The fund seeks to maintain an average portfolio quality minimum of A, based on ratings given to the Portfolio's securities by national rating agencies. It may invest up to 25% of its total assets in fixed-income, non-U.S. Dollar denominated foreign securities, and may invest without limit in fixed-income, U.S. Dollar denominated foreign securities, in each case in developed or emerging-market countries. The fund seeks to maintain an effective duration of three to seven years under normal market conditions.