Dreyfus Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio

Dreyfus Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio

ANNUAL REPORT December 31, 2018

The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager(s) only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.

Not FDIC-Insured ? Not Bank-Guaranteed ? May Lose Value

Contents

THE FUND

A Letter from the President of Dreyfus 2

Discussion of Fund Performance

3

Fund Performance

5

Understanding Your Fund's Expenses 7

Comparing Your Fund's Expenses

Those of Other Funds

7

Statement of Investments

8

Statement of Investments

in Affiliated Issuers

10

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

11

Statement of Operations

12

Statement of Changes in Net Assets 13

Financial Highlights

14

Notes to Financial Statements

16

Report of Independent Registered

Public Accounting Firm

24

Important Tax Information

25

Information About the Renewal of

the Fund's Management Agreement 26

Board Members Information

30

Officers of the Fund

33

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N

Back Cover

The Fund Dreyfus Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF DREYFUS

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to present this annual report for Dreyfus Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio, covering the 12-month period from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow. The reporting period began with major global economies achieving above-trend growth. In the United States, a robust economy and strong labor market encouraged the Federal Reserve to continue moving away from its accommodative monetary policy while other major central banks began to consider monetary tightening. Both U.S. and non-U.S. equity markets remained on an uptrend. Interest rates rose across the yield curve, putting pressure on bond prices. A few months into the reporting period, global growth trends began to diverge and market volatility returned. While the U.S. economy continued to grow at a healthy rate, other developed markets began to weaken. However, robust growth and strong corporate earnings continued to support U.S. stock returns while other developed markets declined throughout the summer. In the fall, a broad sell-off occurred, partially offsetting earlier U.S. gains. Emerging markets remained under pressure as weakness in their currencies relative to the U.S. dollar added to investors' uneasiness. Global equities continued their general decline through the end of the period. Fixed income markets struggled during the first half of the period as interest rates rose and favorable U.S. equity markets fed investor risk appetites. However, in autumn volatility crept in, the yield curve began a flattening trend that continued through the end of December. As long-term debt yields fell, prices rose for many bonds, leading to moderately positive returns for several fixed income market sectors. Despite continuing political variables, U.S. inflationary pressures and flagging growth rates, we are optimistic that the U.S. economy will remain strong in the near term. However, we remain attentive to signs that point to potential changes on the horizon. As always, we encourage you to discuss the risks and opportunities in today's investment environment with your financial advisor.

Thank you for your continued confidence and support.

Sincerely,

Renee Laroche-Morris President The Dreyfus Corporation January 15, 2019

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DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)

For the period from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, as provided by Barry K. Mills, CFA, Portfolio Manager

Market and Fund Performance Overview

For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2018, Dreyfus Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio's Initial shares produced a total return of -0.98%, and its Service shares produced a total return of -1.27%.1 The fund's benchmarks, the NYSE? Technology Index and the S&P 500? Index, produced total returns of -6.68% and -4.38%, respectively, over the same period.2,3

Technology stocks lost ground amid rising interest rates, expectations of slower economic and earnings growth, international trade tensions, and indications that business spending on technology had peaked. The fund outperformed its benchmarks on the strength of favorable stock selection.

The Fund's Investment Approach

The fund seeks capital appreciation. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in the stocks of growth companies of any size that Dreyfus believes to be leading producers or beneficiaries of technological innovation. Up to 25% of the fund's assets may be invested in foreign securities.

In choosing stocks, the fund looks for technology companies with the potential for strong earnings or revenue growth rates, although some of the fund's investments may currently be experiencing losses. The fund's investment process centers on a multi-dimensional approach that looks for opportunities across emerging growth, cyclical, or stable growth companies. The fund's investment approach seeks companies that appear to have strong earnings momentum, positive earnings revisions, favorable growth, product, or market cycles and/or favorable valuations.

Information Technology Slumped in Late in 2018

Stocks encountered heightened levels of volatility during the reporting period in response to rapidly shifting investor sentiment. The period started on a strong note, with U.S. equities rising broadly in response to domestic economic expansion and passage of major business-friendly tax reforms. In February, stocks plunged and volatility soared in response to rising wage pressures, which, along with other indicators, signaled a possible uptick in inflation. Markets recovered ground as these concerns eased, with information technology stocks far outpacing other market sectors. But March saw another broad-based market decline amid escalating trade tensions stemming from higher U.S. tariffs.

Stocks advanced midway through the reporting period when positive U.S. economic data continued to accrue and information technology stocks once more led the way. However, the market's advance was limited by concerns related to tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on Chinese imports, followed by Chinese retaliation and the threat of additional tariffs. The industrials and materials sectors were hit particularly hard by escalating trade tensions while interest rate-sensitive sectors lagged as well. In contrast, information technology continued to outperform.

In the second half of the reporting period, the market suffered as earnings reports were mixed and the Federal Reserve sent mixed messages about its intent to raise interest rates. Stocks were also hindered by ongoing trade tensions with China and by an anticipated slowdown in the Chinese economy. Technology stocks were also hurt by surveys indicating that business spending on technology had peaked.

Stock Selection Enhanced Returns

The fund outperformed its benchmarks in part by allocating relatively few assets to lagging semiconductor companies. Instead, we emphasized holdings in the more robust Internet and software industries where strong individual stock selections further enhanced returns. Top performers included

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DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)

payment processor Square, which further expanded a global platform for small businesses to manage inventories and borrow capital; Visa, which benefited from higher-fee transactions in Europe and the ongoing trend away from cash; and Microsoft, which continues to take advantage of the growth in cloud computing. Another leading holding, Internet retailer , continued its ongoing pattern of gaining market share in its established markets while making progress toward establishing footholds in new ones, such as grocery and pharmaceutical sales.

The fund also benefited from avoiding or underweighting certain stocks. For example, , China's version of , was hurt by the weakening Chinese economy and a decline in demand for appliances. NXP Semiconductor was hindered when its acquisition by Qualcomm was not approved by Chinese officials. Baidu, a Chinese search engine company, also lagged as it faced competition from online rival Alibaba Group Holding.

Of course, a few holdings fared less well over the reporting period. Broadcom, a semiconductor company, acquired software maker Computer Associates, a move that perplexed the market. Social media company Weibo, based in China, was hurt by the broader decline in Chinese stocks prompted by fears of a trade war. Our positions in Tesla, a maker of electric cars, and Roku, a manufacturer of digital media players, also hurt the fund's performance. Lack of exposure to semiconductor company Intel hindered the fund's performance as the company benefited from a shift to defensive stocks late in the reporting period.

Positioning the Fund for Slower Growth

We remain wary of escalating trade tensions between the United States and its trading partners, particularly China, and watchful of U.S. inflation trends. These concerns have prompted us to increase the fund's exposure to more defensive technology stocks while continuing to position the fund to benefit from long-term technological trends.

January 15, 2019

1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. The fund's performance does not reflect the deduction of additional charges and expenses imposed in connection with investing in variable insurance contracts, which will reduce returns.

2 Source: Bloomberg L.P. -- The NYSE? Technology Index is an equal-dollar weighted index designed to objectively represent the technology sector by holding 35 of the leading U.S. technology-related companies. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.

3 Source: Lipper Inc. -- The S&P 500? Index is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities. The index includes 500 leading companies and captures approximately 80% coverage of available market capitalization. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.

Please note: the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period. The technology sector has been among the most volatile sectors of the stock market. Technology companies involve greater risk because their revenue and/or earnings tend to be less predictable, and some companies may be experiencing significant losses. Equities are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer, and investment style risks, among other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund's prospectus. The fund is only available as a funding vehicle under variable life insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by insurance companies. Individuals may not purchase shares of the fund directly. A variable annuity is an insurance contract issued by an insurance company that enables investors to accumulate assets on a tax-deferred basis for retirement or other long-term goals. The investment objective and policies of Dreyfus Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio made available through insurance products may be similar to those of other funds managed or advised by Dreyfus. However, the investment results of the fund may be higher or lower than, and may not be comparable to, those of any other Dreyfus fund.

4

FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)

60,000 47,500 35,000

Dreyfus Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio (Initial shares)

Dreyfus Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio (Service shares)

NYSE? Technology Index

S&P 500? Index

Dollars

$51,861 $48,655 $47,398

$34,280

22,500

10,000

08

09 10

11

12 13

14 15

16 17

18

Years Ended 12/31 Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in Dreyfus Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio Initial shares and Service shares and the NYSE? Technology Index and S&P 500? Index

Source: Bloomberg L.P. Source: Lipper Inc. Past performance is not predictive of future performance. The fund's performance does not reflect the deduction of additional charges and expenses imposed in connection with investing in variable insurance contracts which will reduce returns. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in Initial and Service shares of Dreyfus Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio on 12/31/08 to a $10,000 investment made in the NYSE? Technology Index and S&P 500? Index on that date. The fund's performance shown in the line graph above takes into account all applicable fees and expenses. The NYSE? Technology Index is an equal-dollar weighted index designed to objectively represent the technology sector by holding 35 of the leading U.S. technology-related companies. The S&P 500? Index is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities. The Index includes 500 leading companies and captures approximately 80% coverage of available market capitalization. Unlike a mutual fund, the indices are not subject to charges, fees and other expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. Further information relating to fund performance, including expense reimbursements, if applicable, is contained in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus and elsewhere in this report.

5

FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)

Average Annual Total Returns as of 12/31/18

1 Year

Initial shares Service shares NYSE? Technology Index S&P 500? Index

-0.98% -1.27% -6.68% -4.38%

5 Years 10.90% 10.62% 12.93% 8.49%

10 Years 17.14% 16.84% 17.84% 13.11%

The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Share price and investment return fluctuate and an investor's shares may be worth more or less than original cost upon redemption. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Go to for the fund's most recent month-end returns. The fund's Initial shares are not subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee. The fund's Service shares are subject to a 0.25% annual Rule 12b-1 fee. All dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested. The fund's performance shown in the graph and table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.

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