Polymer particles having select functional or absorbing groups are provided. The polymer particles are useful for preparing organic-inorganic composite particles that are suitable for providing dried coatings with improved hiding. Aqueous compositions containing these composite particles are also provided. The select absorbing groups include phosphorus acid groups, phosphorus acid full-ester groups, polyacid sidechain groups, and salts thereof. The select functional groups are capable of forming covalently bonded composite particles. The composite particles formed from the multistage polymer particles having the select functional or absorbing groups are useful for preparing dried coatings with a combination of improved hiding, increased gloss, and good film properties.