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Market Index Target-Term Securities^® “MITTS^®”

MITTS are unsecured and are not savings accounts, deposits, or other obligations of a bank. MITTS are not guaranteed by Bank of America, N.A. or any other bank, are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency and involve investment risks. Potential purchasers of MITTS should consider the information in “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-11. You may lose some or all of your investment in MITTS.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, or the prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

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Market Index Target-Term Securities^® and MITTS^® are each registered service marks of our subsidiary, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

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RISK FACTORS

Your investment in MITTS entails significant risks. Your decision to purchase MITTS should be made only after carefully considering the risks of an investment in MITTS, including those discussed below, with your advisors in light of your particular circumstances. MITTS are not an appropriate investment for you if you are not knowledgeable about significant elements of MITTS or financial matters in general.

General Risks Relating to MITTS

You may not earn a return on your investment and, if the Minimum Redemption Amount is less than the Original Offering Price, then your investment may result in a loss. We will not repay you a fixed amount on your MITTS at maturity. The payment you will receive on the maturity date on your MITTS will depend on the direction of and percentage change in the value of the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked. You should carefully review the applicable term sheet to determine the extent to which your principal is at risk, and whether an investment in the notes is appropriate in light of the amount of your investment that you are prepared to place at risk.

If the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value (or, in the case of Bear MITTS, greater than the Starting Value), and if the Minimum Redemption Amount is less than the Original Offering Price, your investment will result in a loss, unless the Base Value exceeds the Original Offering Price by an amount sufficient to overcome the decrease (or, in the case of Bear MITTS, increase) in the value of the Market Measure from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.

Further, if the Base Value and the Minimum Redemption Amount are each less than the Original Offering Price, your investment may result in a loss if the Ending Value is not sufficiently greater than (or, in the case of Bear MITTS, sufficiently less than) the Starting Value to overcome the difference between the Base Value and the Original Offering Price.

Your yield may be less than the yield on a conventional debt security of comparable maturity. There will be no periodic interest payments on MITTS as there would be on a conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt security having the same maturity. Even if the Minimum Redemption Amount is greater than the Original Offering Price, any yield that you receive on MITTS may be less than the return you would earn if you purchased a conventional debt security with the same maturity date. As a result, your investment in MITTS may not reflect the full opportunity cost to you when you consider factors that affect the time value of money.

If specified in the applicable term sheet, your return, if any, is limited to the return represented by the Capped Value. Although any positive return on MITTS is based on the increase (or, in the case of Bear MITTS, decrease) in the Market Measure, in no event will you receive a Redemption Amount greater than the applicable Capped Value. In other words, your opportunity to participate in possible increases (or, in the case of Bear MITTS, decreases) in the value of the Market Measure through an investment in MITTS is limited to the return represented by the Capped Value that may be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Your investment return may be less than a comparable investment directly in the Market Measure, or the components included in the Market Measure. If a Capped Value is specified in the applicable term sheet, the appreciation potential of MITTS is limited to the return represented by the applicable Capped Value. In addition, if so specified in the applicable term sheet, the appreciation potential of MITTS may be limited by a Participation Rate that is less than 100%. In contrast, a direct investment in the Market Measure or the

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components of the Market Measure would allow you to receive the full benefit of any appreciation in the value of those components. Similarly, in the case of Bear MITTS, a strategy such as a short sale could allow you to receive the full benefit of any depreciation in the applicable value of the Market Measure or the components of the Market Measure.

Your return on equity-based or commodity-based MITTS, if any, also will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned those securities or commodities underlying the Market Measure and received the dividends paid or distributions made on them because, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, the Ending Value will be calculated without taking into consideration the value of dividends paid or distributions made on those underlying components, or any other rights with respect to the components of the Market Measure.

In addition, in certain instances, the Market Measure may consist of or include one or more equity indices that are traded in a non-U.S. currency, such as the euro or the Japanese yen. In such instances, if the value of that currency increases against the U.S. dollar during the term of your MITTS, you may not obtain the benefit of that increase, which you would have received if you had owned the securities included in the applicable index or indices. In contrast, in the case of Bear MITTS, you may not receive the benefit of any decreases in the value of the applicable currency.

You must rely on your own evaluation of the merits of an investment linked to the applicable Market Measure. In the ordinary course of their businesses, our affiliates may have expressed views on expected movements in a Market Measure or the components of a Market Measure, and may do so in the future. These views or reports may be communicated to our clients and clients of our affiliates. However, these views are subject to change from time to time. Moreover, other professionals who deal in markets relating to a Market Measure may at any time have significantly different views from those of our affiliates. For these reasons, you are encouraged to derive information concerning a Market Measure or its components from multiple sources and you should not rely on the views expressed by our affiliates.

In seeking to provide you with what we believe to be commercially reasonable terms for MITTS while providing MLPF&S or any other selling agents with compensation for its services, we have considered the costs of developing, hedging, and distributing MITTS. In determining the economic terms of MITTS, and consequently the potential return on MITTS to you, a number of factors are taken into account. Among these factors are certain costs associated with creating, hedging, and offering MITTS. In structuring the economic terms of MITTS, we seek to provide you with what we believe to be commercially reasonable terms and to provide MLPF&S or any other applicable selling agent with compensation for its services in developing the securities. The price, if any, at which you could sell your MITTS in a secondary market transaction is expected to be affected by the factors that we considered in setting the economic terms of MITTS, namely the selling agent commissions or underwriting discount paid in respect of MITTS and other costs associated with MITTS, and compensation for developing and hedging MITTS. The quoted price of any of our affiliates for MITTS, or the listed price in the case of listed MITTS, could be higher or lower than the Original Offering Price.

Assuming there is no change in the value of the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked and no change in market conditions or any other relevant factors, the price, if any, at which MLPF&S or another purchaser might be willing to purchase your MITTS in a secondary market transaction is expected to be lower than the Original Offering Price. This is due to, among other things, the fact that the Original Offering Price includes, and secondary market prices are likely to exclude, selling agent commissions or underwriting discounts paid with respect to, and the developing and hedging costs associated with, MITTS.

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We cannot assure you that a trading market for your MITTS will ever develop or be maintained. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, we will not list MITTS on any securities exchange. Even if an application were made to list your MITTS, we cannot assure you that the application will be approved or that your MITTS will be listed and, if listed, that it will remain listed for the entire term of MITTS. We cannot predict how MITTS will trade in the secondary market, or whether that market will be liquid or illiquid. You should be aware that the listing of MITTS on any securities exchange will not necessarily ensure that a trading market will develop for MITTS, and if a trading market does develop, that there will be liquidity in the trading market.

The development of a trading market for MITTS will depend on our financial performance and other factors, including changes in the value of the Market Measure. The number of potential buyers of your MITTS in any secondary market may be limited. We anticipate that one or more of the selling agents will act as a market-maker for MITTS that it offers, but it is not required to do so. Any such selling agent may discontinue its market-making activities as to any series of MITTS at any time. To the extent that a selling agent engages in any market-making activities, it may bid for or offer any series of MITTS. Any price at which the selling agent may bid for, offer, purchase, or sell any MITTS may differ from the values determined by pricing models that may be used by that selling agent, whether as a result of dealer discounts, mark-ups, or other transaction costs. These bids, offers, or completed transactions may affect the prices, if any, at which those MITTS might otherwise trade in the market.

In addition, if at any time the applicable selling agent were to cease acting as a market-maker as to any series of MITTS, it is likely that there would be significantly less liquidity in the secondary market. In such a case, the price at which those MITTS could be sold likely would be lower than if an active market existed.

The Redemption Amount will not be affected by all developments relating to the Market Measure. Changes in the value of the Market Measure during the term of MITTS before the applicable Maturity Valuation Period or the applicable calculation day will not be reflected in the calculation of the Redemption Amount. The calculation agent will calculate the Redemption Amount by comparing only the Starting Value to the Ending Value. No other values of the Market Measure will be taken into account. As a result, you may receive a Redemption Amount that is not significantly higher than the Minimum Redemption Amount (or in the case of MITTS that are less than 100% principal protected, a Redemption Amount that is less than the Original Offering Price of your MITTS), even if the value of the Market Measure has increased (or in the case of Bear MITTS, decreased) at certain times during their term before decreasing to a value below the Starting Value (or, in the case of Bear MITTS, increasing to a higher value) during the Maturity Valuation Period or on the applicable calculation day.

If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is a Basket, changes in the value of one or more of the Basket Components may be offset by changes in the value of one or more of the other Basket Components. The Market Measure of your MITTS may consist of a Basket. In such a case, a change in the values of one or more of the Basket Components may not correlate with changes in the values of one or more of the other Basket Components. The values of one or more Basket Components may increase, while the value of one or more of the other Basket Components may not increase as much, or may even decrease. The opposite changes may occur in the case of Bear MITTS. Therefore, in calculating the Market Measure as of any time, increases (or in the case of Bear MITTS, decreases) in the value of one Basket Component may be moderated, or wholly offset, by lesser increases or decreases (or in the case of Bear MITTS, lesser decreases or increases) in the value of one or more of the other Basket Components. If the weightings of the applicable Basket Components are not equal, changes in the value of the Basket Components which are more heavily weighted could have a disproportionately adverse impact upon your MITTS.

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The respective publishers of the Market Measures may adjust such Market Measure or any component of a Market Measure in a way that affects its value, and these respective publishers have no obligation to consider your interests. The publishers of a Market Measure (each a “Market Measure Publisher”) can add, delete, or substitute the components included in a Market Measure or make other methodological changes that could change the value of such Market Measure. You should realize that the changing of companies, commodities, or other components included in a Market Measure may affect such Market Measure, as a newly added component may perform significantly better or worse than the component it replaces. Additionally, a Market Measure Publisher may alter, discontinue, or suspend calculation or dissemination of its Market Measure. Any of these actions could adversely affect the value of your MITTS. The Market Measure Publishers will have no obligation to consider your interests in calculating or revising the Market Measure.

Exchange rate movements may impact the value of MITTS. MITTS will be denominated in U.S. dollars. If the value of any equity-based or commodity-based Market Measure component is traded in a currency other than U.S. dollars and, for purposes of the Market Measure, is converted into U.S. dollars or another currency, then the Redemption Amount may depend in part on the relevant exchange rates. If the value of the U.S. dollar increases (or in the case of Bear MITTS, decreases) against the currencies of that Market Measure or its components, the value of the Market Measure or its components may be adversely affected and the Redemption Amount may be reduced. Unless otherwise stated in the applicable term sheet, the Redemption Amount will not be adjusted as a result of changes in the applicable exchange rates between those currencies and the U.S. dollar. Exchange rate movements may be particularly impacted by existing and expected rates of inflation, existing and expected interest rate levels, the balance of payments, and the extent of governmental surpluses or deficits in the countries relevant to the applicable Market Measure and its components and the United States. All of these factors are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal, and trade policies pursued by the governments of various countries and the United States and other countries important to international trade and finance.

If the Market Measure consists of one or more currency exchange rates, please see the section below, “—Risks Relating to Exchange Rate-Based Market Measures” for additional risk factors relating to changes in exchange rates.

If you attempt to sell MITTS prior to maturity, their market value, if any, will be affected by various factors that interrelate in complex ways, and their market value may be less than their Original Offering Price. Unlike savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and other similar investment products, you have no right to have your MITTS redeemed prior to maturity. If you wish to liquidate your investment in MITTS prior to maturity, your only option would be to sell them. At that time, there may be an illiquid market for your MITTS or no market at all. Even if you were able to sell your MITTS, there are many factors outside of our control that may affect their market value, some of which, but not all, are stated below. Some of these factors are interrelated in complex ways. As a result, the effect of any one factor may be offset or magnified by the effect of another factor. The following paragraphs describe the expected impact on the market value of MITTS from a change in a specific factor, assuming all other conditions remain constant.

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In general, assuming all relevant factors are held constant, we anticipate that the effect on the market value of any series of MITTS based on a given change in most of the factors listed above will be less if it occurs later in the term of MITTS than if it occurs earlier in their term. However, we expect that the effect on the market value of MITTS of a given change in the value of the Market Measure will be greater if it occurs later in the term of MITTS than if it occurs earlier in the term of MITTS.

Payments on MITTS are subject to our credit risk, and changes in our credit ratings are expected to affect the value of MITTS. MITTS are our senior unsecured debt securities. As a result, your receipt of the Redemption Amount at maturity is dependent upon our ability to repay our obligations on the maturity date. This will be the case even if the value of the Market Measure increases (or in the case of Bear MITTS, decreases) after the pricing date. No assurance can be given as to what our financial condition will be on the maturity date.

In addition, our credit ratings are an assessment by ratings agencies of our ability to pay our obligations. Consequently, our perceived creditworthiness and actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings prior to the maturity date may affect the market value of MITTS. However, because your return on MITTS depends upon factors in addition to our ability to pay

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our obligations, such as the value of the applicable Market Measure, an improvement in our credit ratings will not reduce the other investment risks related to MITTS.

Purchases and sales by us and our affiliates may affect your return. We and our affiliates may from time to time buy or sell the Market Measures, components of Market Measures, or futures or options contracts on Market Measures or the components of the Market Measures for our own accounts for business reasons. We also expect to enter into these transactions in connection with hedging our obligations under MITTS. These transactions could affect the value of these components and, in turn, the value of a Market Measure in a manner that could be adverse to your investment in MITTS. Any purchases or sales by us, our affiliates or others on our behalf on or before the applicable pricing date may temporarily increase or decrease the value of a Market Measure or the components of a Market Measure. Temporary increases or decreases in the value of the Market Measure or the components of a Market Measure may also occur as a result of the purchasing activities of other market participants. Consequently, the values of such Market Measure or component may change subsequent to the pricing date of an issue of MITTS, affecting the value of the Market Measure and therefore the market value of MITTS.

Our trading and hedging activities may create conflicts of interest with you. We or one or more of our affiliates, including MLPF&S, may engage in trading activities related to the Market Measure and the securities, commodities, or other assets represented by the Market Measure that are not for your account or on your behalf. We and our affiliates from time to time may buy or sell the securities, commodities, currencies, or other assets represented by the Market Measure or related futures or options contracts for our own accounts, for business reasons, or in connection with hedging our obligations under MITTS. We also may issue, or our affiliates may underwrite, other financial instruments with returns based upon the applicable Market Measure. These trading and underwriting activities could affect the Market Measure in a manner that would be adverse to your investment in MITTS.

We expect to enter into arrangements to hedge the market risks associated with our obligation to pay the Redemption Amount due on the maturity date. We may seek competitive terms in entering into the hedging arrangements for MITTS, but are not required to do so, and we may enter into such hedging arrangements with one of our subsidiaries or affiliates. Such hedging activity is expected to result in a profit to those engaging in the hedging activity, which could be more or less than initially expected, but which could also result in a loss for the hedging counterparty.

We or our affiliates may enter into these transactions on or prior to each pricing date, in order to hedge some or all of our anticipated obligations under MITTS. This hedging activity could increase (or in the case of Bear MITTS, decrease) the value of the Market Measure on the applicable pricing date.

In addition, from time to time during the term of each series of MITTS and in connection with the determination of the Ending Value, we or our affiliates may enter into additional hedging transactions or adjust or close out existing hedging transactions. We or our affiliates also may enter into hedging transactions relating to other notes or instruments that we issue, some of which may have returns calculated in a manner related to that of a particular series of MITTS. We or our affiliates will price these hedging transactions with the intent to realize a profit, considering the risks inherent in these hedging activities, whether the value of MITTS increases or decreases. However, these hedging activities may result in a profit that is more or less than initially expected, or could result in a loss.

These trading activities may present a conflict of interest between your interest in your MITTS and the interests we and our affiliates may have in our proprietary accounts, in

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facilitating transactions, including block trades, for our other customers, and in accounts under our management. These trading activities, if they influence the Market Measure or secondary trading in your MITTS, could be adverse to your interests as a beneficial owner of MITTS.

Our hedging activities may affect your return at maturity and the market value of MITTS. We, or one or more of our affiliates, including MLPF&S, may engage in hedging activities that may affect the value of the Market Measure. Accordingly, our hedging activities may increase or decrease the market value of your MITTS during the Maturity Valuation Period or on the applicable calculation day and the applicable Redemption Amount. In addition, we or one or more of our affiliates, including MLPF&S, may purchase or otherwise acquire a long or short position in MITTS. We or any of our affiliates, including MLPF&S, may hold or resell MITTS. Although we have no reason to believe that any of those activities will have a material impact on the value of the Market Measure, we cannot assure you that these activities will not affect the value of the Market Measure and the market value of your MITTS prior to maturity or the Redemption Amount.

There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent. One of our affiliates will be the calculation agent for MITTS and, as such, will determine the Starting Value, the Ending Value and the Redemption Amount. Under some circumstances, these duties could result in a conflict of interest between our affiliate’s status as our affiliate and its responsibilities as calculation agent. These conflicts could occur, for instance, in connection with the calculation agent’s determination as to whether a “Market Disruption Event” has occurred, in connection with judgments that it would be required to make if the publication of an index is discontinued, in connection with its determination as to whether the value of an exchange rate can be obtained on a particular calculation day, or in connection with judgments that it would be required to make if the value of an exchange rate is unavailable. See the sections entitled “Description of MITTS—Market Disruption Events,” “—Adjustments to a Market Measure,” and “—Discontinuance of a Market Measure.” The calculation agent will be required to carry out its duties in good faith and using its reasonable judgment. However, because we expect to control the calculation agent, potential conflicts of interest could arise.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of MITTS are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the MITTS. No statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings, or other judicial decisions address the characterization of MITTS or other instruments with terms substantially the same as MITTS for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, certain aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in MITTS are not certain. We intend to treat MITTS as debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, you should consider the tax consequences of investing in MITTS, aspects of which are uncertain. See the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary.”

You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in MITTS.

Risks Relating to Equity-Based Market Measures

If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is equity-based, you will have no rights as a securityholder, you will have no rights to receive any of the securities represented by the Market Measure, and you will not be entitled to dividends or other distributions by the issuers of these securities. MITTS are our debt securities. They are not equity instruments, shares of stock, or securities of any other issuer. Investing in MITTS will not make you a holder of any of the securities represented by the Market Measure. You will not have any voting rights, any rights to receive dividends or other distributions, or

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any other rights with respect to those securities. As a result, the return on your MITTS may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned those securities and received the dividends paid or other distributions made in connection with them. This is because the calculation agent will calculate the Redemption Amount by reference to the Ending Value. Additionally, the values of certain equity based indices reflect only the prices of the common stocks included in the Market Measure or its components and do not take into consideration the value of dividends paid on those stocks. Your MITTS will be paid in cash and you have no right to receive delivery of any of these securities.

If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked includes stocks traded on foreign exchanges, your return may be affected by factors affecting international securities markets. Equity-based Market Measures that include stocks traded on foreign exchanges are computed by reference to the value of the equity securities of companies listed on a foreign exchange or exchanges. Therefore, the return on your MITTS will be affected by factors affecting the value of securities in the relevant non-U.S. markets. The relevant foreign securities markets may be more volatile than U.S. or other securities markets and may be affected by market developments in different ways than U.S. or other securities markets. Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize a particular securities market and cross-shareholdings in companies in the relevant foreign markets may affect prices and the volume of trading in those markets. Also, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies than about U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC. Additionally, accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and requirements in foreign countries differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies.

The prices and performance of securities of companies in foreign countries may be affected by political, economic, financial, and social factors in those regions. In addition, recent or future changes in government, economic, and fiscal policies in the relevant jurisdictions, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws, or other laws or restrictions, and possible fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies, are factors that could negatively affect the relevant securities markets. Moreover, the relevant foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in economic factors such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, and self-sufficiency.

Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, we do not control any company included in an equity-based Market Measure and are not responsible for any disclosure made by any other company. We currently, or in the future, may engage in business with companies represented by an equity-based Market Measure. However, neither we nor any of our affiliates, including MLPF&S, have the ability to control the actions of any of these companies or assume any responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of any publicly available information about any of these companies, unless (and only to the extent that) our securities or the securities of our affiliates are represented by that Market Measure. In addition, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, neither we nor any of our affiliates are responsible for the calculation of any index represented by a Market Measure. You should make your own investigation into the Market Measure and the companies represented by the applicable constituent securities.

Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, none of the Market Measure Publishers, their affiliates, nor any company included in the Market Measure will be involved in any offering of MITTS or will have any obligation of any sort with respect to MITTS. As a result, none of those companies will have any obligation to take your interests as holders of MITTS into consideration for any reason, including taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of the securities represented by the Market Measure or the value of the MITTS.

Our business activities relating to the companies represented by an equity-based Market Measure may create conflicts of interest with you. We and our affiliates, including

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MLPF&S, at the time of any offering of MITTS or in the future, may engage in business with the companies represented by an equity-based Market Measure, including making loans to, equity investments in, or providing investment banking, asset management, or other services to those companies, their affiliates, and their competitors. In connection with these activities, we may receive information about those companies that we will not divulge to you or other third parties. One or more of our affiliates have published, and in the future may publish, research reports on one or more of these companies. This research is modified from time to time without notice and may express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding your MITTS. Any of these activities may affect the market value of your MITTS. We, or any of our affiliates, do not make any representation to any purchasers of MITTS regarding any matters whatsoever relating to the issuers of the stocks included in an equity-based Market Measure. Any prospective purchaser of MITTS should undertake an independent investigation of the companies included in an equity-based Market Measure as in its judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision regarding an investment in MITTS. The composition of those companies does not reflect any investment recommendations from us or our affiliates.

Risks Relating to Commodity-Based Market Measures

If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is commodity-based, ownership of MITTS will not entitle you to any rights with respect to any futures contracts or commodities included in or tracked by the Market Measure. If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is commodity-based, you will not own or have any beneficial or other legal interest in, and will not be entitled to any rights with respect to, any of the commodities or commodity futures included in such Market Measure. We will not invest in any of the commodities or commodity futures contracts included in such Market Measure on behalf or for the benefit of holders of MITTS.

The prices of commodities included in a commodity-based Market Measure may change unpredictably, affecting the value of your MITTS in unforeseeable ways. Trading in commodities is speculative and can be extremely volatile. Market prices of the commodities may fluctuate rapidly based on numerous factors, including: changes in supply and demand relationships; weather; agriculture; trade; fiscal, monetary, and exchange control programs; domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies; disease; technological developments; and changes in interest rates. These factors may affect the value of a commodity-based Market Measure and the value of MITTS in varying ways, and different factors may cause the value of the commodities, and the volatilities of their prices, to move in inconsistent directions at inconsistent rates. Additionally, certain commodity-based Market Measures may be concentrated in only a few, or even a single industry (e.g., energy). These Market Measures are likely to be more volatile than those comprised of a variety of commodities.

With respect to a commodity-based Market Measure, suspension or disruptions of market trading in the applicable commodities and related futures markets may adversely affect the value of MITTS. The commodity markets are subject to disruptions due to various factors, including the lack of liquidity in the markets and government regulation and intervention. In addition, U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices that may occur during a single business day. These limits are generally referred to as “daily price fluctuation limits” and the maximum or minimum price of a contract on any given day as a result of these limits is referred to as a “limit price.” Once the limit price has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made at a different price. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices. There can be no assurance that any such disruption or any other force majeure (such as an act of God, fire, flood, severe weather conditions, act of governmental authority, labor difficulty,

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etc.) will not have an adverse affect on the value of or trading in the Market Measure, or the manner in which it is calculated, and therefore, the value of MITTS.

MITTS linked to a commodity-based Market Measure will not be regulated by U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”). Unlike an investment in MITTS linked to a commodity-based Market Measure, an investment in a collective investment vehicle that invests in futures contracts on behalf of its participants may be regulated as a commodity pool and its operator may be required to be registered with and regulated by the CFTC as a “commodity pool operator” (a “CPO”). Because MITTS linked to a commodity-based Market Measure will not be interests in a commodity pool, such MITTS will not be regulated by the CFTC as a commodity pool, we will not be registered with the CFTC as a CPO and you will not benefit from the CFTC’s or any non-U.S. regulatory authority’s regulatory protections afforded to persons who trade in futures contracts or who invest in regulated commodity pools. MITTS linked to a commodity-based Market Measure will not constitute investments by you or by us on your behalf in futures contracts traded on regulated futures exchanges, which may only be transacted through a person registered with the CFTC as a “futures commission merchant” (“FCM”). We are not registered with the CFTC as an FCM and you will not benefit from the CFTC’s or any other non-U.S. regulatory authority’s regulatory protections afforded to persons who trade in futures contracts on a regulated futures exchange through a registered FCM.

A commodity-based Market Measure may include futures contracts on foreign exchanges that are less regulated than U.S. markets. A commodity-based Market Measure may include futures contracts on physical commodities on exchanges located outside the U.S. The regulations of the CFTC do not apply to trading on foreign exchanges, and trading on foreign exchanges may involve different and greater risks than trading on U.S. exchanges. Certain foreign markets may be more susceptible to disruption than U.S. exchanges due to the lack of a government-regulated clearinghouse system. Trading on foreign exchanges also involves certain other risks that are not applicable to trading on U.S. exchanges. Those risks include: (a) exchange rate risk relative to the U.S. dollar; (b) exchange controls; (c) expropriation; (d) burdensome or confiscatory taxation; and (e) moratoriums, and political or diplomatic events. It will also likely be more costly and difficult for participants in those markets to enforce the laws or regulations of a foreign country or exchange, and it is possible that the foreign country or exchange may not have laws or regulations which adequately protect the rights and interests of investors in the Market Measure.

Risks Relating to Exchange Rate-Based Market Measures

If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked consists of one or more currency exchange rates, your return will depend on the Exchange Rate Measure. The Redemption Amount of your MITTS will depend on the movement of the Exchange Rate Measure. The Exchange Rate Measure may decrease, and even if it increases, it may not be sufficiently high to cause the Redemption Amount to exceed the Minimum Redemption Amount. In addition, if your MITTS are linked to the highest performing of two or more Exchange Rate Measures, only the highest Ending Value of each applicable Exchange Rate Measure will be used in determining the Redemption Amount.

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If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked consists of two or more exchange rates or sets of exchange rates, changes in the values of the underlying exchange rates may offset each other. If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked consists of a set of exchange rates or the highest performing of two or more sets of exchange rates, as the case may be, changes in those exchange rates may not correlate with each other. At a time when the value of one or more of the exchange rates changes, the values of the other exchange rates may not change as much or may even change in the opposite direction. Therefore, in calculating the Ending Value of the Exchange Rate Measure for those MITTS, changes in the values of one or more of the exchange rates may be moderated, or more than offset, by lesser changes, or changes in the opposite direction, in the values of the other exchange rates, particularly if the exchange rates that change are of relatively low weight.

The return on MITTS linked to an Exchange Rate Measure depends on the applicable exchange rates, which are affected by many complex factors outside of our control. The value of any currency exchange rate may be affected by complex political and economic factors. Each exchange rate is at any moment a result of the supply and demand for the applicable base currency relative to its applicable underlying currency, and changes in an exchange rate result over time from the interaction of many factors directly or indirectly affecting economic and political conditions in the originating country of each underlying currency or base currency, including economic, financial, regulatory, social, and political developments in other countries. Of particular importance are the relative rates of inflation, interest rate levels, the balance of payments, and the extent of governmental surpluses or deficits in those countries, all of which are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal, and trade policies pursued by the governments in those countries and other countries important to international trade and finance.

Certain relevant information relating to the countries that have issued one or more of the relevant currencies may not be as well known or as rapidly or thoroughly reported in the U.S. as is comparable information relating to the U.S. economy. You should be aware of the possible lack of availability of important information that can affect the value of the applicable currencies, particularly relative to the U.S. dollar, and you may need to make special efforts to obtain that information on a timely basis.

The exchange rate or rates on which your MITTS are based could be affected by the actions of the applicable governments. Foreign exchange rates either can be fixed by sovereign governments or they may be floating. Exchange rates of most economically developed nations and many developing nations are permitted to fluctuate in value relative to other currencies. However, governments sometimes do not allow their currencies to float freely in response to economic forces, as is the case with the Chinese renminbi (yuan). The applicable governments may use a variety of techniques, such as intervention by their central bank or the imposition of regulatory controls or taxes, to affect the exchange rates of their respective currencies. They may also issue a new currency to replace an existing currency or alter an exchange rate or relative exchange characteristics by devaluating or revaluating that currency. As a result, a special risk in purchasing exchange rate-based MITTS is that their liquidity, market value, and Redemption Amount could be affected by the actions of sovereign governments, which could change or interfere with otherwise freely determined currency valuation, fluctuations in response to other market forces, and the movement of such currencies across borders. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, there will be no adjustment or change in the terms of your MITTS in the event that an exchange rate should become fixed, or in the event of any devaluation or revaluation or imposition of exchange or other regulatory controls or taxes, or in the event of other developments (except for the limited instance of the issuance of a replacement currency, as more fully described below in the section entitled “Description of MITTS—Discontinuance of a Market Measure—Exchange Rate-Based Market Measures”) affecting any currency.

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Even though currencies trade around-the-clock, your MITTS will not trade around-the-clock and the prevailing market prices for your MITTS may not reflect the underlying exchange rates. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. Unlike the market for MITTS, the hours of trading for your MITTS will not conform to the hours during which any applicable currency is traded. Significant price and rate movements may take place in the underlying foreign exchange markets that will not be reflected immediately in the market price of your MITTS. The possibility of these movements should be taken into account in relating the value of your MITTS to movements occurring in the underlying foreign exchange markets.

There is no systematic reporting of last-sale information for foreign currencies. Reasonably current bid and offer information is available in certain brokers’ offices, in bank foreign currency trading offices, and to others who wish to subscribe for this information. However, this information will not necessarily be reflected in the value of the applicable exchange rates used to calculate the Redemption Amount. There is no regulatory requirement that those quotations be firm or revised on a timely basis. The absence of last-sale information and the limited availability of quotations to individual investors may make it difficult for you to obtain timely, accurate data about the state of the underlying foreign exchange markets.

Suspensions or disruptions of market trading in the applicable currencies may adversely affect the value of your MITTS. The currency markets are subject to temporary distortions and other disruptions due to a variety of factors. These factors include government regulation and intervention, the lack of liquidity in the markets, and the participation of speculators. Any of these factors could impact the value of the applicable currencies and, therefore, adversely affect the value of your MITTS.

Other Risk Factors Relating to the Applicable Market Measure

The applicable term sheet or index supplement may set forth additional risk factors as to the Market Measure that you should review prior to purchasing MITTS.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We will use the net proceeds we receive from each sale of MITTS for the purposes described in the accompanying prospectus under “Use of Proceeds.” In addition, we expect that we or our affiliates may use a portion of the net proceeds to hedge our obligations under MITTS.

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DESCRIPTION OF MITTS

General

Each series of MITTS will be part of a series of medium-term notes entitled “Medium-Term Notes, Series L” that will be issued under the Senior Indenture, as amended and supplemented from time to time. The Senior Indenture is described more fully in the prospectus and prospectus supplement. The following description of MITTS supplements the description of the general terms and provisions of the notes and debt securities set forth under the headings “Description of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities” in the prospectus. These documents should be read in connection with the applicable term sheet.

The aggregate principal amount of each series of MITTS will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. MITTS will mature on the date set forth in the applicable term sheet.

We will not pay interest on MITTS.

MITTS will have some level of principal protection on the maturity date, which will be specified in the applicable term sheet. The level of principal protection may be 100%, or a lower percentage.

Prior to the applicable maturity date, MITTS are not redeemable by us or repayable at the option of any holder. MITTS are not subject to any sinking fund.

We will issue MITTS in the denominations of whole units, each with a specified Original Offering Price. The CUSIP number for each series of MITTS will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. You may transfer MITTS only in whole units.

Payment on the Maturity Date

At maturity, subject to our credit risk as issuer of MITTS, and unless the applicable term sheet provides otherwise, you will receive a Redemption Amount per unit of MITTS that you hold, denominated in U.S. dollars. The Redemption Amount will be calculated as follows:

(i) Minimum Redemption Amount; and

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(i) Minimum Redemption Amount; and

In the case of Bear MITTS, the Redemption Amount will be calculated as follows:

(i) Minimum Redemption Amount; and

(i) Minimum Redemption Amount; and

Each of the “Minimum Redemption Amount” and the “Base Value” will be a dollar value per unit set forth in the applicable term sheet, each of which may be less than, equal to, or greater than, the Original Offering Price.

The “Participation Rate” represents the extent to which the upside performance of MITTS is affected by the upside performance (or, in the case of Bear MITTS, downside performance) of the Market Measure. The Participation Rate may be less than, equal to, or greater than 100%. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, the Participation Rate will be 100%, such that the upside performance of MITTS will not be leveraged.

In no event will the Redemption Amount be less than the Minimum Redemption Amount. If the applicable term sheet provides that the MITTS are less than 100% principal protected, you may receive a Redemption Amount that is less than the Original Offering Price of your MITTS. Further, if a “Capped Value” is described in the applicable term sheet, then in no event will the Redemption Amount for each unit exceed the Capped Value. We will determine the applicable Capped Value, if any, and/or the Participation Rate on the pricing date of each series of MITTS.

The Starting Value and the Ending Value

Starting Value

Equity-Based Market Measures. If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is equity-based, unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the “Starting Value” will equal the closing value of the Market Measure on the pricing date, as determined by the calculation agent.

Commodity-Based Market Measures. If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is commodity-based, unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the

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“Starting Value” will equal the closing value of the Market Measure on the pricing date, as determined by the calculation agent, provided that if a Market Disruption Event occurs on that date, the Starting Value will be determined according to the Starting Value Commodity-Based Market Measure Disruption Calculation (as described below). See “—Market Disruption Events—Commodity-Based Market Measures.”

Exchange Rate-Based Market Measures. If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is an Exchange Rate Measure, unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the “Starting Value” will be equal to 100.

Basket Market Measures

If the Market Measure consists of a Basket, the “Starting Value” will be equal to 100. See “—Basket Market Measures.”

Ending Value

Equity-Based Market Measures. If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is equity-based, unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the “Ending Value” will be determined by the calculation agent and will equal the average of the closing values of the Market Measure determined on each of a certain number of calculation days, which may be one or more, during the Maturity Valuation Period. The timing and exact number of calculation days in the Maturity Valuation Period will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. If (i) a Market Disruption Event occurs on a scheduled calculation day during the Maturity Valuation Period or (ii) any scheduled calculation day is determined by the calculation agent not to be a Market Measure Business Day by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration, or otherwise (any such day in either (i) or (ii) being a “non-calculation day”), the calculation agent will determine the value of the Market Measure for such non-calculation day, and as a result, the Ending Value, as follows:

See “—Market Disruption Events—Equity-Based Market Measures.”

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Commodity-Based Market Measures. If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is commodity-based, unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the “Ending Value” will equal the closing value of the Market Measure on a specified calculation day, provided that if a Market Disruption Event occurs on that date the Market Measure value used to calculate the Ending Value will be determined according to the Ending Value Commodity-Based Market Measure Disruption Calculation (as described below). If the calculation agent determines that the scheduled calculation day is not a Market Measure Business Day by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration, or otherwise, the Ending Value will equal the closing value of the Market Measure on the next Market Measure Business Day, provided that if a Market Disruption Event occurs on that date, the Market Measure value used to calculate the Ending Value will be determined according to the Ending Value Commodity-Based Market Measure Disruption Calculation described below. If no such days occur prior to the second scheduled Market Measure Business Day before the maturity date of the MITTS, the Ending Value will be determined (or, if not determinable, estimated) by the calculation agent on the second scheduled Market Measure Business Day before the maturity date of the MITTS in a manner which the calculation agent considers commercially reasonable under the circumstances.

For MITTS linked to a commodity-based Market Measure, in the event a Market Disruption Event has occurred on the calculation day, the closing value of the Market Measure, and thus the Ending Value will be determined by the calculation agent using the following “Ending Value Commodity-Based Market Measure Disruption Calculation”:

Exchange Rate-Based Market Measures. If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is an Exchange Rate Measure, unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the “Ending Value” will equal the value of the Exchange Rate Measure on the calculation day. The value of the “Exchange Rate Measure” will equal (i) 100 plus (ii) the sum of (a) 100 times (b) the Weighted Return for each applicable exchange rate.

If your MITTS are linked to a Market Measure which tracks an investment in the “best-of” two or more sets of Exchange Rate Measures, the “Ending Value” will be determined based upon the Exchange Rate Measure that has the highest Ending Value on the calculation day, as

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described in the applicable term sheet. For such MITTS, we refer to that Exchange Rate Measure as the “Highest Exchange Rate Measure.”

Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, an Exchange Rate Measure will increase as the value of the sum of the Weighted Returns increases, and will decrease as the value of the sum of the Weighted Returns decreases.

The “calculation day” will be a business day (as defined below), a Currency Business Day (as defined below), or a day which is both a business day and a Currency Business Day. The calculation day will occur shortly before the maturity date. The applicable term sheet will set forth the applicable definition for the calculation day.

The “Weighted Return” with respect to an exchange rate will be determined by the calculation agent using one of the following formulas:

The applicable formula will depend upon the market convention used for quoting the actual exchange rate, and the terms of the applicable MITTS, and will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, the formulas in (a) and (b) above will result in the Weighted Return being negative when the value of the underlying currency appreciates relative to the base currency, and being positive when the value of the underlying currency depreciates relative to the base currency. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, the formulas in (c) and (d) above will result in the Weighted Return being positive when the value of the underlying currency appreciates relative to the base currency and being negative when the value of the underlying currency depreciates relative to the base currency.

Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, the “Initial Exchange Rate” will equal the value of the applicable exchange rate, as determined by the calculation agent, at the specified time (as set forth in the applicable term sheet) on the pricing date.

The “Final Exchange Rate” will equal the value of the applicable exchange rate, as determined by the calculation agent, at the specified time (as set forth in the applicable term sheet) on the calculation day.

The “Exchange Rate Weighting” will be the weighting, expressed as a percentage, assigned to each exchange rate on the pricing date, as set forth in the applicable term sheet. These weightings may or may not be equal. The sum of each Exchange Rate Weighting will

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equal 100%. If your MITTS are linked to an Exchange Rate Measure that is based on a single exchange rate, the Exchange Rate Weighting of that exchange rate will be equal to 100%.

A “business day,” unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or required by law, regulation, or executive order to close and those banks are open for dealing in a foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits.

A “Currency Business Day,” unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in any of the countries which issue the applicable currency are authorized or required by law, regulation, or executive order to close and those banks are open for dealing in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits.

With respect to all exchange rate-based MITTS, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, if the calculation agent determines that the scheduled calculation day is not a business day and/or a Currency Business Day, as applicable, by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration, or otherwise, the calculation agent will determine the Ending Value on the next applicable business day and/or Currency Business Day, as applicable. If no such days occur prior to the second scheduled business day before the maturity date of the MITTS, the Ending Value will be determined (or, if not determinable, estimated) by the calculation agent on that day in a manner which the calculation agent considers commercially reasonable under the circumstances.

Other Market Measures

If the Market Measure is not equity-based, commodity-based, or exchange rate-based, or is a combination of the three, the applicable term sheet will set forth the manner by which the Starting Value and the Ending Value will be determined.

Market Disruption Events

Equity-Based Market Measures

For equity-based Market Measures, “Market Disruption Event” means one or more of the following events, as determined by the calculation agent:

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For the purpose of determining whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred:

Commodity-Based Market Measures

For commodity-based Market Measures, “Market Disruption Event” means one or more of the following events, as determined by the calculation agent:

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For MITTS linked to a commodity-based Market Measure, in the event a Market Disruption Event has occurred on the pricing day, the calculation agent will establish an initial value for the Market Measure (the “Initial Market Measure Value”) and the “Starting Value” for that Market Measure using the following “Starting Value Commodity-Based Market Measure Disruption Calculation”:

Other Market Measures

If the Market Measure is not equity-based, commodity-based, or exchange rate-based, or is a combination of the three, the applicable term sheet will set forth the definition of “Market Disruption Event,” and include additional related terms.

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Determinations by the Calculation Agent

All determinations made by the calculation agent, absent a determination of a manifest error, will be conclusive for all purposes and binding on us and the holders and beneficial owners of MITTS.

Adjustments to a Market Measure

If at any time a Market Measure Publisher makes a material change in the formula for or the method of calculating a Market Measure, or Market Measure component in the case of a Basket, or in any other way materially modifies that Market Measure so that the Market Measure does not, in the opinion of the calculation agent, fairly represent the value of the Market Measure had those changes or modifications not been made, then, from and after that time, the calculation agent will, at the close of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value of the Market Measure is to be calculated, make any adjustments as, in the good faith judgment of the calculation agent, may be necessary in order to arrive at a calculation of a value of the applicable Market Measure as if those changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate the closing value with reference to the Market Measure, as so adjusted. Accordingly, if the method of calculating a Market Measure is modified so that the value of the Market Measure is a fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified, then the calculation agent will adjust the Market Measure in order to arrive at a value of the Market Measure as if it had not been modified.

Discontinuance of a Market Measure

Equity-Based or Commodity-Based Market Measures

If a Market Measure Publisher discontinues publication of a Market Measure to which an issue of MITTS is linked, or one or more components of a Market Measure in the case of a Basket, and such Market Measure Publisher or another entity publishes a successor or substitute market measure that the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to that Market Measure (a “successor market measure”), then, upon the calculation agent’s notification of that determination to the trustee and us, the calculation agent will substitute the successor market measure as calculated by the relevant Market Measure Publisher or any other entity and calculate the Ending Value as described above under “—Payment on the Maturity Date.” Upon any selection by the calculation agent of a successor market measure, we will cause notice to be given to holders of the MITTS.

In the event that a Market Measure Publisher discontinues publication of a Market Measure and:

the calculation agent will compute a substitute value for the Market Measure in accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the Market Measure before any discontinuance. If a successor market measure is selected or the calculation agent calculates a value as a substitute for a Market Measure as described below, the successor market measure or value will be used as a substitute for that Market Measure for all purposes, including for the purpose of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.

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If a Market Measure Publisher discontinues publication of the Market Measure before the Maturity Valuation Period or calculation day, as applicable, and the calculation agent determines that no successor market measure is available at that time, then on each day that would have been a calculation day, until the earlier to occur of:

the calculation agent will determine the value that would be used in computing the Redemption Amount as described in the preceding paragraph as if that day were a calculation day. The calculation agent will make available to holders of the MITTS information as to each such value; such information may be disseminated by means of Bloomberg, Reuters, a website, or any other means selected by the calculation agent in its reasonable discretion.

Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements, discontinuance of the publication of the specific Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked may adversely affect trading in the MITTS.

Exchange Rate-Based Market Measures

If a base currency applicable to your MITTS is replaced by a successor monetary unit (the “New Currency”) as the legal tender of the base currency’s country or jurisdiction, the calculation agent will, when determining the applicable Weighted Return, calculate the applicable Final Exchange Rate by using the exchange rate of the applicable underlying currency relative to the New Currency on the calculation day, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which will be “1” and the denominator of which will be the number of units of the applicable base currency represented by one unit of the New Currency. Conversely, in the event an underlying currency applicable to your MITTS is replaced by a New Currency, the calculation agent will, when determining the applicable Weighted Return, calculate the Final Exchange Rate by using the exchange rate of the New Currency relative to the applicable base currency on the calculation day, multiplied by the number of units of the applicable underlying currency represented by one unit of the New Currency. No other changes will be made to the terms of your MITTS as a result of such replacement.

As an example of the calculation described above, if a base currency is replaced by a New Currency, and one unit of the New Currency has a value equal to 1,000 units of that base currency, the Final Exchange Rate would be calculated by using the applicable exchange rate of the applicable underlying currency (relative to the New Currency) multiplied by 1/1,000. Alternatively, if an underlying currency is replaced by a New Currency, and one unit of the New Currency has a value equal to 1,000 units of that underlying currency, the Final Exchange Rate would be calculated by using the applicable exchange rate of the New Currency (relative to the applicable base currency) multiplied by 1,000.

Basket Market Measures

If the Market Measure to which your MITTS are linked is a Basket (other than Market Measures that include an exchange rate, which are discussed above), the Basket Components will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. We will assign each Basket Component an Initial Component Weight so that each Basket Component represents a percentage of the Starting Value of the Basket on the applicable pricing date. We may assign the Basket Components equal Initial Component Weights, or we may assign the Basket Components unequal Initial

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Component Weights. The Initial Component Weight for each Basket Component will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Determination of the Component Ratio for Each Basket Component

We will set a fixed factor (the “Component Ratio”) for each Basket Component, based upon the weighting of that Basket Component. The Component Ratio for each Basket Component will be calculated on the pricing date and will equal:

Each Component Ratio will be rounded to eight decimal places.

The Component Ratios will be calculated in this way so that the Starting Value of the Basket will equal 100 on the pricing date. The Component Ratios will not be revised subsequent to their determination on the pricing date, except that the calculation agent may in its good faith judgment adjust the Component Ratio of any Basket Component in the event that Basket Component is materially changed or modified in a manner that does not, in the opinion of the calculation agent, fairly represent the value of that Basket Component had those material changes or modifications not been made.

Computation of the Basket

The calculation agent will calculate the value of the Basket by summing the products of the closing value for each Basket Component on a calculation day and the Component Ratio applicable to each Basket Component. The value of the Basket will vary based on the increase or decrease in the value of each Basket Component. Any increase in the value of a Basket Component (assuming no change in the value of the other Basket Component or Basket Components) will result in an increase in the value of the Basket. Conversely, any decrease in the value of a Basket Component (assuming no change in the value of the other Basket Component or Basket Components) will result in a decrease in the value of the Basket.

The following tables are for illustration purposes only, and do not reflect the actual composition, Initial Component Weights, or Component Ratios, which will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Example 1: The hypothetical Basket Components are Index ABC and Index XYZ, each weighted equally on a hypothetical pricing date:

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Example 2: The hypothetical Basket Components are Index ABC, Index XYZ, and Index RST, with their initial weightings being 50.00%, 25.00% and 25.00%, respectively, on a hypothetical pricing date:

Role of the Calculation Agent

The calculation agent has the sole discretion to make all determinations regarding MITTS as described in this product supplement, including determinations regarding the Starting Value, the Ending Value, the Market Measure, the Redemption Amount, any Market Disruption Events, a successor Market Measure, Market Measure Business Days, calculation days and non-calculation days, and calculations related to the discontinuance of any Market Measure. Absent manifest error, all determinations of the calculation agent will be final and binding on you and us, without any liability on the part of the calculation agent.

We expect to appoint MLPF&S, MLCS, or one of our other affiliates as the calculation agent for each series of MITTS. However, we may change the calculation agent at any time without notifying you. The identity of the calculation agent will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Same-Day Settlement and Payment

MITTS will be delivered in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company against payment by purchasers of MITTS in immediately available funds. We will pay the Redemption Amount in immediately available funds so long as MITTS are maintained in book-entry form.

Events of Default and Acceleration

Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, if an event of default, as defined in the Senior Indenture, with respect to any series of MITTS occurs and is continuing, the amount payable to a holder of MITTS upon any acceleration permitted under the Senior Indenture will be equal to the Redemption Amount described under the caption “—Payment on the Maturity Date,” determined as if MITTS matured on the date of acceleration. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of us, your claim may be limited, under the

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United States Bankruptcy Code, to the Original Offering Price of your MITTS. In case of a default in payment of MITTS, whether at their maturity or upon acceleration, they will not bear a default interest rate.

Listing

If provided for in the applicable term sheet, we may apply to have your MITTS listed on a securities exchange or quotation system. If approval of such an application is granted, your MITTS will be listed on the securities exchange or quotation system at the time of such approval. We make no representations, however, that your MITTS will be listed or will remain listed for the entire term of your MITTS.

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SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

One or more of our affiliates, including MLPF&S and BAI, may act as our selling agent for any offering of MITTS. Without limiting the foregoing, our affiliates First Republic Securities Company, LLC, Banc of America Securities LLC, and Banc of America Investment Services, Inc. may act as a selling agent. The selling agents may act on either a principal basis or an agency basis, as set forth in the applicable term sheet. Each selling agent will be a party to the Distribution Agreement described in the “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” on page S-13 of the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Each selling agent will receive an underwriting discount or commission that is a percentage of the aggregate Original Offering Price of MITTS sold through its efforts, which will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. You must have an account with the applicable selling agent in order to purchase MITTS.

No selling agent is acting as your fiduciary or advisor, and you should not rely upon any communication from it in connection with MITTS as investment advice or a recommendation to purchase any MITTS. You should make your own investment decision regarding MITTS after consulting with your legal, tax, and other advisors.

MLPF&S, BAI, and any of our other affiliates and subsidiaries may use this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus, together with the applicable term sheet and any applicable index supplement, in a market-making transaction for any MITTS after their initial sale.

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX SUMMARY

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of MITTS. The following discussion is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations. This summary is based upon the Code, regulations promulgated under the Code by the Treasury (including proposed and temporary regulations), rulings, current administrative interpretations and official pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below.

This summary is for general information only, and does not purport to discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to a particular holder in light of its investment or tax circumstances or to holders subject to special tax rules, such as partnerships, subchapter S corporations, or other pass-through entities, banks, financial institutions, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, trusts and estates, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities that have elected to use the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, persons holding MITTS as part of an integrated investment, including a “straddle,” “hedge,” “constructive sale,” or “conversion transaction,” persons (other than Non-U.S. Holders, as defined below) whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar, persons holding MITTS in a tax-deferred or tax-advantaged account, and persons subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code. This summary does not include any description of the tax laws of any state or local governments, or of any foreign government, that may be applicable to a particular holder. If the tax consequences associated with MITTS are different than those described below, they will be described in the applicable term sheet.

This summary is directed solely to holders that, except as otherwise specifically noted, will purchase MITTS upon original issuance and will hold MITTS as capital assets within the

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meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, which generally means property held for investment. This summary assumes that the issue price of the notes, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, equals the principal amount thereof.

You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning, and disposing of MITTS, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign, or other tax jurisdiction and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws.

As used in this product supplement, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of MITTS that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, to the extent provided in Treasury regulations, some trusts in existence on August 20, 1996, and treated as United States persons prior to that date, that elect to continue to be treated as United States persons also are U.S. Holders. As used in this product supplement, the term “Non-U.S. Holder” means a holder that is not a U.S. Holder.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds MITTS, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership and, accordingly, this summary does not apply to partnerships. A partner of a partnership holding MITTS should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the partner of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition by the partnership of MITTS.

Tax Characterization of MITTS

Although, there are no statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings, or judicial decisions addressing the characterization, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, of MITTS or other instruments with terms substantially the same as MITTS, we intend, unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, to treat MITTS as debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, where required, intend to file information returns with the IRS in accordance with such treatment, in the absence of any change or clarification in the law, by regulation or otherwise, requiring a different characterization of MITTS. You should be aware, however, that the IRS is not bound by our characterization of MITTS as indebtedness and the IRS could possibly take a different position as to the proper characterization of MITTS for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If MITTS are not in fact treated as debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of MITTS could differ materially from the treatment discussed below with the result that the timing and character of income, gain, or loss recognized in respect of

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MITTS could differ materially from the timing and character of income, gain, or loss recognized in respect of MITTS had the MITTS in fact been treated as debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

U.S. Holders – Income Tax Considerations

MITTS with Maturities of One Year or Less

The following discussion applies to MITTS that have a term of one year or less where the Market Measure is, or includes, an Exchange Rate Measure.

Special U.S. federal income tax rules apply to MITTS with a term of one year or less where the Market Measure is, or includes, an Exchange Rate Measure. The U.S. federal income tax treatment of such MITTS is unclear in several respects. Accordingly, investors in MITTS are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the MITTS.

In General

The discussion in the next two paragraphs describes the tax consequences that generally apply to each U.S. Holder who purchases a MITTS. A U.S. Holder who purchases a MITTS with a Minimum Redemption Price in excess of its issue price is subject to additional rules described below under “—MITTS Issued with Discount.”

Cash Method U.S. Holders. A U.S. Holder who is a cash method taxpayer (other than an “Electing U.S. Holder,” as defined below) will be required to include the amount received on a MITTS in excess of the issue price, if any, as ordinary income at the time it is paid. Upon the sale, exchange, or redemption of a MITTS prior to maturity, a U.S. Holder generally should recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount received on the sale, exchange, or redemption and such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the MITTS. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis generally should equal such U.S. Holder’s initial investment in the MITTS. In addition, if the U.S. Holder’s tax basis is greater than the amount received at maturity, such U.S. Holder should recognize a loss equal to such excess. Under the special rules that apply to debt obligations that provide for payment of any amount determined by reference to the value of one or more foreign currencies, gain or loss should be characterized as ordinary income or loss to the extent that such gain or loss is attributable to fluctuations in the Exchange Rate Measure, and should otherwise be characterized as short-term capital gain or loss. The deductibility of capital losses by a U.S. Holder is subject to limitations. Absent a future clarification in current law (by administrative determination, judicial ruling or otherwise), Bank of America Corporation intends to report any payments upon a sale, exchange, or redemption of a MITTS prior to maturity entirely as gross proceeds.

Electing U.S. Holders and Accrual Method U.S. Holders. Under the Code, a U.S. Holder who is a cash method taxpayer may elect to currently include income with respect to all notes with a term of one year or less that it acquires on or after the first day of the taxable year to which the election applies. Although not free from doubt, a U.S. Holder who makes, or has made, such an election (an “Electing U.S. Holder”) and a U.S. Holder who is an accrual method taxpayer generally should not include income on a MITTS until the amount is fixed or paid, and are otherwise generally subject to the rules described in the preceding paragraph.

MITTS Issued with Discount

If the Minimum Redemption Amount exceeds the MITTS’s issue price, such excess will be treated as “discount” subject to the following additional rules. For cash method U.S.

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Holders (other than Electing U.S. Holders), any gain from the sale, exchange, or redemption of a MITTS prior to maturity will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the amount of any discount that has accrued (on a straight line basis, or, upon election, under a constant yield method based on daily compounding) through the date of sale and any balance (other than gain properly attributable to fluctuations in the Exchange Rate Measure which, as described above, should be characterized as ordinary income) should be characterized as short-term capital gain. In addition, such U.S. Holder will be required to defer deductions for any interest paid on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry the MITTS in an amount equal to the accrued discount on a MITTS deferred by reason of its method of accounting until the deferred discount is included in income. A U.S. Holder who is either an Electing U.S. Holder or an accrual method taxpayer will be required to include such discount on a MITTS in income as it accrues (on a straight line basis, or, upon election, under a constant yield method based on daily compounding), and such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the MITTS will be increased by any discount included in income by such U.S. Holder.

MITTS with Maturities of More than One Year

The following discussion applies to MITTS that have a term of more than one year.

Interest and Original Issue Discount. The amount payable on MITTS at maturity will depend on the performance of the Market Measure. Accordingly, we intend to take the position that MITTS will be treated as “contingent payment debt instruments” for U.S. federal income tax purposes subject to taxation under the “noncontingent bond method,” and the balance of this discussion assumes that this characterization is proper and will be respected. If the Market Measure is, or includes, an Exchange Rate Measure, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the MITTS to a U.S. Holder will depend on whether the “denomination currency” (as defined in the applicable Treasury regulations) of such MITTS is the U.S. dollar. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, we intend to take the position that the denomination currency of such MITTS is the U.S. dollar and the balance if this discussion so assumes. Accordingly, such MITTS are not subject to the special rules described in the Treasury regulations governing nonfunctional currency contingent payment debt instruments.

Under the characterization described above, MITTS generally will be subject to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. Under those regulations, a U.S. Holder will be required to report original issue discount (“OID”) or interest income based on a “comparable yield” and a “projected payment schedule,” both as described below, established by us for determining interest accruals and adjustments with respect to MITTS. A U.S. Holder which does not use the “comparable yield” and follow the “projected payment schedule” to calculate its OID and interest income on MITTS must timely disclose and justify the use of other estimates to the IRS.

A “comparable yield” with respect to MITTS generally is the yield at which we could issue a fixed-rate debt instrument with terms similar to those of MITTS (taking into account for this purpose the level of subordination, term, timing of payments, and general market conditions, but ignoring any adjustments for liquidity or the riskiness of the contingencies with respect to MITTS). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a comparable yield must not be less than the applicable U.S. federal rate based on the overall maturity of MITTS.

A “projected payment schedule” with respect to MITTS generally is a series of projected payments, the amount and timing of which would produce a yield to maturity on that MITTS equal to the comparable yield. Based upon market conditions as of the date of the applicable term sheet, as determined by us for purposes of illustrating the application of the Code and the Treasury regulations to MITTS, we will set forth in that term sheet the “projected payment schedule.” This projected payment schedule will consist of a projection for tax purposes of the Redemption Amount. The actual “projected payment schedule” will be completed on the

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pricing date, and included in the final term sheet. You should be aware that this amount is not calculated or provided for any purposes other than the determination of a U.S. Holder’s interest accruals and adjustments with respect to MITTS for U.S. federal income tax purposes. By providing the projected payment schedule, we make no representations regarding the actual amounts of payments on MITTS.

Based on the comparable yield and the projected payment schedule of MITTS, a U.S. Holder of MITTS (regardless of accounting method) generally will be required to accrue as OID the sum of the daily portions of interest on the MITTS for each day in the taxable year on which the holder held the MITTS, adjusted upward or downward to reflect the difference, if any, between the actual and projected amount of any contingent payments on the MITTS, as set forth below. The daily portions of interest for MITTS are determined by allocating to each day in an accrual period the ratable portion of interest on MITTS that accrues in the accrual period. The amount of interest on MITTS that accrues in an accrual period is the product of the comparable yield on the MITTS (adjusted to reflect the length of the accrual period) and the adjusted issue price of the MITTS at the beginning of the accrual period. The adjusted issue price of MITTS at the beginning of the first accrual period will equal its issue price. The issue price of each MITTS in an issue of MITTS is the first price at which a substantial amount of those MITTS has been sold (including any premium paid for those MITTS and ignoring sales to bond houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents, or wholesalers). For any subsequent accrual period, the adjusted issue price will be (1) the sum of the issue price of the MITTS and any interest previously accrued on the MITTS by a holder (without regard to any positive or negative adjustments, described below) minus (2) the amount of any projected payments on the MITTS for previous accrual periods. A U.S. Holder of MITTS generally will be required to include in income OID in excess of actual cash payments received for certain taxable years.

A U.S. Holder will be required to recognize interest income equal to the amount of any positive adjustment for MITTS for the taxable year in which a contingent payment is paid (including a payment at maturity). A positive adjustment is the excess of actual payments in respect of contingent payments over the projected amount of contingent payments. A U.S. Holder also will be required to account for any “negative adjustment” for a taxable year in which a contingent payment is paid. A negative adjustment is the excess of the projected amounts of contingent payments over actual payments in respect of the contingent payments. A net negative adjustment is the amount by which total negative adjustments in a taxable year exceed total positive adjustments in such taxable year. A net negative adjustment (1) will first reduce the amount of interest for the MITTS that a U.S. Holder would otherwise be required to include in income in the taxable year, and (2) to the extent of any excess, will result in an ordinary loss equal to that portion of the excess as does not exceed the excess of (A) the amount of all previous interest inclusions under the MITTS over (B) the total amount of the U.S. Holder’s net negative adjustments treated as ordinary loss on the MITTS in prior taxable years. A net negative adjustment is not subject to the 2% floor limitation imposed on miscellaneous deductions under Section 67 of the Code. Any net negative adjustment in excess of the amounts described above in (1) and (2) will be carried forward to offset future interest income on the MITTS or to reduce the amount realized on a sale, exchange, or retirement of the MITTS and, in the case of a payment at maturity, should result in a capital loss. The deductibility of capital losses by a U.S. Holder is subject to limitations.

Tax Accrual Table. We expect that each term sheet for MITTS will include a table that sets forth the following information with respect to each $10 principal amount of MITTS for each of the applicable accrual periods through the maturity date of the MITTS:

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The table will be based upon a projected payment schedule (including a projected Redemption Amount) and a comparable yield. The comparable yield will be determined based upon market conditions as of the date of the applicable term sheet. Please note that the comparable yield is likely to change between the date of any preliminary term sheet and the date of the related final term sheet. Therefore, the projected payment schedule included in any preliminary term sheet will be subject to change. We will determine the actual projected payment schedule and the actual comparable yield on the pricing date. Any tax accrual table included in a preliminary term sheet will be revised, and the revised table will be set forth in the final term sheet prepared in connection with the initial sale of the MITTS.

Sale, Exchange, or Retirement. Upon a sale, exchange, or retirement of MITTS prior to maturity, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange, or retirement and that holder’s tax basis in the MITTS. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in MITTS generally will equal the cost of that MITTS, increased by the amount of OID previously accrued by the holder for that MITTS (without regard to any positive or negative adjustments). A U.S. Holder generally will treat any gain as interest income, and will treat any loss as ordinary loss to the extent of the excess of previous interest inclusions over the total negative adjustments previously taken into account as ordinary losses, and the balance as long-term or short-term capital loss depending upon the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the MITTS. The deductibility of capital losses by a U.S. Holder is subject to limitations.

Unrelated Business Taxable Income

Section 511 of the Code generally imposes a tax, at regular corporate or trust income tax rates, on the “unrelated business taxable income” of certain tax-exempt organizations, including qualified pension and profit sharing plan trusts and individual retirement accounts. In general, if MITTS are held for investment purposes, the amount of income or gain realized with respect to MITTS should not constitute unrelated business taxable income. However, if MITTS constitutes debt-financed property (as defined in Section 514(b) of the Code) by reason of indebtedness incurred by a holder of MITTS to purchase or carry the MITTS, all or a portion of any income or gain realized with respect to such MITTS may be classified as unrelated business taxable income pursuant to Section 514 of the Code. Moreover, prospective investors in MITTS should be aware that whether or not any income or gain realized with respect to MITTS which is owned by an organization that is generally exempt from U.S. federal income taxation constitutes unrelated business taxable income will depend upon the specific facts and circumstances applicable to such organization. Accordingly, any potential investors in MITTS that are generally exempt from U.S. federal income taxation should consult with their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of investing in MITTS.

Non-U.S. Holders – Income Tax Considerations

U.S. Federal Income and Withholding Tax

Under current U.S. federal income tax law and subject to the discussion below concerning backup withholding, principal and interest payments, including any OID, that are received from us or our agent and that are not effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business within the U.S., or a permanent establishment maintained in the U.S. if certain tax treaties apply, generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax except as provided below. Interest, including any OID and any gain realized on the sale, exchange, or retirement of MITTS, may be subject to a 30% withholding tax (or less under an applicable treaty, if any) if:

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A Non-U.S. Holder generally will satisfy the certification requirements if either: (A) the Non-U.S. Holder certifies to us or our agent, under penalties of perjury, that it is a non-United States person and provides its name and address (which certification may generally be made on an IRS Form W-8BEN, or a successor form), or (B) a securities clearing organization, bank, or other financial institution that holds customer securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business (a “financial institution”) and holds the MITTS certifies to us or our agent under penalties of perjury that either it or another financial institution has received the required statement from the Non-U.S. Holder certifying that it is a non-United States person and furnishes us with a copy of the statement.

Payments not meeting the requirements set forth above and thus subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax may nevertheless be exempt from withholding (or subject to withholding at a reduced rate) if the Non-U.S. Holder provides us with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN (or successor form) claiming an exemption from, or reduction in, withholding under the benefit of a tax treaty, or IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) stating that income on MITTS is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. as discussed below. To claim benefits under an income tax treaty, a Non-U.S. Holder must obtain a taxpayer identification number and certify as to its eligibility under the appropriate treaty’s limitations on benefits article, if applicable. In addition, special rules may apply to claims for treaty benefits made by Non-U.S. Holders that are entities rather than individuals. A Non-U.S. Holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

If a Non-U.S. Holder of MITTS is engaged in the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. and if interest (including any OID) on the MITTS, or gain realized on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of the MITTS, is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the U.S.), the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax (provided that the applicable certification requirements are satisfied), generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such interest (including any OID) or gain on a net income basis in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder. Non-U.S. Holders should read the material under the heading “—U.S. Holders – Income Tax Considerations,” for a description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring,

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owning, and disposing of MITTS. In addition, if such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided by an applicable U.S. income tax treaty) of a portion of its earnings and profits for the taxable year that are effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the U.S., subject to certain adjustments.

U.S. Federal Estate Tax

Under current law, MITTS should generally not be includible in the estate of a Non-U.S. Holder unless the individual actually or constructively owns 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote or, at the time of the individual’s death, payments in respect of that MITTS would have been effectively connected with the conduct by the individual of a trade or business in the U.S.

Backup Withholding and Reporting

In general, in the case of a U.S. Holder, other than certain exempt holders, we and other payors are required to report to the IRS all payments of principal, any premium, and interest on MITTS, and the accrual of OID. In addition, we and other payors generally are required to report to the IRS any payment of proceeds of the sale of MITTS before maturity. Additionally, backup withholding generally will apply to any payments, including payments of OID, if a U.S. Holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number and certify that the taxpayer identification number is correct, the U.S. Holder is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report all interest and dividends required to be shown on its U.S. federal income tax returns or a U.S. Holder does not certify that it has not underreported its interest and dividend income. If applicable, backup withholding will be imposed at a rate of 28%. This rate is scheduled to increase to 31% after 2010.

In the case of a Non-U.S. Holder, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to payments made if the Non-U.S. Holder provides the required certification that it is not a United States person, or the Non-U.S. Holder otherwise establishes an exemption, provided that the payor or withholding agent does not have actual knowledge that the holder is a United States person, or that the conditions of any exemption are not satisfied.

In addition, payments of the proceeds from the sale of MITTS to or through a foreign office of a broker or the foreign office of a custodian, nominee, or other dealer acting on behalf of a holder generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, if the broker, custodian, nominee, or other dealer is a United States person, the government of the U.S. or the government of any state or political subdivision of any state, or any agency or instrumentality of any of these governmental units, a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a foreign partnership that is either engaged in a trade or business within the U.S. or whose U.S. partners in the aggregate hold more than 50% of the income or capital interest in the partnership, a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income for a certain period is effectively connected with a trade or business within the U.S., or a U.S. branch of a foreign bank or insurance company, information reporting (but not backup withholding) generally will be required with respect to payments made to a holder unless the broker, custodian, nominee, or other dealer has documentation of the holder’s foreign status and the broker, custodian, nominee, or other dealer has no actual knowledge to the contrary.

Payment of the proceeds from a sale of MITTS to or through the U.S. office of a broker is subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless the holder certifies as to its non-United States person status or otherwise establishes an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.

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Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.

Applicable Treasury regulations require taxpayers that participate in “reportable transactions” to disclose their participation to the IRS by attaching Form 8886 to their tax returns and to retain a copy of all documents and records related to the transaction. In addition, “material advisors” with respect to such a transaction may be required to file returns and maintain records, including lists identifying investors in the transaction, and to furnish those records to the IRS upon demand. A transaction may be a “reportable transaction” based on any of several criteria, one or more of which may be present with respect to an investment in MITTS. Whether an investment in MITTS constitutes a “reportable transaction” for any investor depends on the investor’s particular circumstances. The Treasury regulations provide that, in addition to certain other transactions, a “loss transaction” constitutes a “reportable transaction.” A “loss transaction” is any transaction resulting in the taxpayer claiming a loss under Section 165 of the Code, in an amount equal to or in excess of certain threshold amounts, subject to certain exceptions. A “loss transaction” includes a loss realized with respect to MITTS where the Market Measure is, or includes, an Exchange Rate Measure. Investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning any possible disclosure obligation they may have for their investment in MITTS and should be aware that, should any “material advisor” determine that the return filing or investor list maintenance requirements apply to this transaction, they would be required to comply with these requirements.

ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

Each fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing, or other employee benefit plan subject to ERISA (a “Plan”), should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA in the context of the Plan’s particular circumstances before authorizing an investment in MITTS. Accordingly, among other factors, the fiduciary should consider whether the investment would satisfy the prudence and diversification requirements of ERISA and would be consistent with the documents and instruments governing the Plan.

In addition, we and certain of our subsidiaries and affiliates may be each considered a party in interest (within the meaning of ERISA) or a disqualified person (within the meaning of the Code), with respect to many Plans, as well as many individual retirement accounts and Keogh plans (also “Plans”). Prohibited transactions within the meaning of ERISA or the Code would likely arise, for example, if MITTS are acquired by or with the assets of a Plan with respect to which we or any of our affiliates is a party in interest or disqualified person, unless MITTS are acquired under an exemption from the prohibited transaction rules. A violation of these prohibited transaction rules could result in an excise tax or other liabilities under ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code for such persons, unless exemptive relief is available under an applicable statutory, regulatory, or administrative exemption.

Under ERISA and various PTCEs issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, exemptive relief may be available for direct or indirect prohibited transactions resulting from the purchase, holding, or disposition of MITTS. Those exemptions include PTCE 96-23 (for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), PTCE 95-60 (for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTCE 91-38 (for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds), PTCE 90-1 (for certain transactions involving insurance company separate accounts), and PTCE 84-14 (for certain transactions determined by independent qualified asset managers).

In addition, Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code provide statutory exemptive relief for certain arm’s-length transactions with a person that is a party in interest solely by reason of providing services to Plans or being an affiliate of such a service

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provider (the “Service Provider Exemption”). The Service Provider Exemption is generally applicable for otherwise-prohibited transactions between a Plan and a person or entity that is a party in interest or disqualified person with respect to such Plan solely by reason of providing services to the Plan (other than a party in interest that is a fiduciary, or its affiliate, that has or exercises discretionary authority or control or renders investment advice with respect to the assets of the Plan involved in the transaction), provided, that there is “adequate consideration” for the transaction. Any Plan fiduciary relying on the Service Provider Exemption and purchasing MITTS on behalf of a Plan must initially make a determination that (x) the Plan is paying no more than, and is receiving no less than, “adequate consideration” in connection with the transaction and (y) neither we nor any of our affiliates directly or indirectly exercises any discretionary authority or control or renders investment advice with respect to the assets of the Plan which such fiduciary is using to purchase MITTS, both of which are necessary preconditions to reliance on the Service Provider Exemption. If we or any of our affiliates provide fiduciary investment management services with respect to a Plan, the Service Provider Exemption may not be available, and other exemptive relief would be required as precondition for purchasing MITTS. Where MITTS are traded on a generally-recognized market, the adequate consideration determination is based on the prevailing price for MITTS on the relevant national exchange or, in the case of MITTS not traded on a national securities exchange, the current independently-quoted offering price, in both instances taking into account the size of the transaction and the marketability of MITTS. For MITTS that are not traded on a generally-recognized market, the adequate consideration determination is to be made by the fiduciary in good faith in accordance with regulations to be issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. Any Plan fiduciary considering reliance on the Service Provider Exemption is encouraged to consult with counsel regarding the availability of the exemption.

Because we may be considered a party in interest with respect to many Plans, MITTS may not be purchased, held, or disposed of by any Plan, any entity whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of any Plan’s investment in the entity (a “Plan Asset Entity”) or any person investing plan assets of any Plan, unless such purchase, holding or disposition is eligible for exemptive relief, including relief available under PTCE 96-23, 95-60, 91-38, 90-1, or 84-14 or the Service Provider Exemption, or such purchase, holding, or disposition is otherwise not prohibited. Any purchaser, including any fiduciary purchasing on behalf of a Plan, transferee or holder of MITTS will be deemed to have represented, in its corporate and its fiduciary capacity, by its purchase and holding of MITTS that either (a) it is not a Plan or a Plan Asset Entity and is not purchasing such MITTS on behalf of or with plan assets of any Plan or with any assets of a governmental, church, or foreign plan that is subject to any federal, state, local, or foreign law that is substantially similar to the provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or (b) its purchase, holding, and disposition are eligible for exemptive relief or such purchase, holding, and disposition are not prohibited by ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (or in the case of a governmental, church, or foreign plan, any substantially similar federal, state, local, or foreign law).

Under ERISA, assets of a Plan may include assets held in the general account of an insurance company which has issued an insurance policy to such plan or assets of an entity in which the Plan has invested. Accordingly, insurance company general accounts that include assets of a Plan must ensure that one of the foregoing exemptions is available. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing MITTS on behalf of a Plan or with “plan assets” of any Plan consult with their counsel regarding the availability of exemptive relief.

The fiduciary investment considerations summarized above generally apply to employee benefit plans maintained by private-sector employers and to individual retirement accounts and other arrangements subject to Section 4975 of the Code, but generally do not apply to governmental plans (as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA), certain church plans (as defined in

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Section 3(33) of ERISA), and foreign plans (as described in Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA). However, these other plans may be subject to similar provisions under applicable federal, state, local, foreign, or other regulations, rules, or laws (“similar laws”). The fiduciaries of plans subject to similar laws should also consider the foregoing issues in general terms as well as any further issues arising under the applicable similar laws.

Purchasers of MITTS have exclusive responsibility for ensuring that their purchase, holding, and disposition of MITTS do not violate the prohibited transaction rules of ERISA or the Code or any similar laws, as described above.

This discussion is a general summary of some of the rules which apply to benefit plans and their related investment vehicles. This summary does not include all of the investment considerations relevant to Plans and other benefit plan investors such as governmental, church, and foreign plans and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing MITTS on behalf of or with “plan assets” of any Plan or other benefit plan investor consult with their legal counsel prior to directing any such purchase.

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