dependent upon key members of management.

The market value of the common stock of small and medium capitalization companies may be more volatile, particularly in response to company announcements or industry events; have less active trading markets and be harder to sell at the time and prices that the Advisor considers appropriate.

Stock Market Risk

Funds that invest in equity securities are subject to stock market risks and significant fluctuations in value. If the stock market declines in value, a Fund’s share price is likely to decline in value. A Fund’s focus on certain types of stocks (such as small or large cap) and style of investing (such as value or growth) subjects it to the risk that is performance may be lower than that of other types of equity funds that focus on other types of stocks or that have a broader investment style (such as general market).

Structured Notes Risk

Certain Funds may invest in structured notes, which are debt obligations that also contain an embedded derivative component with characteristics that adjust the obligation’s risk/return profile. Generally, the performance of a structured note will track that of the underlying debt obligation and the derivative embedded within it. The Fund has the right to receive periodic interest payments from the issuer of the structured notes at an agreed-upon interest rate and a return of the principal at the maturity date.

23

Table of Contents

Structured notes are typically privately negotiated transactions between two or more parties. The Fund bears the risk that the issuer of the structured note will default or become bankrupt. The Fund bears the risk of the loss of its principal investment and periodic interest payments expected to be received for the duration of its investment in the structured notes.

In the case of structured notes on credit default swaps, the Fund is also subject to the credit risk of the corporate credits underlying the credit default swaps. If one of the underlying corporate credits defaults, the Fund may receive the security that has defaulted, or alternatively a cash settlement may occur, and the Fund’s principal investment in the structured note would be reduced by the corresponding face value of the defaulted security.

A Fund may invest in equity-linked structured notes (which would be linked to an equity index) to a significant extent. A highly liquid secondary market may not exist for the structured notes the Fund invests in, and there can be no assurance that a highly liquid secondary market will develop. The lack of a highly liquid secondary market may make it difficult for the Fund to sell the structured notes it holds at an acceptable price or accurately value such notes.

The market for structured notes may be, or suddenly can become, illiquid. The other parties to the transaction may be the only investors with sufficient understanding of the derivative to be interested in bidding for it. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid, and unpredictable changes in the prices for structured notes. In certain cases, a market price for a credit-linked security may not be available. The collateral for a structured note may be one or more credit default swaps, which are subject to additional risks.

Swap Agreements Risks

Whether a Fund’s use of swap agreements will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the ability of the Advisor to correctly predict whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Because bilateral swaps are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, these agreements may be considered to be illiquid investments. Illiquidity may make it more difficult for a Fund to enter or close swap transactions at opportune times, which could cause the Fund to lose value or forgo advantageous investment positions. Similarly, swap agreements can be complex and difficult to price objectively. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a bilateral swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of the swap agreement counterparty. As a result of new rules adopted in 2012, certain standardized swaps are currently subject to mandatory central clearing. Central clearing is designed to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity, as compared to bilateral swaps. However, central clearing does not eliminate such risks. Further, central clearing may require a Fund to post margin that may be greater than the collateral that would have be required under a bilateral agreement. A Fund will enter into uncleared swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards for creditworthiness (generally, such counterparties would have to be eligible counterparties under the terms of the Fund’s repurchase agreement guidelines). Certain restrictions imposed on the Fund by the Internal Revenue Code may limit a Fund’s ability to use swap agreements. It is possible that future developments in the swap market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements, realize amounts to be received under such agreements, make full use of swaps transactions, or otherwise profit from such agreements. In addition, swaps may also subject a Fund to leveraging risk by exposing the Fund to potential profits and losses based on the full notional amount underlying the swap with through just a small initial investment. A Fund’s use of leverage may reduce the Fund’s returns and increase its volatility.

Risks Associated With Asset-Backed Securities

Certain asset-backed securities do not have the benefit of the same security interest in the related collateral as do mortgage-backed securities. Credit card receivables are generally unsecured, and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owned on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. In addition, some issuers of automobile receivables permit the servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the related automobile receivables.

Risks Associated With Commodity-Linked Instruments

The TCW Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in commodity-linked derivative instruments, such as structured notes, which are designed to provide this exposure without direct investment in physical commodities or commodities futures contracts. The Fund may also seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in the Subsidiary. Real assets are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are financial instruments. In choosing investments, the Advisor seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodity sectors. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments held by the Fund and/or the 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.

24

Table of Contents

The prices of commodity-linked derivative instruments 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 and 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 Fund’s investments may be expected to underperform an investment in traditional securities. Over the long term, the returns on the Fund’s investments are expected to exhibit low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds.

The ability of the Fund to gain commodity exposure as contemplated may be adversely affected by future legislation, regulatory developments, interpretive guidance or other actions by the Internal Revenue Service or the Treasury Department as discussed under “Distributions and Taxes.”

Risks Associated With Derivatives

Certain Funds may, but are not required to, use various derivatives and related investment strategies as described in this Statement of Additional Information. 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 previously 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. Although the Advisor 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.

Derivatives utilized by a 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 or index. Derivatives may relate to a wide variety of underlying instruments, including equity and debt securities, indexes, interest rates, currencies and other assets. Certain derivative instruments which a Fund may use and the risks of those instruments are described in further detail below. A 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 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.

25

Table of Contents

Risks Associated With Emerging Market Countries

Investors should recognize that investing in securities of emerging market countries through investment in the International Funds and U.S. Fixed Income Funds involves certain risks, and considerations, including those set forth below, which are not typically associated with investing in the United States or other developed countries.

Political and economic structures in many emerging markets countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of more developed countries. Some of these countries may have in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies.

26

Table of Contents

The securities markets of emerging market countries are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States and other developed nations. The limited size of many emerging securities markets and limited trading volume in issuers compared to volume of trading in U.S. securities or securities of issuers in other developed countries could cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the quality of the securities. For example, limited market size may cause prices to be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions. Adverse publicity and investors’ perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and liquidity of portfolio securities, especially in these markets.

In addition, emerging market countries’ exchanges’ and broker-dealers are generally subject to less government and exchange regulation than their counterparts in developed countries. Brokerage commissions, dealer concessions, custodial expenses and other transaction costs may be higher in emerging markets than in developed countries. As a result, Funds investing in emerging market countries have operating expenses that are expected to be higher than other funds investing in more established market regions.

Many of the emerging market countries may be subject to greater degree of economic, political and social instability than is the case in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Western European and certain Asian countries. Such instability may result from, among other things, (i) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions, and (ii) internal insurgencies. Such social, political and economic instability could disrupt the financial markets in which the Funds invest and adversely affect the value of the Funds’ assets.

In certain emerging market countries governments participate to a significant degree, through ownership or regulation, in their respective economies. Action by these governments could have a significant adverse effect on market prices of securities and payment of dividends. In addition, most emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation. Inflation and rapid fluctuation in inflation rates have had and may continue to have very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.

Many of the currencies of emerging market countries have experienced devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar, and major devaluations have historically occurred in certain countries. Any devaluations in the currencies in which portfolio securities are denominated will have a detrimental impact on Funds investing in emerging market countries. Many emerging market countries are experiencing currency exchange problems. Countries have and may in the future impose foreign currency controls and repatriation control.

Risks Associated with Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”)

The value of an ETN will change as the value of the market benchmark or strategy fluctuates. If, for example, a commodity-linked ETN is purchased, its value will fluctuate because the value of the underlying commodity to which it is linked fluctuates with market conditions. The prices of the market benchmark are determined based on a variety of market and economic factors and may change unpredictably, affecting the value of the underlying benchmark and, consequently, the value of the ETN.

ETNs are fully exposed to any decline in the level of the underlying market benchmark. If the value of the underlying market benchmark decreases, or does not increase by an amount greater than the aggregate investor fee applicable to the ETN, a Fund will receive less than its original investment in the ETN upon maturity or early redemption and could lose up to 100% of the original principal amount. Investors in ETNs do not receive any periodic interest payments.

ETNs are subject to illiquity risk. The issuer of an ETN may restrict the ETN’s redemption amount or its redemption date. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.

Because ETNs are unsecured debt securities, they are subject to risk of default by the issuing bank or other financial institution. This is called counter party risk. In addition, the value of an ETN may decline due to downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating despite no change in the underlying market benchmark.

ETNs are also subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will accept, or a court will uphold, how the Funds characterize and treat ETNs’ for tax purposes. Further, the IRS and Congress are considering proposals that would change the timing and character of income and gains from ETNs.

Risks Associated With Fund of Funds

The TCW Conservative Allocation Fund is a “fund of funds.” Achieving the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund’s investment objectives will depend entirely on the performance of the Underlying Funds to which the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund’s investments are allocated, which depends on the particular securities in which the Underlying Funds invest. Therefore, the TCW

27

Table of Contents

Conservative Allocation Fund is subject to all risks associated with the Underlying Funds. Because the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund’s performance depends on that of each Underlying Fund, performance may be subject to increased volatility. Additionally, operating expenses incurred annually by each Underlying Fund are borne indirectly by shareholders of the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund. The TCW Conservative Allocation Fund directly bears its annual operating expenses and, indirectly, bears the annual operating expenses of the Underlying Funds in proportion to their allocations.

The Advisor allocates the assets of the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund among the Underlying Funds based upon a number of factors, including the Advisor’s asset allocation strategies and the investment performance of each Underlying Fund. In making investment decisions for the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund, the Advisor will consider, among other factors, internally generated research. Because certain Underlying Funds are more profitable to the Advisor than others, the Advisor may have an incentive to allocate more of the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund’s assets to more profitable Underlying Funds, and fewer assets to less profitable Underlying Funds. The Advisor does not, however, consider the profitability of the Underlying Funds in making investment decisions for the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund.

The TCW Conservative Allocation Fund may invest in the Underlying Funds as disclosed in the Prospectus. The Advisor may modify the asset allocation strategy for the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund and modify the selection of Underlying Funds for the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund or may invest in other TCW Funds from time to time without shareholder approval if it believes that doing so would better enable the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund to pursue its investment goals.

Risks Associated With Futures Contracts and Options on Futures

There are certain risks inherent in the use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts. Successful use of futures contracts by a Fund is subject to the ability of the Advisor to correctly predict movements in the direction of interest rates or changes in market conditions. In addition, there can be no assurance that there will be a correlation between price movements in the underlying securities, currencies or index and the price movements in the securities which are the subject of the hedge.

Positions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange or board of trade on which they were entered into, and there can be no assurance that an active market will exist for a particular contract or option at any particular time. If a Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates or a decrease in the value of portfolio securities and interest rates fall or the value of portfolio securities increase instead, a Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of securities that it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. These sales of securities may, but will not necessarily be at increased prices that reflect the decline in interest rates. While utilization of futures contracts and options on futures contracts may be advantageous to the Fund, if the Fund is not successful in employing such instruments in managing the Fund’s investments, the Fund’s performance will be worse than if the Fund did not make such investments.

Exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a futures contract may move on any day. If the price moves equal the daily limit on successive days, then it may prove impossible to liquidate a futures position until the daily limit moves have ceased. In the event of adverse price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin on open futures positions. In such situations, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, a Fund may be required to take or make delivery of the instruments underlying interest rate futures contracts it holds at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so. The inability to close out options and futures positions could also have an adverse impact on a Fund’s ability to effectively hedge its portfolio.

Futures contracts and options thereon which are purchased or sold on foreign commodities exchanges may have greater price volatility than their U.S. counterparts. Furthermore, foreign commodities exchanges may be less regulated and under less governmental scrutiny than U.S. exchanges. Brokerage commissions, clearing costs and other transaction costs may be higher on foreign exchanges. Greater margin requirements may limit a Fund’s ability to enter into certain commodity transactions on foreign exchanges. Moreover, differences in clearance and delivery requirements on foreign exchanges may occasion delays in the settlement of a Fund’s transactions effected on foreign exchanges.

In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which a Fund engages in transactions in futures or options thereon, the Fund could experience delays and/or losses in liquidating open positions purchased or sold through the broker and/or incur a loss of all or part of its margin deposits with the broker. Similarly, in the event of the bankruptcy, of the writer of an OTC option purchased by a Fund, the Fund could experience a loss of all or part of the value of the option. Transactions are entered into by a Fund only with brokers or financial institutions deemed creditworthy by the Advisor.

There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for futures contracts and related options in which a Fund may invest. In the event a liquid market does not exist, it may not be possible to close out a futures position, and in the event of adverse price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. In addition, limitations imposed

28

Table of Contents

by an exchange or board of trade on which futures contracts are traded may compel or prevent a Fund from closing out a contract which may result in reduced gain or increased loss to the Fund. The absence of a liquid market in futures contracts might cause a Fund to make or take delivery of the underlying securities (currencies) at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of call or put options on futures contracts involves less potential risk to a Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options (plus transaction costs). However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of a call or put option on a futures contract would result in a loss to a Fund notwithstanding that the purchase or sale of a futures contract would not result in a loss, as in the instance where there is no movement in the prices of the futures contract or underlying securities (currencies).

Options on foreign currency futures contracts may involve certain additional risks. Trading options on foreign currency futures contracts is relatively new. The ability to establish and close out positions on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market. To reduce this risk, a Fund will not purchase or write options on foreign currency futures contracts unless and until, in the Advisor’s opinion, the market for such options has developed sufficiently that the risks in connection with such options are not greater than the risks in connection with transactions in the underlying foreign currency futures contracts.

Risks Associated With Lower Rated Securities

All Funds (except the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund) may invest in convertible securities. A portion of the convertible securities acquired by the Funds may be rated below investment grade. The Core Fixed Income, Emerging Markets Income, Emerging Markets Local Currency Income, Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Opportunities, Enhanced Commodity Strategy, High Yield Bond, Short Term Bond, Total Return Bond and Global Bond Funds will invest in below investment grade securities. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly known as “junk bonds” and have speculative characteristics.

High yield securities or “junk bonds” can be classified into two categories: (a) securities issued without an investment grade rating and (b) securities whose credit ratings have been downgraded below investment grade because of declining investment fundamentals. The first category includes securities issued by “emerging credit” companies and companies which have experienced a leveraged buyout or recapitalization. Although the small and medium size companies that constitute emerging credit issuers typically have significant operating histories, these companies generally do not have strong enough operating results to secure investment grade ratings from the rating agencies. In addition, in recent years there has been a substantial volume of high yield securities issued by companies that have converted from public to private ownership through leveraged buyout transactions and by companies that have restructured their balance sheets through leveraged recapitalizations. High yield securities issued in these situations are used primarily to pay existing stockholders for their shares or to finance special dividend distributions to shareholders. The indebtedness incurred in connection with these transactions is often substantial and, as a result, often produces highly leveraged capital structures which present special risks for the holders of such securities. Also, the market price of such securities may be more volatile to the extent that expected benefits from the restructuring do not materialize. The second category of high yield securities consists of securities of former investment grade companies that have experienced poor operating performance due to such factors as cyclical downtrends in their industry, poor management or increased foreign competition.

Generally, lower-rated debt securities provide a higher yield than higher-rated debt securities of similar maturity but are subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than higher-rated securities of similar maturity. They are generally considered to be subject to greater risk than securities with higher ratings particularly in the event of a deterioration of general economic conditions. The lower ratings of the high yield securities which the Funds will purchase reflect a greater possibility that the financial condition of the issuers, or adverse changes in general economic conditions, or both, may impair the ability of the issuers to make payments of principal and interest. The market value of a single lower-rated debt security may fluctuate more than the market value of higher-rated securities, since changes in the creditworthiness of lower-rated issuers and in market perceptions of the issuers’ creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than in the case of higher-rated issuers. High yield debt securities also tend to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than higher-rated securities. The securities in which the Funds invest are frequently subordinated to senior indebtedness.

The economy and interest rates affect high yield securities differently from other securities. The prices of high yield bonds have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a bond owned by a Fund defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield bonds and a Fund’s asset value. Furthermore, the market prices of high yield bonds structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and thereby tend to be more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.

29

Table of Contents

To the extent there is a limited retail secondary market for particular high yield bonds, these bonds may be thinly-traded and the Advisor’s ability to accurately value high yield bonds and a Fund’s assets may be more difficult because there is less reliable, objective data available. In addition, a Fund’s ability to acquire or dispose of the bonds may be negatively-impacted. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield bonds, especially in a thinly-traded market. To the extent a Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted high yield bonds, these securities may involve special registration responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation difficulties.

Special tax considerations are associated with investing in lower rated debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. The Funds accrue income on these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. The Funds must distribute substantially all of its income to its shareholders to qualify for pass-through treatment under the tax laws and may, therefore, have to dispose of its portfolio securities to satisfy distribution requirements.

Additionally, investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present tax issues for a Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as whether and to what extent a Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation, when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent a Fund may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities and how a Fund should allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by a Fund to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company.

Underwriting and dealer spreads associated with the purchase of lower rated bonds are typically higher than those associated with the purchase of high grade bonds.

Risks Associated With Mortgage-Backed Securities

Credit and Market Risks of Mortgage-Backed Securities. Investments in fixed rate and floating rate mortgage-backed securities will entail normal credit risks (i.e., the risk of non-payment of interest and principal) and market risks (i.e., the risk that interest rates and other factors will cause the value of the instrument to decline). Many issuers or servicers of mortgage-backed securities guarantee timely payment of interest and principal on the securities, whether or not payments are made when due on the underlying mortgages. This kind of guarantee generally increases the quality of a security, but does not mean that the security’s market value and yield will not change. Like other bond investments, the value of fixed rate mortgage-backed securities will tend to rise when interest rates fall, and fall when rates rise. Floating rate mortgage-backed securities will generally tend to have minimal changes in price when interest rates rise or fall. The value of all mortgage-backed securities may also change because of changes in the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the organization that issued or guarantees them. In addition, the mortgage-backed securities market in general may be adversely affected by changes in governmental legislation or regulation. Fluctuations in the market value of mortgage-backed securities after their acquisition usually do not affect cash income from such securities but are reflected in each Fund’s net asset value. The liquidity of mortgage-backed securities varies by type of security; at certain times a Fund may encounter difficulty in disposing of investments. Other factors that could affect the value of a mortgage-backed security include, among other things, the types and amounts of insurance which a mortgagor carries, the amount of time the mortgage loan has been outstanding, the loan-to-value ratio of each mortgage and the amount of overcollateralization of a mortgage pool.

Prepayment and Redemption Risk of Mortgage-Backed Securities. Mortgage-backed securities reflect an interest in monthly payments made by the borrowers who receive the underlying mortgage loans. Although the underlying mortgage loans are for specified periods of time, such as 20 or 30 years, the borrowers can, and typically do, pay them off sooner. In such an event, the mortgage-backed security which represents an interest in such underlying mortgage loan will be prepaid. A borrower is more likely to prepay a mortgage which bears a relatively high rate of interest. This means that in times of declining interest rates, a portion of a Fund’s higher yielding securities are likely to be redeemed and the Fund will probably be unable to replace them with securities having as great a yield. Prepayments can result in lower yields to shareholders. The increased likelihood of prepayments when interest rates decline also limits market price appreciation of mortgage-backed securities. In addition, a mortgage-backed security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer. If a mortgage-backed security held by a Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, which could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”). There are certain risks associated specifically with CMOs. CMOs issued by private entities are not obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities and are not guaranteed by any government agency, although the securities underlying a CMO may be subject to a guarantee. Therefore, if the collateral securing the CMO, as well as any third party credit support or guarantees, is insufficient to make payment, the holder could sustain a loss. In addition, the average life of CMOs is determined using mathematical models that incorporate prepayment assumptions and other factors that involve estimates of future economic and market conditions. These estimates may vary from actual future results, particularly during periods of extreme market volatility. Further, under certain market conditions, such as those that occurred in 1994 and 2008, the average weighted life of certain CMOs may not accurately reflect the price volatility of such securities. For example, in periods of supply and demands imbalances in the market for such securities and/or in periods of sharp interest rate movements, the prices of CMOs may fluctuate to a greater extent than would be expected from interest rate movements alone.

30

Table of Contents

Stripped Mortgage Securities. These investments are highly sensitive to changes in interest and prepayment rates and tend to be less liquid than other CMOs.

Inverse Floaters. Inverse floaters are a class of CMOs with a coupon rate that resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which it is indexed such as LIBOR or COFI. Any rise in the index rate (as a consequence of an increase in interest rates) causes a drop in the coupon rate of an inverse floater. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in inverse floaters is associated with greater volatility in their market prices.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages (“ARMs”). ARMs contain maximum and minimum rates beyond which the mortgage interest rate may not vary over the lifetime of the security. In addition, certain ARMs provide for additional limitations on the minimum amount by which the mortgage interest rate may adjust for any single adjustment period. Alternatively, certain ARMs contain limitations on changes in the required monthly payment. In the event that a monthly payment is not sufficient to pay the interest accruing on an ARM, any such excess interest is added to the principal balance of the mortgage loan, which is repaid through future monthly payments. If the monthly payment for such an instrument exceeds the sum of the interest accrued at the applicable mortgage interest rate and the principal payment required at such point to amortize the outstanding principal balance over the remaining term of the loan, the excess is utilized to reduce the then outstanding principal balance of the ARM.

Temporary Defensive Positions

The Advisor may temporarily invest up to 100% of a Fund’s assets in high quality short-term money market instruments if it believes adverse economic or market conditions, such as excessive volatility or sharp market declines, justify taking a defensive investment posture. If a Fund attempts to limit investment risk by temporarily taking a defensive investment position, it may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it may miss out on some or all of an upswing in the securities markets.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

A Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is, in summary, the percentage computed by dividing the lesser of the Fund’s purchases or sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) by the average market value of that Fund. The Advisor intends to manage each Fund’s assets by buying and selling securities to help attain its investment objective. This may result in increases or decreases in a Fund’s current income available for distribution to its shareholders. While none of the Funds is managed with the intent of generating short-term capital gains, each of the Funds may dispose of investments (including money market instruments) regardless of the holding period if, in the opinion of the Advisor, an issuer’s creditworthiness or perceived changes in a company’s growth prospects or asset value make selling them advisable. Such an investment decision may result in capital gains or losses and could result in a high portfolio turnover rate during a given period, resulting in increased transaction costs related to equity securities. Disposing of debt securities in these circumstances should not increase direct transaction costs since debt securities are normally traded on a principal basis without brokerage commissions. However, such transactions do involve a mark-up or markdown of the price.

The portfolio turnover rates of the Funds cannot be accurately predicted. Nevertheless, the annual portfolio turnover rates of certain of the Funds are generally not expected to exceed 100%. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all the securities in a Fund’s investment portfolio were replaced once in a period of one year. In addition, many of the Funds are Underlying Funds of the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund, and changes to the target allocations of the TCW Conservative Allocation Fund may result in the transfer of assets from one Underlying Fund to another. These changes, as well as changes in managers and investment personnel and reorganizations of Underlying Funds, may result in the sale of portfolio securities, which may increase trading costs and the portfolio turnover and trigger negative tax consequences for the affected Underlying Funds. Each Fund’s portfolio turnover rate (rounded to a whole number) for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 is shown in the table below. Variations in turnover rate may be due to market conditions, fluctuating volume of shareholder purchases and redemptions or changes in the Advisor’s investment outlook.

31

Table of Contents

The following Funds experienced significant variations in their portfolio turnover rates over the most recent two fiscal years.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013, the portfolio turnover rate for the TCW Enhanced Commodity Strategy Fund was 54%. This was due principally to increased reinvestment of cash flow into longer term instruments as compared to the prior year and a decrease in the market value of the portfolio.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013, the portfolio turnover rate for the TCW International Growth Fund was 310%. This was due principally to increased volatility in the non-U.S. markets that required a sizable repositioning of the Fund’s portfolios away from emerging markets and into Japanese and European Markets.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013, the portfolio turnover rate for the TCW International Small Cap Fund was 302%. This was due principally to increased inflows and outflows for the Fund and increased volatility in the non-U.S. markets that required a sizable repositioning of the Fund’s portfolios away from emerging markets and into Japanese and European Markets.

BROKERAGE PRACTICES

The Advisor is responsible for the placement of the Funds’ portfolio transactions and the negotiation of prices and commissions, if any, with respect to such transactions. Debt, convertible and unlisted equity securities are generally purchased from a primary market maker acting as principal on a net basis without a stated commission but at prices generally reflecting a dealer spread. Listed equity securities are normally purchased through brokers in transactions executed on securities exchanges involving negotiated commissions. Debt, convertible and equity securities are also purchased in underwritten offerings at fixed prices which include discounts to underwriters and/or concessions to dealers. In placing a portfolio transaction, the Advisor seeks to obtain the best execution for the Funds, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable dealer spread or commission, if any), size of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved and the firm’s risk in positioning a block of securities.

Consistent with its policy of securing best execution, in selecting broker-dealers and negotiating any commissions or prices involved in Fund transactions, the Advisor considers the range and quality of the professional services provided by such firms. Brokerage services include the ability to most effectively execute large orders without adversely impacting markets and positioning securities in order to enable the Advisor to effect orderly purchases or sales for a Fund. Accordingly, transactions will not always be executed at the lowest available commission. In addition, the Advisor may effect transactions which cause a Fund to pay a commission in excess

32

Table of Contents

of a commission which another broker-dealer would have charged if the Advisor first determines that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker-dealer. In some cases, research is provided directly by an executing broker-dealer and in other cases, research may be provided by third party research providers such as a non-executing third party broker-dealer or other third party research service. Research services furnished by an executing broker-dealer or third party research provider may be used in providing services for any or all of the clients of the Advisor, as well as clients of affiliated companies, and may be used in connection with accounts other than those which pay commissions to the broker-dealers providing the research services.

The Advisor maintains an internal allocation procedure to identify those direct research providers who provide it with research services and endeavors to place sufficient transactions with them to ensure the continued receipt of research services the Advisor believes are useful. The Advisor’s procedures also seek to compensate third party research providers that provide it with research by directing executing broker-dealers to cause payments to be made to third party research providers, either through cash payments from the executing broker or through the use of step out transactions. A “step out transaction” is a securities trade executed by the executing broker-dealer, but settled by the non-executing research broker-dealer permitting the non-executing research broker-dealer to share in the commission. The determination of the broker-dealers to whom commissions are directed generally is made using a system involving the Advisor’s Director of U.S. Equity Research, the Funds’ portfolio managers, the Advisor’s analysts and is periodically reviewed by the Advisor’s trading committee. The Advisor’s Director of U.S. Equity Research coordinates the evaluation of broker-dealer research services in most instances, taking into account the views of the Advisor’s portfolio managers and analysts.

Research services include such items as reports on industries and companies, economic analyses, review of business conditions and portfolio strategy, analytic computer software, account performance services and various trading and/or quotation equipment. They also include advice from broker-dealers as to the value of securities and availability of securities, availability of buyers, and availability of sellers. In addition, they include recommendations as to purchase and sale of individual securities and timing of transactions. Sometimes the Advisor receives products or services from broker-dealers that are used for both research services and other purposes, such as corporate administration or marketing (“mixed-use products or services”). The Advisor makes a good faith effort to determine the relative proportions of mixed-use products or services that may be attributable to research services. The portion attributable to research services may be paid through the allocation of brokerage commissions and the Advisor pays the non-research services in cash.

Debt and convertible securities are generally purchased from the issuer or a primary market maker acting as principal on a net basis with no brokerage commission paid by the client. Such securities, as well as equity securities, may also be purchased from underwriters at prices which include underwriting fees.

In an effort to achieve efficiencies in execution and reduce trading costs, the Advisor and its affiliates frequently (though not always) execute securities transactions on behalf of a number of accounts at the same time, generally referred to as “block trades.” When executing block trades, securities are allocated using procedures that the Advisor considers fair and equitable. Allocation guidelines are established to provide to the Advisor’s Trading Department. In some cases, various forms of pro-rata allocation are used and, in other cases, random allocation processes are used. Participation of an account in the allocation is based on considerations such as lot size, account size, diversification requirements and investment objectives, restrictions, time horizon, availability of cash, existing or targeted account weightings in particular securities, the amount of existing holdings (or substitutes) of the security in the account, and, when relevant, directed brokerage. In connection with certain purchase or sale programs, and in other circumstances if practicable, if multiple trades for a specific security are made with the same broker in a single day, those securities are allocated to accounts based on a weighted average purchase or sale price.

In determining whether accounts are eligible to participate in any type of initial public offering, the Advisor considers such factors as lot size, account size, diversification requirements and investment objectives, restrictions, time horizon, availability of cash, existing or targeted account weightings in particular securities, and the amount of existing holdings (or substitutes) of the security in the account. For initial public offerings of equities, the Advisor generally shares allocations in a pro rata fashion based upon assets under management for those accounts eligible to participate in the initial public offering. For equity offerings, an exception may be made when the allocation is so small that it may create transaction costs that diminish the benefit of the trade or it would be unreasonably minimal relative to the size of the account. For their exceptions, the Advisor will use its best judgment to make a fair and equitable allocation, which may include, among other things, consideration of allocating to underperforming accounts or accounts where smaller lot sizes would be reasonable.

To the extent permitted by law and in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors, the Fund may engage in brokerage transactions with brokers that are affiliates of the Advisor. The Fund has adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that commissions or other remuneration paid to affiliated brokers of the Advisor do not exceed the usual and customary broker’s commission. The TCW Conservative Allocation Fund will not incur any commissions or sales charges when it invests in the Underlying Funds.

33

Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the aggregate brokerage commissions paid on transactions in the Funds’ securities and the amounts of brokerage commission paid to broker-dealers for research services by each Fund for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, October 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011.

34

Table of Contents