The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc., announced its monthly distribution of $.046 per share, payable on December 27, 2004, to shareholders of record as of December 13, 2004.

The December distribution represents a dividend yield of 10% on an annualized basis. The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. is a balanced closed-end fund with an investment objective to seek the highest total return, consisting of capital appreciation and current income, consistent with the preservation of capital.