N-CSR/A 1 file001.htm ANNUAL REPORT

                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM N-CSR

                   CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
                         MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-09615

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020
         (Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip code)

Ronald E. Robison
1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020
                     (Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 212-762-4000

Date of fiscal year end: July 31, 2003

Date of reporting period: July 31, 2003


Item 1 - Report to Shareholders


Welcome, Shareholder:

In this report, you'll learn about how your investment in Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund performed during the annual period. The portfolio management team will provide an overview of the market climate, and discuss some of the factors that helped or hindered performance during the reporting period. In addition, this report includes the Fund's financial statements and a list of Fund investments, as well as other information.

This material must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus for the fund being offered. Market forecasts provided in this report may not necessarily come to pass. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to market risk, which is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline and, therefore, the value of the Fund shares may be less than what you paid for them. Accordingly you can lose money investing in this Fund.



Fund Report
For the year ended July 31, 2003

Total Return for the 12-month period ended July 31, 2003


Class A Class B Class C Class D S&P
500
Index1
Lipper
Multi-Cap
Growth Funds
Index2
2.85%   2.01   1.56   3.06   10.65   15.61
The performance of the Fund's four share classes varies because each has different expenses. The Fund's total return figures assume the reinvestment of all distributions, but do not reflect the deduction of any applicable sales charges. Such costs would lower performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. See Performance Summary for standardized performance information.

Market Conditions

Throughout the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003, economic conditions in the United States and around the world remained weak, with GDP growth averaging about 2 percent. During the first half of the fiscal year, investor confidence wavered due to concerns about corporate governance and the perceived lack of balance-sheet integrity. During the second half, investor sentiment was initially dampened by geopolitical tensions leading up to the war in Iraq. Beginning in March, the market rallied sharply as investors began to discount a rebound in the global economy due to accommodative fiscal and monetary policy. Credit spreads tightened meaningfully.

As a result, the markets ended the first half of calendar year 2003 with gains, the first time this has occurred since 1999. The best-performing groups included cyclical sectors such as technology and consumer cyclicals and beneficiaries of looser financial conditions such as the electric power companies.

Performance Analysis

The Fund underperformed its benchmark the S&P 500 Index during the 12-month period, largely because of its conservative portfolio construction during the latter half of the year. As the rally gathered steam in the spring, we began to redeploy the assets into more economically sensitive sectors such as consumer discretionary, biotechnology and technology. The Fund was held back by its continued focus on high-quality companies that were outpaced by more speculative companies during the period.

On April 24, 2003, the Board of Trustees approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and between the Fund and Morgan Stanley American Opportunities Fund pursuant to which substantially all of the assets of the Fund would be combined with those of American Opportunities Fund and shareholders of the Fund would become shareholders of American Opportunities Fund receiving shares of American Opportunities Fund equal to the value of their holdings in the Fund. Each shareholder of the Fund will receive the Class of shares of American Opportunities Fund that corresponds to the Class of shares of the Fund currently held by that shareholder. The Reorganization is subject to the approval of shareholders of the Fund at a special meeting of shareholders initially scheduled to be held on September 17, 2003 and subsequently adjourned to be held on or about September 30, 2003. A proxy statement formally detailing the proposal, the reasons for the Trustees' action and information concerning American Opportunities Fund was distributed to shareholders of the Fund.

2


TOP 10 HOLDINGS  
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.   2.8
Bank of America Corp   2.7  
General Electric Co.   2.4  
Citigroup Inc.   2.4  
Cisco Systems Inc.   2.3  
Microsoft Corporation   2.2  
Pfizer, Inc.   2.2  
Yahoo! Inc.   1.9  
eBay Inc.   1.9  
Intel Corp.   1.8  

TOP FIVE INDUSTRIES   
Packaged Software   6.9
Major Banks   5.2  
Financial Conglomerates   4.8  
Managed Health Care   4.5  
Semiconductors   4.5  
Data as of July 31, 2003. Subject to change daily. All percentages are as a percentage of net assets. Excludes joint repurchase agreement. Provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy the securities mentioned. Morgan Stanley is a full-service securities firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services.

Investment Strategy

Companies are evaluated and selected based on a variety of factors, including companies expected to benefit from development of modern worldwide economy and consistent, superior earnings growth.

Annual Householding Notice

To reduce printing and mailing costs, the Fund attempts to eliminate duplicate mailings to the same address. The Fund delivers a single copy of certain shareholder documents including shareholder reports, prospectuses and proxy materials to investors with the same last name and who reside at the same address. Your participation in this program will continue for an unlimited period of time, unless you instruct us otherwise. You can request multiple copies of these documents by calling (800) 350-6414, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

A description of the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the voting of proxies relating to the Fund's portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 869-NEWS. This information is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov.

3

Performance Summary

Performance of a $10,000 Investment

Past performance is not predictive of future returns. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate. When you sell fund shares, they may be worth less than their original cost. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Performance for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D shares will vary due to differences in sales charges and expenses.

4

Average Annual Total Returns — Period Ended July 31, 2003


  Class A Shares*
(since 02/25/00)
Class B Shares**
(since 02/25/00)
Class C Shares
(since 02/25/00)
Class D Shares††
(since 02/25/00)
Symbol   TCTAX   TCTBX   TCTCX   TCTDX
1 Year   2.85% 3    2.01% 3    1.56% 3    3.06% 3 
    (2.55) 4    (2.99) 4    0.56 4     
Since Inception   (19.82) 3    (20.47) 3    (20.47) 3    (19.67) 3 
    (21.07) 4    (20.94) 4    (20.47) 4     

Notes on Performance

(1) The Standard and Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500®) is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely-held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry group representation. The Index does not include any expenses, sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
(2) The Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index is an equally weighted performance index of the largest qualifying funds (based on net assets) in the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds classification. The Index, which is adjusted for capital gains distributions and income dividends, is unmanaged and should not be considered an investment. There are currently 30 funds represented in this Index.
(3) Figure shown assumes reinvestment of all distributions and does not reflect the deduction of any sales charges.
(4) Figure shown assumes reinvestment of all distributions and the deduction of the maximum applicable sales charge. See the Fund's current prospectus for complete details on fees and sales charges.
* The maximum front-end sales charge for Class A is 5.25%.
** The maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class B is 5.0%. The CDSC declines to 0% after six years.
The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for Class C is 1.0% for shares redeemed within one year of purchase.
†† Class D has no sales charge.
Closing value assuming a complete redemption on July 31, 2003.

5

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Portfolio of Investments July 31, 2003


    
NUMBER OF
SHARES
  VALUE
    Common Stocks (95.2%)     
    Advertising/Marketing
    Services (0.4%)
  13,400   Getty Images, Inc.* $       510,942  
    Air Freight/Couriers (1.0%)    
  18,800   FedEx Corp.   1,210,532  
    Airlines (0.3%)    
  7,800   JetBlue Airways Corp.*   355,368  
    Apparel/Footwear Retail (0.7%)
  15,600   Chico's FAS, Inc.*   423,540  
  15,950   Hot Topic, Inc.*   460,955  
        884,495  
    Auto Parts: O.E.M. (0.4%)
  6,400   Eaton Corp.   538,688  
    Beverages: Alcoholic (0.5%)
  12,525   Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.   649,045  
    Beverages: Non-Alcoholic (1.0%)
  27,700   Coca-Cola Co. (The)   1,245,669  
    Biotechnology (4.2%)
  18,200   Amgen Inc.*   1,266,356  
  18,300   Genentech, Inc.*   1,477,725  
  7,500   Genzyme Corp General Division   378,300  
  14,500   Gilead Sciences   993,975  
  12,000   ICOS Corp.*   523,440  
  10,300   Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*   552,904  
        5,192,700  
    Broadcasting (0.4%)
  17,600   Univision Communications Inc. (Class A)*   549,120  
    Cable/Satellite TV (0.8%)    
  32,635   Comcast Corp. (Class A)*   989,493  
    Casino/Gaming (1.3%)    
  14,000   GTECH Holdings Corp.   539,980  
  20,800   International Game Technology   529,360  
  14,600   MGM Mirage Inc.*   500,780  
        1,570,120  
    Chemicals; Specialty (0.9%)
  8,900   Air Products & Chemicals Inc. $       413,672  
  11,600   Praxair Inc.   750,056  
        1,163,728  
    Computer Communications (2.5%)
  148,200   Cisco Systems, Inc.*   2,892,864  
  7,200   NetScreen Technologies, Inc.*   155,736  
        3,048,600  
    Computer Peripherals (1.5%)
  70,500   EMC Corp.*   750,120  
  34,600   Network Appliance, Inc.*   552,908  
  25,600   Seagate Technology (Cayman Islands)   558,080  
        1,861,108  
    Computer Processing
    Hardware (1.5%)
  38,700   Dell Inc.*   1,303,416  
  24,100   Hewlett-Packard Co.   510,197  
        1,813,613  
    Contract Drilling (0.6%)
  27,400   Pride International, Inc.*   451,552  
  11,400   Rowan Companies, Inc.*   250,230  
        701,782  
    Department Stores (0.2%)    
  6,200   Federated Dept. Stores Inc.*   248,062  
    Discount Stores (2.8%)
  60,900   Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.**   3,404,919  
    Electronic Equipment/
    Instruments (0.7%)
  35,600   Rockwell Automation, Inc.   919,904  
    Electronics/Appliance
    Stores (0.6%)
  17,500   Best Buy Co., Inc.*   763,875  
    Finance/Rental/Leasing (1.0%)
  44,000   MBNA Corp.   980,760  
  6,900   SLM Corp.   286,074  
        1,266,834  

See Notes to Financial Statements

6

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Portfolio of Investments July 31, 2003 continued


    
NUMBER OF
SHARES
  VALUE
    Financial Conglomerates (4.8%)
  24,600   American Express Co. $     1,086,582  
  65,000   Citigroup Inc.   2,912,000  
  35,300   J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.   1,237,265  
  12,800   UBS AG-Registered (ADR) (Switzerland)   746,240  
        5,982,087  
    Food: Meat/Fish/Dairy (0.8%)    
  34,650   Dean Foods Co.*   1,037,074  
    Home Improvement Chains (1.4%)
  23,600   Home Depot, Inc. (The)   736,320  
  19,800   Lowe's Co. Inc.   941,688  
        1,678,008  
    Hotels/Resorts/Cruiselines (0.7%)
  16,700   Carnival Corp.   572,977  
  17,300   Hilton Hotels Corp.   252,580  
        825,557  
    Household/Personal Care (2.4%)
  17,300   Avon Products, Inc.   1,079,347  
  21,900   Procter & Gamble Co. (The)   1,924,353  
        3,003,700  
    Industrial Conglomerates (4.1%)
  5,800   3M Co.   813,160  
  106,200   General Electric Co.   3,020,328  
  11,600   Ingersol Rand Co. (Class A)   629,184  
  7,500   United Technologies Corp.   564,225  
        5,026,897  
    Industrial Specialties (0.3%)
  15,300   Ecolab Inc.   378,063  
    Information Technology
    Services (2.0%)
  25,300   Accenture Ltd. (Class A)   491,326  
  25,900   Citrix Systems, Inc.*   470,085  
  19,000   International Business Machines Corp.   1,543,750  
        2,505,161  
    Insurance Brokers/Services (0.6%)
  15,500   Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.   769,110  
    Internet Retail (2.0%)
  12,200   Amazon.com Inc.* $       508,984  
  47,550   InterActiveCorp*   1,924,349  
        2,433,333  
    Internet Software/Services (1.9%)
  73,500   Yahoo! Inc.*   2,288,055  
    Investment Banks/Brokers (2.8%)
  7,400   Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)   644,836  
  6,300   Legg Mason Inc.   441,000  
  17,300   Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.   1,094,571  
  23,400   Merrill Lynch & Co Inc.   1,272,258  
        3,452,665  
    Major Banks (5.2%)
  39,900   Bank of America Corp.   3,294,543  
  18,000   Bank One Corp.   712,080  
  28,700   Wachovia Corp.   1,253,903  
  23,800   Wells Fargo & Co.   1,202,614  
        6,463,140  
    Managed Health Care (4.5%)
  31,750   Aetna Inc.   1,956,435  
  10,250   Anthem, Inc.*   773,978  
  42,000   UnitedHealth Group Inc.   2,187,780  
  7,500   WellPoint Health Networks, Inc.*   627,375  
        5,545,568  
    Media Conglomerates (1.3%)
  24,500   News Corporation Ltd. (The) (ADR) (Australia)   745,045  
  20,000   Viacom, Inc. (Class B) (Non-Voting)   870,400  
        1,615,445  
    Medical Specialties (2.7%)
  10,500   Boston Scientific Corp.*   663,915  
  18,800   Guidant Corp.   887,736  
  20,100   Medtronic, Inc.   1,035,150  
  13,800   St. Jude Medical, Inc.*   740,370  
        3,327,171  

See Notes to Financial Statements

7

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Portfolio of Investments July 31, 2003 continued


    
NUMBER OF
SHARES
  VALUE
    Metal Fabrications (0.3%)
  15,900   Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. (ADR) (Netherlands) $       392,094  
    Miscellaneous Commercial
    Services (0.8%)
  15,200   Corporate Executive Board Co. (The)*   659,984  
  6,400   Fair Issac Corp.   345,856  
        1,005,840  
    Oil & Gas Production (1.7%)
  5,330   Apache Corp.   330,247  
  7,500   Burlington Resources Inc.   346,275  
  17,200   Devon Energy Corp.   814,764  
  13,300   Pogo Producing Co.   562,590  
        2,053,876  
    Multi-Line Insurance (1.0%)
  19,600   American Intl Group Inc.   1,258,320  
    Oilfield Services/Equipment (1.1%)
  7,400   BJ Services Co.*   253,450  
  7,400   Cooper Cameron Corp.*   353,794  
  5,600   Schlumberger Ltd.   252,392  
  14,800   Smith International, Inc.*   530,432  
        1,390,068  
    Other Consumer Services (2.7%)
  10,500   Apollo Group, Inc. (Class A)*   679,980  
  6,800   Corinthian Colleges, Inc.*   371,348  
  21,300   eBay Inc.*   2,283,360  
        3,334,688  
    Other Metals/Minerals (0.8%)    
  33,100   Inco Ltd. (Canada)*   771,561  
  13,234   Rio Tinto PLC (ADR) (United Kingdom)   274,772  
        1,046,333  
    Packaged Software (6.9%)
  9,400   Cognos, Inc. (ADR) (Canada)*   254,364  
  24,300   Computer Associates Intl. Inc.   618,435  
  39,000   Mercury Interactive Corp.*   1,535,040  
  104,300   Microsoft Corp.   2,753,520  
  43,600   NetIQ Corp.*   473,932  
  94,150   Oracle Corp.* $     1,129,800  
  2,400   SAP AG (Germany)   282,967  
  12,500   Symantec Corp.*   584,625  
  26,200   VERITAS Software Corp.*   806,960  
        8,439,643  
    Pharmaceuticals: Major (3.6%)
  11,300   Lilly (Eli) & Co.   743,992  
  82,400   Pfizer Inc.   2,748,864  
  20,900   Wyeth   952,622  
        4,445,478  
    Pharmaceuticals: Other (1.2%)
  9,500   Forest Laboratories, Inc.*   454,860  
  17,700   Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (ADR) (Israel)   1,014,918  
        1,469,778  
    Precious Metals (3.2%)
  21,600   Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. (Class B)   578,664  
  74,100   Glamis Gold Ltd. (ADR) (Canada)*   933,660  
  23,700   Goldcorp Inc. (ADR) (Canada)   287,244  
  58,600   Newmont Mining Corp.   2,115,460  
        3,915,028  
    Property – Casualty Insurers (0.4%)
  100   Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Class B)*   240,300  
  3,600   Everest Re Group, Ltd. (ADR) (Bermuda)   272,052  
        512,352  
    Recreational Products (0.4%)
  5,200   Electronic Arts Inc.*   436,800  
    Restaurants (0.1%)
  2,200   Applebee's International, Inc.   70,180  
    Semiconductors (4.5%)    
  6,700   Analog Devices Inc.*   254,265  
  16,200   Integrated Circuit Systems, Inc.*   486,810  
  91,400   Intel Corp.   2,280,430  
  23,900   Intersil Corp. (Class A)*   589,374  
  11,000   Linear Technology Corp.   405,680  

See Notes to Financial Statements

8

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Portfolio of Investments July 31, 2003 continued


    
NUMBER OF
SHARES
  VALUE
  16,900   Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (Bermuda)* $       594,204  
  6,400   Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.   250,112  
  9,900   Micron Technology, Inc.*   144,936  
  32,000   Texas Instruments Inc.   603,840  
        5,609,651  
    Specialty Stores (0.8%)    
  28,100   Staples Incorporated*   565,934  
  10,900   Tiffany & Co.   374,524  
        940,458  
    Telecommunication
    Equipment (0.7%)
  9,900   ADTRAN, Inc.   483,516  
  8,900   UTStarcom, Inc.*   378,873  
        862,389  
    Tobacco (1.3%)
  39,000   Altria Group, Inc.   1,560,390  
    Trucks/Construction/Farm
    Machinery (0.9%)
  14,500   PACCAR, Inc.   1,119,400  
    Wireless
    Telecommunications (2.0%)
  56,200   AT&T Wireless Services Inc.*   479,386  
  28,600   Nextel Communications, Inc. (Class A)*   522,236  
  74,200   Vodafone Group PLC (ADR) (United Kingdom)   1,408,316  
        2,409,938  
    Total Common Stocks
(Cost $106,397,861)
  117,492,335  

PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN
THOUSANDS
   
    Convertible Bond (0.4%)
    Biotechnology (0.4%)
$ 500   Affymetrix Inc. 5.00% due 10/01/06 (Cost $498,125)   505,625  
    Short-Term Investment (13.9%) 
    Repurchase Agreement    
  17,150   Joint repurchase agreement 1.11% due 08/01/03 (dated 7/31/03; proceeds $17,150,529) (a)
(Cost $17,150,000)
      17,150,000  

    


 

Total Investments
(Cost $124,045,986) (b)(c)
  109.5  $ 135,147,960  
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets   (9.5   (11,739,888
Net Assets   100.0  %  $ 123,408,072  
ADR American Depository Receipt.
 * Non-income producing security.
** A portion of this security has been physically segregated in connection with open futures contracts.
(a) Collateralized by federal agency and U.S. Treasury obligations.
(b) Securities have been designated as collateral in an amount equal to $10,150,150 in connection with open futures and forward contracts.
(c) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $124,911,803. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $11,615,086 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $1,378,929, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $10,236,157.

Futures Contracts Open at July 31, 2003:


NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
 
LONG/
SHORT
 
DESCRIPTION,
DELIVERY
MONTH
AND YEAR
 
UNDERLYING
FACE
AMOUNT
AT VALUE
 
UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
DEPRECIATION
 
50   Short     S&P Index EMINI, September/2003   $ (2,473,250 $ 681  
195   Short     Nasdaq 100 MINI, September/2003     (4,988,100   (15,670
                Net unrealized depreciation $ (14,989

Forward Foreign Contracts Open at July 31, 2003:


CONTRACTS
TO DELIVER
IN EXCHANGE FOR DELIVERY
DATE
UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
EUR   577,031 $ 661,047     8/01/03   $ 12,983  

Currency Abbreviation:

EUR Euro.

See Notes to Financial Statements

9

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Financial Statements

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

July 31, 2003


Assets:    
Investments in securities, at value
(including a repurchase agreement of $17,150,000) (cost $124,045,986)
$135,147,960
Unrealized appreciation on open forward foreign currency contracts 12,983
Receivable for:  
Investments sold 4,554,275
Dividends 107,325
Interest 8,862
Shares of beneficial interest sold 5,593
Prepaid expenses and other assets 35,658
Total Assets 139,872,656
Liabilities:  
Payable for:  
Investments purchased 15,300,406
Distribution fee 100,118
Shares of beneficial interest redeemed 85,287
Investment management fee 80,416
Variation margin 63,300
Payable to bank 660,117
Accrued expenses and other payables 174,940
Total Liabilities 16,464,584
Net Assets $123,408,072
Composition of Net Assets:  
Paid-in-capital $438,406,326
Net unrealized appreciation 11,087,795
Accumulated net investment loss (12,983)
Accumulated net realized loss (326,073,066)
Net Assets $123,408,072
Class A Shares:  
Net Assets $9,542,839
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value) 2,038,600
Net Asset Value Per Share $4.68
Maximum Offering Price Per Share,  
(net asset value plus 5.54% of net asset value)  $4.94
Class B Shares:  
Net Assets $99,663,950
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value) 21,869,953
Net Asset Value Per Share $4.56
Class C Shares:  
Net Assets $13,306,387
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value) 2,921,665
Net Asset Value Per Share $4.55
Class D Shares:  
Net Assets $894,896
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value) 189,830
Net Asset Value Per Share $4.71

Statement of Operations

For the year ended July 31, 2003


Net Investment Loss:    
Income    
Dividends (net of $10,826 foreign withholding tax) $ 1,238,189  
Interest   264,468  
Total Income   1,502,657  
Expenses    
Distribution fee (Class A shares)   26,108  
Distribution fee (Class B shares)   1,104,496  
Distribution fee (Class C shares)   148,154  
Investment management fee   1,026,168  
Transfer agent fees and expenses   581,563  
Shareholder reports and notices   144,065  
Professional fees   73,338  
Registration fees   48,495  
Custodian fees   15,336  
Trustees' fees and expenses   13,396  
Other   9,597  
Total Expenses   3,190,716  
Net Investment Loss   (1,688,059
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):    
Net Realized Gain/Loss on:    
Investments   (20,393,856
Futures contracts   1,028,090  
Foreign exchange transactions   (44
Net Realized Loss   (19,365,810
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on:    
Investments   22,007,236  
Futures contracts   (98,697
Translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies   310  
Net Appreciation   21,908,849  
Net Gain   2,543,039  
Net Increase $ 854,980  

See Notes to Financial Statements

10

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Financial Statements continued

Statement of Changes in Net Assets


  FOR THE YEAR
ENDED
JULY 31, 2003
FOR THE YEAR
ENDED
JULY 31, 2002
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:        
Operations:        
Net investment loss $ (1,688,059 $ (3,204,701
Net realized loss   (19,365,810   (39,723,694
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation   21,908,849     (16,869,012
Net Increase (Decrease)   854,980     (59,797,407
Net decrease from transactions in shares of beneficial interest   (41,926,937   (86,631,799
Net Decrease   (41,071,957   (146,429,206
Net Assets:        
Beginning of period   164,480,029     310,909,235  
End of Period        
(Including accumulated net investment losses of $12,983 and $4,314, respectively)  $ 123,408,072   $ 164,480,029  

See Notes to Financial Statements

11

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements July 31, 2003

1.   Organization and Accounting Policies

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund (the "Fund") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies which are expected to benefit from the development of a modern worldwide economy. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on September 29, 1999 and commenced operations on February 25, 2000.

The Fund offers Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares and Class D shares. The four classes are substantially the same except that most Class A shares are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase and some Class A shares, and most Class B shares and Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed on shares redeemed within one year, six years and one year, respectively. Class D shares are not subject to a sales charge. Additionally, Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares incur distribution expenses.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:

A.   Valuation of Investments — (1) an equity portfolio security listed or traded on the New York or American Stock Exchange or other exchange is valued at its latest sale price prior to the time when assets are valued; if there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked price; (2) an equity portfolio security listed or traded on the Nasdaq is valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price; if there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked price; (3) all other equity portfolio securities for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked price. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (4) for equity securities traded on foreign exchanges, the last reported sale price or the latest bid price may be used if there were no sales on a particular day; (5) futures are valued at the latest price published by the commodities exchange on which they trade; (6) when market quotations are not readily available or Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (the "Investment Manager") determines that the latest sale price, the bid price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked price do not reflect a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund's Trustees; (7) certain portfolio securities may be valued by an outside pricing service approved by the Fund's Trustees; and (8) short-term debt securities having a maturity date of more than sixty days at time of purchase are valued on a mark-to-market basis until sixty days prior to maturity and thereafter at amortized cost based on their value on the 61st day. Short-term debt securities having a maturity date of sixty days or less at the time of purchase are valued at amortized cost.

B.   Accounting for Investments — Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined by the identified

12

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements July 31, 2003 continued

cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Interest income is accrued daily.

C.   Repurchase Agreements — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other affiliated entities managed by the Investment Manager, may transfer uninvested cash balances into one or more joint repurchase agreement accounts. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements and are collateralized by cash, U.S. Treasury or federal agency obligations. The Fund may also invest directly with institutions in repurchase agreements. The Fund's custodian receives the collateral, which is marked-to-market daily to determine that the value of the collateral does not decrease below the repurchase price plus accrued interest.

D.   Multiple Class Allocations — Investment income, expenses (other than distribution fees), and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative net asset value on the date such items are recognized. Distribution fees are charged directly to the respective class.

E.   Foreign Currency Translation and Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the foreign currency market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities and forward foreign currency contracts ("forward contracts") are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period; and (2) purchases, sales, income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The resultant exchange gains and losses are recorded as realized and unrealized gain/loss on foreign exchange transactions. Pursuant to U.S. Federal income tax regulations, certain foreign exchange gains/losses included in realized and unrealized gain/loss are included in or are a reduction of ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the changes in the market prices of the securities. Forward contracts are valued daily at the appropriate exchange rates. The resultant unrealized exchange gains and losses are recorded as unrealized foreign currency gain or loss. The Fund records realized gains or losses on delivery of the currency or at the time the forward contract is extinguished (compensated) by entering into a closing transaction prior to delivery.

F.   Futures Contracts — A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell financial instruments or contracts based on financial indices at a set price on a future date. Upon entering into such a contract, the Fund is required to pledge to the broker cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid portfolio securities equal to the minimum initial margin requirements of the applicable futures exchange. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments known as variation margin are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains and losses. Upon closing of the contract, the Fund realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

13

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements July 31, 2003 continued

G. Federal Income Tax Policy — It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required.

H.   Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

I.   Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2.   Investment Management Agreement

Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement, the Fund pays the Investment Manager a management fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, by applying the annual rate of 0.75% to the net assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each business day.

3.   Plan of Distribution

Shares of the Fund are distributed by Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of the Investment Manager. The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. The Plan provides that the Fund will pay the Distributor a fee which is accrued daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates: (i) Class A – up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class A; (ii) Class B – 1.0% of the average daily net assets of Class B; and (iii) Class C – up to 1.0% of the average daily net assets of Class C.

In the case of Class B shares, provided that the Plan continues in effect, any cumulative expenses incurred by the Distributor but not yet recovered may be recovered through the payment of future distribution fees from the Fund pursuant to the Plan and contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon redemption of Class B shares. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund to pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the Distributor under the Plan and the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon redemption of shares, if for any reason the Plan is terminated, the Trustees will consider at that time the manner in which to treat such expenses. The Distributor has advised the Fund that such excess amounts totaled $25,746,045 at July 31, 2003.

In the case of Class A shares and Class C shares, expenses incurred pursuant to the Plan in any calendar year in excess of 0.25% or 1.0% of the average daily net assets of Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be reimbursed by the Fund through payments in any subsequent year, except that expenses representing a gross sales credit to Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or other selected broker-dealer representatives may be reimbursed in the subsequent calendar year. For the year ended July 31, 2003, the distribution fee was accrued for Class A shares and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.25% and 1.0%, respectively.

14

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements July 31, 2003 continued

The Distributor has informed the Fund that for the year ended July 31, 2003, it received contingent deferred sales charges from certain redemptions of the Fund's Class B shares and Class C shares of $500,622 and $5,084, respectively and received $2,891 in front-end sales charges from sales of the Fund's Class A shares. The respective shareholders pay such charges which are not an expense of the Fund.

4.   Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates

The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended July 31, 2003 aggregated $261,132,121 and $292,688,608, respectively. Included in the aforementioned are purchases and sales of U.S. Government securities of $5,503,066 and $5,510,537, respectively. Included in the aforementioned are purchases of $43,368 and sales of $241,884 for portfolio transactions with other Morgan Stanley Funds, including a realized loss of $33,661.

For the year ended July 31, 2003, the Fund incurred brokerage commissions of $81,867 with Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Manager and Distributor, for portfolio transactions executed on behalf of the Fund. At July 31, 2003, the Fund's receivable for investments sold included unsettled trades with Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. of $1,185,122.

Morgan Stanley Trust, an affiliate of the Investment Manager and Distributor, is the Fund's transfer agent. At July 31, 2003, the Fund had transfer agent fees and expenses payable of approximately $10,500.

5.   Purpose of and Risks Relating to Certain Financial Instruments

The Fund may enter into forward contracts to facilitate settlement of foreign currency denominated portfolio transactions or to manage foreign currency exposure associated with foreign currency denominated securities.

To hedge against adverse interest rate, foreign currency and market risks, the Fund may purchase and sell interest rate, currency and index futures ("futures contracts").

Forward contracts and futures contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amounts reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign exchange rates underlying the forward contracts. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.

At July 31, 2003, the Fund had outstanding futures contracts and outstanding forward contracts.

15

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements July 31, 2003 continued

6.   Federal Income Tax Status

The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These "book/tax" differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains for tax purposes are reported as distributions of paid-in-capital.

As of July 31, 2003, the tax-basis components of accumulated losses were as follows:


Net accumulated earnings    
Capital loss carryforward* $ (319,799,208
Post-October losses   (5,423,030
Net unrealized appreciation   10,223,984  
Total accumulated losses $ (314,998,254

* As of July 31, 2003, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $319,799,208 of which $147,940,479 will expire on July 31, 2009, $141,708,621 will expire on July 31, 2010 and $30,150,108 will expire on July 31, 2011 to offset future capital gains to the extent provided by regulations.

As of July 31, 2003, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences primarily attributable to post-October losses (capital losses incurred after October 31 within the taxable year which are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Fund's next taxable year) and capital loss deferrals on wash sales and permanent book/tax differences primarily attributable to a net operating loss and a nondeductible expense. To reflect reclassifications arising from the permanent differences, paid-in-capital was charged $1,679,434, accumulated net investment loss was credited $1,679,390 and accumulated net realized loss was credited $44.

16

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements July 31, 2003 continued

7.   Shares of Beneficial Interest

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:


  FOR THE YEAR
ENDED
JULY 31, 2003
FOR THE YEAR
ENDED
JULY 31, 2002
  SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
Class A Shares                
Sold   851,681   $ 3,725,337     137,622   $ 746,221  
Redeemed   (1,427,628   (6,285,574   (1,503,663   (8,066,102
Net decrease – Class A   (575,947   (2,560,237   (1,366,041   (7,319,881
Class B Shares                
Sold   427,752     1,858,697     1,009,021     5,457,574  
Redeemed   (8,321,270   (35,883,621   (14,029,752   (74,041,120
Net decrease – Class B   (7,893,518   (34,024,924   (13,020,731   (68,583,546
Class C Shares                
Sold   61,238     282,106     251,707     1,351,302  
Redeemed   (1,173,041   (5,045,852   (2,010,862   (10,698,715
Net decrease – Class C   (1,111,803   (4,763,746   (1,759,155   (9,347,413
Class D Shares                
Sold   8,063     36,453     45,180     243,894  
Redeemed   (139,209   (614,483   (300,448   (1,624,853
Net decrease – Class D   (131,146   (578,030   (255,268   (1,380,959
Net decrease in Fund   (9,712,414 $ (41,926,937   (16,401,195 $ (86,631,799

8.   Fund Merger

On April 24, 2003, the Trustees of Morgan Stanley American Opportunities Fund ("American Opportunities") and the Fund approved a Plan of Reorganization whereby the Fund would be merged into American Opportunities. The Plan of Reorganization is subject to the consent of the Fund's shareholders at a special meeting scheduled to be held on September 30, 2003. If approved, the assets of American Opportunities would be combined with the assets of the Fund and shareholders of the Fund would become shareholders of American Opportunities, receiving shares of the corresponding class of American Opportunities equal to the value of their holdings in the Fund.

17

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Financial Highlights

Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period:


  FOR THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, FOR THE PERIOD
FEBRUARY 25, 2000*
THROUGH
JULY 31, 2000
  2003 2002 2001
Class A Shares                
Selected Per Share Data:                
Net asset value, beginning of period $  4.56   $  5.91   $  8.38   $ 10.00  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                
Net investment income (loss)‡   (0.02   (0.03   0.00     0.00  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.14     (1.32   (2.47   (1.62
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.12     (1.35   (2.47   (1.62
Net asset value, end of period $  4.68   $  4.56   $  5.91   $   8.38  
Total Return†   2.85   (22.84 )%    (29.47 )%    (16.20) % (1) 
Ratios to Average Net Assets(3):                
Expenses   1.65   1.41   1.20   1.29 %(2) 
Net investment income (loss)   (0.55 )%    (0.64 )%    0.05   0.06 %(2) 
Supplemental Data:                
Net assets, end of period, in thousands   $9,543     $11,918     $23,542       $55,552  
Portfolio turnover rate   213   235   352   195 %(1) 
* Commencement of operations.
The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period.
Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.

See Notes to Financial Statements

18

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Financial Highlights continued

    


  FOR THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, FOR THE PERIOD
FEBRUARY 25, 2000*
THROUGH
JULY 31, 2000
  2003 2002 2001
     
Class B Shares                
Selected Per Share Data:                
Net asset value, beginning of period $  4.47   $  5.85   $  8.35   $ 10.00  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                
Net investment loss‡   (0.06   (0.07   (0.06   (0.03
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.15     (1.31   (2.44   (1.62
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.09     (1.38   (2.50   (1.65
Net asset value, end of period $  4.56   $  4.47   $  5.85   $   8.35  
Total Return†   2.01   (23.59 )%    (29.94 )%    (16.50) % (1) 
Ratios to Average Net Assets(3):                
Expenses   2.40   2.17   2.03   2.04 %(2) 
Net investment loss   (1.30 )%    (1.40 )%    (0.78 )%    (0.69) % (2) 
Supplemental Data:                
Net assets, end of period, in thousands      $99,664     $133,084     $250,092     $460,663  
Portfolio turnover rate   213   235   352   195 %(1) 
* Commencement of operations.
The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period.
Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.

See Notes to Financial Statements

19

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Financial Highlights continued

    


  FOR THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, FOR THE PERIOD
FEBRUARY 25, 2000*
THROUGH
JULY 31, 2000
  2003 2002 2001
Class C Shares                
Selected Per Share Data:                
Net asset value, beginning of period $  4.46   $  5.85   $  8.35   $ 10.00  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                
Net investment loss‡   (0.06   (0.07   (0.06   (0.03
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.15     (1.32   (2.44   (1.62
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.09     (1.39   (2.50   (1.65
Net asset value, end of period $  4.55   $  4.46   $  5.85   $   8.35  
Total Return†   1.56   (23.76 )%    (29.94 )%    (16.50) % (1) 
Ratios to Average Net Assets(3):                
Expenses   2.40   2.17   2.03   2.04 %(2) 
Net investment loss   (1.30 )%    (1.40 )%    (0.78 )%    (0.69) % (2) 
Supplemental Data:                
Net assets, end of period, in thousands   $13,306        $18,008        $33,860       $66,448    
Portfolio turnover rate   213   235   352   195 %(1) 
* Commencement of operations.
The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period.
Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.

See Notes to Financial Statements

20

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Financial Highlights continued

    


  FOR THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, FOR THE PERIOD
FEBRUARY 25, 2000*
THROUGH
JULY 31, 2000
  2003 2002 2001
Class D Shares                
Selected Per Share Data:                
Net asset value, beginning of period $  4.58   $  5.93   $  8.38   $ 10.00  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                
Net investment income (loss)‡   (0.01   (0.02   0.01     0.01  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.14     (1.33   (2.46   (1.63
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.13     (1.35   (2.45   (1.62
Net asset value, end of period $  4.71   $  4.58   $  5.93   $   8.38  
Total Return†   3.06   (22.77 )%    (29.24 )%    (16.20) % (1) 
Ratios to Average Net Assets(3):                
Expenses   1.40   1.17   1.03   1.04 %(2) 
Net investment income (loss)   (0.30 )%    (0.40 )%    0.22   0.31 %(2) 
Supplemental Data:                
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $ 895   $ 1,470   $ 3,415   $ 418  
Portfolio turnover rate   213   235   352   195 %(1) 
* Commencement of operations.
The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period.
Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.

See Notes to Financial Statements

21

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Independent Auditors' Report

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund (the "Fund"), including the portfolio of investments, as of July 31, 2003, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended and changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2003, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund as of July 31, 2003, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
September 26, 2003

22

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Trustee and Officer Information

Independent Trustees:


Name, Age and Address of
Independent Trustee
Position(s) Held with Registrant Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years**
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee***
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
Michael Bozic (62)
c/o Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP Counsel to the Independent Directors
1675 Broadway
New York, NY
Trustee
Since
April 1994
Retired; Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since April 1994) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); formerly Vice Chairman of Kmart Corporation (December 1998-October 2000), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Levitz Furniture Corporation (November 1995-November 1998) and President and Chief Executive Officer of Hills Department Stores (May 1991-July 1995); formerly variously Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer (1987-1991) of the Sears Merchandise Group of Sears, Roebuck & Co. 216 Director of Weirton Steel Corporation.
Edwin J. Garn (70)
c/o Summit Ventures LLC
1 Utah Center
201 S. Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT
Trustee
Since January 1993 Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since January 1993) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); member of the Utah Regional Advisory Board of Pacific Corp.; formerly United States Senator (R-Utah) (1974-1992) and Chairman, Senate Banking Committee (1980-1986), Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah (1971-1974), Astronaut, Space Shuttle Discovery (April 12-19, 1985), and Vice Chairman, Huntsman Corporation (chemical company). 216 Director of Franklin Covey (time management systems), BMW Bank of North America, Inc. (industrial loan corporation), United Space Alliance (joint venture between Lockheed Martin and the Boeing Company) and Nuskin Asia Pacific (multilevel marketing); member of the board of various civic and charitable organizations.
Wayne E. Hedien (69)
c/o Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP
Counsel to the Independent Directors
1675 Broadway
New York, NY
Trustee
Since September 1997 Retired; Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003; (Since September 1997) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); formerly associated with the Allstate Companies (1966-1994), most recently as Chairman of The Allstate Corporation (March 1993-December 1994) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Allstate Insurance Company (July 1989-December 1994). 216 Director of The PMI Group Inc. (private mortgage insurance); Trustee and Vice Chairman of The Field Museum of Natural History; director of various other business and charitable organizations.

23

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Trustee and Officer Information continued


Name, Age and Address of
Independent Trustee
Position(s) Held with Registrant Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years**
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee***
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (54)
c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc.
2099 Pennsylvania
Avenue, N.W.
Suite 950
Washington, D.C.
Trustee
Since
July 1991
Chairman of the Audit Committee and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since July 1991) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc., a consulting firm; Co-Chairman and a founder of the Group of Seven Council (G7C), an international economic commission; formerly Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. 216 Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction); Chairman and Trustee of the Financial Accounting Foundation (oversight organization of the Financial Accounting Standards Board); Director of RBS Greenwich Capital Holdings (financial holding company).
Joseph J. Kearns (60)
PMB754
23852 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA
Trustee
Since
July 2003
Deputy Chairman of the Audit Committee and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since July 2003) and the Institutional Funds (since August 1994); previously Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Institutional Funds (October 2001-July 2003); President, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); formerly CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust. 217 Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing), The Ford Family Foundation, and the UCLA Foundation.
Michael E. Nugent (67)
c/o Triumph Capital, L.P.
445 Park Avenue
New York, NY
Trustee
Since
July 1991
Chairman of the Insurance Committee and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since July 1991) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2001); General Partner of Triumph Capital, L.P., a private investment partnership; formerly Vice President, Bankers Trust Company and BT Capital Corporation (1984-1988). 216 Director of various business organizations.
Fergus Reid (70)
85 Charles Colman Blvd.
Pawling, NY
Trustee
Since
July 2003
Chairman of the Governance Committee and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since July 2003) and the Institutional Funds (since June 1992); Chairman of Lumelite Plastics Corporation. 217 Trustee and Director of certain investment companies in the JPMorgan Funds complex managed by JP Morgan Investment Management Inc.

24

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Trustee and Officer Information continued

Interested Trustees:


Name, Age and Address of
Independent Trustee
Position(s) Held with Registrant Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years**
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee***
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
Charles A. Fiumefreddo (70)
c/o Morgan Stanley Trust
Harborside Financial Center,
Plaza Two,
Jersey City, NJ
Chairman of the Board and Trustee
Since
July 1991
Chairman and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since July 1991) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); formerly Chief Executive Officer of the Retail Funds and the TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (until September 2002). 216 None
James F. Higgins (55)
c/o Morgan Stanley Trust
Harborside Financial Center,
Plaza Two,
Jersey City, NJ
Trustee
Since
June 2000
Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since June 2000) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Senior Advisor of Morgan Stanley (since August 2000); Director of the Distributor and Dean Witter Realty Inc.; previously President and Chief Operating Officer of the Private Client Group of Morgan Stanley (May 1999-August 2000), and President and Chief Operating Officer of Individual Securities of Morgan Stanley (February 1997-May 1999).
216 Director of AXA Financial, Inc. and The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (financial services).
Philip J. Purcell (59)
1585 Broadway
New York, NY
Trustee
Since
April 1994
Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since April 1994) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley DW Inc.; Director of the Distributor; Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Novus Credit Services Inc.; Director and/or officer of various Morgan Stanley subsidiaries.
216 Director of American Airlines, Inc. and its parent company, AMR Corporation.
    * This is the earliest date the Trustee began serving the funds advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (the "Investment Manager") (the "Retail Funds").
  ** The dates referenced below indicating commencement of services as Director/Trustee for the Retail Funds and the funds advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., Morgan Stanley Investments LP and Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP (the "Institutional Funds") reflect the earliest date the Director/Trustee began serving the Retail or Institutional Funds as applicable.
*** The Fund Complex includes all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Investment Manager and any funds that have an investment advisor that is an affiliated person of the Investment Manager (including but not limited to Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and Morgan Stanley Investments LP).

25

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Trustee and Officer Information continued

Officers:


Name, Age and Address of
Executive Officer
Position(s)
Held with
Registrant
    
Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years**
Mitchell M. Merin (49)
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
President
Since May 1999
President and Chief Operating Officer of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.; President, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services; Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Distributor; Chairman and Director of the Transfer Agent; Director of various Morgan Stanley subsidiaries; President Morgan Stanley Investments LP (since February 2003); President of the Institutional Funds (since July 2003) and President of the Retail Funds and TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since May 1999); Trustee (since July 2003) and President (since December 2002) of the Van Kampen Closed-End Funds; Trustee (since May 1999) and President (since October 2002) of the Van Kampen Open-End Funds.
Ronald E. Robison (64)
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer
Since April 2003
Chief Global Operations Officer and Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.; Managing Director of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated; Managing Director of Morgan Stanley; Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services; Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Transfer Agent; Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer of the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); and the TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (since April 2003); previously President of the Institutional Funds (March 2001-July 2003) and Director of the Institutional Funds (March 2001-July 2003).
Barry Fink (48)
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
Vice President and General Counsel
Since
February 1997
General Counsel (since May 2000) and Managing Director (since December 2000) of Morgan Stanley Investment Management; Managing Director (since December 2000), Secretary (since February 1997) and Director (since July 1998) of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services; Assistant Secretary of Morgan Stanley DW; Chief Legal Officer of Morgan Stanley Investments LP (since July 2002); Vice President of the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Vice President and Secretary of the Distributor; previously Secretary of the Retail Funds (February 1997-July 2003); previously Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services (February 1997-December 2001).
Joseph J. McAlinden (60)
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
Vice President
Since July 1995
Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of the Investment Manager, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and Morgan Stanley Investments LP; Director of the Transfer Agent, Chief Investment Officer of the Van Kampen Funds; Vice President of the Institutional Funds (since July 2003) and the Retail Funds (since July 1995).
Stefanie V. Chang (36)
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
Vice President
Since July 2003
Executive Director of Morgan Stanley & Co. and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and Vice President of the Institutional Funds (since December 1997) and the Retail Funds (since July 2003); formerly practiced law with the New York law firm of Rogers & Wells (now Clifford Chance LLP).

26

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

Trustee and Officer Information continued


Name, Age and Address of
Executive Officer
Position(s)
Held with
Registrant
    
Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served*
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years**
Francis Smith (37)
c/o Morgan Stanley Trust
Harborside Financial Center,
Plaza Two,
Jersey City, NJ
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Treasurer since July 2003 and Chief Financial Officer since September 2002
Executive Director of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services (since December 2001); previously Vice President of the Retail Funds (September 2002-July 2003); previously Vice President of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services (August 2000-November 2001) and Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (January 1998-August 2000).
Thomas F. Caloia (57)
c/o Morgan Stanley Trust
Harborside Financial Center,
Plaza Two,
Jersey City, NJ
Vice President
Since July 2003
Executive Director (since December 2002) and Assistant Treasurer of the Investment Manager, the Distributor and Morgan Stanley Services; previously Treasurer of the Retail Funds (April 1989-July 2003); formerly First Vice President of the Investment Manager, the Distributor and Morgan Stanley Services.
Mary E. Mullin (36)
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
Secretary
Since July 2003
Vice President of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.; Secretary of the Institutional Funds (since June 1999) and the Retail Funds (since July 2003); formerly practiced law with the New York law firms of McDermott, Will & Emery and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
    * This is the earliest date the Officer began serving the Retail Funds. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.
  ** The dates referenced below indicating commencement of service as an Officer for the Retail and Institutional Funds reflect the earliest date the Officer began serving the Retail or Institutional Funds as applicable.

27

Trustees

Michael Bozic
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Edwin J. Garn
Wayne E. Hedien
James F. Higgins
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson
Joseph J. Kearns
Michael E. Nugent
Philip J. Purcell
Fergus Reid

Officers

Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Chairman of the Board

Mitchell M. Merin
President

Ronald E. Robison
Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer

Barry Fink
Vice President and General Counsel

Joseph J. McAlinden
Vice President

Stefanie V. Chang
Vice President

Francis Smith
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Thomas F. Caloia
Vice President

Mary E. Mullin
Secretary

Transfer Agent

Morgan Stanley Trust
Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311

Independent Auditors

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Two World Financial Center
New York, New York 10281

Investment Manager

Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc.
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. For more detailed information about the Fund, its fees and expenses and other pertinent information, please read its Prospectus. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its trustees. It is available, without charge, by calling (800) 869-NEWS.

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective Prospectus. Read the Prospectus carefully before investing.

Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley DW Inc., member SIPC. Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc., member NASD.

© 2003 Morgan Stanley



36186RPT-12250I03-AP-9/03
Morgan Stanley Funds


Morgan Stanley
21st Century
Trend Fund






Annual Report
July 31, 2003












Item 2.  Code of Ethics.

(a)      The Fund has adopted a code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") that
         applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial
         officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons
         performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals
         are employed by the Fund or a third party.

(b)      No information need be disclosed pursuant to this paragraph.

(c)      Not applicable.

(d)      Not applicable.

(e)      Not applicable.

(f)

         (1) The Fund's Code of Ethics is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

         (2) Not applicable.

         (3) Not applicable.


Item 3.  Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The Fund's Board of Trustees has determined that it has two "audit committee
financial experts" serving on its audit committee, each of whom are
"independent" Trustees: Dr. Manuel H. Johnson and Joseph J. Kearns. Under
applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee
financial expert will not be deemed an "expert" for any purpose, including
without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933,
as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial
expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee
financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or
liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities
imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and Board of Trustees
in the absence of such designation or identification.



Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Applicable only for reports covering fiscal years ending on or after December
15, 2003.





Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Applicable only for reports covering periods ending on or after the earlier of
(i) the first annual shareholder meeting after January 15, 2004 or (ii) October
31, 2004.


Item 6. [Reserved.]


Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End
Management Investment Companies.

Applicable only to annual reports filed by closed-end funds.


Item 8. [Reserved.]


Item 9 - Controls and Procedures

(a) The Fund's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have
concluded that the Fund's disclosure controls and procedures are sufficient to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Fund in this Form N-CSR
was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, based
upon such officers' evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date
within 90 days of the filing date of the report.

    There were no significant changes or corrective actions with regard to
significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Fund's internal controls
or in other factors that could significantly affect the Fund's internal controls
subsequent to the date of their evaluation.


(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year
(the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that
has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



                                       2




Item 10 Exhibits

(a) The Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers is
attached hereto.

(b) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal
financial officer of the registrant are attached hereto as part of EX-99.CERT.




                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and
the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

/s/ Ronald E. Robison
Ronald E. Robison
Principal Executive Officer
September 22, 2003

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and
the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.

/s/ Ronald E. Robison
Ronald E. Robison
Principal Executive Officer
September 22, 2003

/s/ Francis Smith
Francis Smith
Principal Financial Officer
September 22, 2003


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and
the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

/s/ Ronald E. Robison
Ronald E. Robison
Principal Executive Officer
December 8, 2003

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and
the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.

/s/ Ronald E. Robison
Ronald E. Robison
Principal Executive Officer
December 8, 2003

/s/ Francis Smith
Francis Smith
Principal Financial Officer
December 8, 2003






                                       3




                                                                    EXHIBIT 10 A

CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS ADOPTED
                                 JULY 31, 2003


I.       This Code of Ethics (the "Code") for the investment companies within
         the Morgan Stanley complex identified in Exhibit A (collectively,
         "Funds" and each, a "Fund") applies to each Fund's Principal Executive
         Officer, President, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer (or
         persons performing similar functions) ("Covered Officers" each of whom
         are set forth in Exhibit B) for the purpose of promoting:

         o        honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of
                  actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and
                  professional relationships.

         o        full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in
                  reports and documents that a company files with, or submits
                  to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and in
                  other public communications made by the Fund;

         o        compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and
                  regulations;

         o        prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an
                  appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and

         o        accountability for adherence to the Code.

                  Each Covered Officer should adhere to a high standard of
business ethics and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to
actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest. Any question about the
application of the Code should be referred to the General Counsel or his/her
designee (who is set forth in Exhibit C).



                                       4


II.      COVERED OFFICERS SHOULD HANDLE ETHICALLY ACTUAL AND APPARENT CONFLICTS
         OF INTEREST

         OVERVIEW. A "conflict of interest" occurs when a Covered Officer's
private interest interferes, or appears to interfere, with the interests of, or
his service to, the Fund. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a
Covered Officer, or a member of his family, receives improper personal benefits
as a result of his position with the Fund.

         Certain conflicts of interest arise out of the relationships between
Covered Officers and the Fund and already are subject to conflict of interest
provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act") and
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Investment Advisers Act"). For example,
Covered Officers may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as
the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with the Fund because of
their status as "affiliated persons" (as defined in the Investment Company Act)
of the Fund. The Fund's and its investment adviser's compliance programs and
procedures are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these
provisions. This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace these
programs and procedures, and such conflicts fall outside the parameters of this
Code, unless or until the General Counsel determines that any violation of such
programs and procedures is also a violation of this Code.

         Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal
benefit, conflicts may arise from, or as a result of, the contractual
relationship between the Fund and its investment adviser of which the Covered
Officers are also officers or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that
the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether
formally for the Fund or for the investment adviser, or for both), be involved
in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different
effects on the Fund and its investment adviser. The participation of the Covered
Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between
the Fund and the investment adviser and is consistent with the performance by
the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of the Fund. Thus, if performed
in conformity with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the
Investment Advisers Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled
ethically. In addition, it is recognized by the Funds' Boards of
Directors/Trustees ("Boards") that the Covered Officers may also be officers or
employees of one or more other investment companies covered by this or other
codes.

         Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Code, even if such
conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions in the Investment Company
Act and the Investment Advisers Act. The following list provides examples of
conflicts of interest under the Code, but Covered Officers should keep in mind
that these examples are not exhaustive. The overarching principle is that the
personal interest of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before
the interest of the Fund.

         Each Covered Officer must not:

         o        use his personal influence or personal relationships
                  improperly to influence investment decisions or financial
                  reporting by the Fund whereby


                                       5


                  the Covered Officer would benefit personally (directly or
                  indirectly) to the detriment of the Fund;

         o        cause the Fund to take action, or fail to take action, for the
                  individual personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than
                  the benefit of the Fund; or

         o        use material non-public knowledge of portfolio transactions
                  made or contemplated for, or actions proposed to be taken by,
                  the Fund to trade personally or cause others to trade
                  personally in contemplation of the market effect of such
                  transactions.

         Each Covered Officer must, at the time of signing this Code, report to
the General Counsel all affiliations or significant business relationships
outside the Morgan Stanley complex and must update the report annually.

         Conflict of interest situations should always be approved by the
General Counsel and communicated to the relevant Fund or Fund's Board. Any
activity or relationship that would present such a conflict for a Covered
Officer would likely also present a conflict for the Covered Officer if an
immediate member of the Covered Officer's family living in the same household
engages in such an activity or has such a relationship. Examples of these
include:

         o        service or significant business relationships as a director on
                  the board of any public or private company;

         o        accepting directly or indirectly, anything of value, including
                  gifts and gratuities in excess of $100 per year from any
                  person or entity with which the Fund has current or
                  prospective business dealings, not including occasional meals
                  or tickets for theatre or sporting events or other similar
                  entertainment; provided it is business-related, reasonable in
                  cost, appropriate as to time and place, and not so frequent as
                  to raise any question of impropriety;

         o        any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment
                  relationship with, any of the Fund's service providers, other
                  than its investment adviser, principal underwriter, or any
                  affiliated person thereof; and

         o        a direct or indirect financial interest in commissions,
                  transaction charges or spreads paid by the Fund for effecting
                  portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares
                  other than an interest arising from the Covered Officer's
                  employment, such as compensation or equity ownership.

III.     DISCLOSURE AND COMPLIANCE

         o        Each Covered Officer should familiarize himself/herself with
                  the disclosure and compliance requirements generally
                  applicable to the Funds;



                                       6


         o        each Covered Officer must not knowingly misrepresent, or cause
                  others to misrepresent, facts about the Fund to others,
                  whether within or outside the Fund, including to the Fund's
                  Directors/Trustees and auditors, or to governmental regulators
                  and self-regulatory organizations;

         o        each Covered Officer should, to the extent appropriate within
                  his area of responsibility, consult with other officers and
                  employees of the Funds and their investment advisers with the
                  goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and
                  understandable disclosure in the reports and documents the
                  Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public
                  communications made by the Funds; and

         o        it is the responsibility of each Covered Officer to promote
                  compliance with the standards and restrictions imposed by
                  applicable laws, rules and regulations.

IV.      REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

         Each Covered Officer must:

         o        upon adoption of the Code (thereafter as applicable, upon
                  becoming a Covered Officer), affirm in writing to the Boards
                  that he has received, read and understands the Code;

         o        annually thereafter affirm to the Boards that he has complied
                  with the requirements of the Code;

         o        not retaliate against any other Covered Officer, other officer
                  or any employee of the Funds or their affiliated persons for
                  reports of potential violations that are made in good faith;
                  and

         o        notify the General Counsel promptly if he/she knows or
                  suspects of any violation of this Code. Failure to do so is
                  itself a violation of this Code.

         The General Counsel is responsible for applying this Code to specific
situations in which questions are presented under it and has the authority to
interpret this Code in any particular situation. However, any waivers1 sought by
a Covered Officer must be considered by the Board of the relevant Fund or Funds.

         The Funds will follow these procedures in investigating and enforcing
this Code:

         o        the General Counsel will take all appropriate action to
                  investigate any potential violations reported to him;


------------
1 Item 2 of Form N-CSR defines "waiver" as "the approval by the registrant of a
material departure from a provision of the code of ethics."

                                       7


         o        if, after such investigation, the General Counsel believes
                  that no violation has occurred, the General Counsel is not
                  required to take any further action;

         o        any matter that the General Counsel believes is a violation
                  will be reported to the relevant Fund's Audit Committee;

         o        if the directors/trustees/managing general partners who are
                  not "interested persons" as defined by the Investment Company
                  Act (the "Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General
                  Partners") of the relevant Fund concur that a violation has
                  occurred, they will consider appropriate action, which may
                  include review of, and appropriate modifications to,
                  applicable policies and procedures; notification to
                  appropriate personnel of the investment adviser or its board;
                  or a recommendation to dismiss the Covered Officer or other
                  appropriate disciplinary actions;

         o        the Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners
                  of the relevant Fund will be responsible for granting waivers
                  of this Code, as appropriate; and

         o        any changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent
                  required, be disclosed as provided by SEC rules.

V.       OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

         This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the Funds for
purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and
forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. Insofar as other
policies or procedures of the Funds, the Funds' investment advisers, principal
underwriters, or other service providers govern or purport to govern the
behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code,
they are superseded by this Code to the extent that they overlap or conflict
with the provisions of this Code unless any provision of this Code conflicts
with any applicable federal or state law, in which case the requirements of such
law will govern. The Funds' and their investment advisers' and principal
underwriters' codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act
and Morgan Stanley's Code of Ethics are separate requirements applying to the
Covered Officers and others, and are not part of this Code.

VI.      AMENDMENTS

         Any amendments to this Code, other than amendments to Exhibits A, B or
C, must be approved or ratified by a majority vote of the Board of each Fund,
including a majority of Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General
Partners.

VII.     CONFIDENTIALITY



                                       8


         All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code
will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected
accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters
shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the Independent
Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners of the relevant Fund or Funds and
their counsel, the relevant Fund or Funds and their counsel and the relevant
investment adviser and its counsel.




                                       9






VIII.    INTERNAL USE

         The Code is intended solely for the internal use by the Funds and does
not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of any Fund, as to any fact,
circumstance, or legal conclusion



I have read and understand the terms of the above Code. I recognize the
responsibilities and obligations incurred by me as a result of my being subject
to the Code. I hereby agree to abide by the above Code.


---------------------------------------

Date:
     ----------------------------------




                                       10






                                    EXHIBIT B
                                    ---------

                               INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
                                COVERED OFFICERS
                                ----------------

                          Mitchell M. Merin - President
  Ronald E. Robison - Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer
            James W. Garrett - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

                                  RETAIL FUNDS
                                COVERED OFFICERS
                                ----------------

                          Mitchell M. Merin - President
  Ronald E. Robison - Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer
               Frank Smith - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer




                                       11






                                    EXHIBIT C

                                 GENERAL COUNSEL

                                   Barry Fink



                                       12





                                                                   EXHIBIT 10 B1

                  CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

                                 CERTIFICATIONS

I, Ronald E. Robison, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley 21st Century
     Trend Fund;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of
     a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
     statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
     were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
     report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial
     information included in this report, fairly present in all material
     respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net
     assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include
     a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
     presented in this report;

4.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
     establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
     in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the
     registrant and have:

a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
     controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
     that material information relating to the registrant, including its
     consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
     entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
     prepared;

[b)  Omitted.]

c)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
     procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
     effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date
     within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such
     evaluation; and

d)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
     over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
     fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of
     an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
     materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
     reporting; and

5.   The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the
     registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of
     directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
     operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
     likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
     summarize, and report financial information; and



                                       13


b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
     employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls
     over financial reporting.

Date:  September 22, 2003

                                                   /s/ Ronald E. Robison
                                                   Ronald E. Robison
                                                   Principal Executive Officer






                                       14




                                                                   EXHIBIT 10 B2

                  CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

                                 CERTIFICATIONS

I, Francis Smith, certify that:

6.   I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley 21st Century
     Trend Fund;

7.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of
     a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
     statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
     were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
     report;

8.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial
     information included in this report, fairly present in all material
     respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net
     assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include
     a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
     presented in this report;

9.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
     establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
     in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the
     registrant and have:

b)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
     controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
     that material information relating to the registrant, including its
     consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
     entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
     prepared;

[b)  Omitted.]

e)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
     procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
     effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date
     within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such
     evaluation; and

f)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
     over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
     fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of
     an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
     materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
     reporting; and

10.  The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the
     registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of
     directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

c)   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
     operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
     likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
     summarize, and report financial information; and



                                       15


d)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
     employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls
     over financial reporting.

Date:  September 22, 2003

                                                     /s/ Francis Smith
                                                     Francis Smith
                                                     Principal Financial Officer





                                       16





                                                                   EXHIBIT 10 B3

                  CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

                                 CERTIFICATIONS

I, Ronald E. Robison, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley 21st Century
     Trend Fund;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of
     a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
     statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
     were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
     report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial
     information included in this report, fairly present in all material
     respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net
     assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include
     a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
     presented in this report;

4.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
     establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
     in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the
     registrant and have:

a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
     controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
     that material information relating to the registrant, including its
     consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
     entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
     prepared;

[b)  Omitted.]

c)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
     procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
     effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date
     within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such
     evaluation; and

d)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
     over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
     fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of
     an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
     materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
     reporting; and

5.   The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the
     registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of
     directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
     operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
     likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
     summarize, and report financial information; and



                                       17


b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
     employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls
     over financial reporting.

Date:  December 8, 2003

                                                   /s/ Ronald E. Robison
                                                   Ronald E. Robison
                                                   Principal Executive Officer






                                       18




                                                                   EXHIBIT 10 B4

                  CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

                                 CERTIFICATIONS

I, Francis Smith, certify that:

6.   I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley 21st Century
     Trend Fund;

7.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of
     a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
     statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
     were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
     report;

8.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial
     information included in this report, fairly present in all material
     respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net
     assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include
     a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
     presented in this report;

9.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
     establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
     in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the
     registrant and have:

b)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
     controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
     that material information relating to the registrant, including its
     consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
     entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
     prepared;

[b)  Omitted.]

e)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
     procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
     effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date
     within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such
     evaluation; and

f)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
     over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
     fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of
     an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
     materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
     reporting; and

10.  The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the
     registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of
     directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

c)   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
     operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
     likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
     summarize, and report financial information; and



                                       19


d)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
     employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls
     over financial reporting.

Date:  December 8, 2003

                                                     /s/ Francis Smith
                                                     Francis Smith
                                                     Principal Financial Officer





                                       20





                            SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

                Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
                             As Adopted Pursuant to
                  Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

         In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the
above-named issuer for the period ended July 31, 2003 that is accompanied by
this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that:

1.       The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
         15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.       The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         the Issuer.



Date: September 22, 2003                           /s/ Ronald E. Robison
                                                   ---------------------------
                                                   Ronald E. Robison
                                                   Principal Executive Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund and will be retained by
Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund and furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.



                                       21




                            SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

                Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
                             As Adopted Pursuant to
                  Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

         In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the
above-named issuer for the period ended July 31, 2003 that is accompanied by
this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that:

1.       The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
         15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.       The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         the Issuer.



Date: September 22, 2003                            /s/ Francis Smith
                                                    ----------------------
                                                    Francis Smith
                                                    Principal Financial Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund and will be retained by
Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund and furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.




                                       22





                            SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

                Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
                             As Adopted Pursuant to
                  Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

         In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the
above-named issuer for the period ended July 31, 2003 that is accompanied by
this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that:

1.       The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
         15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.       The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         the Issuer.



Date: December 8, 2003                             /s/ Ronald E. Robison
                                                   ---------------------------
                                                   Ronald E. Robison
                                                   Principal Executive Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund and will be retained by
Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund and furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.



                                       23




                            SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

                Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
                             As Adopted Pursuant to
                  Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund

         In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the
above-named issuer for the period ended July 31, 2003 that is accompanied by
this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that:

1.       The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
         15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.       The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         the Issuer.



Date: December 8, 2003                            /s/ Francis Smith
                                                  ----------------------
                                                  Francis Smith
                                                  Principal Financial Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund and will be retained by
Morgan Stanley 21st Century Trend Fund and furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.





                                       24